English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your English language skills. Below is an overview of the English language tests we can accept for entry in September 2023 or January 2024.

You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of the following countries in the past five years, or are from one of the following countries:

  • Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, the UK, the United States of America.

You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you are a national of Canada.

We are also able to accept other local qualifications to evidence your English language, depending on whether you’re an undergraduate or postgraduate student. For more detailed information on when we’ll waive an English language requirement, please go to the following pages:

Secure English Language Tests (SELT)

The UK Government approves certain English language qualifications as being Secure English Language Tests (SELT). These meet the government’s requirements for visa applications. View the full list of approved SELT.

As a recognised UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)-approved sponsor, the University of Stirling is also able to make its own assessment of each applicant's English language ability for degree-level study and does not need to base the assessment on a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).

We are therefore able to accept the following tests, for both undergraduate and postgraduate study, if studied within two years of your course start date. Individual courses may have additional specific requirements. English language requirements are listed on each individual course page.

Qualification

Typical English Language Requirement

IELTS Academic (UKVI)

6.0 with no sub-skill below 5.5

6.5 with no sub-skill below 6.0

7.0 with no sub-skills below 6.0

IELTS Academic (other) or IELTS Indicator (online)

6.0 with no sub-skill below 5.5

6.5 with no sub-skill below 6.0

7.0 with no sub-skills below 6.0

Pearson’s Test of English (PTE) Academic (in centre only)

60 overall with 59 in each sub-skill

62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill

67 overall with 60 in each sub-skill

IBT TOEFL (internet based or Special Home Edition)

 

78 overall

  • 18 in reading
  • 17 in writing
  • 17 in listening
  • 20 in speaking

80 overall

  • 18 in reading
  • 23 in writing
  • 19 in listening
  • 21 in speaking

94 overall

  • 18 in reading
  • 23 in writing
  • 19 in listening
  • 21 in speaking

Trinity

ISE II pass overall with a pass in each sub-skill, ISE III pass overall and pass in all sub-skills, ISE IV pass overall and pass in all sub-skills

ISE II pass overall and merit in each sub-skill, ISE III pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV pass overall and in all sub-skills

ISE III Pass overall and in all sub-skills, ISE IV Pass overall and in all sub-skills

Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE)

169 overall with minimum of 162 in each sub-skill

176 overall with minimum 169 in each sub-skill

185 overall with minimum of 169 in each sub-skill

Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE)

180 overall with minimum of 162 in each sub-skill

180 overall with minimum 169 in each sub-skill

185 overall with minimum of 169 in each sub-skill

Aptis (4 skills)

CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills

CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills

CEFR C1 overall and B2 in all sub-skills

LanguageCert International

ESOL B2 Communicator Pass with 33 in each sub-skill

ESOL B2 Communicator High Pass with a minimum 152/200 overall and 33 in each sub-skill

ESOL C1 Expert - Pass with minimum 33 in each sub-skill

Oxford Test of English

CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills

CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills

CEFR C1 overall and B2 in all sub-skills

SQA Skills for English (SELT) and SQA Skills for English (Global)

CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills

CEFR B2 overall and B2 in all sub-skills

CEFR C1 overall and B2 in all sub-skills

INTO English Language Assessment (IELA)

169 with minimum 162 in each sub-skill

176 overall with minimum 169 in each sub-skill

185 overall with minimum 176 in each sub-skill

Contact us

If you have specific questions about your qualifications then please email our International recruitment team at international@stir.ac.uk.