The most common English language certificate we accept is IELTS but we also accept other English language qualifications. Please see below the certificates we accept and the equivalent grades that are required.

If your native language is not English, you will be required to demonstrate your English proficiency by gaining an English language qualification prior to the commencement of your course. Minimum requirements are detailed below on this page, however higher levels may be required for entry onto certain courses.

Pearson

For programme requiring IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5 we accept:

Overall: 54 or above:

For programme requiring an IELTS score of 6.5 with no element below 6.0 we accept:

Overall: 62 or above

TOEFL IBT

For programme requiring an IELTS score of 6.0 with no element below 5.5 we accept:

Overall: 78 with the following minimum element scores:

For programme requiring an IELTS score of 6.5 with no element below 6.0 we accept:

Overall: 90 with the following minimum element scores:

Cambridge

Please note that we accept Cambridge tests which are less than two years old. If the test is more than 2 years old, you need to have taken a bachelor degree taught in English. We would require an evidence confirming that the degree was taught in English preferably letter from the institution.

International Qualifications

Please check the entry requirements for your chosen course against the qualifications achieved in your country in the below table.

Other secondary school level qualifications

For programmes requiring an IELTS 6 with no element below 5.5, accept grade C in the following examinations:

• AS Level English language/Literature
• Singapore GCSE English
• Cambridge O level English
• Edexcel O level English
• Irish Higher English

We accept grade 4 in the International Baccalaureate.

We accept Cambridge or Edexcel IGCSE English as a First Language, overall Grade C with no individual score below D.

We accept grade D in the following examinations:

• A Level English language/Literature
• Singapore A Level English

Please note that the MSc Public Health course requires an IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.   

Additional English language tests accepted during COVID-19

We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the closure of English language test centres worldwide, and now with test centres starting to reopen across the world, it may not be possible for everyone to visit these centres or get an available slot to attend. Therefore, we are now temporarily accepting a range of alternatives to our current English language requirements to allow a more flexible route for you to achieve your English language standard for entry to one of our courses.

GCU will also continue to accept local equivalencies for English language.

Temporary alternative options:

• IELTS Indicator home-based test
  • Results require to be as per GCU Academic IELTS requirement

• TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition
  • Results require to be as per GCU TOEFL internet-based test overall score

• Password
  • You will require a GCU code – register your interest and one of our recruitment team will contact you.

• Where the above are not available, the Duolingo English test will also be accepted with a minimum mark of 115, no element below 90.