Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
KICL IELTS and course length
From the KICL course information PDF for degree entry in September 2026 and September 2027, linked from the KICL courses page. All scores are UKVI IELTS.
| Programme | UKVI IELTS | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Certificate | 5.5, no skill below 4.5 | 2 terms |
| Foundation Certificate | 5.0, no skill below 4.0 | 2.5 terms |
| Foundation Certificate | 4.5, no skill below 4.0 | 3 terms |
| International Year One (Business, Engineering) | 5.5, no skill below 5.0 | 2 terms |
| International Year One | 5.0, no skill below 4.5 | 2.5 terms |
| Pre-Master's (Business, Economics, Finance) | 5.5, no skill below 5.0 | 2 terms |
| Pre-Master's | 4.5, no skill below 4.0 | 4 terms |
| Pre-Doctorate | 6.0, no skill below 6.0 | 1 term |
Other tests and progression
The PDF says Kaplan can accept other tests as proof of English but does not name them, and courses leading to Fashion Design at Westminster may differ. Pre-Master's entry also needs three or more years of higher education.
Kaplan's UK entry requirements page gives the general ranges: UKVI IELTS 4.0 to 5.5 for bachelor's preparation, 4.5 to 5.5 for master's preparation, and UKVI IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in all skills for direct bachelor's admission. Progression to a degree depends on passing the Kaplan course at the level your university sets.
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Visa and how to check
Foundation and pre-master's courses are below degree level, which affects the English level UKVI expects for your visa.
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, but the level must still be equivalent to B2.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your KICL programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where Kaplan International College London publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.
Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.
If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum IELTS for Kaplan International College London?+
UKVI IELTS 4.0 with no skill below 4.0 for the longest Foundation Certificate route, and 4.5 for the longest Pre-Master's route.
How many terms is the KICL foundation with IELTS 5.5?+
Two terms with UKVI IELTS 5.5 and no skill below 4.5.
Does KICL need UKVI IELTS?+
The KICL course PDF states all levels as UKVI IELTS. It also says other tests can be accepted.
What IELTS do I need for direct degree entry through Kaplan?+
Kaplan's UK page gives UKVI IELTS 6.0 with at least 5.5 in all skills for direct bachelor's admission.
Keep reading
Related
- Universities in the UK accepting IELTS 6.0
- INTO London IELTS requirement
- ONCAMPUS London IELTS requirement
- University of Westminster IELTS requirement
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 2279 guides
Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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