What IELTS score do you need for the University of Reading?

From the undergraduate table. Reading's accepted tests page lists IELTS Academic, IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Online, PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI, Duolingo and LanguageCert (in person and online) for undergraduate, taught postgraduate and research entry, each no more than two years old at the course start. Speech and Language Therapy accepts only IELTS or TOEFL. Separate PTE and Duolingo scores for master's courses are not stated by Reading on the pages read.

Reading's undergraduate table accepts Standard XII English at 70% from CBSE or ICSE and 75% from all other boards, and WASSCE English at grade C. Its accepted tests page lists Standard XII English Core, English Elective or Functional English from CBSE, ICSE and state boards, and only verified WAEC and NECO results. The minimum NECO grade and the Standard XII level for master's entry are not stated by Reading.

Reading's country pages for India, Pakistan, Nepal, Nigeria and Bangladesh give academic grades and agents but no separate English route, so school-English routes for Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh are not stated by Reading.

Reading's Pre-sessional English runs 16, 10 or 6 weeks, on campus or by distance learning, for offers up to 6.5 (6.0). In summer 2026 the 16-week course took IELTS 5.0 (4.5) for £8,640, the 10-week 5.5 (5.0, writing 5.5) for £5,400 and the 6-week 6.0 (5.5) for £3,240. Campus students who need a visa must show a SELT such as UKVI IELTS. Reading says your main-course CAS follows once you have accepted the offer, paid the deposit and met all other conditions.

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 Reading programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.