Exams Required to Study in UK for International Students

The United Kingdom (UK) is a popular choice for international students since it has a good education system, a diverse range of courses, and cultural experience. It is important to note that 18 UK universities got positions in the world’s top 100 universities at the QS World University Rankings 2025. Make sure to know about the entrance exams to study in UK, since it is necessary for getting admission for undergraduate, and postgraduate certificates, diplomas and degree programs. The minimum score requirements for the exams change depending on the university, course, or program level. 

Studying in the UK is the best decision as it provides one-year, full-time, and part-time courses across various streams. The popular English proficiency tests to attempt for studying in UK are IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL. If you want to study medical courses in UK, then you can take exams such as BMAT, GAMSAT, and HPAT Ulster. To pursue mathematical-related courses in UK, you can take MAT or STEP. Learn about each of the exams to study in UK and choose the suitable one for your pursuit.

English Language Proficiency Exams

Language proficiency is the first test required for international students to get ahead of your application to study in the UK. English is an official language and most universities expect applicants to be able to speak and comprehend well in English as you need to engage in lectures and discussions. So, getting good marks in those tests is essential for getting into undergraduate or postgraduate courses in UK. The following are various language proficiency standardized exams to assess your English competence:

• IELTS - International English Language Testing System
• TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language
• PTE - Pearson Test of English
• Cambridge English Language Assessments
• ISE - Integrated Skills in English exams
• Duolingo English Test

1. IELTS - International English Language Testing System

The IELTS test has two types - IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Those who want to study in English-speaking countries like the UK, can take the IELTS test. The IELTS test fee for Indian students is INR 17,000. The minimum IELTS band score for a UK student visa is between 4.0 - 5.5. However, the minimum IELTS score requirements can be higher for each university, for example, top universities like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge expect between 7.0 - 7.5 band score. 

2. TOEFL - Test of English as a Foreign Language

The TOEFL iBT is accepted by all of the U.K universities, including the Russell Group of Universities. It has three types: paper-based, computer-based and an internet version. The minimum TOEFL score required for top universities in UK is between 100 - 110. And, the minimum score required for low-ranking universities is lower than 70. The cost of the TOEFL test in UK is $245. 

Below are the TOEFL iBT score requirements (section-wise) set by the UK Home Office for immigration purposes,

• Total score: 72
• Reading: 18
• Listening: 17
• Writing: 17
• Speaking: 20

Note: It is for the University Degree Level Courses - B2 Level.

3. PTE - Pearson Test of English

PTE, is a computer-based English language proficiency test, accepted by 99% of UK universities. A minimum PTE score to get admission to UK universities is between 50-63. If your goal is to pursue a higher education in UK, you can choose the PTE Academic test. The standard PTE Academic test fee is Rs. 15,900/-. It has an automated scoring system which eliminates human biases during evaluation. 

4. Cambridge English Language Assessments

Cambridge English language assessment is one of the few standardized tests which doesn’t have an expiration date. However, some UK institutions may consider these scores invalid after two (2) years. Cambridge Assessment English uses a grading system with a minimum cut-off range of A, B, or C. This grading system is based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The different levels of Cambridge Assessment English to obtain Tier 4 visas are B2 First (FCE), C1 Advanced (CAE), and C2 Proficiency (CPE). 

5. ISE

The integrated Skills in English test (ISE) is provided by Trinity College London and can be taken up to obtain a student visa if a B2 or higher level is achieved. It has two exam modules - Reading & Writing and Listening & Speaking. The candidate needs to clear ISE II, ISE III, or ISE IV, depending on the university.

6. Duolingo English Test

Duolingo English test is accepted by 4,000 universities and institutions worldwide. It consists of three primary sections: introduction and onboarding, adaptive test, and writing and speaking samples. Some of the popular duolingo accepted universities in UK are Imperial College, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Bristol. The minimum Duolingo score to be accepted in UK universities is 105. It might vary depending on the university.

Subject-Specific Exams to Study in UK

British universities require proof of knowledge related to the field or particular course you have chosen to study. Some of the best courses to study in UK include Business, Law, Medicine and Mathematics. Choose either one of the following exams to pursue the field you want to study. 

1. GRE - Graduate Record Examination

GRE is a standardized test taken up by applicants who apply for graduate degrees like MS, or MBA in the United Kingdom. It is divided into three sections: Analytical writing, Quantitative reasoning, and Verbal reasoning. Most students are confused about whether to choose GRE or GMAT as they seem similar. Like GMAT, GRE also measures your level of skill in algebra, arithmetics, geometry, writing skills, and vocabulary. The main difference between GMAT and GRE, is that GRE is required for graduate-level programs while GMAT is required for graduate business programs. 

2. GMAT - Graduate Management Admissions Test

GMAT is a standardized test used for getting admission into management programs in the UK. It is a computer-based test and divided into four sections: Analytical writing assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. It measures the general knowledge of the candidates in algebra, arithmetic, grammar, verbal reasoning, etc. The minimum GMAT score to attain for getting admission to London Business School is around 600. 

