Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 29 October 2026
UNNC English scores by entry route
From UNNC's undergraduate and postgraduate taught entry requirements:
| Programme | IELTS | Other tests |
|---|---|---|
| Preliminary year (Year 1) | 5.5, no element below 5.0 | PTE 59 (53); TOEFL iBT 72 |
| Qualifying year (Year 2) | 6.5, writing 6.0 | PTE 71 (65); TOEFL iBT 90 (writing 19) |
| Qualifying year: English Language and Linguistics / Literature / International Business | 7.0, writing 6.0 | PTE 76 (65); TOEFL iBT 100 |
| BEng Aerospace Engineering | 6.0 (5.5) preliminary; 6.5 (6.0) qualifying | |
| MSc Computer Science and four other listed MSc courses | 6.0, no element below 5.5 | PTE 65 (59); TOEFL iBT 80 |
| Other taught master's | 6.5, no element below 6.0 | PTE 71 (65); TOEFL iBT 90 |
Indian applicants and exemptions
For Indian applicants, 70% in Year 12 English from CBSE or ISC can meet the minimum English requirement, though some courses ask for more. Typical offers for courses asking ABB/BBB at A-level are about 80% in CBSE or ISC.
For master's applicants, alumni of the Nottingham UK, Ningbo and Malaysia campuses, and graduates of degrees from listed English-speaking countries or listed institutions, can be exempt. The postgraduate page notes One Skill Retake is accepted for the listed MSc courses.
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Pre-sessional and test rules
UNNC accepts only offline (test centre) English scores. Completing its pre-sessional programme meets the English requirement for postgraduate admission, and pre-master programmes are run by the Centre for English Language Education.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your UNNC programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Minimum vs competitive score
Where the University of Nottingham Ningbo China 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 score do I need for Nottingham Ningbo China?+
IELTS 5.5 with no element below 5.0 for the preliminary year, or 6.5 with writing at 6.0 for qualifying-year entry.
What IELTS do I need for a UNNC master's?+
6.0 with no element below 5.5 for listed MSc courses such as Computer Science, and 6.5 with no element below 6.0 for others.
Can Indian students use CBSE English for UNNC?+
Yes. 70% in Year 12 English from CBSE or ISC can meet the minimum requirement.
Does UNNC accept IELTS Online?+
No. Only offline English test scores are accepted.
Keep reading
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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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