Programmes at Lancaster University International Study Centre are available to all international students. It is the first step in gaining an undergraduate or postgraduate degree from a top ten UK university. To enter the International Foundation Year or Pre-Masters Programme, you need a minimum level of English language and academic requirements.
You can start your studies with a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), provided you have met all the programme entry requirements.
The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.
You can start your studies virtually with a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) as above or you can provide proof of your English language proficiency with an alternative test. This is possible because you do not need a Student Visa to start virtually from your home country.
You will need to obtain a SELT with the required minimum score to make a Student Visa application in order to come to campus.
The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme
Alternative tests accepted include:
You will need to obtain a UKVI Secure English Language Test (SELT) with the required minimum score in order to make a Student Visa application in order to come to campus.
You can start your studies in 2022 with either a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), or an accepted alternative equivalent assessment, provided you meet all the programme entry requirements.
The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme.
This applies if you:
UKVI-approved SELTS include:
Starting your studies virtually from home and coming to campus at a later date.
You can start your studies virtually with a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT) as above or you can provide proof of your English language proficiency with an alternative test. This is possible because you do not need a Student Visa to start virtually from your home country.
You will need to obtain a SELT with the required minimum score in order to make a Student Visa application in order to come to campus.
The test results must have been achieved in the past 24 months and meet the minimum English equivalency score for your chosen programme
Alternative tests accepted include:
Study Group is permitted to assess students’ suitability for entry onto programmes which are degree level and above under the registration for the UK Office for Students. You are therefore not required to have a UKVI SELT to obtain a Student Visa when you come to campus.
If you begin your course virtually and transfer to the UK to complete your programme, you may be issued a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) based on the Academic English Skills module assessments (as part of your Pre-Masters).
A CAS for a Student Visa will only be issued if you have met the minimum language requirement of CEFR B2 in all skills, and the academic entry requirements for your chosen programme.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for your pathway programme, you can join an English language preparation course first.
To progress to your undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you will be required to successfully complete your pathway programme and achieve the required grades.
Students looking to study on the Business and Management, Engineering and Computing, Life Sciences, or Mathematics and Statistics pathways are required to have passed maths in their final year of study^ of secondary education. Studying at Lancaster on the Engineering and Computing OR Mathematics and Statistics pathways requires a strong comprehension and ability in Maths. Students considering these pathways are strongly encouraged to take ONE of the following tests, to give an indication of the strength of their Maths skills:
A score of 4 in TOM OR 41/120 in STEP means that students have strong Maths ability and are well suited for these courses. Taking one of these tests and achieving the scores above will also replace the normal entry criteria, offering an alternative way to be eligible for enrolment. Academic IELTS for UKVI* will still apply.
We encourage all applicants to be confident that their own maths abilities are strong enough to cope with the demanding studies. These tests offer the chance for potential students to verify that they are at the required level, while offering a great new alternative to the standard entry requirements.
^ All students' English and numeracy skills will be tested on arrival, and study plans may be altered accordingly. This may incur additional costs.
* If you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English.
You need to have a minimum level of English language to start your International Foundation Year. Your language skills will also be tested when you arrive at the International Study Centre.
For entry to International Foundation Year in Engineering and Computer, Life Sciences and Mathematics and Statistics courses you need:
For entry to International Foundation Year in Business and Management Studies, Law and Social Studies courses you need:
If you do not meet the English language requirements for the International Foundation Year, the 10 week Online Pre-sessional English programme is available to you.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for the International Foundation Year, the one-term English Language Preparation programme is available to you.
*If you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English.