Law Courses

1. LNAT - National Admissions Test for Law

LNAT is required for students who want to pursue law programs in the UK. It evaluates the key skills required for a law profession such as verbal reasoning, interpretation of the information, and ability to analyze and come up with solutions to an issue. The type of questions asked in the LNAT exam are multiple choice questions and essays. This test doesn’t require prior knowledge of law. The fee for the LNAT exam is £75 at UK/EU test centres and for the test centres in the rest of the world, it will take £120.

2. Cambridge Law Test

Cambridge Law test is a paper-based test where test takers need to read the essay and answer the given questions. It is designed to assess the applicant’s aptitude for law by testing comprehension and exposition skills. This test also doesn’t require any prior knowledge of law, instead, it focuses on critical thinking skills. 

Mathematics Courses

1. MAT - Mathematics Admissions Test

The MAT is a standardized mathematics test conducted by the University of Cambridge in partnership with the University of Oxford. It is aimed to test the applicant’s skills in a particular mathematical subject. The MAT is a hybrid test with computer-based questions and a paper answer booklet. It can be taken up by candidates who want to do undergraduate programs in Mathematics and Computer science. 

2. STEP - Sixth Term Examination Paper

STEP is a well-established mathematics examination designed to test the candidates’ knowledge of undergraduate mathematics. This is used by the University of Cambridge, University of Warwick, and Imperial College London. This exam has two papers: Step Mathematics 2 and Step Mathematics 3. The questions are designed to test the candidates’ ability to apply mathematical knowledge in new and unfamiliar ways. 

Medical Courses

1. BMAT Exam - Biomedical Admissions Test

The BMAT exam can be taken by the applicants who want to pursue medical, dental, biomedical, and veterinary degree programs. It tests the candidates’ ability to apply scientific and mathematical knowledge, as well as problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. BMAT sessions are conducted throughout the year, and different universities accept different sessions based on their admissions cycle. Some of the UK universities that accept BMAT are Imperial College, Lancaster College, University of Oxford, etc.

2. GAMSAT - Graduate Medical School Admissions Test

The GAMSAT is a standardized exam developed by the Australian Council of Educational Research (ACER). It is required for students who want to join PhD or doctoral programmes in Australian, UK, and Irish universities. It is designed to assess the ability of the students to take high-level intellectual studies in medical and health professional programs. Typically, the average GAMSAT score is around 56-58. 

3. HPAT Exam - Health Professions Admission Test

The HPAT Exam is a 2.5-hour online multiple-choice assessment developed by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). It can be taken by students who want to pursue healthcare programs. It consists of three sections: 1. Logical reasoning and problem solving, 2. Interpersonal Understanding, and 3. Nonverbal reasoning.

4. UCAT - University Clinical Aptitude Test

The UCAT exam is a computer-based admission test conducted to select applicants for their medical and dental programmes. It is used by the consortium of UK and International Universities.

Other Exams

1. TSA Oxford - Thinking Skills Assessment

The TSA is a two-hour computer-based test conducted before an interview for students who want to take up a course in geography, experimental psychology, human science, philosophy, etc. at the University of Oxford. The structure of the exam is divided into two parts: multiple-choice questions and writing tasks. 

Conclusion

We have provided all the information regarding the popular “exams to study in UK”. You can choose which exam to prepare based on the course you have chosen. A simple tip from our side is before getting into the exam, make sure you completely understand the exam pattern and question types. And, practice as much as possible to develop your skills related to the chosen exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the exams required to study in UK?

Some of the popular entrance exams required to study in UK are,

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• PTE
• Cambridge English Language Assessment
• ISE
• GRE
• GMAT
• LNAT
• Cambridge Law Test
• MAT
• STEP
• BMAT
• GAMSAT
• HPAT
• UCAT
• TSA - Oxford

2. What are the popular exams required to study MS in UK?

The popular exams to study MS in UK are, GRE, IELTS, GMAT, etc. The exam requirement may vary depending on the university and the course type.

3. Do UK universities require SAT?

Most UK universities accept SAT and/or AP Exam scores of the applicants as way to get assured of their eligibility in undergraduate programs.

4. What exams are required to study in the UK after 12th?

An English language proficiency test like IELTS, TOEFL or PTE is required to study in the UK after 12th standard. 

5. Which exam is required for the UK student visa?

Since all UK universities and colleges accept IELTS scores, IELTS is the exam required for the UK student visa. 

6. Which English exam is required for the UK?

• IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills
• LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
• PTE Academic UKVI or PTE Home
• Skills for English UKVI
• Secure English Language Tests for UKVI - Integrated Skills in English (ISE) or Graded Examinations in Spoken English (GESE)
• C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency

7. What are the scholarship exams to study in UK?

There are no scholarship exams to study in UK. However, a good academic record is one of the important criteria to apply for a scholarship. 

8. What exams are required to study Medicine in UK?

• UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT)
• BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT)