Abertay's levels by test
From Abertay's English language requirements page, which accepts IELTS or the IELTS Indicator and gives most tests a validity of two years. Some tests can be taken online, but PTE cannot: "we do not accept the online version." The page does not mention IELTS for UKVI or One Skill Retake.
| Test | IELTS 6.0 (5.5) courses | IELTS 6.5 courses |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS or IELTS Indicator | 6.0, no component below 5.5 | 6.5, no component below 6.0 (nutrition degrees) |
| PTE Academic (test centre only) | 59, all components 59 | Not stated |
| Duolingo English Test | 105, 95 in each element | 120, 110 in each element |
| TOEFL iBT, January 2026 onwards | 4, no component below 4 | Not stated |
| TOEFL iBT, before January 2026 | 78; listening 17, reading 18, speaking 20, writing 17 | Not stated |
| LanguageCert Academic (centre or online) | 65, no component below 60 | 70, no component below 65 |
| Oxford ELLT | 6; speaking, reading, listening 5, writing 6 | 7; speaking, reading, listening 6, writing 7 |
Abertay courses with higher IELTS
Listed on the same page; the Mental Health Nursing BSc page asks for 7.0 with no band below 7.0. From September 2027 the ESCT partnership route into MSc Construction Management accepts only the Password test at 6.0 (5.5).
| Course | IELTS |
|---|---|
| Most undergraduate and taught postgraduate courses | 6.0, no component below 5.5 |
| BSc Food, Nutrition and Health; BSc Fitness, Nutrition and Health | 6.5, no component below 6.0 |
| BSc Mental Health Nursing | 7.0, no component below 7.0 |
| MSc Counselling | 7.0, no component below 6.5 |
| MSc Cyber Law and Ethics; MSc Sports Therapy | 7.0, no component below 6.5 |
| Global MBA | 6.5, no component below 6.0 |
| DBA (with Westford University College) | 7.0 |
| Postgraduate research degrees | 7.0, no component below 6.5 |
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Abertay accepts India HSC or Standard 12 English at 75% or above, "Not accepted from Punjab or Haryana". Its India page adds that applicants from Haryana, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Telangana must apply through, and stay supported by, an accredited agent, or the application cannot be processed. Nigerian SSCE, NECO or WASSCE English at C6 is accepted with a scratchcard, and the Nigeria page describes an Oxford International pathway in Nigeria.
A UK bachelor's, master's or PhD exempts you. An English-taught higher education qualification from your home country, at RQF level 5 or above and awarded within five years, may count with an official medium-of-instruction letter, if you also met the minimum school English grade.
January 2027 deadlines, CAS interviews and the Student visa
Abertay's dates and deadlines page sets January 2027 applications by 30 November 2026, offer acceptance and deposit by 7 December, conditions and CAS Shield by 11 December and any CAS Shield interview by 14 December. Citing visa processing delays, it sets earlier January dates for Pakistan and Bangladesh: applications by 19 October 2026 and deposits by 9 November. International students pay the whole annual fee in advance.
Abertay does not list its own pre-sessional on these pages; it accepts an OIDI online pre-sessional at OIDI 6 with no component below 5, and an NCUK EAP pass at grade C.
For a Student visa, UK Visas and Immigration asks for English at CEFR B2 for degree-level study and B1 below degree level, per gov.uk. At degree level, gov.uk adds, your university can assess your English itself and may ask you to take a different test.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Abertay programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does Abertay University accept PTE?+
Yes, 59 with all components at 59, but only at a test centre. Abertay says it does not accept the online version of PTE Academic.
Does Abertay accept Duolingo?+
Yes: 105 overall with 95 in each element for most courses, and 120 with 110 for courses that ask for IELTS 6.5. Results are valid for two years.
Can Indian students study at Abertay without IELTS?+
Yes, with 75% or above in Standard 12 English, except from the Punjab and Haryana boards. Applicants from six states must apply through an accredited agent.
What IELTS do I need for the Abertay Global MBA?+
6.5 with no component below 6.0. MSc Cyber Law and Ethics and MSc Sports Therapy need 7.0 with no component below 6.5.
When is the Abertay January 2027 deadline?+
30 November 2026 for most applicants, with the deposit due by 7 December. Pakistani and Bangladeshi applicants must apply by 19 October 2026.
Keep reading
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Verified against the linked official sources on 9 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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