All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). All applicants must demonstrate they possess a minimum standard of English language proficiency, but for some courses we may ask for higher grades.
All programmes will stipulate a level of English proficiency which equates to one of the University's English Language bands, details of which can be found in the Useful Downloads section at the bottom of this page. Specific information regarding the level of English proficiency required for each programme is also included in the prospectus and on the individual programme pages online.
We accept a variety of English language qualifications for entry. This web page sets out our requirements.
In addition to the University’s own English language proficiency requirements, the UK Home Office sets its own minimum standards for applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK. The current requirements are that:
The University of Southampton accepts the following UKVI Secure English Language Tests:
Secure English Language Tests must be dated within the two years immediately preceding the programme start date as set out in any offer letter issued by the University.
The University of Southampton also accepts the following English Language Tests:
Tests taken at a centralised test centre/venue:
Tests taken at home:
Non-SELT English Language Tests must usually be dated within the two years immediately preceding the programme start date as set out in any offer letter issued by the University.
Verification of Results
The University of Southampton holds a sponsor license issued by the Home Office, permitting the University to recruit students who require a visa to study in the UK.
The Home Office defines the following countries to be majority native-English speaking and as such, nationals of these countries are not required to demonstrate their English language proficiency by taking a Secure English Language Test*
* The University reserves the right to ask for additional evidence of English language if we have concerns about an applicant's abilities.
** We are unable to accept a degree from Canada as proof of English Language Proficiency for a non-native Canadian national
Additionally, the University will not normally insist upon an applicant providing a SELT if they have taken one of the following qualifications to at least the standard indicated no more than the summer two years before the proposed date of enrolment. (Some programmes may require applicants to demonstrate a higher standard where their usual English language proficiency requirements are higher).
a. UK qualifications
For IGCSE English requirements, see Section C, International Qualifications below.
| GCSE in English or English Language | Grade C or Grade 4, or above |
| A Level or AS Level English Language or English Language and Literature | Grade C or above |
| GCE O-Level in English Language | Grade C or above |
| International O-Level in English | Grade C or above |
| SQA Scottish Standard Grade in English | Grade 3 or above |
| SQA Scottish Intermediate 2 or National 5 English | Grade C or above |
| SQA Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher Grade in English | Grade C or above |
b. European Qualifications
| Europe | European Baccalaureate where English is a compulsory subject or a full option | 7.5 or above |
| Finland | Ylioppilastutkintotodistus/Studentexamensbetyg English | Grade 4 or above |
| France |
Baccalauréat l'Option Internationale - English |
Grade 11 or above |
| Germany | Abitur - English (or 2/6 in English Language as a Leistungkurs) | Grade 11 or above |
| Ireland | Irish Leaving Certificate in English | Grade C or O4, or above |
| Netherlands | Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs | Grade 8 or above |
| Norway |
Vitnemål |
Grade 4 or above |
| Sweden |
Slutbetyg/Examensbevis från Gymnasieskolan - English |
Grade VG or Grade C, or above |
c. International Qualifications
| IGCSE English requirements | Grade |
| IGCSE English as a First Language - (compulsory speaking and listening) | Grade C/4 or above |
| IGCSE English as a First Language - (separately endorsed speaking and listening) | Grade C/4 (plus Grade 2/Merit in each of speaking and listening), or above |
| IGCSE English as a Second language - (speaking endorsement) | Grade A/7 (plus Grade 2 in speaking) |
| IGCSE English as a Second language - (count-in speaking) | Grade A/7 |
| Cambridge International Examinations, Ordinary Level English | Grade C or above |
| Cambridge International Examinations, Advanced Level English | Grade C or above |
| Hong Kong (HKALE) A Level - Use of English | Grade C or above |
| Hong Kong (HKCEE) English Language | Grade 3 or above |
| Hong Kong (HKDSE) English | Grade 4 or above |
|
Indian Standard XII in English Language (CBSE and ISC Boards) |
70% or above |
| International Baccalaureate English Language Syllabus A | Standard or Higher Grade 4 or above |
| International Baccalaureate English A: Literature | Standard or Higher Grade 4 or above |
| International Baccalaureate English A: Literature and Language | Standard or Higher Grade 4 or above |
| International Baccalaureate English Language Syllabus B | Standard Grade 6 or Higher Grade 4 or above |
| International Baccalaureate Language B: English | Standard Grade 6 or Higher Grade 4 or above |
| Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) in English | Grade B or above |
| Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia 1119 English Language (GCE-O grade only) Pre-2022 | Grade C or above |
| Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia Post-2022 | CEFR Level B2 or above |
| West African Examinations Council Year 12 Certificate (WASSCE) in English | Grade C6 or above |
Please note qualifications which utilise a reverse grading scale (for example the German Abitur or Irish Leaving Certificate), where a lower mark indicates a higher level of attainment, 'or above' refers to the better grade.
d. Other English Language Tests
| University of Reading - Test in English for Education Purposes | Pass at required IELTS (Academic)-equivalent grade |
| University of Southampton Pre-sessional English programme | Pass at required IELTS (Academic)-equivalent grade |
| Northern Consortium English Exams EAP (NCUK EAP Global) | Pass at required IELTS (Academic)-equivalent grade |
| Warwick International Foundation Programme | Pass at required IELTS (Academic)-equivalent grade |
e. Other means of assessing English language proficiency
The information included above may be varied at any time without notice and is correct as of October 2023.