Belfast, UK
Queen’s University Belfast: English test requirements
Queen's publishes one table for all levels with three course-difficulty columns, and the Coursefinder page places each programme. TOEFL and IELTS are accepted for direct entry, with PTE and Duolingo listed in the comparable-qualifications table.
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
Indian Standard XII (CBSE, CISCE and four named state boards: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal) is accepted at 70 percent for the first two sets and 75 percent or more for the third, with a note raising the middle set to 75 percent for courses needing IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 in each component. Results are verified through Qualification Check. The page says: “Verification of results will be required via Qualification Check.”
Applicants from Nigeria
Degrees from recognised Nigerian institutions are accepted if the transcript or medium of instruction letter confirms English teaching and assessment, and WAEC English at C6 is also listed. WAEC certificates must be shared through the WAEC digital platform. The page says: “Degrees awarded by recognised institutions in Nigeria will be accepted as meeting the University's English language requirements.”
IELTS
UG from 6.0
PG from 6.0
TOEFL iBT
UG from 4 / 80
PG from 4 / 80
PTE Academic
UG from 64
PG from 64
Duolingo English Test
UG from 110
PG from 110
Undergraduate
One table serves undergraduate and postgraduate applicants: each course is placed in less demanding, most, or more demanding, and the Coursefinder page states which. Some programmes ask for higher sub-scores, so check the Coursefinder. Medicine and Dentistry need a higher standard. Tests must be within two years.
| Course group | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linguistically less demanding coursesSource for this group | 6.0minimum 5.5 in all four elementsApplies to IELTS Academic (UKVI or other), One Skill Retake, Online and the IELTS Indicator. | 4 (tests from 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 80 (0-120)1-6: no less than 4 in any component; 0-120: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17Home Edition included. | 64minimum 59 in each componentIn-person at a Pearson test centre; online test not accepted. | 110not less than 100 in each individual and integrated subskill |
| Most coursesSource for this group | 6.5minimum 5.5 in all four elementsApplies to IELTS Academic (UKVI or other), One Skill Retake, Online and the IELTS Indicator. | 4.5 (tests from 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 90 (0-120)1-6: no less than 4 in any component; 0-120: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17Home Edition included. | 69minimum 59 in each componentIn-person at a Pearson test centre; online test not accepted. | 120not less than 100 in each individual and integrated subskillThe page notes 120 overall with not less than 110 in all subskills for courses requiring IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each component. |
| Linguistically more demanding coursesSource for this group | 7.0minimum 5.5 in all four elementsApplies to IELTS Academic (UKVI or other), One Skill Retake, Online and the IELTS Indicator. | 5 (tests from 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 95 (0-120)1-6: no less than 4 in any component; 0-120: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17Home Edition included. | 76minimum 59 in each componentIn-person at a Pearson test centre; online test not accepted. | 130not less than 110 in each individual and integrated subskill |
| Undergraduate Medicine and Dentistrye.g. Medicine, DentistrySource for this group | 7.5at least 7.0 in Speaking and Listening; at least 6.5 (Medicine) or 6.0 (Dentistry) in Reading and WritingThe page says a higher standard is normally required. | 5.5 (tests from 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 105 (0-120)1-6: at least 5 in Speaking and Listening, 4.5 (Medicine) or 4.0 (Dentistry) in Reading and Writing; 0-120: Listening 24, Reading 21, Speaking 23, Writing 23 | Not on the listNot stated for Medicine and Dentistry. | Not on the listNot stated for Medicine and Dentistry. |
“Please consult the University Coursefinder for details of the English Language requirements for entry to individual undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes”
English language requirements (updated April 2026)
Postgraduate
The same table as undergraduate applies: each programme is placed in less demanding, most, or more demanding, shown in the Coursefinder. Some programmes ask for higher sub-scores. Tests must be within two years.
| Course group | IELTS | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Duolingo English Test |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linguistically less demanding coursesSource for this group | 6.0minimum 5.5 in all four elementsApplies to IELTS Academic (UKVI or other), One Skill Retake, Online and the IELTS Indicator. | 4 (tests from 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 80 (0-120)1-6: no less than 4 in any component; 0-120: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17Home Edition included. | 64minimum 59 in each componentIn-person at a Pearson test centre; online test not accepted. | 110not less than 100 in each individual and integrated subskill |
| Most coursesSource for this group | 6.5minimum 5.5 in all four elementsApplies to IELTS Academic (UKVI or other), One Skill Retake, Online and the IELTS Indicator. | 4.5 (tests from 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 90 (0-120)1-6: no less than 4 in any component; 0-120: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17Home Edition included. | 69minimum 59 in each componentIn-person at a Pearson test centre; online test not accepted. | 120not less than 100 in each individual and integrated subskillThe page notes 120 overall with not less than 110 in all subskills for courses requiring IELTS 6.5 overall and 6.0 in each component. |
| Linguistically more demanding coursesSource for this group | 7.0minimum 5.5 in all four elementsApplies to IELTS Academic (UKVI or other), One Skill Retake, Online and the IELTS Indicator. | 5 (tests from 21 Jan 2026, 1-6 scale) / 95 (0-120)1-6: no less than 4 in any component; 0-120: Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 17Home Edition included. | 76minimum 59 in each componentIn-person at a Pearson test centre; online test not accepted. | 130not less than 110 in each individual and integrated subskill |
Other tests the university lists
- Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency (169 / 176 / 185 overall with 162 in each element)
- Trinity ISE III and IV
- Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre Academic English Test
- WAEC English language C6
- Indian Standard XII boards
- International Baccalaureate English
- GCSE / IGCSE English
The page says these are not accepted
- IELTS General Training
- TOEFL paper-based test
- PTE Academic Online
“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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