Will my IELTS requirement differ between MBA, MS and undergraduate programmes at UK universities?
Yes. The IELTS requirement in the UK can change by programme, so an MBA, MS, engineering programme and undergraduate degree may each have different English requirements, even at the same university. Check the requirement listed for your specific programme rather than relying on the university's general IELTS score.
Yes, UK universities can set different IELTS requirements for MBA, MS and undergraduate programmes, even at the same university. Always check the score listed for your own programme.
Example MS IELTS Requirements
| University | Example IELTS requirement |
|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each element at Standard level; 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each element at Higher level |
| University of Oxford | 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component at Standard level; 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each component at Higher level |
| University of Cambridge | Normally 7.5 overall with 7.0 or above in each element |
| UCL | 6.5 to 8.0 depending on programme level |
| The University of Edinburgh | Programme-specific; can include 6.5 or 7.0 overall |
For MBA Applicants
- Business schools can set separate English conditions for their MBA programmes.
- Do not use a university-wide IELTS score as the final MBA requirement.
- A technical MS can differ from one in education, social sciences or business.
My Advice
Open the page for your exact programme and note both the overall and the component scores. Plan your test date around those numbers, and recheck the university's official page before booking.
Looking for a specific course in the UK?
We will find the universities that offer it, and whether you will get in.
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