International Study Centre

Entry requirements to study at Lancaster University

Entry requirements to study at Lancaster University

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.

For courses starting in January 2022, you can choose how you study so you can either join us on campus or start your studies virtually from home and come to campus at a later date. Find out more here.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are now able to accept a wider range of English tests for entry in October 2021.

Joining us on campus

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.

  • IELTS Academic for UKVI
  • Trinity Integrated Skills in English
  • Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
  • Language Cert SELT

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 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:

  • IELTS Academic
  • IELTS Indicator
  • Pearson PTE Academic
  • Language Cert International ESOL
  • TOEFL iBT/iBT Home addition
  • Cambridge ESOL
  • Duolingo
  • Linguaskill
  • Oxford Test of English

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 October 2021 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:

  • come to campus, or
  • start your studies virtually and join us on campus at a later date.

UKVI-approved SELTS include:

  • IELTS Academic for UKVI
  • Trinity Integrated Skills in English
  • Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
  • Language Cert SELT
  • Alternative tests accepted include:
  • Pearson PTE Academic
  • IELTS Indicator
  • IELTS Academic
  • LanguageCert International ESOL
  • TOEFL iBT
  • Cambridge ESOL
  • Duolingo
  • Linguaskill
  • Oxford Test of English

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.

Check the entry requirements for your 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.

International Foundation Year

General requirements

  • Age: 17+ upon entry to the International Study Centre (view our under-18s guidance)
  • Academic: Good high school graduation grades or equivalent (see below table)

Maths requirements

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:

  1. Cambridge Test of Mathematics (TOM) for University Admission, OR
  2. Cambridge Sixth term exam  paper 1 (STEP paper 1).

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:

  • Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0, with minimum 5.0 in writing*.

For entry to International Foundation Year in Business and Management Studies, Law and Social Studies courses you need:

  • A minimum Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0, with minimum 5.0 in all sub-skills*.

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.

  • Entry requirement: Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall, with 4.5 in writing and listening and no other skills below 4.0 *.
  • Start date: 5 July 2021

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.

  • Entry requirement: Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall, with 4.5 in writing and listening and no other skills below 4.0 *.
  • Start date: September.

*If you do not need a Student visa, or are exempted in another way, we can accept equivalent proof of English.

Country Qualification
Bangladesh Successful completion of High School Certificate at an average grade of 60%
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

If your qualification or country is not listed then please contact us for more information.

  • Completion of IB programme first year or IB Certificate: 24 points
  • A/AS levels: 24 UCAS points, A-D grades

Pre-Masters Programme

General requirements

  • Age: 20+ upon entry to the International Study Centre
  • Academic: Successfully completed appropriate first qualifications in their own country (see below table)

Note

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:

  • Have attained an English language level of, or equivalent to, academic IELTS 5.5 or above in all 4 components to start the three-term programme
  • Have attained an English language level of, or equivalent to, academic IELTS 6.0 or above in all 4 components to start the two-term programme

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:

  • 10 week: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 overall, with 5.0 in all skills
  • 20 weeks: Academic IELTS for UKVI 4.5 overall, with 4.5 in all skills

Start date:

  • 10 week: 28 June 2021
  • 20 week: 5 July 2021

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.

  • Entry requirement: Academic IELTS for UKVI 5.0 overall, with 5.0 in all skills.
  • Start date: October
  • English for Pre-Masters students do not need to take an additional IELTS test at the end of their course to progress on to their Pre-Masters Programme. They will be assessed on their Academic English Skills (AES) grade at the International Study Centre (they will be required to achieve a minimum of 40% in all areas)

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.

Applying with a Student* visa

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.

Find out more about starting your studies or check the latest COVID-19 information.