English language requirements

As part of the application process for international students, you’ll usually need to demonstrate your English language proficiency through a test recognised by University of Staffordshire.

Most of our courses require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component or an equivalent approved qualification. However, some courses have higher entry criteria due to accreditation requirements, or the need to have exceptional communication skills as part of the course. Therefore it is important to also check the English Language requirements specified on the entry requirements section of the course page.

Accepted tests and qualifications 

The majority of our courses require an overall IELTS Academic score of 6.0, with a minimum 5.5 in reading, writing, speaking and listening (CEFR B2). The following qualifications are acceptable for most of our degree courses, and we also accept a wide range of qualifications from around the world. However, some of our courses do have a higher English Language entry requirement which may require a specific test to evidence. You can find course specific English Language requirements on the entry requirements section of the course page. 

Qualifications we accept from any country
Qualification nameMinimum requirementValidity
IELTS Academic (please note that we do not accept the IELTS Online test) 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component 2 years
IELTS One Skill Retake 6.0 overall and no less than 5.5 in each component 2 years
Password English 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component 2 years
Password Plus 6.0 overall and no less than 5.5 in each component 2 years
PTE Pearson Academic – please note we do not accept PTE Academic Online (Home Version) Minimum score of 59 overall with no less than 54 in all areas 2 years
 LanguageCert Academic SELT 65 Overall with no less than 60 in each component 2 years
TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition Listening: 17
Speaking: 20
Reading: 18
Writing: 17
2 years
Trinity College London ISE II Pass in all four components 2 years 
International Baccalaureate Pass in IB English Language or Literature HL grade 4 or SL grade 5  5 years
IGCSE English IGCSE English as a first or second language: Grade C / 4 or above 5 years
Cambridge International English GCE O Level/GCSE English Language grade C / 4 or above 5 years
GCSE English Language/ Literature Grade C / 4 or above 5 years
NCUK International Foundation Grade C overall, with no component lower than a D 2 years
Kaplan International Foundation 60 overall, with no component lower than a 55 2 years
Study Group International Foundation 50 overall, with no component lower than a 40 2 years
Cambridge Education group (CEG) International Foundation 50 overall, with no component lower than a 50 2 years

Qualifications we accept from your country

We also accept a range of country-specific English language qualifications. Please note, these may not be acceptable for courses with English Language requirements higher than IELTS Academic CEFR B2 so it is important to confirm the English language requirements specified on the entry requirements page of your chosen course. 

Search below to find the specific English language requirements for your country:

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country

Exemptions

If your course requires an IELTS Academic score equivalent to CEFR B2, you may not need to provide evidence of English language proficiency if any of the following conditions apply:

  • If you’re a national of a Majority English Speaking Country as specified by the Student visa guidance by Gov.uk.

  • If you're a UK national.

  • If you’ve been awarded a full degree from a UK university.

Please contact International Admissions to discuss whether you qualify for an exemption. 


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