Study Abroad english language requirements
Study Abroad English requirements
International
All international applicants must be able to show that their English is of a high enough standard to successfully engage with and complete their course at SOAS. If you have not yet taken an English language test, you can still apply for your degree, but we will include evidence of language requirements as part of your offer conditions. You can demonstrate English language ability in several ways.
Exemptions
You do not need to provide evidence of your English language ability if any of the following apply:
- Nationals from a government recognised majority English speaking country who have successfully completed high school or a degree in the respective country
- You've completed a degree in the UK or in any majority English speaking country
- You've completed a degree which was taught in English from Canada, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or South Africa (or from certain recognised English-medium universities)
- You've completed a SOAS Pre-Masters or International Foundation (60% in Academic English) or ELAS programme (70% in Academic English)
- You've passed a Pre-sessional English course at a UK university (2-year validity)
Study Abroad and Exchange Students Test Scores (all 2 year validity)
Direct entry
| Test | Overall | Subscores |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/for UKVI | 6.5 | 6.5 in all subscores |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 65 in all subscores |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 | 23 in all subscores |
With in-sessional English
| Test | Overall | Subscores |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/for UKVI | 6.5 | 6.0 in all subscores (6.5 in Writing) |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 60 in all subscores (65 in Writing) |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 | 21 in all subscores (23 in Writing) |
With 4-week pre-sessional English (September starters only)
| Test | Overall | Subscores |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/for UKVI | 6.5 | 5.5 in all subscores (6.0 in Writing) |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 55 in all subscores (60 in Writing) |
| TOEFL iBT | 100 | 19 in all subscores (21 in Writing) |
With 8-week pre-sessional English (September starters only)
| Test | Overall | Subscores |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/for UKVI | 6.0 | 5.5 in all subscores |
| PTE Academic | 60 | 55 in all subscores |
| TOEFL iBT | 95 | 19 in all subscores |
Alternative qualifications
In addition to the tests listed above, we also accept a range of alternative qualifications to demonstrate evidence of English Language proficiency. Generally, these have a 5-year validity, but some may have a two-year validity.
Pre-sessional and in-sessional English
If you do not meet the English Language Requirements for your course in full, you may be offered an In-sessional English course or a four-week or eight-week Pre-sessional English course , depending on your test results.
Pre-sessional English is only available for September starters and is not included in exchange agreements (so will be at the student’s cost). In-sessional courses are free and take place during the term time.
English Language and Academic Studies (ELAS)
Any student not achieving the entry requirement for one of the pre-sessional courses (or who is starting in January) should consider applying for the ELAS programme using the online form. Students achieving excellent progress on ELAS may be allowed to audit or register for one undergraduate module alongside their ELAS programme in Term 2.
| Test | Overall | Subscores |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/for UKVI | 5.5 | 5.5 in all subscores |
| PTE Academic | 55 | 55 in all subscores |
| TOEFL iBT | 72 |
17 in all subscores |
Visa requirements and SELT
Applicants who require a Student Visa must prove their knowledge of the English language when applying. As a higher education provider, SOAS can assess your level of English using a variety of tests and qualifications. However, you may be asked to provide evidence of a secure English language test (SELT) as part of your Student Visa application.
Study Abroad or Exchange applicants who require a Student route visa and plan to take a Pre-sessional English course must provide a SELT test.
If you are not sure if you will require a pre-sessional course or ELAS, then we recommend that you take one of the following approved SELT English test, as this is the safest option:
