What English proficiency tests are generally accepted by UK universities for Master's programs, and which ones might have format or scoring changes in the future?
Yes, UK universities widely accept IELTS Academic and PTE Academic for master's admission, plus TOEFL iBT and Cambridge English at most institutions. TOEFL iBT changed its scoring format on 21 January 2026, so universities now list separate score requirements for tests taken before and after that date.
UK universities generally accept IELTS Academic and PTE Academic most widely for master's admission, with TOEFL iBT and Cambridge English also accepted at many institutions. A UK government review found IELTS accepted by nearly all surveyed providers, so it remains a safe default if you want maximum university coverage.
Commonly Accepted English Tests for UK Master's
| Test | Typical Acceptance | Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Very widely accepted | Moving to computer delivery, skills tested unchanged |
| PTE Academic | Very widely accepted | Some universities exclude the Online version |
| TOEFL iBT | Widely accepted | New scoring format from 21 January 2026 |
| Cambridge C1 or C2 | Widely accepted | Requirements vary by university and course |
| Duolingo English Test | Accepted at some universities | Not universally accepted, verify per course |
Changes to Watch Before You Book a Test
- TOEFL iBT: its January 2026 scoring change means universities publish separate requirements for old and new format scores.
- IELTS delivery: standard paper based IELTS is being phased out in favor of computer delivery in most markets.
- One Skill Retake: not every university accepts it, so check your specific course before relying on it.
My Advice
Shortlist your target universities before booking any test, since accepted tests and minimum scores can vary by course, not just by university. If you are taking TOEFL, confirm whether your target program has published requirements for the post January 2026 scoring format, since older guidance may no longer apply.
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