UK Entrance Exams: International Students’ UK Study Requirements

UK universities have specific entry requirements for each subject and seek the best candidates. UK university exams also qualify. Entrance exams, proficiency tests, etc. must be taken and submitted with applications. If you want to study in the UK, we’ll tell you about the tests and minimal scores.

With over 100 universities in the QS World Rankings 2023, the UK is a top study abroad location. The top UK universities provide BBA, BSc, MIM, MSc, MA, MBA, and more. UK colleges attract thousands of students for their thriving economy, rich culture, and top-notch job prospects.

What Exams are Required to Study in UK?

UK universities request confirmation of language and standardised examinations for program acceptance. These examinations evaluate educational programs and compare students from different backgrounds. Courses and programs determine university exam requirements.

The significant exams to write to study in UK can be divided into three major categories:

• English Language Proficiency Exams
• Undergraduate exams
• Graduate exams

Now let us talk about each of these categories in detail to understand which tests are included in them.

English Language Proficiency Tests to Study in UK

International students from non-native English speaking nations who wish to study at UK colleges and universities must apply for English Language exams. These examinations aid in the evaluation of pupils’ English speaking, writing, and hearing abilities. Some of the most prominent English language proficiency tests are as follows:

• IELTS
• TOEFL
• PTE

Let us talk about these exams in detail.

1. IELTS

The International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is one of the most popular English Language Proficiency assessments for various institutions in the United Kingdom. IELTS assesses students’ four key skills: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The needed IELTS score for the UK is between 6.0 and 8.0.

2. TOEFL

This UK English language test is an alternative to IELTS. Some UK universities accept TOEFL results, but most accept IELTS. Listening, speaking, and writing skills are also assessed by TOEFL. TOEFL scores must be 80 or higher to qualify.

3. PTE Academic

Almost all UK universities accept Pearson Test of English or PTE Academic scores. Students are evaluated on their abilities to speak, test, read, and write English. An average score of 60 is required for international students seeking admission to the top PTE accepting universities in the UK.

UK Exams to Study for Undergraduate Programs

Students seeking an undergraduate program in the United Kingdom must take the two most major standardised exams, the ACT and SAT. These exams will let students demonstrate their academic, logical, and aptitude skills during their higher secondary education.

Let us go over these examinations in depth.

1. SAT Exam

It’s a popular UK bachelor’s degree test. SAT is a high-school aptitude test. This three-hour test assesses students math and grammar skills. UK universities value SAT scores between 1100 and 1600. UK colleges and universities accept students with this good SAT score.

2. ACT

Another important UK exam is the ACT. This test will assess student proficiency in math, English, science, etc. ACT’s curriculum is based on high school exams, an advantage. Thus, students have an advantage on this test. UK universities typically require 24 or higher ACT scores.

3. LNAT

The Law National Aptitude Test or LNAT is a popular entrance exam for UK universities taken by students who want to apply for undergraduate law courses in the UK. Academic institutions in UK such as the University of Bristol, University of Oxford, University College London, and University of Glasgow accept LNAT scores above 25 for their law programs.

UK Exams to Study for Graduate Programs

Students wishing to pursue a Masters degree in the United Kingdom must also pass a number of important exams in order to be considered for admission. Graduate admission examinations vary depending on the program type. Common entry exams include the GRE, GMAT, GAMSAT, LNAT, and others. We provide information on each entrance exam for UK universities here.

1. GRE

UK graduate students must take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), a standardized test. This examination differs from the GMAT despite its similarities. GMAT is only needed for graduate business courses, although GRE is needed for all graduate programs. Algebraic, geometric, writing, and language skills are assessed by the GRE. Three exam sections:

• Verbal
• Analytical
• Quantitative

The minimum score required by GRE accepting universities in UK is around 300 or above.

2. GMAT

For international students, most business management universities and colleges in the UK recognize a GMAT score. GMAT, or Graduate Management Admission Test, is an essential UK entry exam that assesses students’ analytical, verbal, mathematical, and reasoning skills. A score of 550 or higher is required for admission to the best GMAT colleges in the UK.

3. Cambridge Law Test

Cambridge law masters students must submit Cambridge Law Test scores. The test requires no law expertise. Students with relevant job experience will be prioritized. Students have to show thinking, persuasion, and argumentation. CLT need 7 points.

4. GAMSAT UK (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test)

UK medical schools require this admission exam for masters applicants. Writing, biology and physical science reasoning, etc. are tested. UK universities demand 60–70 on the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test.

These are some of the most essential admission tests for studying in the United Kingdom. You can select the examinations required for admission based on your program and course preferences. Choose Yocket Premium to obtain more knowledge on UK entrance exams and clear your doubts.

Q: What exams are essential for a bachelors program in UK?

• In general, students have to appear for the SAT and ACT entrance examination to pursue a bachelors program in UK.

Q: Is there an age limit to apply for SAT exam?

• No, there is no specific age limit if you want to apply for SAT examination. It only requires you to complete your higher secondary education with an average score of 60% or above.

Q: Is IELTS better than TOEFL?

• IELTS is the most popular English language test in UK, preferred by all universities and colleges. However, some universities also accept the scores of TOEFL as an alternative.

Q: How long are the scores of IELTS and TOEFL valid for?

• The total validity of IELTS and TOEFL scores is two years.

Q: Is GMAT essential for business management courses in UK?

• Yes, GMAT test scores are preferred by universities that offer business management programs. Most business schools and universities accept this score for students.