Undergraduate Language Requirements

The IELTS and TOEFL standard of English Language levels listed below are applicable to undergraduate courses. MB ChB students whose native language is not English must hold IELTS of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in every component. Foundation and integrated Foundation programmes have specific English language requirements. For further information, please see the programme information pages. Exceptions to the English language requirement can be found on the UKVI website.

Minimum entry requirements for undergraduate entry

ExaminationMinimum Grade
IELTSAverage of 6.5 (with 6.0 or above in each component)
(See also: Approved English language tests which include a list of approved tests and providers.)
TOEFL* (iBT)79 (minimum component scores of Listening 12, Reading 13, Speaking 18, Writing 21). Accepted for Undergraduate level courses or above.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)176-184 with a minimum of 175 in each component
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)** 59-65 (with 4 minimum component scores of 59)
Skills for EnglishB2 Pass with Merit
WAECMinimum grade for entry is C4, B3, B2 and A1
Language Cert IESOL B2 LevelMinimum score 38/50 per skill

* Please use code 8775 when indicating The University of Buckingham as a score recipient. We will then receive your results directly.

**Please note that we only accept tests taken in person at a test centre. We do not accept the online test.

Visa requirements

The UKVI has clear guidelines and requirements. All applicants must achieve the minimum requirements in all 4 components (listening, reading, speaking and writing). The minimum entry requirement for a degree level course is a Common European Framework grade of B2. IELTS, TOEFL and Pearson equivalents are shown below.

For the full list please visit the UKVI comparison table.

 

Common
European
Framework of Reference (CEFR)
IELTSTOEFL (Internet-based)Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)Skills For English Level Description
B2Overall score 6.0 – 6.5
All 4 components at a minimum of 5.5
Overall score 79
Listening 12 Reading 13 Speaking 18 Writing 21
Overall score 59–65
All 4 components at a 59 minimum
B2 Pass – Pass with Merit (the latter maps to the CEFR B2+ level)
C1Overall score 7.0 – 8.0
All 4 components at a 7.0 minimum
Overall score 110-120
Listening 26 Reading 28 Speaking 28 Writing 28
Overall score 76-84
All 4 components at a 76 minimum
C1 Pass
C2Overall score 8.5 – 9.0
All 4 components at a 8.5 minimum
Overall score 85-90
All 4 components at a 85 minimum
C2 Pass

Additional information

  • Other English language qualifications may be recognised. Please submit full details, including your examination results, with your application.
  • Your language certification must be recent: TOEFL and IELTS results are valid for two years.
  • All aspects of your academic record, including your English language level, will be taken into account when your application is being considered.

What to do if you don’t meet our English language requirements

We offer English foundation courses which are designed to prepare you for university study. Successful completion of these allows progression to various degrees at The University of Buckingham if the relevant academic requirements have been met.

Contact

Please contact our Admissions Office if you need any more information.