English Language Requirements
To ensure that SOAS students have a sufficient standard of academic English to study effectively, all non-native English speaking applicants are required to submit evidence of their current level of academic English. This relates also to the demands of the UK Border Agency for an authorised SELT.
Unconditional Entry
The tables below give the English tests that we recognise and the level that must be achieved in each one in order to meet our English language requirement fully. Further details are available on request from the International Foundation Courses and English Language Studies (IFCELS) department www.soas.ac.uk/ifcels. You can contact them on ifcels@soas.ac.uk.
| Public Examinations | Score for Unconditional Entry |
|---|---|
| IELTS (www.ielts.org) | Overall 7+ with at least 7 in all sub scores |
| TOEFL (www.ets.org/toefl) Institution Code 0107 | iBT105+ with at least 25 in all sub scores |
| Pearson Test of English - Academic (www.pearsonpte.com) | Score of 75 or above with at least 70 in all sub scores |
| Public Examinations | Score for entry to SOAS with compulsory FREE in-sessional English course |
|---|---|
| IELTS (www.ielts.org) | Overall 7+ with at least 6.5 in all sub scores |
| TOEFL (www.ets.org/toefl) Institution Code 0107 | iBT 105+ with at least 22 in all sub scores |
| Pearson Test of English - Academic (www.pearsonpte.com) | Score of 70 - 74 with at least 65 in all sub scores |
| SOAS Examinations | Score for Unconditional Entry |
|---|---|
| SOAS Foundation Courses Module in Intensive English for Academic Study | 60% |
| Examples of acceptable qualifications other than IELTS, TOEFL or Pearson tests | Score for Unconditional Entry |
|---|---|
| Cambridge Proficiency in English | Grade A |
| European Baccalaureate (English) | Pass 60% |
| International Baccalaureate (English) | Pass (Grade 4 for English) |
| International General Certificate of Secondary Education in English | Mother Tongue Grade A |
| General Certificate of Secondary Education in English | Grade A |
Validity of these qualifications will depend on how recently they were taken, and may be considered in conjunction with other relevant evidence.
Conditional Entry (pre-sessional English courses)
If an applicant does not achieve the level to meet the English language requirement fully, they may need to take a four or eight week pre-sessional English course in order to raise their level of academic English prior to registration.
Please look here to find out more about the dates and fees of the pre-sessional English courses. Alternatively you can contact the IFECLS centre directly by email: ifcels@soas.ac.uk or by telephone: +44 (0)20 7898 4800/1.
Details of any English language conditions or requirements will be contained in the offer letter.
Re-taking an English test
Applicants whose English language test score falls below our minimum requirements will need to submit an improved score. These applicants are recommended to contact IFCELS on ifcels@soas.ac.uk or by telephone on +44 (0)20 7898 4800/1 to seek guidance regarding further development of their academic English skills. Applicants who cannot improve their English sufficiently prior to the commencement of their academic programme will be advised to request deferral of their place and spend a year improving their English.
