Middlesex approved tests by course group
From Middlesex's English language requirements page. Results are accepted for two years from the exam date. The exceptional programmes, mainly in nursing, midwifery, healthcare science and social work, are listed on that page.
| Test | Undergraduate | Business and Law postgraduate | Other postgraduate | Exceptional programmes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS (online or paper) | 6.0, 5.5 in each component | 6.0, 6.0 reading and writing, 5.5 others | 6.5, 6.0 in each component | 7.0 |
| PTE Academic | 59, 59 in all components | 59, 59 in all components | 59, 59 in all components | 59, 59 in all components |
| TOEFL iBT | 4, 4 in all components | 4, 4 in all components | 4.5, 4 in all components | 5.0 for some health and social work courses |
| LanguageCert Academic (SELT) | 65, no component below 60 | 65, reading and writing 65, others 60 | 70, no component below 65 | 75, no component below 70 |
| Oxford ELLT (online or centre) | 6, no component below 5 | 6, reading and writing 6, others 5 | 7, no component below 6 | 8, no component below 7 |
| MDX Internal English Test | 3.0, minimum 2.5 | 3.0, reading and writing 3.0, others 2.5 | 3.5, minimum 3.0 | Not stated by Middlesex |
IELTS rules and higher requirements
Both online and paper-based IELTS are accepted, and Middlesex accepts certificates that include a One Skill Retake component. All Nursing and Midwifery BSc courses need 7.0 overall with 7.0 in writing. Healthcare Science BSc courses and Social Work BA, MA and PGDip need 7.0 overall with 6.5 in writing.
Pearson Versant is listed for some courses but is not accepted for Student visa applicants. Duolingo does not appear on the approved tests list.
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Middlesex's territory table includes these school qualifications. A degree taught in English counts only from an approved university, which Middlesex defines as one accredited by the government of a majority English-speaking country, or in Hong Kong, Singapore or Malta, with a NARIC certificate. A route for Pakistani qualifications is not stated by Middlesex.
| Qualification | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Standard XII English | 65%; not accepted from the Punjab or Haryana boards | 70%, or 65% for Business and Law taught postgraduate; not accepted from the Punjab or Haryana boards |
| WAEC, WASSCE, SSSCE or NECO (incl. Nigeria) | C6 (or grade C or above) | C6; B3 for exceptional programmes |
The free MDX test, pre-sessional and the visa
Middlesex's in-house English test is free and open to students in any country who hold a conditional offer. It is taken entirely online: a proctored reading and writing paper, then a speaking and listening interview on Zoom. Undergraduates need at least 3 overall and postgraduates 3.5, and you must wait at least three months to resit.
If you met the overall score on an accepted test but missed one component, Middlesex's Single Skill Testing lets you retake only that component with its test. You can also meet the requirement through a Middlesex-validated or approved pre-sessional English course.
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 Middlesex programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does Middlesex University accept PTE?+
Yes. PTE Academic 59 with 59 in all components for undergraduate, postgraduate and exceptional programmes.
Does Middlesex accept IELTS One Skill Retake and IELTS Online?+
Yes. Middlesex accepts online and paper-based IELTS, and certificates that include a One Skill Retake component.
Can Indian students study at Middlesex without IELTS?+
Yes, with Standard XII English at 65% for undergraduate or Business and Law postgraduate courses, or 70% for other postgraduate courses. It is not accepted from the Punjab or Haryana boards.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Middlesex?+
6.0 with 6.0 in reading and writing for Business and Law postgraduate courses, or 6.5 with 6.0 in each component for other postgraduate courses.
Does Middlesex accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo is not on Middlesex's approved English language tests list. Its own online MDX test is free for offer holders.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Hertfordshire IELTS requirement
- University of Greenwich IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- IELTS for UK universities
- 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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