English Requirement for Postgraduate Applicants
As part of the application process you will be asked to show that you have met the College's English-language requirement. The tests and grades which we can accept are all listed here, but please note that the grades shown are the minimum levels and some departments may set higher requirements.
You should make arrangements to take the appropriate test well in advance of the start of your course. Your place will not be confirmed and you will not be able to register or start your studies until you can provide confirmation of an acceptable result in one of the tests listed below.
Please note that Imperial College Business School has different requirements. You should refer to the entry requirements on the programme website for further details.
First Degree
If you have a first degree taught in English within the following countries then you meet the English requirement automatically: Australia, Canada, Guyana, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom, United States of America, West Indies. This applies only to degrees that were awarded by a university in the relevant country.
Masters' Degree
Candidates whose first degree was not taught in English but who have then successfully completed a one-year MSc (or equivalent) course at a University in one of the above countries are also exempt.
GCSE, IGCSE, GCE ‘O’ Level or equivalent
Grade B in English Language.
West African Examinations Council (WAEC)
Grades 1-4 in English Language.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
Grade B.
IELTS (Academic)
An overall score of 6.5, with 6 in the Writing and Speaking modules.
We are able to verify your IELTS scores online. Please provide us with your Test Report Form Number or a scanned copy of your certificate, emailed to the appropriate admissions team. Please ensure you quote your CID number in the email (this will be emailed to you within 10 working days of submitting your application)
If you are not resident in the UK you should contact your nearest British Council Office. If you are resident in the UK, please consult the IELTS website for details of where you can take the test.
Imperial College considers IELTS scores to be valid for 2 years. Scores must be valid at the beginning of your studies at Imperial College, should your application be successful.
Please note that some Departments may set higher requirements. Please check the relevant Departmental website
Please note that UKBA also has IELTS requirements, which students will need to meet in order to receive a Tier 4 Student Visa. If you require a Tier 4 Visa to study in the UK you will need to meet the UKBA English Language Requirements for B2 study as well as the Imperial College requirements.
TOEFL
Internet-Based Test: An overall score of 100, with 24 in Writing and Speaking.
We are able to verify your TOEFL scores online. Please provide us with your 16 digit Registration Number or a scanned copy of your certificate, emailed to the appropriate admissions team. Please ensure you quote your CID number in the email (this will be emailed to you within 10 working days of submitting your application)
For further details please see the TOEFL website
Imperial College considers TOEFL scores to be valid for 2 years. Scores must be valid at the beginning of your studies at Imperial College, should your application be successful.
Please note that UKBA also has TOEFL requirements, which students will need to meet in order to receive a Tier 4 Student Visa. If you require a Tier 4 Visa to study in the UK you will need to meet the UKBA English Language Requirements for B2 study as well as the Imperial College requirements. Information on the English requirements can be found here.
Pre-Sessional Courses in the UK
Only the pre-sessional courses and grades listed below are acceptable for entry to Imperial College. Candidates planning to take a pre-sessional course should be aware that they may not secure a place on their main programme of study until they can present a successful result:
Imperial College London Pre-Sessional English Course
A Pass in either the 5 or 8 week programme.
See the website for details.
King's College London Pre-Sessional English Course
A Pass with 65%
See the King's College website for details.
University College London Pre-Sessional English Course
A pass with 65%.
See the UCL website for details.
University College London Diploma in English for Academic Purposes (DEAP)
A pass with 65%.
See the UCL website for details.
Research Students
If you are applying for a research degree and you are asked to present formal evidence of English language ability as part of your offer then you will also be assessed by the College’s English Language Support Unit after you have registered and arrived at College.
After this assessment you may be asked to attend internal classes (free of charge), and you may also be asked to have a further assessment as you progress through your studies. This is to ensure that you are able to carry out your research successfully, and are properly prepared to write your thesis and defend it in the viva voce examination.
