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.
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:
academic reading and writing
listening and speaking
presentation skills
pronunciation and grammar
Changes for 2021
For 2021 entry on to our courses, we have extended the validity periods we will accept for qualifications that prove student English language proficiency. The changes are listed below.
Language Evidence
Previous Validity Period
New Validity Period
English Language test (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL)
Taken 2 years before the start of the course
Taken 3 years before the start of the course and must be verifiable on the relevant official website
English Language qualification (e.g. iGCSE, A Level English Language)
Awarded 3 years before the start of the course
Awarded 4 years before the start of the course
Previous Degree Taught and Assessed in the Medium of English
Awarded 3 years before the start of the course
Awarded 4 years before the start of the course
We also consider the following English Language tests for 2021 entry:
TOEFL IBT Special Home Edition
TOEFL ITP Plus for China
Password Skills Test
Please note we are not able to process any new requests to take the Password test for 2021 entry
You can find more information about these English Language tests on the Tests (visa) tab.
Further information
Full details of the University's English language requirements can be found in our English Language Policy 2021.
We accept a wide range of English language tests and are continuously reviewing our English Language Policy to include additional tests for 2021.
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 two years of the start of your course with us (within three years for 2021 entry only)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 (within four years for 2021 only).
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 (within four years for 2021 only).
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 (within four years for 2021 only).
Pearson Test of English Academic: Score of 62 with a minimum sub-score of 51
Valid only if you have taken the test within two years of the start of your course with us, and must be verifiable on the relevant official website (within three years for 2021 entry only).
Valid only if you have taken the test within two years of the start of your course with us, and must be verifiable on the relevant official website (within three years for 2021 entry only).
A full breakdown of all TOEFL grade equivalencies we typically accept is included in our English language policy on the English Language Requirements overview.
TOEFL IBT Special Home Edition: score of 90 with a minimum of
Reading - 18
Writing - 17
Listening - 17
Speaking - 20
Accepted for entry in 2021 only.
Valid only if you have taken the test within two years of the start of your course with us, and must be verifiable on the relevant official website (within three years for 2021 entry only).
A full breakdown of all TOEFL grade equivalencies we typically accept is included in our English language policy on the English Language Requirements overview.
Score of 610 with the following scores in the sub-skills:
Reading – 56
Writing – 53
Listening – 54
Speaking – 14
Accepted for entry in 2021 only.
Valid only if you have taken the test within two years of the start of your course with us, and must be verifiable on the relevant official website (within three years for 2021 entry only).
A full breakdown of all TOEFL grade equivalencies we typically accept is included in our English language policy on the English Language Requirements overview.
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 four 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 require a student visa must have been awarded an academic qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree in one of the countries listed below.
Been awarded a Masters qualification following 12 months of a masters degree level study, in one of the countries below. Applicants who require a student visa must have been awarded an academic qualification equivalent to a UK Masters 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, Masters 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:
