English
IELTS, Duolingo or PTE: which test suits you
Not all English tests are for the same thing. One may get you admitted to university but not count for the visa. Before you pay for a test, check which one you need.
In 30 seconds
- If you already live in the UK, you normally don't need an official test: the university assesses your English in its own way.
- For the student visa, either the university assesses your English or you need a SELT, a test approved by the Home Office.
- IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are SELTs. The Duolingo English Test isn't.
- Always ask your university which test and which score it accepts before you pay.
Do you need a test?
- You live in the UK (Home student): there's no visa involved. Many universities assess your English with their own test or at interview.
- You're coming on a visa to study a degree or a master's: many universities can assess your English themselves, and they'll tell you which test they accept.
- You're coming on a visa for a course below degree level: you normally need a SELT.
- You're from an English-speaking country on the GOV.UK list, or you studied in English: you may be exempt.
The tests, compared
| Test | Where you take it | Does it count for the visa? | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI | At an official centre | Yes, it's a SELT | The best known. Watch out: the regular “IELTS Academic” is not the UKVI version. |
| PTE Academic UKVI | At an official centre, on a computer | Yes, it's a SELT | Fast results, usually within a few days. |
| Duolingo English Test | Online, from home | No | Cheaper and quicker. Many universities accept it for admission when they assess your English themselves. |
| The university's own test | At the university or online | If the university assesses your English, yes | Only valid for that university. |
There are more tests approved as SELTs. The official, up-to-date list is on GOV.UK.
What score you need
For the visa, the minimum is B2 for a degree or a master's and B1 below degree level. In IELTS for UKVI, that's usually equivalent to 5.5 in each part for B2 and 4.0 for B1.
But each university sets its own score, which is usually higher: many degrees ask for 6.0 or 6.5 in IELTS, with a minimum in each part. That's the score that counts.
Tips
- First take our free English test to find out your starting point.
- Book the test early: places fill up in peak season.
- Results are usually valid for 2 years. Don't take it too early.
- If you're just short, a university pre-sessional can replace the test.
Official sources (checked on 25/10/2026): GOV.UK · Student visa: knowledge of English · GOV.UK · Secure English Language Tests (SELT). The equivalences are approximate: the score your university asks for is what counts.
