English language entry requirements
We need to make sure that your level of English is good enough for you to study at Keele University. On this page you will find a list of the English Language qualifications we accept. For UK students, we normally ask for a minimum of a grade 4/C in GCSE English Language. For EU and International students, we accept qualifications from several countries, as well as a range of international qualifications and tests.
Students who need a Visa to study in the UK must meet both the University entry requirements as well as those of the UK Home Office (UKVI). For example English Language Tests (eg IELTS) must be dated within the two years immediately preceding the programme start date as set out in any offer letter issued by the University and different tests cannot be combined.
If you have taken a school qualification in English we may be able to accept this. Please email admissions@keele.ac.uk for advice.
Undergraduate Degree Programmes
Most undergraduate degree programmes require IELTS 6.0 or equivalent with no subtest score below 5.5.
View our Undergraduate programme English language requirements.
Postgraduate Degree Programmes
Most postgraduate degree programmes require IELTS of 6.5 or equivalent with no subtest score below 5.5.
View our Postgraduate programme English language requirements.
Please note that Keele University accepts the qualifications below as alternatives to IELTS.
Please note – Keele University accepts all of the English Language qualifications below:
| IELTS | 5 | 5.5 | 6 | 6.5 | 7 | 7.5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
TOEFL iBT |
63 | 72 | 81 | 92 | 100 | 100 |
| Pearson Academic English | 36-41 | 42-49 | 50-57 | 58-64 | 65-72 | 73-79 |
| Trinity ISE | ISE II Merit | ISE II Distinction |
ISE II Distinction ISE III Pass |
ISE III Merit | ISE III Distinction | |
| Cambridge Proficiency and CAE | 154 | 162 | 169 | 176 | 185 | |
| IBD English A: Lang/Lit | HL4 |
HL4 SL4 |
HL4 SL4 |
HL4 SL4 |
HL5 SL5 |
|
| IBD English A: Literature |
HL4 SL4 |
HL4 SL4 |
HL4 SL4 |
HL4 SL4 |
HL5 SL5 |
|
| IBD English B: |
HL4 SL4 |
HL4 SL5 |
HL4 SL5 |
HL4 SL5 |
HL5 SL6 |
Please note that these scores are updated on an annual basis.
We accept the following international English Language qualifications.
| Cambridge International GCSE, English as Second Language (syllabus 0511) | B |
| Cambridge International GCSE, English as Second Language (syllabus 0510) | B2 |
| Cambridge International GCSE, English as First Language (syllabus 0522) | C |
| Cambridge International GCSE, English as First Language (syllabus 0500) | C1 |
We accept the following European Union-specific English Language qualifications.
| Austria | Matura / Reifeprüfung Grade 2 |
| Belgium | 8 / 80% or Grote avec grande distinction |
| Denmark | Bevis for Studentereksamen grade 7 |
| European Baccalaureate | The English Language element (English 1 or 2) of the European Baccalaureate is normally accepted in lieu of GCSE English, providing that a score of 6/ 60% or higher is achieved |
| Finland | Ylioppilastutkintotodistus/Studentexamensbetyg English Grade 4 or above |
| France | For candidates taking the International Option Baccalaureate (IOB) we can normally accept English Language plus 2 other subjects taught in the English medium in lieu of GCSE English, providing that a score of 12 or higher is achieved. |
| Germany | Abitur English Grade 12 |
| Ireland | Ordinary level English Language grades at O4/H4 |
| Luxembourg | Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires 45 (bien) |
| Malta | Matriculation Certificate (SEC) Grade C |
| Netherlands | Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs Grade 8 or above |
| Norway | Vitnemål Grade 4 or above |
| Romanian Baccalaureate | B2 |
| Sweden | Slutbetyg/Examensbevis från Gymnasieskolan - English Grade VG or Grade C, or above |
We accept the following country-specific English Language qualifications.
| Australia | Please contact the Keele University admissions team |
| Brunei | O level English Language at grade C or above |
| Ghana | WASSCE or WAEC English Language at grade C6 or above |
| Hong Kong | HKDSE English Language at 4 or above |
| India | For ICSE/CBSE Standard 12 75% or above in English if completed within the last 2 years. All other boards require IELTS. |
| Kenya | KCSE English Language with C or above |
| Malaysia | Malaysia Cambridge GCSE English Language at Grade C or above (119 syllabus only) |
| Mauritius | Cambridge Overseas Schools (COS), English Grade C or above |
| New Zealand | National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) English Language Level 2 at Merit (M) or Excellence (E) |
| Nigeria | WAEC or NECO English Language with C6 or above |
| Singapore | Singapore O level English Language at Grade C or above |
| South Africa | English component of the South African National Senior Certificate Grade C |
| Switzerland | Diplome de Fin d’Etudes Secondaires 45 (bien) |
| Tanzania | Tanzania Certificate of Secondary Education with grade C or above |
| Uganda | Uganda Cert of Education (UCE) English grade 3 or above, or Uganda Advanced Cert of Education (A level equivalent) |
| USA | English at grade 12 as part of HSGD at 3.0 or above or SAT I (SAT Reasoning Test) Evidence Based Reading and Writing at 560 |
| West Indies | CSEC English Language with grade 1, 2 or 3 |
| Zambia | Zambian School Certificate / GCE Grade 5-6 |
| Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe O level English Language at Grade C or above |
What if you don’t have the required level of English?
Pre-Sessional English
Keele University offers pre-sessional English courses of 6 weeks or 11 weeks.
If you would like to study at Keele University and need help achieving our English language requirements, this course is for you. Keele University’s pre-sessional course will help you meet any language conditions of your offer. There are entry requirements for pre-sessional courses. How long your pre-sessional course is depends on your current English level and whether you need a visa.
If you’re applying for a visa to study your pre-sessional course you must have an IELTS academic test taken at an approved UKVI testing centre. This is also known as a SELT or IELTS for UKVI purposes.
Keele University International Foundation Year
Keele University’s International Foundation Year is a nine month programme which fully prepares you for entry onto an undergraduate degree at Keele University. Based on campus, all of your teaching will be delivered by Keele University academics and you will have full access to University facilities.
If you’re looking to study the standalone foundation programme you must have an IELTS academic test taken at an approved UKVI testing centre. This is also known as a SELT or IELTS for UKVI purposes.