English language requirements - 2023 entry

These tests are valid for 2 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 7 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 2 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 7 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 2 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 7 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 2 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 7 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 2 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 7 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 2 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 7 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 2 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 7 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 2 years prior to the start of the programme

These tests are valid for 7 years prior to the start of the programme

All test scores are verified with the issuing body on receipt. Any applicant found to have submitted a fraudulent score will have their application withdrawn and UCAS will be advised.

The University reserves the right to change minimum English Language requirements during an application cycle in-line with any compliance guidance released by the Home Office. In the event of a change in Home Office policy which affects entry requirements, the University will notify affected applicants in writing.

Our Pre-sessional courses are designed to improve your English language skills to the standard required for your chosen degree in September. These tests are valid for 2 years prior to the start of the programme.

The pre-sessional scores are aligned to the University’s IELTS entry requirements in line with the table below:

Find out more about the Presessional English course on the INTO website.

Download a Pre-sessional English brochure 2023 (.pdf)‌

If you have taken any other acceptable test and wish to confirm if a pre-sessional English course is required or recommended, please contact us.

If you successfully complete a pre-sessional course at INTO University of Exeter and meet the progression requirements for entry to your academic programme of study, it is not necessary to undertake an additional IELTS or equivalent test. Please note that we do not accept pre-sessional courses delivered by other INTO centres or organisations.

The Centre also offers an Academic English course.

A student applying for a Student visa who is not a National of a majority English speaking country is required to demonstrate a minimum proficiency in English language equivalent to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The University’s minimum English Language requirements are specified above.

From 1 December 2020, the Visitor visa has replaced the Short-term study visa incorporating most of its rules. The short-term study visa is no longer applicable for exchange and study abroad students.

Credit-mobility students entering the UK on a Visitor visa will be exempt from the English Language requirements above if the Partner Institution completes the Exeter English Language Proficiency form confirming their student has the minimum proficiency in English language equivalent to B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

*Canadian nationals are exempt from English Language requirements. Non-Canadian nationals are exempt from English if their entire degree has been studied at an Anglophone Canadian university.

If you reside in one of these countries, you are not required to submit evidence of English language proficiency if you:

• Have undertaken a full degree in one of these countries and completed it no more than two years before the intended start of your chosen postgraduate programme.
• The degree certificate is successfully verified with the issuing body on receipt. Any applicant found to have submitted a fraudulent score will have their application withdrawn.

If you wish to defer your entry to the University, we may ask you to re-take your test if your original offer was based on a test which will be out of date at the point of registration.

All test scores are verified with the issuing body on receipt. Any applicant found to have submitted a fraudulent score will have their application withdrawn.
The University reserves the right to change minimum English Language requirements during an application cycle in-line with any compliance guidance released by the Home Office. In the event of a change in Home Office policy which affects entry requirements, the University will notify affected applicants in writing.

Exemptions

• Full degrees studied in full and completed in a majority English-speaking country if taken no more than two years prior to enrolment.

• Evidence of substantial professional experience, such as a letter from a recent employer if the following criteria are met:
  • Applicants have worked for a minimum of 12 months in majority English-speaking country or for an English-language-speaking organisation in a non-MESC where the main language for the role was English.
  • The role involved daily professional use of each of the four language components (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
  • Applicants worked in an appropriately technical context to demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in an academic or professional environment; and
  • The role has ended no more than two years before the course's start date.
    
    
• Where the English Language evidence provided is outside of the current validity period by no more than three months; or the IELTS equivalents are no lower than 0.5 points in any one subskill the lead academic supervisor will be contacted to establish if they wish to soften on the English language requirements. This will remain dependant on meeting the UKVI minimum criteria for English Language. (PGR Only)

In all instances approval granted for the above exemptions is at the discretion of the Academic Faculty. In instances where an exemption is not granted, evidence of the standard English Language requirements must be provided.

Our Pre-sessional English programmes are designed to improve your English language skills to meet the standard required for your chosen degree at the University of Exeter. To find out more, and to submit an application, please visit the INTO University of Exeter website.

If you successfully complete the Pre-Sessional English programme at INTO University of Exeter and meet the progression requirements for entry to your academic programme of study, it is not necessary to undertake an additional IELTS or TOEFL test. Please note that we do not accept pre-sessional courses delivered by other INTO centres or organisations.

If you have taken any other accepted test and wish to confirm if a pre-sessional English course is required or recommended, please contact us.