Southampton English bands: IELTS and PTE
Southampton's English language requirements page expresses each course's requirement as a band with an IELTS equivalent. The band score table gives the scores below. The same IELTS scores apply to IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Academic and IELTS Online. Where Southampton's PTE column shows N/A, no PTE score is listed for that band.
| Band | IELTS (UKVI, Academic or Online) | PTE Academic or PTE Academic UKVI |
|---|---|---|
| A | 6.0, 5.5 in each skill | N/A on Southampton's table |
| B | 6.5, 5.5 in each skill | N/A on Southampton's table |
| C | 6.5, 6.0 in each skill | 67, 64 in each skill |
| D | 6.5, 6.5 reading and writing, 6.0 listening and speaking | 67, 67 reading and writing, 64 listening and speaking |
| E | 6.5, 6.5 in each skill | 67, 67 in each skill |
| F | 7.0, 6.0 in each skill | N/A on Southampton's table |
| G | 7.0, 6.5 in each skill | 76, 67 in each skill |
| H | 7.0, 7.0 in each skill | 76, 76 in each skill |
| I | 7.0, 6.5 writing, 7.0 in the others | 76, 67 writing, 76 in the others |
Accepted tests, online tests and validity
Your test must be on Southampton's approved list and awarded within two years of your course start date. It must be taken in person at an approved centre unless Southampton lists it as an online test. Southampton verifies every score with the test provider.
The approved online tests are Duolingo, IELTS Online, LanguageCert Academic Online, Oxford ELLT Digital and TOEFL iBT Home Edition. PTE Academic is listed as a centre-based test and as a SELT, not as an online test. One Skill Retake is accepted for both IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Academic.
Duolingo scores must be individual sub-scores, not integrated ones. Band E needs 120 overall (listening 115, reading 120, writing 130, speaking 120). Band H needs 130 (listening 125, reading 130, writing 145, speaking 130). Duolingo is N/A for Bands A, B and F.
Know your target? Check where you stand
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Pre-sessional courses and the visa
If you miss your band, a Southampton pre-sessional English course may be an option. For an in-person pre-sessional you need a SELT if you also need a Student visa. For an online pre-sessional, any of the approved tests will do.
Requirements vary by programme and change between admissions cycles. The score that binds you is the one on your Southampton programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does the University of Southampton accept PTE?+
Yes, PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI, for Bands C, D, E, G, H and I. For example, Band E needs 67 with 67 in each skill. Southampton's table shows N/A for PTE at Bands A, B and F.
Does Southampton accept IELTS One Skill Retake and IELTS Online?+
Yes. One Skill Retake is accepted for IELTS Academic and IELTS for UKVI, and IELTS Online is on the approved online-test list at the same scores.
Do I need IELTS for UKVI for Southampton?+
Not for degree entry, where standard IELTS Academic and IELTS Online are accepted. You need a SELT such as IELTS for UKVI only if you will take an in-person pre-sessional course and need a Student visa.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Southampton?+
It depends on the band your course is given, from 6.0 (Band A) to 7.0 (Bands F to I). Southampton does not publish one postgraduate figure; your offer letter names the band.
Does Southampton accept Duolingo?+
Yes, for Bands C to I except F. Band E, for example, needs 120 overall with individual sub-scores of 115 to 130.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Exeter IELTS requirement
- University of Bristol IELTS requirement
- Duolingo to IELTS converter
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 711 guides
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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