Imperial's standard and higher levels
Scores below are from Imperial's English language requirements page, which applies the same tests to undergraduate and postgraduate entry. Each course page says whether you need the standard or the higher level. Test scores count only if taken within two years of the intended course start date.
| Test | Standard level | Higher level |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic (test centre, UKVI SELT or Online) | 6.5 overall, 6.0 in all elements | 7.0 overall, 6.5 in all elements |
| PTE Academic (test centre or UKVI SELT) | 62 overall, 56 in all elements | 69 overall, 62 in all elements |
| TOEFL iBT, tests before 21 Jan 2026 | 92 overall, 20 in all elements | 100 overall, 22 in all elements |
| TOEFL iBT, tests from 21 Jan 2026 (1–6 scale) | 4.5, 4.5 in all elements | 5.0, 5.0 in all elements |
| Duolingo English Test | 115, no subscore below 105 | 125, no subscore below 115 |
| C1 Advanced (from Jan 2015) | 176, 169 in each | 185, 176 in each |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 145, 125 in all components | 155, 145 in all components |
IELTS rules: Online yes, One Skill Retake no
Imperial lists IELTS Academic taken at a test centre, as the UKVI SELT version, or online. It states that IELTS single score re-takes are not accepted: you must meet the IELTS requirement in a single sitting.
PTE Academic online results were accepted only for courses starting up to 31 December 2023. For TOEFL, Imperial accepts ETS at Home but not MyBest scores, and you must email scores to admissions.
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Pre-sessional English and the visa
Postgraduates can meet the requirement by passing Imperial's Pre-Sessional English Programme. Imperial marks this route as postgraduate only. The Business School no longer offers or recognises pre-sessional courses for this purpose.
If you need a Student visa, Imperial confirms your English test result in your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Doctoral students must also complete Imperial's Doctoral Academic Communication Requirement after entry.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Imperial programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does Imperial accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic at a test centre or the UKVI SELT version: 62 overall with 56 in all elements for the standard level, 69 with 62 for the higher level.
Does Imperial accept Duolingo?+
Yes: 115 overall with no integrated subscore below 105 for standard, 125 with no subscore below 115 for higher. Scores must be within two years of the course start.
Is One Skill Retake accepted at Imperial?+
No. Imperial says IELTS single score re-takes are not accepted; you must meet the requirement in one sitting.
Do I need IELTS for UKVI for Imperial?+
No. Imperial accepts IELTS Academic at a test centre, online or as the UKVI SELT version at the same scores.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Imperial?+
6.5 with 6.0 in all elements for standard-level courses or 7.0 with 6.5 for higher-level ones. Your course page states which.
Keep reading
Related
- UCL IELTS requirement
- Duolingo to IELTS converter
- PTE to IELTS score converter
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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