If you apply to study at the University of Bath and your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your course. This is in addition to any academic entry requirements.
If you need a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, you will need to meet the UK Home Office requirements.
Accepted English language tests
We accept IELTS, PTE Academic, CPE, CAE and TOEFL iBT, the table below shows the equivalent grades for each test. If you are studying at degree level or above, provided that you meet the programme-specific entry requirement, we are happy to accept IELTS Academic Certificates from any IELTS test centre.
Additional tests accepted for 2020
We understand that this is an uncertain time for applicants and offer holders, and that you may have some concerns about meeting your English language requirements. We are now accepting a number of additional English language tests for 2020 entry listed below, including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and Password Skills Test for all postgraduate taught and research degrees. The Duolingo English Test and IELTS Indicator will only be accepted for entry onto postgraduate taught courses, however this is being reviewed on a regular basis.
| Tests Accepted | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS | IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each component | IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in each component | IELTS 7.0 with no less than 7.0 in each component |
| PTE Academic | 62 with no less than 59 in any component | 69 with no less than 62 in any component | 69 with no less than 69 in any component |
| Cambridge Certificate of proficiency in English (CPE) | 176 with no less than 169 in all elements | 185 with no less than 176 in all elements | 185 with no less than 185 in all elements |
| Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) | 176 with no less than 169 in all elements | 185 with no less than 176 in all elements | 185 with no less than 185 in all elements |
| TOEFL iBT | 90 overall with no less than 21 in any element | 100 overall with no less than 24 in any element | 100 overall with no less than 27 in any element |
| New Tests Accepted | |||
| IELTS Indicator * | IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each component | IELTS 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in each component | IELTS 7.0 with no less than 7.0 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition | 90 overall with no less than 21 in any element | 100 overall with no less than 24 in any element | 100 overall with no less than 27 in any element |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT | B2 Communicator High Pass | C1 Expert Pass | C1 Expert Pass |
| Password Skills Test | 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each component | 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in each component | 7.0 with no less than 7.0 in each component |
| Trinity College London | ISE III with Pass in all four components | ISE III with Merit in all four components | ISE III Distinction in writing and one other component and Merit in two components |
| Duolingo English Test * | 110 | 120 | 120 |
| Indian 12th Standard (all boards) + Bachelors taught in English ** | 75% | 75% | 80% |
*Please note that we do not currently accept the Duolingo English Test or IELTS Indicator for postgraduate research programmes.
**If you have graduated from an Indian university, you will need to have reached the required level of English in your Indian 12th Standard examinations. You must have also graduated within the last 5 years with an academic qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors Degree or higher from a university where the medium of instruction is English. We will need evidence of your Indian 12th Standard result and an official document from your awarding university confirming that the medium of instruction is English. If as part of your application you have provided an English language test result which does not meet the requirement of your chosen postgraduate course, we will not be able to accept your Indian 12th standard examinations result and confirmation you have studied at a university where the medium of instruction is English as evidence of your English ability.
Register for updates on the Password Skills Test
We are currently in the process of setting up the Password Skills Test. This test will be administered by the University of Bath.
If you are interested in taking this test, you can register for updates and we will email you once this is available with further guidance and information.
Minimum requirements
For IELTS, TOEFL iBT and PTE Academic tests, you normally need to get your qualification within 24 months of starting your course or we will not be able to accept it.
For 2020 entry, we will now accept your qualification within 30 months of the start of your course.
You can also check if your country is exempt from English language conditions.
Pre-sessional Programmes
Applicants who need to improve their English language skills may be able to attend a pre-sessional programme at the University of Bath. We provide 5 to 30-week courses that will help you to improve your English and academic skills to be ready to start your studies at Bath.