| Country | Qualification |
| Bangladesh | HSC with overall GPA 3.25 or 55%, with 55% or above in Maths and English. Maximum age 21 years & 364 days |
| Botswana | Successful completion of the Cambridge Overseas School Certificate grades 1-6 in 4 or more subjects. |
| China (Mainland) | SH2 at 70% average in 4 subjects, including relevant subjects or SH3 60% average in 4 subjects, including relevant subjects |
| China (Hong Kong) | Form 5: Passes in 4 or more subjects or HKDSE 3,2,2 |
| China (Macau) | Successful completion of Form 5 with average grade 75%, or iGCSE / 'O' Levels with grade C or above in 5 relevant subjects including English |
| Ghana | Successful completion of the West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate average grade 6 or above in 4 or more subjects |
| India | Completion of Year 11 65% or HSC with 50% |
| Indonesia | Completion of Grade 7.0 SMU 2 (must include relevant subjects) or Grade 6.5 SMU 2 (must include relevant subjects) |
| Iran | Successful completion of High School Diploma (3 years) with a GPA of 14 including relevant subjects |
| Japan | Completion of Year 12 with 60% or GPA 3 on a 5 scale |
| Jordan | Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 80% |
| Kazakhstan | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with GPA of 4.0 |
| Korea | SH3: 5th grade average in rank or SH2: 4th grade average in rank or High School graduation equivalency exam – 60% |
| Libya | Successful completion Secondary Education Certificate with average of 80% |
| Malaysia | SPM school: Form 5, Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 5 relevant academic subjects to include English and Maths |
| Mexico | Successful completion of Bachillerato with average score of 75% |
| Morocco | Diplôme du Baccalauréat with grade average of 12 |
| Myanmar | Basic Education High School Examination with 5 subjects 45%+ to include relevant subjects |
| Nigeria | Successful completion of West African School Certificate (WAEC) with grades A - C in 4 or more relevant subjects |
| Pakistan | Successful completion of High Secondary Certificate with passes in 4 or more subjects with an average of 60% |
| Qatar | Successful completion of Thanawaya Aam Qatari with average grade 80%, or QSSC - minimum 5 subjects with 3 subjects at Advanced Level with grades A-C |
| Russia | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with a GPA of 4.0 |
| Singapore | Secondary 4: Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 5 relevant academic subjects to include English and Maths |
| Saudi Arabia | Successful completion of Tawjihi with average of 80% including relevant subjects |
| Taiwan | Completion of SH2 with an average grade of 70% or SH3 with 60% |
| Thailand | Successful completion of MAW5 with grade 2.5 or MAW6 with grade 2.0 in academic subjects including at least 2.0 in Maths and Science subjects |
| Turkey | Successful completion of Devlet Lise Diploması (High School Completion) - 65% overall with minimum 60% in relevant subjects |
| UAE | Successful completion of Tawjihiyya with average of 80%, including relevant subjects |
| Ukraine | Successful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with a GPA of 7.0 |
| USA | Completion of Year 11 - GPA 3.0 or Year 12 Diploma GPA 2.75 |
| Vietnam | Completion of Year 11 - GPA 7.0 or Year 12 with GPA 6.5 |
Maths or other numerate subject modules required for Business, Science and Computing
Relevant degree required for Engineering, Computing, Mathematics and Science. Not required for Business (although numerate modules required), Law or Social Studies
You need to have a minimum level of English language to start your Pre-Masters Programme. Your language skills will also be tested when you arrive at the International Study Centre.
For both Business, Law and Social Sciences and Engineering, Computing, Mathematics and Science you need to:
If you do not meet the English language requirements for the Pre-Masters Programme, the 10 or 20 weeks Online Pre-sessional English for Pre-Masters programme* is available to you.
Entry requirement:
Start date:
If you do not meet the English language requirements for the Pre-Masters Programme, the one-term English for Pre-Masters programme* is available to you.
Pre-Masters
Academic requirements
| Australia | Bachelors Hons degree (4 years of study): 60% |
| Bangladesh | Bachelors degree - 3 Year Undergraduate (Hons) 55%, 3 Year Undergrad (Regular Pass) 60%, 4 Year Undergraduate (Any) 55% |
| Belarus | Recognised first degree (Specialist Diploma with GPA of 7/10, Bachelor degree (Bakalavr) 7.5/10 (all good and excellent grades) |
| Brazil | Recognised first degree: (Titulo de Bacharel / Titulo de (subject area) / Titulo de Licenciado/a), 4 years of study 65%, 6.5/10 or 3.25/5 |
| China | Full time Bachelor degree studies (60% +), Full time Undergraduate Programme Graduation Certificate or Junior College Diploma (3 years) (70%+) |
