International Study Centre

Student working in a classroom

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 this academic year, 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 by 20 June 2022. Find out more here.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are now able to accept a wider range of English tests for entry this academic year.

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 UKVI
  • Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
  • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
  • PSI Skills for English UKVI (4 components)

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 (non-UKVI) / IELTS Academic Online
  • IELTS Indicator
  • Pearson PTE Academic / Pearson PTE Academic Online
  • LanguageCert International ESOL
  • TOEFL iBT/iBT Home Edition
  • Cambridge ESOL
  • Duolingo
  • Cambridge Linguaskill
  • Oxford Test of English
  • Academic English Skills
  • Password Skills Solo

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:

  • 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 UKVI
  • Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
  • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT
  • PSI Skills for English UKVI (4 components)

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:

  • IELTS Academic (non-UKVI) / IELTS Academic Online
  • Pearson PTE Academic / Pearson PTE Academic Online
  • LanguageCert International ESOL
  • TOEFL iBT/iBT Home Edition
  • Cambridge ESOL
  • Cambridge Linguaskill
  • Academic English Skills
  • Password Skills Solo
  • PSI Skills for English UKVI

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
  • 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.

CountryQualification
BangladeshHSC with overall GPA 3.25 or 55%, with 55% or above in Maths and English
BotswanaSuccessful 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
GhanaSuccessful completion of the West African School Certificate (WAEC) or Senior School Certificate average grade 6 or above in 4 or more subjects
IndiaCompletion of Year 11 65% or HSC with 50%
IndonesiaCompletion of Grade 7.0 SMU 2 (must include relevant subjects) or Grade 6.5 SMU 2 (must include relevant subjects)
IranSuccessful completion of High School Diploma (3 years) with a GPA of 14 including relevant subjects
JapanCompletion of Year 12 with 60% or GPA 3 on a 5 scale
JordanSuccessful completion of Tawjihi with average of 80%
KazakhstanSuccessful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with GPA of 4.0
KoreaSH3: 5th grade average in rank or SH2: 4th grade average in rank or High School graduation equivalency exam – 60%
LibyaSuccessful completion Secondary Education Certificate with average of 80%
MalaysiaSPM school: Form 5, Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 5 relevant academic subjects to include English and Maths
MexicoSuccessful completion of Bachillerato with average score of 75%
MoroccoDiplôme du Baccalauréat with grade average of 12
MyanmarBasic Education High School Examination with 5 subjects 45%+ to include relevant subjects
NigeriaSuccessful completion of West African School Certificate (WAEC) with grades A - C in 4 or more relevant subjects
PakistanSuccessful completion of High Secondary Certificate with passes in 4 or more subjects with an average of 60%
QatarSuccessful completion of Thanawaya Aam Qatari with average grade 80%, or QSSC - minimum 5 subjects with 3 subjects at Advanced Level with grades A-C
RussiaSuccessful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with a GPA of 4.0
SingaporeSecondary 4: Term 2 or Mid-Year transcript - Grades of A- C achieved in 5 relevant academic subjects to include English and Maths
Saudi ArabiaSuccessful completion of Tawjihi with average of 80% including relevant subjects
TaiwanCompletion of SH2 with an average grade of 70% or SH3 with 60%
ThailandSuccessful 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
TurkeySuccessful completion of Devlet Lise Diploması (High School Completion) - 65% overall with minimum 60% in relevant subjects
UAESuccessful completion of Tawjihiyya with average of 80%, including relevant subjects
UkraineSuccessful completion of ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education with a GPA of 7.0
USACompletion of Year 11 - GPA 3.0 or Year 12 Diploma GPA 2.75
VietnamCompletion of Year 11 - GPA 7.0 or Year 12 with GPA 6.5
  • 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

