Do I need to take an English proficiency test like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Duolingo, or can I get a waiver based on my academic background in UK?
It depends. Most UK universities require proof of English proficiency through tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, or Duolingo. Some may waive this if you scored at least 65% in English in Standard XII from certain Indian boards (CBSE, CISCE), but this usually does not apply to undergraduate university degrees.
Since your highest qualification is a Commerce degree with 65%, you will likely need to take an English proficiency test. Requirements and waivers vary by university and are subject to change.
If you have questions about specific universities or alternative options like pre-sessional English courses, please contact your LeapScholar counsellor for tailored guidance.
More expert answers
It depends.
Many UK universities may waive IELTS or PTE if you have a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or accept Duolingo scores for admission. However, for your UK student visa, you must provide proof of English proficiency through a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI. Duolingo and MOI waivers are not accepted for visa purposes.
Even if you get an admission waiver or use Duolingo for university entry, you will likely need to take IELTS or PTE UKVI for your visa application. Reach out to your LeapScholar counsellor for guidance on university waivers and visa requirements.
IELTS, PTE or Duolingo: which does the UK accept?
Find out which test your universities accept, and which is easiest for you.
More IELTS & English tests questions
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Can I pursue an MBA abroad after completing a Bachelor of Science degree?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- What other steps do I need to follow to get admission to those universities in UK/Ireland for a Master's?
- What documents are required for university applications and scholarships in Netherlands/Spain for a Master's/Bachelor's?
- What are the deadlines and timelines for language preparation and IELTS exams to apply for universities in Germany?
- Which universities in the UK offer MS International Business for a BBA graduate, IELTS 7.0 and ₹60 lakhs budget?
More UK questions
- Is a loan sanction letter from the government regulated Indian Bank accepted for a UK student visa application?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?
- Is the USA the best country option for my AI or data science master's program, or should I consider other countries in UK/Canada?
- What scholarships are available for Cybersecurity Master's programs in UK universities?
- Which universities in the UK offer MS Accounting & Finance for a B.Tech Computer Engineering graduate and ₹40 lakhs budget?
- Which course are you planning to do abroad in UK for a Master's/MBA?