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 qualification is outside the validity period?

All qualifications must have been obtained within a set number of years before starting your course with us. If you hold one of the approved qualifications listed above which met standard programme requirements, but it was obtained outside the validity 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 qualification.

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 qualification – please provide a detailed CV outlining the nature of the work;

• If you have worked through the medium of English in any other country for a significant amount of time since completing your approved English Language qualification, it may be possible to exempt you from taking an English test.

  Please provide us with a reference from your employer confirming that you have worked in a formal capacity in English. References must give specific examples of how you use the four components of English Language (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking) in your place of employment daily.  Your referee should be responsible for your line management or in charge of the company/organisation.  We are unable to accept references from friends or family members.  If you have worked in multiple roles since completing your acceptable English Language qualification, you may be asked to provide a reference from each of the organisations you have worked.  References should include an employer stamp and an official employer email address.  Referees whose details include hotmail or gmail accounts may not be accepted.

  References will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.  Providing a reference does not guarantee exemption from an English Language test.

  English-language-employer-reference-form