Understanding English Language Requirements

English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement for most UK university courses.
Universities and UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) require evidence that students can study, communicate, and live confidently in an English-speaking academic environment.

At 9 Steps, we help you:

Understand which English tests are accepted
Choose the right qualification for your course and university
Avoid unnecessary tests or costly mistakes
Prepare strategically to meet entry requirements

Why English Language Preparation Matters

English language results affect:

University offers (conditional or unconditional)
CAS issuance
Visa approval
Academic success once in the UK

Choosing the wrong test or achieving the wrong score can delay or block your application — even if you meet all academic requirements.

Our role is to ensure your English qualification:

Is accepted by your chosen university
Meets course-specific requirements
Is valid at the time of application and visa stage
Is the most efficient route for your background

Accepted English Language Qualifications for UK Study

UK universities accept a range of English language tests. Acceptance depends on:

University policy
Course level (Foundation / Undergraduate / Postgraduate)
Visa requirements (Student Route)
Nationality and prior education

Below is a clear breakdown.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

Most widely accepted English qualification

Accepted by:

Almost all UK universities
UKVI for Student visas

Common types:

IELTS Academic
IELTS for UKVI (required for some foundation or pre-sessional routes)

Typical score requirements:

Foundation programmes: 4.5 – 5.5
Undergraduate: 6.0 – 6.5
Postgraduate: 6.5 – 7.0+

Minimum band requirements often apply to:

Writing
Speaking

We help you:

Confirm which IELTS type you need
Understand band score requirements
Decide if IELTS for UKVI is necessary

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)

Computer-based English test

Accepted by:

Many UK universities
UKVI for Student visas (if approved by the university)

Advantages:

Fully computer-based
Faster results
Popular with students comfortable using technology

Typical score requirements:

Undergraduate: 50 – 58
Postgraduate: 58 – 65+

Important:

Not all universities accept PTE for all courses.
We always check acceptance before advising students to take PTE.

TOEFL iBT

Accepted by:

Selected UK universities

Less commonly used for UK visas, but still accepted for:

Some postgraduate and undergraduate courses

We advise TOEFL only where:

The university confirms acceptance
It aligns with visa requirements

University-Approved Internal English Tests

Some universities offer:

Online English assessments
Internal English tests for offer-holders

These may:

Replace IELTS/PTE in some cases
Be cheaper and faster

Availability depends on:

University
Course
Student profile

We help students identify when this option is available.

English Language Exemptions

You may not need an English test if you meet exemption criteria.

Common exemptions include:

Studying in an English-medium institution
Completing recognised qualifications in English
Holding specific national or international qualifications

Examples (subject to university approval):

UK qualifications
IB Diploma (taught in English)
Some international A-Levels
Degrees taught fully in English (with evidence)

Important:

Exemptions are never automatic.
We verify exemption eligibility directly with universities.

English Language Requirements by Study Level

Foundation Programmes

Lower English thresholds
Often accept IELTS for UKVI
English may be built into the course

Undergraduate Degrees

Usually require IELTS 6.0 – 6.5
Strong focus on writing and speaking

Postgraduate Degrees

Higher language requirements
IELTS 6.5 – 7.0+
Some competitive courses require higher writing scores

When Should You Take Your English Test?

Timing is critical.

We advise students to:

Take tests before applying, where possible
Or apply with conditional offers while preparing for the test

English test results must be:

Valid at CAS stage
Valid at visa application stage

We help you plan test dates to avoid:

Expired results
Rushed retakes
Missed deadlines

How 9 Steps Supports You

We do not sell English courses.
Our role is advisory, strategic, and student-first.

We help with:

Selecting the right English test
Confirming university acceptance
Explaining score requirements clearly
Advising on retakes or alternatives
Coordinating English results with application timelines

This ensures:

No wasted money
No incorrect test submissions
No avoidable delays

Interested in English Language Support?

If you’re unsure:

Which test you need
What score is required
Whether you qualify for exemption

During your session, we will:

Review your academic background
Check course requirements
Advise the best English pathway for you