Apart from IELTS, what other English proficiency scores are accepted in UK/UAE for a Master's?

When you apply for a Master's degree in the UK or the UAE, several alternative English proficiency tests are widely accepted alongside IELTS, though you should always confirm with your specific university since visa regulations, especially in the UK, dictate which tests count for immigration purposes. Here is a comparison of the main options you can consider. Check each test against your target country's visa rules before you book it.

English Proficiency Test Acceptance

When You May Not Need Any Test At All

In both the UK and the UAE, you may be exempt from submitting any test score, including IELTS, if your previous Bachelor's degree was taught and assessed entirely in English at a recognized institution in a majority English-speaking country. You may also qualify for exemption if you hold a passport from a majority English-speaking country as defined by immigration authorities.

My Advice

If you need a UK student visa, confirm whether your chosen university requires a Home Office approved SELT test like PTE Academic or LanguageCert, since not every accepted admissions test, such as Duolingo, automatically satisfies UK visa rules on its own.