| Egypt | University Bachelor degree four years of study, 65% GPA 2.6/4.0 scale or 3.2/5.0 scale |
| Gambia | Masters degree required, 75% |
| Georgia | Recognised first degree (Bachelor degree (Bakalavris), Specialist Diploma, 4 years of study, GPA 3.0 or 60% |
| Ghana | Recognised first degree (Bachelor degree or Doctor of [Medical Subject]), four years of study, 2:2, 2.5/4 or 50% |
| Hong Kong | 4 years Bachelor degree 2:2 or 2.7/4.3 |
| India | Bachelor degree - 3 Year Undergraduate (Hons) 55%, 3 Year Undergrad (Regular Pass) 60%, 4 Year Undergraduate (Any) 55% |
| Indonesia | Recognised first degree (Sarjana 1 (S1) or a D4 Diploma) 2.5 overall. |
| Iraq | Bachelor degree from a well-ranked institution, four years of study, 70% |
| Japan | Bachelor degree, A - C/60%+ |
| Jordan | Bachelor degree, four years of study, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale |
| Kazakhstan | Recognised first degree (Bachelor degree (Bakalavr) - 4 years of study, Specialist Diploma/Kazakh Diploma - 5 years of study), gpa 3.0 (out of 4, 4.33 or 5) |
| Kenya | Bachelor degree, 4 years of study, 2:2, 50%, 2.5/4.0 or C |
| Korea | Bachelor’s degree with grade average 70%+. Grade C or of 2.0 on the 4.5 scale or 2.0 on the 4.3 scale |
| Kuwait | Recognised first degree, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale |
| Macau | Bachelors (honours) GPA 2.5, Bachelors (ordinary) GPA 3.0. Do not accept HND, Honours Diploma, Associate Degree or Professional Diploma |
| Malaysia | Bachelors degree, 3 years of study, 2:2 or A, B & C or 2.9+) |
| Mexico | Recognised first degree (Titulo de Licenciado / Titulo (Profesional) de (subject area)), 4 years of study, 7.5/10 or 75% |
| Morocco | Recognised first degree (Licence / Licence d'Études Fondamentales / Licence Professionnelle / Diplôme du Cycle Normal / Diplôme de Doctorat en Pharmacie / Diplôme d'Écoles Nationales de Commerce et de Gestion), lengths of study vary with programme, 13/20 (or 3.0/4.0 for Al Akhawayn University) |
| Myanmar | Masters degree required, 55% |
| Nepal | Bachelors degree, 4 years of study, 50% |
| New Zealand | Recognised Bachelors Degree (3+1 or four years Hons), 2:2 or B- |
| Nigeria | Bachelors degree, four years of study, 2:2 or 3.0/5.0 |
| Oman | Bachelor degree, four years of study, GPA 2.5/4.0 or 3.0/5.0. Do not accept 3 year Higher/Advanced Diploma |
| Pakistan | Bachelors degree from NOOSR Section 1 or 2 institutions, four years of study, 50%. Do not accept 3 year Bachelors degree or non-degree diplomas |
| Philippines | Bachelors degree from one of the 'prestigious' Universities (Ateneo de Manila University, De la Salle University (Manilla campus), University of Santo Tomas or University of Philippines (Diliman campus) ), Grade of “Good” or above. |
| Qatar | Bachelors degree, four years of study, GPA 2.5/4.0 or 2.8/5.0 scale |
| Russia | Recognised first degree (Bachelors (Bakalavr), 4 years of study / Specialist Diploma, 5 years of study), GPA 4.0/5.0 (Good |
| Saudi Arabia | Bachelor degree, four years of study, GPA 2.5/4.0 or 3.0/5.0. |
| Singapore | Recognised first degree (Bachelor or Bachelor Hons), 2:2 |
| Sri Lanka | Bachelors degree, 4 years of study, 2:2 or 55%. Do not accept Diplomas |
| Taiwan | Bachelor Degree, four years of study 65% or 5 year Junior College Diploma onto 3 term PMP, with 80% grade and 2+ years related work experience |
| Tanzania | Bachelor degree, 4 years of study, 2:2 or 2.7/5.0. Do not accept Advanced Diploma/HND |
| Thailand | Recognised first degrees (Bachelor Degree, 4 years of study OR Higher Diploma of Technical or Vocational Education), GPA 2.3/4.0. |
| Turkey | Recognised first degree (Lisans Diplomasi or Muhendis Diplomasi) GPA of 2.1. Associate Degree (On-Lisans Diplomasi) not accepted |
| UAE | Recognised first degree, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale |
| Ukraine | Recognised first degree (Bachelors degree (Bakalavr), 3 years of study OR Ukrainian Specilaist Diploma, 4 years of study), 75% (all good and excellent grades) |
| Uzbekistan | Recognised first degree (Bachelors degree (Bakalavr), 4 years of study, 65% OR Specialist Diploma, 5 years of study, 60%) |
| Vietnam | Recognised First Degree (Bang tot nghiep dai hoc OR Bang Cu Nhan), four years of study, GPA 6.0/10. Do not accept Associate Degree or Higher Diploma. |
Note - 'Where 'years of study' stated - this to be taken as a minimum at that level.
If your qualification or country is not listed then please contact us for more information.
IELTS Academic for UKVI 4.5 (with 4.5 in all skills)
If you need a visa to study in the UK, you may be asked for different or additional English language requirements and English tests. For example, you may need to submit a Secure English Language Test (SELT) with your Student visa application.
*If you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English.
