English language entry requirements

If English is not your first language

To apply for all undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, you will need to sit an approved test in English if it is not your first language. This might include achieving IELTS (Academic or UKVI) of 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, depending on your course requirements.

In addition, we accept a TOEFL iBT (except Home Edition) score of 72, with minimum band scores of Reading 18, Writing 17, Listening 17, and Speaking 20 for undergraduate (BA, BSc) and most postgraduate degrees.

If you are applying for the International Foundation Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism, you will need UKVI IELTS of 5.0 with no less than 4.5 in any band.

IELTS can be taken from the British Council. Please note that the date of your IELTS award must be within two years of your degree/master’s degree start date.

We also accept the following online tests for entry onto degree-level courses:

Language Cert (except online) - a minimum of 'pass' at B2 level
IELTS Indicator - minimum scores as above

You can find information about acceptable English language tests and requirements for your country here.

If you are not able to take one of the above tests, please see here for a list of accepted alternative English language tests.

Can I be exempt from taking an English test?

Some countries will have an educational system fully or mostly taught in English, in which case we may not require that you take an English test. Applicants from countries where English is the first language may not need to sit for IELTS, but will require evidence of their language ability.

This is the list of English-speaking countries from which applicants are exempt from undertaking a language test prior to applying for a Student Visa:

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada (if education was taught in English)
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana

Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
UK
USA

Discover more

Country-specific information

Find details specific to your country, including entry requirements and agent information.

International application

Students from outside the EU can apply to us directly while undergraduate applicants can also apply via UCAS. Read our step-by-step guide here.

Accommodation for international students

International students studying at University College Birmingham for the first time will be offered accommodation in our halls of residence.

Meet up with our representatives

Our international team attend overseas exhibitions throughout the year, providing a great opportunity to find out about University College Birmingham first ha…