Approved Tests for Nationals of Any Country

Our English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores but the following English language tests are also accepted if taken within the listed period before the start date of the programme at Swansea.

If you obtained the test outside the valid period which met standard programme requirements, it may still be possible to accept you if you have undertaken further study or worked in the medium of English since taking the test. See below for further details.

If you have applied for a degree or postgraduate programme we will accept an IELTS (Academic) test taken at ANY test centre, not just those approved by the UKVI. However, if you have applied for a programme below degree level or English Language Training programme the IELTS test may need to be an UKVI-approved test otherwise known as a SELT (Secure English Language Test). If you are being issued a CAS for study at below degree level then the SELT must also be dated within 2 years of date you apply for your CAS. 

*Please see below for a breakdown of our requirements for the 4 components of Language Learning (Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing) for IELTS, TOEFL ibt, PTE Academic and Cambridge English.

What if my test or qualification is outside the validity period?

All tests and qualifications must have been obtained within a set number of years before starting your course with us. If you hold one of the approved tests or qualifications listed above which met standard programme requirements, but it was obtained outside the valid period it may still be possible to accept you if you have continued to study or work in the medium of English since taking the test.

For example:

• If you have successfully completed 1 year of study at secondary, undergraduate or postgraduate level through the medium of English within 10 years of the programme start date - please provide us with a letter, transcript or certificate from the school or college confirming the study was in English;
• If you have worked in a Majority English Speaking Country for a significant amount of time since completing your approved English test or qualification – please provide a detailed cv outlining the nature of the work;
• If you have worked in any other country through the medium of English for a significant amount of time since completing your approved English test or qualification it might be possible to exempt you from another English test - please provide us with a reference from your employer confirming that you have worked in a formal capacity in English using the form below so that we can make an assessment:

Employer English Language Referee Report Form