International Students

English Language Requirements

English Language Requirements

Overview

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.    

For 2025 entry onwards, we accept IELTS One Skill Retakes 

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 do not meet our English language requirements, extra support is available.

You could 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. 

Language support 

We offer free lessons in English for Academic Purposes throughout the year. You can attend classes, workshops and interactive lectures on a range of topics including: 

  • Academic reading and writing
  • Listening and speaking
  • Presentation skills  
  • Pronunciation and grammar   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tests (visa)

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.

For 2025 entry onwards, we accept IELTS One Skill Retakes

Grades we usually accept from other qualifications

Grades we usually accept from other qualifications

Tests (no 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.

Exemptions

For most programmes you do not need to prove your English ability if you meet one of the criteria below.

1. Within the last three years, you have:

  • 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 laguage. 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 do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re from one of the following countries or territories, or you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of them: 

  • Antigua and Barbuda 
  • Australia 
  • the Bahamas 
  • Barbados 
  • Belize 
  • the 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 
  • UK 
  • USA 

*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.