Sussex English levels by test
From Sussex's postgraduate English requirements page. The undergraduate page gives the same IELTS levels but lists PTE and Duolingo scores only for Standard and Advanced. Tests are valid for two years from the test date, you cannot combine sittings, and Sussex does not accept PTE Academic Online. Medicine BMBS needs IELTS 7.5 with 7.0 in each section.
| Level | IELTS (Academic or Online) | PTE Academic | Duolingo | TOEFL iBT (from 21 January 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 6.0, at least 5.5 in each component | 59, at least 59 in all four skills | 110, at least 105 in each component | 4, at least 4 in each skill |
| High | 6.5, at least 6.0 in each component | 62, at least 59 in all four skills | 120, at least 110 in each component | 4.5, at least 4 in each skill |
| Advanced | 7.0, at least 6.5 in each component | 67, at least 62 in all four skills | 130, at least 120 in each component | 5, at least 4.5 in each skill |
Sussex levels on course pages
Each course page states its level. These were read on 4 October 2026.
| Course | Level | IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science BSc | Undergraduate | 6.0, at least 5.5 in each component |
| Data Science MSc | Postgraduate | Standard: 6.0, at least 5.5 in each component |
| International Management MSc | Postgraduate | Standard: 6.0, at least 5.5 in each component |
| International Relations MA | Postgraduate | Standard: 6.0, at least 5.5 in each component |
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Take a free scored IELTS mock →Indian, Nigerian and Pakistani applicants
Sussex accepts Indian Standard XII English from the boards below; other State Boards are not currently recognised, and State Board results must be within six years of your start date. Sussex's India page adds that Functional English does not count. Its Nigeria page confirms C6 or above in WAEC or NECO meets the requirement. School routes for Pakistan and Nepal are not stated by Sussex.
| Qualification | Standard and High | Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| CBSE Standard XII (English Core only) | 70% | 80% |
| CISCE Standard XII English | 70% or Grade 3 | 80% or Grade 2 |
| State Boards: Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Kerala, Meghalaya, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal | 70% | 80% |
| WAEC or NECO West African Senior School Certificate | A1 to C6 in English language | A1 to C6 in English language |
Pre-sessional English and the Student visa
Sussex runs on-campus pre-sessional courses of 16, 10 and five weeks. Its 28-week and 40-week courses are currently shown with enrolment suspended. For degree-level study Sussex accepts IELTS from any test centre, but a CAS for a standalone English or in-person pre-sessional course needs IELTS from a UKVI-approved centre.
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 Sussex programme page and in your offer letter, so check it there before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does the University of Sussex accept PTE?+
Yes, but not PTE Academic Online: 59 for Standard-level courses, 62 for High (postgraduate) and 67 with 62 in each skill for Advanced.
Does Sussex accept Duolingo?+
Yes, taken within two years of your start: 110 with 105 in each component for Standard, 120 with 110 for High (postgraduate) and 130 with 120 for Advanced.
Does Sussex accept IELTS Online and One Skill Retake?+
Yes. Sussex accepts IELTS One Skill Retake and IELTS Online.
Can Indian students study at Sussex without IELTS?+
Yes, with 70% in Standard XII English (CBSE English Core, CISCE, or one of ten listed State Boards) for Standard-level courses, or 80% for Advanced.
What IELTS do I need for a master's at Sussex?+
Usually Standard, 6.0 with 5.5 in each component, as on the Data Science MSc and International Relations MA pages. Some courses ask for High or Advanced.
Keep reading
Related
- University of Kent IELTS requirement
- University of Portsmouth 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 4 October 2026. Rules change: confirm on the official page before you book or apply.
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