USW's levels by test
From USW's English language requirements page. It says "a very small number" of programmes ask for more, and that students coming on a course below degree level, including pre-sessional English, foundation programmes and HNDs, need a Home Office approved SELT. Duolingo must be taken within two years of your visa application, and USW may run extra checks on Duolingo test samples.
| Test | USW minimum (degree level) |
|---|---|
| IELTS, including One Skill Retake (IELTS Online if you need no SELT) | 6.0, at least 5.5 in each component |
| PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI (test centre only) | 59, 59 in each component |
| Duolingo English Test | 110, 100 in each component |
| TOEFL iBT incl. Home Edition, on or after 21 January 2026 (no MyBest) | 4, 4 in each section |
| TOEFL iBT incl. Home Edition, before 21 January 2026 | 72; reading 18, listening 17, writing 17, speaking 20 |
| LanguageCert Academic or Academic SELT (not online) | 65, 60 in each component |
| Kaplan Test of English (online) | 458, 425 in each component |
| Password Skills Plus | 6.0, no less than 5.5 |
| Oxford Test of English | 125, 111 in each component |
| Doctoral and research master's courses | IELTS 6.5, minimum 5.5 in each band |
USW IELTS on course pages
These course pages were read on 9 October 2026. Both master's pages say IELTS may not be needed if you studied in English, pointing to the country pages.
| Course | Level | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Applied Cyber Security | Postgraduate | 6.0, minimum 5.5 (TOEFL 4, minimum 4) |
| MBA Global | Postgraduate | 6.0, minimum 5.5 (TOEFL 4, minimum 4) |
| BSc Nursing (Adult) | Undergraduate | Not currently open to international applicants |
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Indian, Pakistani and Nigerian applicants
USW's India page accepts HSC (12th standard) English at 65-70% or above, depending on your board, for undergraduate and postgraduate entry, and offers the USW English test (Password) free in India. Duolingo must be taken on or after 1 July 2024. The page also lists a £2,500-a-year scholarship for self-funded Indian students starting in September 2026 or February 2027.
The Pakistan page lists GCSE English at C, IELTS 6.0 (5.5) or Duolingo 110 (100) and names no HSSC English waiver. The Nigeria page accepts a C, C6, 6 or credit pass in SSCE, NECO or WAEC English.
Pre-sessional English and the Student visa
USW's English language programmes page runs pre-sessionals for conditional offer holders below 6.0, on campus and online. The fee table on the page is labelled for September 2024 and February 2025 entry, so confirm current prices; students aiming above 6.0 may need a longer course. A pre-sessional on a Student visa needs a SELT.
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 USW programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
| Entry level | Length and dates | Fee shown |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS 5.0, writing 4.5, others 4.0 | 10 weeks, June to September | £4,100 |
| IELTS 5.0, writing 4.5, others 4.0 | 10 weeks, September to December | £4,350 |
| IELTS 5.5, writing 5.5, others 5.0 | 5 weeks, July to September | £2,200 |
| IELTS 5.5, writing 5.5, others 5.0 | 5 weeks, November to December | £2,330 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the University of South Wales accept PTE?+
Yes, PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI with 59 overall and 59 in each component, taken at a PTE test centre. The online version is not mentioned as accepted.
Does USW accept Duolingo?+
Yes: 110 overall with 100 in each component, taken within two years of your visa application. USW says it may run extra checks on the test samples.
Does USW accept IELTS Online?+
Only for students who do not need a UKVI SELT. Everyone else should take IELTS for UKVI or another SELT.
Can Indian students study at USW without IELTS?+
Yes, with 65-70% or above in 12th standard English depending on the board, or by taking the free USW Password English test in India.
Is USW nursing open to international students?+
Not currently. The BSc Nursing (Adult) page says the course is not open to international applicants.
Keep reading
Related
- Cardiff Metropolitan University IELTS requirement
- Swansea University IELTS requirement
- IELTS One Skill Retake explained
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 711 guides
Verified against the linked official sources on 9 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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