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 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.
| Qualification | Equivalent to IELTS 6.0 | Equivalent to IELTS 6.5 | Equivalent to IELTS 7.0 | Validity Period |
|
IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI (Academic) Or IELTS One Skill Retake* |
6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 2 and a half years |
|
IELTS UKVI (Academic) Or IELTS One Skill Retake* |
6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 2 years before issue of CAS |
|
IELTS Online |
6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 2 years |
| Pearson PTE Home – B1 For relevant foundation and pre-sessional courses only |
N/A - CEFR B1 only | N/A - CEFR B1 only | N/A - CEFR B1 only | 2 years before issue of CAS |
| Swansea ELTS test (SWELT) | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 | 2 years |
| Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency since 2015 | 169 | 176 | 185 | 10 years |
| Cambridge: First Certificate in English before 2015 | min 67 overall | min 75 overall | n/a | 10 years |
| Cambridge: Certificate in Advanced English before 2015 | min 52 overall | min 58 overall | min 67 overall | 10 years |
| Cambridge: Certificate of Proficiency in English before 2015 | C | C | C | 10 years |
| LanguageCert Academic | 65 | 70 | 75 | 2 years |
| Pearson Test of English (General) | level 4 pass | level 4 pass | level 5 pass | 2 and a half years |
| Pearson Test of English (Academic) | 64 | 69 | 76 | 2 and a half years |
| TOEFL (IBT) | 79 | 88 | 96 |
2 and a half years |
| CaMLA Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE) |
650 | 650 | 650 |
2 and a half years |
| Euroexam @ C1 academic level | Pass | Pass | Distinction |
2 and a half years |
|
Occupational English Test (OET)** For candidates applying to Medicine and allied health professional courses, including Pharmacy |
250 | 300 | 350 |
2 years |
|
QA Higher Education English Language Test |
6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
2 years |
* 1. Completed within 60 days of original test. 2. Only one retake is acceptable. 3. The validity period starts on the date that the original test was taken.
** Please note this test is applicable to Tier 2 visa holders only.
| IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Cambridge English | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listening | 5.5 | 17 | 59 | 162 |
| Reading | 5.5 | 18 | 59 | 162 |
| Speaking | 5.5 | 20 | 59 | 162 |
| Writing | 5.5 | 17 | 59 | 162 |
| Listening | 6.0 | 19 | 64 | 169 |
| Reading | 6.0 | 20 | 64 | 169 |
| Speaking | 6.0 | 22 | 64 | 169 |
| Writing | 6.0 | 20 | 64 | 169 |
| Listening | 6.5 | 21 | 69 | 176 |
| Reading | 6.5 | 22 | 69 | 176 |
| Speaking | 6.5 | 23 | 69 | 176 |
| Writing | 6.5 | 22 | 69 | 176 |
| Listening | 7.0 | 22 | 76 | 185 |
| Reading | 7.0 | 24 | 76 | 185 |
| Speaking | 7.0 | 25 | 76 | 185 |
| Writing | 7.0 | 24 | 76 | 185 |