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Do I need IELTS for UK Master's programs?

10 Jul 2026 · Answered by Shairal Pathak · 1 min read
Shairal Pathak
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Most UK universities will require you to submit an IELTS Academic score for a master’s program, usually needing an overall score of 6.5 or higher. Some universities may waive IELTS if your previous degree was fully in English, so consider requesting a Medium of Instruction letter from your college. Double-check each university’s specific requirements and plan your IELTS attempt so it’s valid for your January 2027 intake.

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Leeladhar S
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It depends on the UK university’s policy. Some universities may waive the English proficiency test if you have a master’s degree in English from India, while others still require IELTS or a similar test.

- Some universities (like Leicester, Edinburgh) may accept your degree as proof of English proficiency.
- Others (like Cambridge) usually require an English test, even if your degree was taught in English.

Requirements vary by university and program. For your specific shortlist, your LeapScholar counsellor can confirm if you qualify for a waiver.

Pushplata Gaddmwar
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Yes, you will need to provide proof of English language proficiency for your UK Master's application, since your native language is not English and you have not taken IELTS.

While IELTS is the most common option, many UK universities also accept tests like PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge English Qualifications. Some may accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate if your previous education was in English, but this is not guaranteed.

For the UK Student Route visa, you must meet the English requirement - typically B2 level on the CEFR - with a UKVI-approved test. IELTS Academic and TOEFL iBT are widely accepted for both admission and visa purposes.

If you have questions about which test to take or need help with alternatives, please reach out to your LeapScholar counsellor.

Sumit Singh Chauhan
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Yes, you will typically need to take IELTS for both UK university admission and your student visa application.

- IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) is usually required. It must be taken at a UKVI-approved test center.
- Minimum score: For most Master's programs, universities expect an overall score of 6.0 - 6.5, with no band below 5.5. Requirements may be higher for some courses.
- Visa requirement: The UK government requires a minimum of 5.5 in each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) for degree-level study. This is subject to change.

Some universities may accept alternative tests or waive IELTS if you meet certain criteria, but this varies.

If you need help choosing the right test or understanding your university’s requirements, contact your LeapScholar counsellor.

Soorya Sudheer
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It depends. A TOEFL iBT score of 95 is generally considered equivalent to an IELTS score of 6.5, which meets the English language requirements for many UK master's programs.

However:
- Some universities or specific programs may require a higher IELTS score or have minimum scores for each section. - Certain universities may only accept IELTS and not TOEFL.

Check the exact requirements for your target universities and programs. If your TOEFL score is not accepted or does not meet the minimum, you may need to take the IELTS.

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