English Language Requirements

* Valid for two years from date of the test

Additional details:

PTE Academic Online and DuoLingo English Test are not accepted from applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK.

The KTE is developed by Kaplan's language education and assessment team, based on evidence-based learning and assessment principles. Its construct aligns with the Common European Framework of Reference for Language and the British Council – EAQUALS Core Inventory for General English.

Kaplan Test of English

University of Lincoln applicants are able to claim a 25% discount using the code: LINCKRS25

Enter this code on the booking form to claim the discount.*

*Please note that the University of Lincoln accepts the Kaplan Test of English to satisfy English language requirements but is not affiliated to Kaplan.

Should I take the IELTS Academic or IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test?

• IELTS Academic is for students who wish to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.
• IELTS for UKVI (Academic) is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for students who need to take a Pre-sessional English and Academic Study Skills (PEASS) course in order to meet the English language condition of their main course offer. It can also be accepted for entry to an undergraduate or postgraduate course.

Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

• Cambridge English: Advanced, commonly known as the Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) - overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in each element
• Cambridge English: Proficiency, commonly known as the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) - overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in each element
• Cambridge B2 First - overall B grade, with no less than 170 in any individual element. 

University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE)

• GCE O Level English Language (Syllabus 1119/1120/1125/1126/1127) - grade C or better (must include reading, writing, listening and speaking and grades achieved in each element must be equivalent to at least CEFR B2)
• IGCSE First Language English (Syllabus 0500) - grade C or better (must achieve at least CEFR B2 in reading and writing and Grade 2 in Listening and Speaking components)
• IGCSE First Language English (Syllabus 0522) - grade C or better (must achieve at least CEFR B2 in reading, writing, listening and speaking)
• IGCSE English as a Second Language (Syllabus 0510) - grade C with grade 2 in Speaking Endorsement
• IGCSE English as a Second Language (Syllabus 0511) - grade C (to include count-in Speaking)
• Singapore-Cambridge English General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (Syllabus 1128) - grade C or better

Evidence of the syllabus you have studied will be required in order for the International Admissions Team to consider your CIE qualification.

Edexcel

• IGCSE English as a Second Language - grade C or better (must include reading, writing, listening and speaking)
• IGCSE English Language (Specification A) &- grade C or better

Please note that English Language (Specification B) does not test speaking or listening and is therefore not accepted).

Oxford AQA IGCSE

• GCSE English as a Second Language (9280) grade 5

The following may be accepted in place of IELTS 6.0. The qualification should usually have been completed no more than 5 years before enrolling at the University of Lincoln.

The following qualifications may be accepted in place of IELTS 6.0. The qualification should usually have been completed no more than 5 years before enrolling at the University of Lincoln. However, this 5-year requirement will usually be waived for applicants who achieved the required High School English grade and subsequently completed a degree in their home country that was taught fully in English. An official letter from the previous institution, confirming that the degree was taught in English, should be submitted with the application. You should also include with your application any evidence you have of ongoing use of English.

* Verification of certificate to be shared through WAEC digital certificate platform. Email address to provide use when sharing your certificate via the system is intapps@lincoln.ac.uk.

Please note that requirements for some programmes may be higher than those listed in the table above.

Where possible, we will also require verification of your exam result.

UK Visa and Immigration (UKV&I) requirements regarding English language proficiency - UK NARIC Statement of Comparability 

Some students who are relying on a Bachelors, Masters or PhD award from a ‘majority English-speaking country’ (excluding the UK) as evidence of their English language ability for their Student Route visa application are now required to include an original ‘Statement of Comparability’ from UK NARIC. 

Students who are nationals of the ‘majority English-speaking countries’ listed below are NOT required to apply for a UK NARIC Statement of Comparability: 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• the Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• USA 

Students who are not nationals of a ‘majority English-speaking country’ but will be relying  on a Bachelors, Masters or PhD award completed in one of the countries listed below as proof of their English language ability WILL be required to obtain a UK NARIC Statement of Comparability. 

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• the Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Ireland
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• USA 

Further information regarding the Statement of Comparability, including how to apply, can be found on the UK NARIC website.