St Andrews English profiles: IELTS and PTE
Each profile page lists separate tables for undergraduate and postgraduate entry. The IELTS scores are the same in both; some PTE scores differ, as on Profile 3-D.
| Profile | IELTS Academic (incl. One Skill Retake) | PTE Academic, undergraduate | PTE Academic, postgraduate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-D | 7.5, 7.0 in each component | 80, 76 in each | 80, 76 in each |
| 2-M (Medicine) | 7.0, 7.0 in each component | Not listed; IELTS is the only test | Undergraduate Medicine only |
| 3-D | 7.0, 6.5 in each component | 76, 70 in each | 79, 76 in each |
| 4-D | 7.0, writing 7.0, others 6.0 | 76, writing 76, others 64 | 76, writing 76, others 64 |
| 5-D | 7.0, 6.0 in each component | 76, 64 in each | 76, 64 in each (labelled September 2025 entry) |
| 6-D | 6.5, writing 6.5, others 6.0 | 70, writing 70, others 64 | 70, writing 70, others 64 |
| 7-D | 6.5, 6.0 in each component | 70, 64 in each | 70, 64 in each |
Which profile your programme needs
St Andrews' undergraduate and postgraduate language pages assign the profiles. Postgraduate research needs at least Profile 7-D, though Schools usually ask for their taught-programme scores. Research degrees in Computer Science need Profile 3-D and in Geography and Sustainable Development Profile 6-D.
| Programme | Profile | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| UG Arts and Divinity (except English) | 3-D | 7.0, 6.5 each |
| UG School of English | 1-D | 7.5, 7.0 each |
| UG Science | 7-D | 6.5, 6.0 each |
| UG Medicine | 2-M | 7.0, 7.0 each |
| PG Management, Economics and finance, Computer science, Mathematics | 5-D | 7.0, 6.0 each |
| PG International relations, Biology, Medicine, Art history | 3-D | 7.0, 6.5 each |
| PG History, Psychology, Neuroscience, French, German, Spanish | 4-D | 7.0, writing 7.0, others 6.0 |
| PG Chemistry, Physics and astronomy, TESOL | 7-D | 6.5, 6.0 each |
| PG English, Creative writing | 1-D | 7.5, 7.0 each |
Know your target? Check where you stand
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All tests must be taken in person except IELTS Academic Online, IELTS One Skill Retake and TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and only postgraduate applicants may use the online tests. IELTS Academic Online appears only in the postgraduate tables, while One Skill Retake is listed within IELTS Academic for both levels. Scores are normally accepted only if obtained within two years of the programme start date.
Duolingo is not on any of the profile pages read. Most profiles include a score on St Andrews' own pre-sessional courses. If you take a pre-sessional before an undergraduate degree and need a visa, your evidence must be a SELT.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your St Andrews programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does St Andrews accept PTE?+
Yes, on profiles 1-D and 3-D to 7-D. Undergraduate Arts (Profile 3-D) needs 76 with 70 in each skill; postgraduate 3-D needs 79 with 76. Undergraduate Medicine accepts IELTS only.
Does St Andrews accept IELTS One Skill Retake or IELTS Online?+
One Skill Retake is listed within IELTS Academic for undergraduate and postgraduate entry. IELTS Academic Online is accepted only for postgraduate taught and research applicants.
Do I need IELTS for UKVI for St Andrews?+
The profile pages list IELTS Academic and do not name IELTS for UKVI separately. St Andrews requires a SELT if you will take a pre-sessional course before an undergraduate degree and need a visa.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at St Andrews?+
It depends on the subject profile: 7.0 with 6.0 in each component for Management or Computer science (5-D), 7.0 with 6.5 for International relations (3-D), or 6.5 with 6.0 for Physics (7-D).
Does St Andrews accept Duolingo?+
Duolingo does not appear on St Andrews' English language test profiles.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Edinburgh IELTS requirement
- University of Glasgow IELTS requirement
- IELTS for UKVI vs IELTS Academic
- PTE to IELTS score converter
- 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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