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.
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