Which exams you need to study in the UK
English language tests
Most universities in the UK accept IELTS, PTE Academic and TOEFL, with typical requirements of IELTS 6.0 for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate study (7.0 for health, law and teaching). Many universities also accept a Medium of Instruction letter or school English marks from listed countries.
IELTS
Guide, fees, scores and preparation.
PTE Academic
Guide, fees, scores and preparation.
TOEFL iBT
Guide, fees, scores and preparation.
Duolingo English Test
Guide, fees, scores and preparation.
Admission tests
Most UK courses need no admission test. Exceptions: UCAT for medicine, LNAT for law at some universities, GMAT or GRE for a few finance and top MBA programmes.
GRE
When it is needed and how to prepare.
GMAT
When it is needed and how to prepare.
SAT
When it is needed and how to prepare.
Test waivers
We check each course's exact policy before you book a test. Waivers depend on your country of schooling, the language of your previous degree and the university's own rules.
Figures are indicative for the 2026/27 cycle, change with exchange rates and policy, and should be confirmed with the university or the relevant government before you decide.
Get this checked for your case
Rules change and every application is different. A counsellor confirms the current position for your country and course. Free.
Talk to a counsellorRelated questions
How much study gap is accepted for a UK master's?
Most universities accept a gap of two to five years if you can explain it: work, family, an exam attempt, or a business. Gaps longer than that are still possible with relevant work experience. We help you write the explanation the university and the visa officer both want to see.
How much money do I need to show for a UK student visa?
Your first year's tuition fees (minus anything already paid) plus living costs of £1,483 a month in London or £1,136 elsewhere for up to nine months. The money must sit in your or your parents' account for 28 days before you apply. Education loans from recognised lenders are accepted.
Can I get permanent residence after studying in the UK?
Not directly from a student visa. The usual path is Student visa, then Graduate Route, then a Skilled Worker visa with an employer, and after five years on qualifying visas you can apply for settlement. The rules changed in 2025 and may change again, so treat this as the current picture, not a promise.
Do I need IELTS for the UK?
Many universities accept a Medium of Instruction letter, or your school English marks, instead of IELTS, especially for students from India, Nigeria, Ghana and Kenya. Others insist on IELTS, PTE or the Duolingo English Test. We check each course before you spend money on a test.