You need a good level of English language to study at Newcastle University.
English will be the main language you use socially and for study.
If English is not your first language you will need to provide a recognised English language test or qualification. You can find more information about these English Language tests on the Tests (visa) tab.
Undergraduate courses
In most cases you will need an overall score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. You will also need at least IELTS 5.5 or equivalent in each of the four sub-skills:
Writing
Reading
Speaking
Listening
Individual undergraduate course pages list if you need an overall IELTS score or sub-scores higher than this.
Postgraduate courses
English language requirements do vary so you should read the 'entry requirements' section of our postgraduate course pages.
English language courses
If you don't meet our English language requirements extra support is available. You could also complete a course to help improve your English before you start your degree. We provide these at INTO Newcastle. Please check your course information for full details of the requirements.
If you haven't studied with INTO Newcastle, you will take a short English Language test when you arrive. This is to identify if you need any extra study support.
Language support
We offer free English lessons throughout the year. You can attend classes, workshops and interactive lectures on a range of topics including:
We accept a wide range of English language tests. The tests on this page are the only ones we accept if you need a visa to study with us.
Our typical English Language requirements are listed as IELTS scores. You will see these on each course page under the 'entry requirements' section.
Our typical IELTS scores are: IELTS for UKVI (Academic)/IELTS (Academic) overall score of 6.5 with at least IELTS 5.5 in each sub-skill. Individual undergraduate and postgraduate course pages list if you need an overall IELTS score or sub-scores higher than this.
Valid only if you have taken the test within three years of the start of your course with us and must be verifiable on the relevant official website.
Grades we usually accept from other qualifications
Grades we usually accept from other qualifications
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): Grade 5 in English with a minimum of grade 4 in each element. For programmes requiring IELTS at 6.0, Grade 4 overall with maximum 2 elements at Grade 3, rest at Grade 4.
Valid only if you have taken the test within three years of the start of your course with us.
Indian 12th Standard Examination: Score of 75% in English (additional interviewing conditions may also apply).
We would accept the above scores without interview provided:
You have taken the examination no more than three years before the start of your course with us.
Or
Your undergraduate degree has been taught and assessed in English and you completed your degree studies no more than three years before the start of your course with us.
We apologise for any confusion our website update on 3 April 2023 has caused. Newcastle University sets English Language Entry requirements using IELTS for UKVI.To support students, where possible, we will recognise other comparable tests as being equivalent to an IELTS test.
You will be aware that UKVI set a minimum English language requirement to allow us to sponsor you to study*. As a result of UKVI changing the score equivalencies for the Pearson Test of English Academic, Newcastle University will be adjusting the Pearson IELTS equivalencies for new applications received after Friday 14 April. The Pearson scores we accept will be based on the UKVI levels which are required for visa sponsorship rather than the Pearson published equivalencies.
All existing applications and offers will have the previous scores honoured if the test meets the requirements for UKVI sponsorship.
** Please note this is the UKVI minimum requirement. If in error you have received an offer with a requirement lower than this, please contact us to review your options at ug-admissions@ncl.ac.uk or pgadmissions@ncl.ac.uk with the subject Pearson Language
West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE): C5 in English for courses that require IELTS 6.5. (For courses requiring: IELTS at 6.0, C6; IELTS at 7.0, C4; IELTS at 7.5, B2).
We would accept the above scores provided that your pre-university qualifications or undergraduate degree has been taught and assessed in English. We will ask you to provide a scratch card number so that your WAEC/NECO SSCE English qualification can be verified online.
Where it has been more than three years since you completed qualifications taught and assessed in English, and you need a Tier 4 visa to study in the UK, we may need to interview you before we issue your CAS for your visa.
We also accept the following tests if you do not need a visa to study with us.
The below tests and Qualifications are considered acceptable for admission to the majority of Newcastle University’s degree programmes for applicants who do not need a Student Visa. If a Student Visa is required, an English Language Interview will be required if the test does not contain all 4 sub skills.
For most programmes you do not need to prove your English ability if you meet one of the criteria below.
Within the last three years, you have:
Completed 2 full academic years of undergraduate degree-level study in one of the countries listed below. Applicants who have studied in Canada must also provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the degree was taught and assessed in the medium of English language. Applicants who require a student visa must have been awarded an academic qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree in one of the countries listed below.
Been awarded a Master's qualification following 12 months of a Master's degree-level study, in one of the countries below. Applicants who have studied in Canada must also provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the degree was taught and assessed in the medium of English language. Applicants who require a student visa must have been awarded an academic qualification equivalent to a UK Master's degree in one of the countries listed below.
Been awarded a degree or degree level qualification which meets, or exceeds, the recognised standard of a UK bachelor’s degree, Master's degree or doctorate (as recognised by NARIC) and can provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the degree was taught and assessed in the medium of English language.
2. You are a national from one of the countries below:
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
British Overseas Territories
*Canada
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
Malta
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
United States of America
United Kingdom
*Non Canadian nationals who have studied in Canada must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the degree was taught and assessed in the medium of English language.
