Bedfordshire's accepted tests
From Bedfordshire's international entry requirements page. The standard qualification it names is UKVI Academic IELTS; whether a non-UKVI IELTS, IELTS Online or One Skill Retake counts is not stated by Bedfordshire. An overall PTE score is not stated either, only the skill minimums.
| Test | Bedfordshire's minimum |
|---|---|
| UKVI Academic IELTS | 6.0 overall, 5.5 in each element |
| Pearson PTE Academic | Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59; PTE Academic Online not accepted |
| Duolingo (IELTS 6.0 courses) | 110 overall, no sub-score below 100 |
| Duolingo (IELTS 6.5 courses) | 120 overall, no sub-score below 105 |
| TOEFL iBT | Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17; Home Edition not accepted |
| LanguageCert Academic SELT | 60 in each skill |
| Oxford ELLT Digital or Global | 6 overall, 5 in each skill |
Duolingo conditions
Bedfordshire accepts only Duolingo tests that give separate Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening scores, taken after 1 July 2024. Results are valid for two years and you must share them with the university.
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Bedfordshire lists these school results under its English language exemptions. Its India page repeats the Class XII rule. Its Nigeria page gives IELTS 6.0 (5.5) or WAEC C6. Its Pakistan page gives IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each section, and a school-English route for Pakistan is not stated by Bedfordshire. Its Nepal page says 70% in Year 12 qualifies you for a free Bedfordshire Password English Test.
| Qualification | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Indian Class XII English from CBSE, CISCE, ISC, ICSE or the Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat or Telangana boards | 70% |
| WAEC SSCE (West Africa) | Grade C/6 |
| Nepal Year 12 | 70%, to qualify for the free Bedfordshire Password English Test |
Pre-sessional English and the Student visa
Bedfordshire's pre-sessional English courses are taught at the Luton campus with 24 teaching hours a week. Entry is set in IELTS for UKVI:
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 Bedfordshire programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
| Course | Entry with IELTS for UKVI |
|---|---|
| 16 weeks | 5.0 overall, two skills at 4.5 and two at 5.0 |
| 12 weeks | 5.0 overall, all four skills at 5.0 |
| 8 weeks | 5.0 overall, two skills at 5.0 and two at 5.5 |
| 4 weeks | 5.5 overall, all four skills at 5.5 |
| 2 weeks | 5.5 overall, three skills at 5.5 and one at 6.0 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the University of Bedfordshire accept PTE?+
Yes, PTE Academic with 59 in listening, reading, speaking and writing. PTE Academic Online is not accepted, and an overall score is not stated.
Does Bedfordshire accept Duolingo?+
Yes, for tests taken after 1 July 2024: 110 with no sub-score below 100 for IELTS 6.0 courses, and 120 with no sub-score below 105 for IELTS 6.5 courses.
Can Indian students study at Bedfordshire without IELTS?+
Yes, with 70% in Class XII English from CBSE, CISCE, ISC, ICSE or the Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat or Telangana boards.
Do I need UKVI IELTS for Bedfordshire?+
Bedfordshire's standard requirement names UKVI Academic IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each element. Whether a non-UKVI IELTS is accepted is not stated, so ask admissions before booking.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Bedfordshire?+
The standard for master's degrees is UKVI Academic IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each element, though some courses ask for more.
Keep reading
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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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