English Language Requirements for International Applicants
Understanding the many requirements for studying at university can be very confusing. This is why at Cardiff Metropolitan; we consider a number of recognised Secure English Language Tests (SELTS) which are supported by the UKVI for entry to the UK. The University also considers high school English in support of Undergraduate and Postgraduate entry to courses.
The list below compares some of the tests that we consider for entry to our courses, however we also accept the Cambridge ESOL tests and those English language qualifications accepted by the UKVI. A full list of these tests can be found on the UKVI website.
N.B. For admissions and CAS purposes, period of validity for all English language test certificates is 2 years prior to the start date of your course.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Courses
For some countries we are able to assess English using High School qualifications and supplement this with either a Cardiff Met English language interview (undergraduate applicants) or by requesting evidence you have been taught through the medium of English during your degree (postgraduate study where we require 6.0 IELTS (5.5 in each score)). As such, please refer to your offer letter to see if you are required a SELT, interview or need to provide a letter of attestation.
**Some courses may require higher overall score and/or sub scores – please visit the course specific pages to confirm.
| Qualification | Undergraduate and Standard Postgraduate Requirements** | Higher Level Courses** |
| IELTS Academic | Overall score: 6.0 (with no component below 5.5) | 6.5 overall with 6.5 in both reading and writing, and a minimum of 6.0 in the remaining components |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | Overall score: 59 (minimum score required in each skill area is 59) | Overall score: 62 (minimum score in reading and writing 62, speaking and listening 59) |
| TOEFL IBT (Internet Based Test) | Overall score: 72. Minimum scores required in each skill area are: Reading: 18, Listening: 17, Writing: 17 Speaking: 20 | Overall score: 83. Minimum scores required in each skill area are Reading: 19, Listening: 20, Writing: 24, Speaking: 20 |
| Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) | Overall score of 169 with no component score lower than 162 | C1 is 180-199, upper middle would be 195+, lower middle would be 185+ |
| Trinity College London | ISE II pass with minimum merit in each skill | ISE II pass with distinction in each skill / ISE III pass with pass in each skill |
| LanguageCert Academic SELT (ONLINE NOT ACCEPTED) | Overall score of 65 with no score lower than 60 | Overall score of 70 with minimum 70 in both reading and writing and minimum 65 in speaking and listening |
All SELTS must be taken from an UKVI approved secure Test centre, a list of which can be found at Prove your English language abilities with a secure English language test (SELT) - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
If you require any further guidance on whether the University will accept your qualifications, then please email our Admissions team at askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.
Exemptions to English Language Requirements
- Moving from Tier 4 (Child) into Tier 4 (General).
- If you have already successfully obtained an academic qualification (not a professional or vocational qualification) from an educational establishment in the UK, which is a bachelor’s degree or above.
If you studied in a majority English speaking country:
Under new guidance, from 24th November 2016, if you have previously completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree which was taught in a majority English speaking country which you are not a national of (listed below), you are exempt from demonstrating your English Language ability on submission of an official documentation produced by UK NARIC which confirms the translation.
| A – H | I – P | Q – Z |
| Antigua and Barbuda Australia The Bahamas Barbados Belize Dominica Grenada Guyana |
Ireland Jamaica New Zealand |
St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago United States of America |
Details about the UK NARIC costs, processing times, example certificate and how to apply can be found here.
If you are a national of a majority English speaking country:
UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) state that if you are a national of one of the countries listed below you do not need to provide evidence of your English Language ability when you apply for your visa to study in the UK.
| A – H | I – P | Q – Z |
| Antigua and Barbuda Australia The Bahamas Barbados Belize Canada Dominica Grenada Guyana |
Jamaica New Zealand |
St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago United States of America |