English tests and the GRE

Which tests to take, how scores work and how they reach universities. Check each programme's current requirements.

What: The list of English tests and minimum scores a programme, a scholarship or a visa route accepts.
Why: A score is useful only where it is accepted, and admission and visa rules can differ.

Watch out

Taking a test your visa route does not accept.

Also called IELTS, IELTS for UKVI

What: An English test of listening, reading, writing and speaking scored in bands from 0 to 9, with a separate UKVI version for some UK routes.
Why: It is widely accepted for study; many programmes set a minimum for each section as well as overall.

Watch out

Meeting the overall band but missing one section minimum.

Also called TOEFL

What: The ETS academic English test. Since January 2026 it takes about two hours and reports a 1 to 6 score, with a comparable 0 to 120 score during a two-year transition.
Why: It is widely accepted, especially in the United States, but programmes may state requirements on either scale.

Watch out

Preparing with books written for the old format.

What: A computer-based English test of about two hours from Pearson, with results typically in about two days.
Why: It is accepted by many universities and has a UKVI version for some UK routes.

Watch out

Assuming the standard and UKVI versions are interchangeable for every UK purpose.

Also called DET

What: An online English test taken at home, accepted by many universities for admission.
Why: It is convenient and cheaper, but acceptance varies; it is not on the UK list of approved secure English tests.

Watch out

Choosing it before confirming every programme and your visa route accept it.

Also called MOI letter, medium of instruction

What: A university's decision not to require an English test, often because your previous degree was taught in English and documented by a letter.
Why: It saves time and money when accepted.

Watch out

Assuming a waiver from one university also satisfies other universities, scholarships or visa rules.

Also called GRE

What: An ETS test of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing, lasting 1 hour 58 minutes as of 2026-09.
Why: Many computer science programmes have made it optional, but some still require or recommend it.

Watch out

Taking it when none of your programmes consider it.

What: How long a test score is accepted: IELTS results are generally recommended for up to two years, TOEFL scores are usually accepted for two years and GRE scores are reportable for five.
Why: An expired score can invalidate an application or visa even if it met the requirement.

Watch out

Using a score that will expire before the visa or enrolment date.

What: Scores sent directly by the test provider to a university, or verified online by the university, rather than a copy you upload.
Why: Many programmes consider an application complete only when the official report arrives.

Watch out

Assuming an uploaded screenshot is enough when an official report is required.

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