Lancaster, UK
Lancaster University: English test requirements
Lancaster sets a standard English score for most undergraduate courses (Medicine and Surgery has a higher set) and three IELTS-based sets for postgraduate courses. Some courses differ, so the course page decides.
Checked on 31 Oct 2026 against the university's own pages. Universities change their requirements, and some courses ask for more. Always confirm on the university's page before you book a test or apply.
Applicants from India
Undergraduate: Standard X or XII English at 70 percent or above is an alternative to a test, except for Punjab and Haryana state boards. The page says: “Applicants with qualifications from Punjab or Haryana state boards will need to complete IELTS, or another test listed above.”
Applicants from India
Postgraduate: Standard XII English at 80 percent (75 percent from CBSE and ISC boards) is an alternative to a test; Punjab and Haryana boards are excluded. The page says: “We do not accept Standard XII English from Punjab or Haryana State Boards.”
Applicants from Nigeria
Undergraduate: WAEC, WASSCE or NECO English at Grade C6 or above is an alternative to a test. The page says: “WAEC / WASSCE / NECO in English Grade C6 or above”
Applicants from Nigeria
Postgraduate: WAEC, WASSCE or NECO English at Grade C6 or above is an alternative; the university asks for results to be shared through the WAEC website or scratch card details. The page says: “WAEC/WASSCE/NECO in English at Grade C6 or above”
IELTS
UG from 6.5
PG from 6.5
TOEFL iBT
UG 4.5 / 87
PG from 4.5 / 87
PTE Academic
UG from 58
PG from 58
Duolingo English Test
UG Not on the list
PG Not on the list
Undergraduate
One standard set for most undergraduate courses. Some Science, Mathematics and Social Work courses have different scores, shown on the entry requirements tab of each course page. Medicine and Surgery (A100) has its own, higher set. Tests are valid for two years and scores from different sittings cannot be combined.
| Course group | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard entry levelSource for this group | 6.5minimum of 5.5 in each elementApplies to IELTS Academic (UKVI and other centres), IELTS Online and IELTS One Skill Retake. | 4.5 (tests from 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 87 (tests before 21 Jan 2026, 0-120)1-6: minimum 4 in each element; 0-120: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 17, Writing 20Home Edition included. | 58minimum 42 in each skillTest centre only; the online version is not accepted. | Not on the listNot mentioned on the undergraduate page. |
| Medicine and Surgery (A100)e.g. Medicine and Surgery (A100)Source for this group | 7.0no component less than 7.0 | Not on the listOnly IELTS and PTE Academic are named for this course. | 70at least 70 in each communicative skill sub-test | Not on the listNot named for this course. |
“The English language requirements for each course can be found on the entry requirements tab on our individual course pages.”
Undergraduate English language requirements
Postgraduate
Most taught programmes use one of three IELTS-based sets; the course page says which. A few courses have different scores. The page is for 2027 entry. Tests are valid for two years and scores from different sittings cannot be combined.
| Course group | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each skillSource for this group | 6.5minimum of 6.0 in each skill | 4.5 (tests from 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 87 (tests before 21 Jan 2026, 0-120)1-6: minimum 4 in each skill; 0-120: Reading 19, Listening 19, Speaking 19, Writing 22 | 58minimum 50 in each skillTest centre only. | Not on the listNot mentioned on the postgraduate page. |
| IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each skillSource for this group | 6.5minimum of 5.5 in each skill | 4.5 (tests from 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 87 (tests before 21 Jan 2026, 0-120)1-6: minimum 4 in each skill; 0-120: Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 17, Writing 20 | 58minimum 42 in each skillTest centre only. | Not on the listNot mentioned on the postgraduate page. |
| IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.0 in each skillSource for this group | 7.0minimum of 6.0 in each skill | 5 (tests from 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 94 (tests before 21 Jan 2026, 0-120)1-6: minimum 4 in each skill; 0-120: Reading 19, Listening 19, Speaking 19, Writing 22 | 66minimum 50 in each skillTest centre only. | Not on the listNot mentioned on the postgraduate page. |
“You can find these in the entry requirements for each course on the course information pages.”
Postgraduate English language requirements (2027 entry)
Other tests the university lists
- Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency (undergraduate standard 176 with 162 in each element; postgraduate 176 with 169 or 162, and 185 for the IELTS 7.0 set)
- LanguageCert Academic (including Online and SELT)
- Oxford ELLT
- Oxford Test of English
- Kaplan Test of English
- CaMLA ECPE
- Trinity ISE II / III
- GCSE / IGCSE English (undergraduate)
The page says these are not accepted
- PTE Academic online test
“Not on the list” means the test does not appear on the university page we checked. It does not mean the test is refused: the course page or the admissions office may still accept it, so ask them.
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