UEA's levels by test
From UEA's English language equivalencies page, which calls these typical minimums and says some courses ask for more. Results must be within two years of the course start. UEA lists IELTS Academic and the IELTS Indicator; whether it accepts IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Online or One Skill Retake is not stated. Duolingo is open to all applicants, and since July 2024 only its four skill scores are used. Social sciences research degrees need IELTS 7.0 with 6.5.
| Test | Undergraduate and taught postgraduate | Research (science, medicine and health) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic or IELTS Indicator | 6.0, minimum 5.5 in each component | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| PTE Academic or PTE Academic Online | 60, minimum 59 in each component | 61, minimum 60 in each component |
| Duolingo English Test | 105, minimum 100 in each component | 120, minimum 105 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT incl. Home Edition | 79; reading 18, writing 17, listening 17, speaking 20 | 88; reading 20, writing 19, listening 19, speaking 21 |
| LanguageCert Academic (incl. Online) | 65, minimum 60 in each component | 70, minimum 65 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT Digital or Global | 6, minimum 5 in each component | 7, minimum 6 in each component |
UEA IELTS on course pages
These 2027/28 entry course pages were read on 8 October 2026; none states a PTE score, and all ask for tests within two years of the start date. UEA's country pages for India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Nigeria give postgraduates 6.0 with 6.0 in writing and speaking, against 5.5 on the central page and these course pages, so confirm with admissions.
| Course | Level | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Computing Science BSc | Undergraduate | 6.0, minimum 5.5 in all components |
| Nursing (Adult) BSc | Undergraduate | 6.5, minimum 6.5 in all components |
| MBA | Postgraduate | 6.0, minimum 5.5 in each component |
| Data Science MSc | Postgraduate | 6.0, minimum 5.5 in each component |
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UEA's India page considers 70% in Standard 12 English from listed boards, awarded within 10 years of the course start, for exemption. The equivalencies page adds Tamil Nadu and Telangana, which the India page omits; no board is named as excluded. The Pakistan page says students from "certain eligible universities" are exempt and refers you to IDP Education without a list.
The Nigeria page accepts WAEC and NECO English at C6 for most courses, valid 10 years. School-English routes for Nepal and Bangladesh, and Pakistan HSSC English, are not stated by UEA.
| Qualification | UEA requirement |
|---|---|
| Standard 12 English: CBSE or CISCE (ISC, ICSE) | 70%, awarded within 10 years of the course start |
| Standard 12 English: West Bengal, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Delhi | 70%, awarded within 10 years of the course start |
| Standard 12 English: Tamil Nadu, Telangana | 70% on the equivalencies page; not listed on the India page |
| WAEC or NECO English (Nigeria) | C6, for most courses, valid 10 years |
| Pakistan HSSC, Nepal NEB, Bangladesh HSC English | Not stated by UEA |
Deposit, pre-CAS interviews, pre-sessional and the Student visa
UEA's fees page sets the deposit by country of permanent residence: £8,000 for Bangladesh, Iran, Pakistan, Syria and Yemen, £6,000 for India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and £4,000 for most others. Its CAS page says "You may be required to carry out a pre-CAS interview." For January 2027 master's starts, its January courses page sets applications by 30 November 2026 and deposits by 7 December.
UEA's International Study Centre runs a 20-hour-a-week pre-sessional from late May to early September, its length set by your English level and degree. Prices, entry scores and whether a SELT is needed are not stated on UEA's own pages.
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 UEA programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does UEA accept PTE?+
Yes, including PTE Academic Online: 60 with at least 59 in each component for undergraduate and taught master's degrees, and 61 with 60 for science and health research degrees.
Does UEA accept Duolingo?+
Yes: 105 with at least 100 in each component for undergraduate and taught master's degrees. Since July 2024 only the reading, writing, speaking and listening scores are used.
Can Indian students study at UEA without IELTS?+
Yes, with 70% in Standard 12 English from CBSE, CISCE or named state boards, awarded within 10 years of the course start. UEA's two pages differ on Tamil Nadu and Telangana.
How much deposit does UEA ask from Indian students?+
£6,000 for students from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka, and £8,000 for Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to UEA's fees page.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at UEA?+
6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component on the central page and the MBA and Data Science MSc pages. UEA's country pages ask 6.0 in writing and speaking.
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Verified against the linked official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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