English language requirements

As part of the application process for international students, you’ll usually need to demonstrate your English language proficiency through a test recognised by University of Staffordshire.

Most of our courses require a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component or an equivalent approved qualification. However, some courses have higher entry criteria due to accreditation requirements or the need to have exceptional communication skills as part of the course.

Accepted tests and qualifications 

The majority of our undergraduate bachelor degree courses require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0, with 5.5 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. However, we also accept a wide range of qualifications from around the world. The following qualifications are acceptable for most of our Bachelor degree courses.

Requirements for postgraduate courses can be found in the entry requirements section of the course page.

Qualifications we accept from any country
Qualification nameMinimum requirementValidity
IELTS Academic – UKVI SELT and non UKVI SELT accepted only 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component 2 years
IELTS One Skill Retake 6.0 overall and no less than 5.5 in each component 2 years
Password English 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component 2 years
Password Plus 6.0 overall and no less than 5.5 in each component 2 years
PTE Pearson Academic – please note we do not accept PTE Academic Online (Home Version) Minimum score of 59 overall with no less than 54 in all areas 2 years
 LanguageCert Academic SELT 65 Overall with no less than 60 in each component 2 years
TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition Listening: 17
Speaking: 20
Reading: 18
Writing: 17
2 years
Trinity College London ISE II Pass in all four components 2 years 
International Baccalaureate Pass in IB English Language or Literature HL grade 4 or SL grade 5  5 years
IGCSE English IGCSE English as a first or second language: Grade C / 4 or above 5 years
Cambridge International English GCE O Level/GCSE English Language grade C / 4 or above 5 years
GCSE English Language/ Literature Grade C / 4 or above 5 years
NCUK International Foundation Grade C overall, with no component lower than a D 2 years
Kaplan International Foundation 60 overall, with no component lower than a 55 2 years
Study Group International Foundation 50 overall, with no component lower than a 40 2 years
Cambridge Education group (CEG) International Foundation 50 overall, with no component lower than a 50 2 years
If you have not met one of the above requirements you may be eligible to join one of our pre-sessional English courses, to help you build your skills to the required level. For more information, please see our pre-sessional English language courses.

Qualifications we accept from your country

We also accept a range of country-specific English language qualifications. Search below to find the specific English language requirements for your country:

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country

Exemptions

You don’t need to provide evidence of English language proficiency if any of the following conditions apply:

  • If you’re a national of a Majority English Speaking Country as specified by the student visa guidance by gov.uk.

  • If you're a UK national.

  • If you’ve completed a full degree from a UK university.

  • If you’re currently holding a Child Student visa and want to switch immediately onto a Student visa.


If you haven't fully met our English language requirements for 6.5(6.0) and 6.0(5.5), you may be eligible to study a pre-sessional English 6-week course.

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