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If English is not your first language you will need to evidence your English language ability required for academic study.

You should include your test results with your application and if you are made an offer, we will let you know if it is acceptable or if you will need to complete one of the tests below.

English requirements

Acceptable English language qualifications are normally one of the following:

Undergraduate, foundation and Study Abroad IELTS requirements

All our undergraduate and foundation degree programmes require 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section, apart from the following courses:

  • Nutrition BSc: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section
  • Physiotherapy BSc: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section

We also accept some European and international school leaver qualifications which are listed on our individual country webpages.

Postgraduate IELTS requirements

All of our postgraduate degrees require 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section, apart from the following courses:

  • Physiotherapy MSc: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any section
  • Sports Journalism MA: 7.0 overall with no less than 7.5 in writing

Launch IELTS website

Please note: your IELTS test must not be more than two years old by 1st September in the year you intend to start your programme.

We are now accepting IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level. IELTS Indicator is a new online Academic test designed to support you during the COVID-19 situation to help keep your education goals on track.

Undergraduate, foundation and Study Abroad IELTS requirements

All our undergraduate and foundation degree programmes require 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section, apart from the following courses:

  • Nutrition BSc: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section.

We also accept some European and international school leaver qualifications which are listed on our individual country webpages.

Postgraduate IELTS requirements

All of our postgraduate degrees require 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section, apart from the following courses:

  • Physiotherapy MSc: 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any section
  • Sports Journalism MA: 7.0 overall with no less than 7.5 in writing

Launch IELTS Indicator website

Please note: your IELTS test must not be more than two years old by 1st September in the year you intend to start your programme.

  • Undergraduate: 55 overall with no less than 42 in any component (except nutrition courses which require 58 overall with no less than 50 in each component).
  • Postgraduate: 60 overall with no less than 51 in each section.

Launch Pearson Test of English website

Please note: your Pearson Test of English test must not be more than two years old by 1st September in the year you intend to start your programme.

"Unfortunately we do not accept Pearsons Academic Online.

If you are applying for a foundation degree programme at St Mary’s University, you must provide a Home Office approved, Secure English Language Test (SELT). Please note: your test must not be more than two years old by 1st September in the year you intend to start your programme.

Please see the government website for the full list of approved SELT’s and see examples: 

  • Pearson: 'PTE Academic UKVI’
  • IELTS SELT Consortium: ‘IELTS for UKVI’
  • LanguageCert: ‘LanguageCert International ESOL SELT’

We also accept certain grades for the following qualifications:

  • GCSE English Language
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English grade C
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English grade C
  • Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English
    (ISE Level II with pass in all four components)
  • Cambridge International Examinations O-Level English Language
  • GCE A-Level English
  • USA High School Graduation Diploma
  • Vitnemål fra den Videregående Skole, English 4.0
  • iBT TOEFL (including Special Home Edition test) as long as it is no more than two years old:
    • Undergraduate course 80 overall with 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing
    • Postgraduate course 88 overall with 20 in reading, 19 in listening, 21 in speaking and 20 in writing.
  • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT 
    • Undergraduate course:  B2 High Pass, minimum score of 38 for each part
    • Postgraduate course:  C1 Expert Pass, minimum score of 33 for each part

Other qualifications may be considered. Please contact international.enquiries@stmarys.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)20 7096 5787 for more information.


English requirements for Visa holders

If you require a student visa to study at St Mary’s, your language test scores must meet  UKVI’s requirements. This includes minimum component scores in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.

Even if your school or university studies were completed in English, you may still have to complete a UKVI approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). The SELT must also be taken at an approved test centre. UKVI supply a  full list of approved test centres.

If you would like assistance in determining whether your English test meets both our academic and UKVI requirements, please email  studentvisas@stmarys.ac.uk.


Majority English speaking countries

If you are a national of one of the countries listed below you will not need to complete a Secure English Language Test for UK Border Agency purposes, but please check programme pages for specific academic entry requirements.

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United States of America
Majority English speaking countries for academic qualifications

If you have completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelor's degree which was taught in one of the following countries, you will not need to complete a Secure English Language Test for UK Border Agency purposes, but please check programme pages for specific academic entry requirements.

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America