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If you are applying to an institution in the UK and English is not your first language you will usually be required to prove your English language capabilities by producing a certificate from a recognised English language test. You may also be required to provide this for your visa application.
Below are descriptions of the three most commonly accepted English language tests, for both visa and university applications. Please note that it is advisable to thoroughly research the visa requirements and also contact your chosen institution(s) to confirm which English language tests are accepted for visa/course applications.
TOEFL
TOEFL is a standardised test designed to assess proficiency in the English language. There are two types of TOEFL: an internet-based test (iBT) and a paper-based test (PBT). Which one you take depends on the location of your test centre. The majority of test takers will take the iBT test, but centres that do not have internet access offer the PBT. There are approximately 4,500 testing centres located in 165 countries around the world.
Click here to search for test centres near you, along with details of test dates, times and fees.
The internet-based test measures ability in reading, writing, listening and speaking and assesses how well you can utilise these skills in an academic environment. The cost of the test varies depending on your country, but can range from US$160 to US$250. The test is held approximately 30-40 times per year and you can retake it as many times as you wish. For more information about registration, fees, test dates, locations and formats, contact your local test centre.
The test is in four sections:
Click here to download sample iBT questions.
Top tip: the iBT uses the QWERTY keyboard, so make sure you practise on this common English-language keyboard before the actual test.
The PBT is offered six times a years and costs US$160. For more information on registration fees, test dates, locations and test formats, you must check whether your test centre offers the iBT first, to make sure that the PBT is the right test for you.
The PBT measures ability in reading, listening and writing. It includes the TWE test, a 30-minute writing test required of everyone who takes the TOEFL PBT test. You will be asked to write a short essay on one topic from your TWE test book.
There are three other sections:
Click here to download sample PBT questions.
TOEFL provides a ‘Destination Directory’ that lists who accepts the TOEFL tests - please click here.
To find out more about TOEFL visit - www.ets.org/toefl
IELTS
IELTS measures ability in four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. IELTS is managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL). The test is held 48 times a year on fixed dates. You can retake the test as many times as you wish.
Use the IELTS Test Centre search to find your closest test centre, along with details of test dates and fees.
There are two types of IELTS test formats: ‘Academic’ and ‘General Training’. For admission to English speaking institutions, you will need to take the Academic test.
The academic test has four sections:
To view sample IELTS questions, click here.
IELTS has a useful search for institutions that accept IELTS - please click here. However, it is strongly recommended that you confirm the English language requirements with the institution directly before applying.
To find out more about IELTS, please visit - www.ielts.org
Cambridge ESOL
Cambridge ESOL offers the certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). These examinations cover the four language skills - reading, writing, speaking and listening and are increasingly available to be taken as a computer-based test. To find your nearest ESOL exam centre and find information about registering, fees and exam dates click here.
The Cambridge English: Advanced (also known as the Certificate of Advanced English) consists of five sections - Reading, Writing, Use of English, Listening and Speaking. The exam can be taken in a choice of either paper-based or computer-based format and can be taken up to eleven times a year.
The Cambridge English: Proficiency has five sections:
For more information about who accepts Cambridge ESOL tests, please visit - www.cambridgeesol.org/recognition
To find out more about Cambridge ESOL tests, please visit the websites for the CAE and the CPE.
Last updated: 30 November 2011