AustraliaBachelors Hons degree (4 years of study): 60%
BangladeshBachelors degree - 3 Year Undergraduate (Hons) 55%, 3 Year Undergrad (Regular Pass) 60%, 4 Year Undergraduate (Any) 55%
BelarusRecognised first degree (Specialist Diploma with GPA of 7/10, Bachelor degree (Bakalavr) 7.5/10 (all good and excellent grades)
BrazilRecognised 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
ChinaFull time Bachelor degree studies (60% +), Full time Undergraduate Programme Graduation Certificate or Junior College Diploma (3 years) (70%+)
EgyptUniversity Bachelor degree four years of study, 65% GPA 2.6/4.0 scale or 3.2/5.0 scale
GambiaMasters degree required, 75%
GeorgiaRecognised first degree (Bachelor degree (Bakalavris), Specialist Diploma, 4 years of study, GPA 3.0 or 60%
GhanaRecognised first degree (Bachelor degree or Doctor of [Medical Subject]), four years of study, 2:2, 2.5/4 or 50%
Hong Kong4 years Bachelor degree 2:2 or 2.7/4.3
IndiaBachelor degree - 3 Year Undergraduate (Hons) 55%, 3 Year Undergrad (Regular Pass) 60%, 4 Year Undergraduate (Any) 55%
IndonesiaRecognised first degree (Sarjana 1 (S1) or a D4 Diploma) 2.5 overall.
IraqBachelor degree from a well-ranked institution, four years of study, 70%
JapanBachelor degree, A - C/60%+
JordanBachelor degree, four years of study, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale
KazakhstanRecognised 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)
KenyaBachelor degree, 4 years of study, 2:2, 50%, 2.5/4.0 or C
KoreaBachelor’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
KuwaitRecognised first degree, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale
MacauBachelors (honours) GPA 2.5, Bachelors (ordinary) GPA 3.0. Do not accept HND, Honours Diploma, Associate Degree or Professional Diploma
MalaysiaBachelors degree, 3 years of study, 2:2 or A, B & C or 2.9+)
MexicoRecognised first degree (Titulo de Licenciado / Titulo (Profesional) de (subject area)), 4 years of study, 7.5/10 or 75%
MoroccoRecognised 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)
MyanmarMasters degree required, 55%
NepalBachelors degree, 4 years of study, 50%
New ZealandRecognised Bachelors Degree (3+1 or four years Hons), 2:2 or B-
NigeriaBachelors degree, four years of study, 2:2 or 3.0/5.0
OmanBachelor degree, four years of study, GPA 2.5/4.0 or 3.0/5.0. Do not accept 3 year Higher/Advanced Diploma
PakistanBachelors degree from NOOSR Section 1 or 2 institutions, four years of study, 50%. Do not accept 3 year Bachelors degree or non-degree diplomas
PhilippinesBachelors 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.
QatarBachelors degree, four years of study, GPA 2.5/4.0 or 2.8/5.0 scale
RussiaRecognised first degree (Bachelors (Bakalavr), 4 years of study / Specialist Diploma, 5 years of study), GPA 4.0/5.0 (Good
Saudi ArabiaBachelor degree, four years of study, GPA 2.5/4.0 or 3.0/5.0.
SingaporeRecognised first degree (Bachelor or Bachelor Hons), 2:2
Sri LankaBachelors degree, 4 years of study, 2:2 or 55%. Do not accept Diplomas
TaiwanBachelor 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
TanzaniaBachelor degree, 4 years of study, 2:2 or 2.7/5.0. Do not accept Advanced Diploma/HND
ThailandRecognised first degrees (Bachelor Degree, 4 years of study OR Higher Diploma of Technical or Vocational Education), GPA 2.3/4.0.
TurkeyRecognised first degree (Lisans Diplomasi or Muhendis Diplomasi) GPA of 2.1. Associate Degree (On-Lisans Diplomasi) not accepted
UAERecognised first degree, GPA 2.5/4.0 scale or 3.0/5.0 scale
UkraineRecognised first degree (Bachelors degree (Bakalavr), 3 years of study OR Ukrainian Specilaist Diploma, 4 years of study), 75% (all good and excellent grades)
UzbekistanRecognised first degree (Bachelors degree (Bakalavr), 4 years of study, 65% OR Specialist Diploma, 5 years of study, 60%)
VietnamRecognised 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.

Online Pre-Sessional English

IELTS Academic for UKVI 4.5 (with 4.5 in all skills)

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.