What IELTS score do you need for SOAS University of London?

SOAS accepts online tests for September 2026 entry, including IELTS Online, but not PTE Academic Online, TOEFL Essentials, Oxford ELLT, Skills for English for taught programmes, or composite scores such as TOEFL MyBest. Its alternative qualifications page lists IELTS Online at 6.5 with 6.0 and 6.5 in writing for direct entry, 6.5 with 5.5 and 6.0 writing for the 4-week course, and 6.0 with 5.5 for the 8-week course. That is higher than the main table, so confirm IELTS Online scores with SOAS.

SOAS accepts 75% in Standard XII English from these boards: Andhra Pradesh, CBSE, CISCE, ICSE, ISC, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and West Bengal. It accepts the West African High School Certificate (WAEC) at C5. Applicants with a degree taught in English from Canada, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or South Africa, graduating within the last 10 years, are exempt.

SOAS's Pakistan page says the Pakistan high school leaving certificate is not sufficient for entry to a SOAS undergraduate degree, which is an academic rule. English routes for Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh beyond the tests above are not stated by SOAS.

SOAS's pre-sessional courses are taught in person at Russell Square: 8 weeks (27 July to 18 September 2026) for £4,865 and 4 weeks (24 August to 18 September 2026) for £3,035. Master's and PhD offer holders who must take one pay for it before their offer becomes unconditional.

SOAS's CAS page says students must pay a £4,000 tuition deposit to request a CAS, which counts towards fees and is non-refundable. If a visa is refused after a credibility interview, SOAS would not normally issue a second CAS.

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 SOAS programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.