Applicants from outside the UK usually need to meet specific English language requirements in order to study at The University of Manchester.

The UK Visa and Immigration Authority (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English language (Common European Framework (CEFR) B2 level) in order to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Schools may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above B2 level, as the academic content of a UK degree can be linguistically demanding. Academic English entry requirements vary by course, and can be found on individual course profiles.

For Student Route visa purposes, the UKVI has a prescribed list of Majority English-speaking countries (this list is not defined by The University of Manchester).If you are a national of one of the following countries (or have a bachelor’s degree or higher from one of these countries) you may be exempt from submitting further evidence of English language proficiency:

You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if one of the following applies:

A UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) is required if you are joining a course below degree-level, including:

These are taken in person in a UKVI-approved secure English language testing centre.The UKVI-recognised SELTs are: 

Please note that IELTS, Pearson and Trinity ISE are only valid for two years after the test date. 

We accept a wide range of tests if you are joining a degree-level course or above, including: 

Some of the most common tests include: 

Please note that IELTS, Pearson, TOEFL and ISE are only valid for two years after the test date.

Each course and programme we offer has its own requirements in terms of English test scores. Please refer to the course profiles for details of specific English language scores that are acceptable for entry.

Although score requirements vary by course, typical scores for entry to Manchester are summarised below (sub-skill scores may also apply):

We also accept some English language qualifications from other countries, depending on the University’s assessment of its academic suitability. You can check if your qualification is accepted by contacting the International Office team. 

Although requirements vary by course, typical scores for common overseas English language qualifications include the following.

Please note: The University will accept Middle Years Programme (eAssessment only) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma’s Higher or Standard Level courses and scores as indicated in the table above as equivalent to the GCSE/IGCSE grades indicated. 

If you have a qualification that is not listed above, you can ask the Admissions Office of the School to which you are applying whether your qualification is acceptable.

When enquiring, please inform the School of:

If possible, please send a scanned copy of the certificate and transcripts, showing as much of the above information as possible.

You can find the relevant admissions contact details on your course profile page, or contact the International Office.

The University Centre for Academic English has more than 30 years of experience delivering English language courses for international students. These courses are accredited by the British Council.

The UCAE is an IELTS testing centre and its Pre-sessional courses are accredited by the British Association of Lecturers in English for Academic Purposes (BALEAP). The Centre also runs in-sessional English support for international students during their studies.

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