University English requirements

What IELTS score do you need for the University of Cumbria London?

The University of Cumbria's London MBA asks for IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component. The same page says international students who require a Student visa are not eligible for courses delivered at the London campus. Cumbria's university-wide page sets 6.0 (5.5) for undergraduate and 6.5 (5.5) for postgraduate study.Source: University of Cumbria London official English requirements · checked 29 October 2026
  • Guide updated · 29 October 2026
  • 3 sections
  • IELTS

Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026

Cumbria London: who can apply

From the MBA (London) course page, which states that international students who need a Student visa are not eligible for London-campus courses because of UKVI licence restrictions.

Course or routeIELTSNotes
MBA (London)6.5, minimum 6 in each componentNot open to Student visa applicants
Undergraduate, university-wide6.0, 5.5 in each componentCumbria's English requirements page
Postgraduate, university-wide6.5, 5.5 in each componentCumbria's English requirements page

University-wide tests and country routes

Cumbria's English language requirements page accepts IELTS or Cumbria's own Password test at 6.0 (5.5) for undergraduate and 6.5 (5.5) for postgraduate. It lists TOEFL iBT 4 (4 each) for undergraduate and 4.5 (4 each) for postgraduate, LanguageCert B2 at 65 or 70 per skill, and Oxford ELLT Digital 6 (5) or 7 (5).

Indian Class XII English at 65% meets the 6.0 (5.5) level and 70% meets 6.5 (5.5), and WAEC or NECO at C6 meets 6.0 (5.5), with no validity limit on either. SELTs are valid for two years. These university-wide levels differ from the London MBA page, which asks for 6.0 in each component.

Free test: are you at the University of Cumbria London's score yet?

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How to check

If you are already in the UK on another visa, confirm with Cumbria that your status lets you study at the London campus before you book a test.

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, but the level must still be equivalent to B2.

Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Cumbria programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.

Minimum vs competitive score

Where the University of Cumbria London publishes an IELTS score, it is the minimum: the floor an application has to meet to be considered, not a score that guarantees an offer.

Competitive programmes, and courses with far more applicants than places, may expect more than the minimum, and some departments set their own overall or per-skill scores, often for writing or speaking. The course page has the final word, so check it before you book a test.

If you are close to the line, aim for a margin above it: one weak skill can miss the requirement even when the overall band clears it. Not sure where you stand? Take a free IELTS mock test and get a band for each skill.

Frequently asked questions

What IELTS does the University of Cumbria London MBA need?+

IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6 in each component.

Can I study at Cumbria London on a Student visa?+

No. The MBA (London) page says international students who need a Student visa are not eligible for London-campus courses.

Does Cumbria accept Class 12 English?+

University-wide, yes: 65% for the 6.0 (5.5) level and 70% for 6.5 (5.5).

Does Cumbria have its own English test?+

Yes. The university-wide page accepts Cumbria's Password test at the same levels as IELTS.

Keep reading

Related

Guide updated on 29 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.

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