To obtain a student visa you’ll need to evidence that you have suitable English language capabilities to study in the UK. This is usually in the form of a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
The below information is intended as guidance on the English language tests that are accepted at Arden University. These may change from time to time and your student advisor will be able to help answer any questions.
Our English Language Requirements for studying in the UK:
IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or equivalent Secure English Language Test (SELT) score.
We may consider other English qualifications so please contact your student advisor if you have any questions.
The guidance below is aligned to UK government requirements on secure English Language tests required to study in the UK. You can find out more here.
Tests taken outside of the UK
| Approved English language test | Minimum Required Grade | Evidence required | Validity |
| IELTS Academic (UKVI & Non UKVI Version) | Overall 6, with minimum of 5.5 in each band | - IELTS Report Form with TRF Number. We do not accept IELTS Online. | 2 years |
| PTE Academic (UKVI Version Only) | Overalll 59, with a minimum if 59 in each band | - PTE Score Report with Score Report code - We do not accept the non UKVI version of this test or PTE Academic Online. | 2 years |
| LanguageCert International ESOL (SELT & Non SELT) | Overall B2 33/50, with no less than 33/50 in each band | - Full certificate and transcript for reading, writing, listening and speaking exams. | 2 years |
| LanguageCert Academic (SELT & Non SELT) | 65 overall with no less than 60 in each band | - Full certificate and transcript for reading, writing, listening and speaking exams. - Excludes Online Version | 2 years |
| Integrated Skill in English II (ISEII) | Overall Pass, with a pass in each component | Full results and certificates | 2 years |
| PSI Skills for English UKVI | Overall Pass, with a pass in each component | Full certificate confirming all results | 2 years |
| West African Senior School Certificate / West African Examinations Council (WASSCE / WAEC) | C6 or above in English Language | Official WAEC certificate and scratch card for online verification | 8 years |
| GCSE English Language | Grade C/4 or above | Official GCSE certificate (not provisional results) | 5 years |
| Cambridge International English GCE O Level/GCSE | Grade C/4 or above | Official certificates (not provisional results) | 5 years |
| TOEFL iBT (Excludes Home Edition) | Overall 79 with no less than 18 in any band | Official report, online verification required on official iBT portal | 2 years |
| CBSE or CISCE Standard XII | 70% in English | Official certificates and marksheets confirming results, plus all details required to validate the results such as Digi locker QR code, roll number, school number etc. | 5 years |
| Medium of Instruction letter confirming degree was taught in English (Nigeria / Ghana) | A bachelor’s or master’s degree completed at and awarded by a recognised university in Nigeria or Ghana. | An official letter from the Office of the Registrar or similar central university office. Please note we cannot accept letter from course leaders, tutors, head of department, etc. We also cannot accept letter from affiliated colleges. | 5 years |
| Medium of Instruction letter – India | A bachelor’s or master’s degree completed at and awarded by an Arden University approved university in India. | An official letter from the Office of the Registrar or similar central university office. Please note we cannot accept letter from course leaders, tutors, head of department, etc. We also cannot accept letter from affiliated colleges. | 5 years |
| MOI from select Nepal Universities | For Bachelor or Master degrees with a minimum 2.2, completed and awarded by an approved University (listed in Appendix 2 - Nepal MOI) | Must be a letter from the Office of the Registrar. International Admissions must confirm online that the letter originated from the Office of the Registrar and be satisfied with its authenticity. Letters will not be accepted from academics, HODs etc. | 5 years |
| Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) | Grade C (plain) or above | Official certificate and / or marksheet of results. Please note we cannot accept a print off from the portal. | 8 years |
| NECO | C6 or above in English Language | Official NECO certificate and scratch card for online verification | 8 years |
| Medium of Instruction letter - Philippines | A bachelor’s or master’s degree with a minimum 2:2 equivalent, completed at and awarded under the latest post-2022 framework, and by a university listed on the CHED list | An official letter from the Office of the Registrar or similar central university office. Please note we cannot accept letter from course leaders, tutors, head of department, etc. We also cannot accept letter from affiliated colleges. | 5 years |
| International GCSE English 1st Language | Grade C / 4 | Must be completed offical results (not provisional results) | 5 years |
| International GCSE English 2nd Language (Up to IELTs 6.5 only) | Grade B / 5 | Must be completed offical results (not provisional results) | 5 years |
| UK AS / A-Level English Language | Grade C | Must be completed offical results (not provisional results) | 5 years |
| UK AS / A-Level English Literature | Grade C | Must be completed offical results (not provisional results) | 5 years |
| International GCE English | Grade C | Must be completed offical results (not provisional results) | 5 years |
| International O-Level English | Grade C | Must be completed offical results (not provisional results) | 5 years |
| International Baccalaureate English A/B | English A: Language & Literature or English A: Literature or English B Syllabus: HL = grade 4 SL = grade 5 | Must be completed offical results (not provisional results) | 5 years |
| Duolingo | Duolingo Overall – 105 Speaking – 95 Reading – 100 Listening – 95 Writing – 95 | Please upload your results and submit them through the Duolingo Portal to Arden University | 2 years |
Tests taken in the UK
| Approved English language test | SELT provider |
| IELTS for UKVI | IELTS SELT Consortium |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 | LanguageCert |
| PTE Academic UKVI | Pearson |
| Integrated Skills in English II (ISEII) | Trinity College London |
| IELTS for UKVI | IELTS SELT Consortium |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 | LanguageCert |
| PTE Academic UKVI | Pearson |
| Integrated Skills in English III (ISEIII) | Trinity College London |
| IELTS for UKVI | IELTS SELT Consortium |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 | LanguageCert |
| PTE Academic UKVI | Pearson |
| Integrated Skills in English IV (ISEIV) | Trinity College London |
Information on this page is correct at time of publishing. These tests change over time. Please check with your admissions advisor for the confirmation.
Published May 2025
You may also meet the English language requirements if:
You’re a national of an English speaking country as outline in the UK immigration rules - gov.uk
If you are a dual national then you do not have to apply in the nationality of an English speaking country. You have to provide evidence of their English-speaking nationality as part of their application.
Below is a list of recognised English speaking countries.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- The British Overseas Territories
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United States of America
You have an Academic degree taught in English
Applicants can meet the English language requirement if they hold a degree or degree level qualification which meets, or exceeds, the recognised standard of a UK Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree or doctorate and was taught or researched in English.
You have Academic degree from the UK
If the degree was awarded by an awarding body that is recognised in the UK that is UK bachelor’s level or above and that the qualification is academic, not technical or professional
You have a GCSE, A Level or Scottish equivalent qualification (or higher) in English
If you have a GCSE, 'A’ level, Scottish National Qualification at level 4 or 5, or Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher, in English (language or literature) you will also meet the language requirements.
Speak to your admissions advisor for more information