International students wishing to apply to Queen’s University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their competence in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy the UK Border Agency (UKBA) immigration requirements for English language before the University can issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) for visa purposes.
Applicants who are either nationals of a country which is deemed by the UKBA to be majority-English-speaking*, or who hold a degree or an equivalent qualification from an institution in one of these countries, will be assumed to have met the UKBA requirements, however in some circumstances may be required to submit evidence of an English Language qualification to satisfy University course entry requirements.
EU nationals will not be required to submit evidence of English language for visa purposes, but may be asked for evidence of English competency to satisfy University course entry requirements. The table below lists the English Language qualifications and minimum grades which are accepted by the University for entry to degree level study, and which are also considered to satisfy a minimum standard of CEFR Level B2 in each component of language learning (Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing).
Please consult the University Coursefinder for details of the English Language requirements for entry to individual undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes
* The following countries are deemed by the UKBA to be majority English-speaking:
Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America
Accepted English Language Qualifications |
| Qualifications | Linguistically less demanding courses | Most Courses | Linguistically more demanding courses |
| IELTS International English Language Testing System - Academic | 6.0 with minimum of 5.5 in all four elements of the test | 6.5 minimum of 5.5 in all four elements of the test | 7.0 with minimum of 5.5 in all four elements of the test |
| TOEFL iBT (Internet based test) | 80 with minimum marks as follows: Listening- 17 Reading - 18 Speaking - 20 Writing - 17 |
90 with minimum marks as follows: Listening - 17 Reading - 18 Speaking - 20 Writing - 17 |
95 with minimum marks as follows: Listening - 17 Reading - 18 Speaking - 20 Writing - 17 |
Other English Language qualifications may also accepted by the University in lieu of IELTS or TOEFL ibt.
NB. The information in the following table is currently under review, and should be considered as guidance only.
Qualification |
Comparable to IELTS 6.0 |
Comparable to IELTS 6.5 |
Comparable to IELTS 7.0 |
| CPE Cambridge Proficiency |
Grade C | Grade C | Grade C |
| CAE Cambridge Advanced |
Grade C | Grade B | Not accepted |
|
Cambridge GCE O Level |
Grade C | Grade C | Grade C |
| IGCSE in English (as a first language) | Grade C | Grade C | Grade C |
| IGCSE in English (as a second language) | Grade C | Grade B | Grade B |
| International Baccalaureate | Standard level 4 | Standard level 4 | Standard level 4 |
| HKCEE Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination in English Language | Grade 3 | Grade 3 | Grade 4 |
| HKCEE (syllabus B, prior to 2007) Hong Kong Certificate of Education in English Language | Grade C | Grade C | Grade B |
| HKDSE (Core Subject English Language) | Grade 4 | Grade 4 | Grade 5 |
| Hong Kong Use of English Exam | Grade C | Grade C | Grade C |
| Indian CBSE/ICSE English Language Standard XII | 75% | 75% | 75% + |
| INTO English for University Studies Test | 60% with minimum of 55 % in each test component | 65% with a minimum of 55% in each test component | 70% with a minimum of 55% in each test component |
| LTE London Tests of English | Level 4 or 5 | Level 4 or 5 | Level 4 or 5 |
| Malaysian SPM/CIE 1119/O-level | Grade 6 (or C6) | Grade 6 (or C6) | Grade 3 (or B3) |
| MELAB Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency (acceptable only if Speaking test is included with result of at least 3) | 80 | 85 | 90 |
| NCUK International Foundation Year: English Academic Purposes Module | Grade C (with minimum Grade D in each component) | Grade B (with minimum Grade D in each component) | Grade A (with minimum Grade D in each component) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic | 55 (with minimum of 51 in each component) | 62 (with minimum of 51 in each component) | 67 (with minimum of 51 in each component) |
| TEEP Test in English for Education Purposes (University of Reading) | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Trinity ISE III Integrated Skills in English Examinations (with at least a Pass in all test components) | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| Trinity ISE IV Integrated Skills in English Examinations (with at least a Pass in all test components) | Pass | Pass | Pass |
| WAEC West African Examinations Council Senior School Certificate (English Language) | C6 | C6 | C6 |
Notes:
1. These are the minimum standards acceptable and demand for places may mean that applicants will require higher grades in order to be competitive.
2. For admission to Medicine and Dentistry, a higher standard is normally required eg IELTS 7.5, TOEFL 105, and SPM A2.
3. Certain tests (eg IELTS and TOEFL) have a time limit in their validity and these will be applied.
4. The TOEFL Paper Based Test (PBT) is no longer accepted.
INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a wide range of English Language courses, which may assist students to meet the required standard of English language to be eligible for entry to degree programmes at the University. If you wish to apply for an INTO Queen's English course please contact into@qub.ac.uk or consult the INTO website
Other tests/qualifications may be accepted as equivalent to the qualifications listed above. If you have a query about the acceptability of an English Language qualification, please contact the Admissions and Access Service at intl.student@qub.ac.uk
