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.

Qualification Equivalent to IELTS 6.0 Equivalent to IELTS 6.5 Equivalent to IELTS 7.0 Validity Period
IELTS Academic (UKVI and non-UKVI)*
For course degree level and above
6.0 6.5 7.0 2 and a half years
IELTS Academic (UKVI)*
For courses below degree level
6.0 6.5 7.0 2 years before issue of CAS
Pearson PTE Home – B1
For relevant foundation and pre-sessional courses only
N/A - CEFR B1 only N/A - CEFR B1 only N/A - CEFR B1 only 2 years before issue of CAS
Swansea ELTS test (SWELT)  6.0 6.5 7.0 2 years
Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency since 2015’* 169 176 185 10 years
Cambridge: First Certificate in English before 2015 min 67 overall min 75 overall n/a 10 years
Cambridge: Certificate in Advanced English before 2015 min 52 overall min 58 overall  min 67 overall 10 years
Cambridge: Certificate of Proficiency in English before 2015 C C C 10 years
GCSE English Language or IGCSE English Language (first or second language) Grade C  Grade C  Grade C  10 years
A-level English Language and/or Literature Grade D     10 years
AS-level English Language and/or Literature Grade C      10 years
INTO English Language Assessment 169 176 185 10 years
Irish Leaving Certificate English HL Grade B3     10 years
International Baccalaureate English Language and/or Literature standard level 5; higher level 4 standard level 5; higher level 5 - 10 years
Pearson Test of English (General) level 4 pass level 4 pass level 5 pass 2 and a half years
Pearson Test of English (Academic)* 64 69 76 2 and a half years
TOEFL (IBT)* 79 88 96

2 and a half years

CaMLA
Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE)
650 650 650

2 and a half years

Euroexam @ C1 academic level Pass Pass Distinction

2 and a half years

 

 IELTSTOEFL iBT PTE Academic Cambridge English
Listening 5.5 17 59 162
Reading 5.5 18 59 162
Speaking 5.5 20 59 162
Writing 5.5 17 59 162
         
Listening 6.0 19 64 169
Reading 6.0 20 64 169
Speaking 6.0 22 64 169
Writing 6.0 20 64 169
         
Listening 6.5 21 69 176
Reading 6.5 22 69 176
Speaking 6.5 23 69 176
Writing 6.5 22 69 176
         
Listening 7.0 22 76 185
Reading 7.0 24 76 185
Speaking 7.0 25 76 185
Writing 7.0 24 76 185

 

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 in any other country through the medium of English for a significant amount of time since completing your approved English qualification it might be possible to exempt you from another English test - please provide us with a reference from your employer confirming that you have worked in a formal capacity in English using the form below so that we can make an assessment:

Employer English Language Referee Report Form