Stage 5 of 8 · 7 lessons · ~2 months

English tests and the GRE

Find out which tests your programmes and your visa accept, take the right one early with time for a retake, and decide whether the GRE is worth it for your list.

Start: Which English test to take

Lessons· one lesson for each topic, in this order

Do this

List the accepted tests and minimum scores, overall and per section, for every programme.
Check which tests your visa route accepts on the official immigration page.
Ask about medium of instruction waivers in writing where relevant.
Take a full official practice test to find your weakest section.
Book the test two to four months before your first deadline.
Decide on the GRE from what your programmes actually say today.
Send official scores the way each programme requires and keep copies.

Start with· follow one of these

PlatformFree
IELTS
IELTS (British Council, IDP, Cambridge University Press and Assessment)
Official test information and free practice materials for IELTS Academic
PlatformFree
TOEFL iBT
ETS
Official information on the new TOEFL iBT format and free practice

Practise

Duolingo English Test
Free practice tests and the official list of institutions that accept it

Keep handy

PTE Academic
Official format, scoring and where PTE Academic is accepted
GRE General Test
Official GRE format, fees, score validity and free practice tests

Also worth your time

Student visa (GOV.UK)Go deeper
The official rules on proving English for a UK Student visa

Before moving on: An English test score that meets every programme on your list, per section, sent to each programme in the way it requires, and a clear decision on the GRE with scores sent if you took it.

Tauseef's advice

Pick the test that every programme on your list and your visa accept, not the cheapest one. Book early enough for one retake: missing a section minimum by half a band is common, and it is fixable only if you left time.