Minimum IELTS & PTE Scores for UK Student Visa from Nepal

To study in the UK, international students must secure a minimum of 6.0 overall in IELTS or 59-62 overall in PTE. These tests are recognised by both UK universities and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as part of the UK Student Visa application process.

Minimum English language score requirements vary based on the level of study, type of course, and university policies. Some professional programmes or high-ranking universities may demand higher scores than others.

This guide outlines the minimum IELTS and PTE scores for UK Student Visas based on degree level, skill-wise requirements, and specific fields like nursing or research programmes.

What Is the Minimum IELTS Score for a UK Student Visa?

The minimum IELTS score for a UK Student Visa is 6.0 overall, with no band less than 5.5. This applies to most undergraduate and postgraduate degree-level courses.

However, many UK universities require higher scores depending on the course, subject, and ranking. Top universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London ask for 6.5 overall for undergraduate programmes and 7.0+ for postgraduate study.

Similarly, professional courses such as Medicine, Law, Nursing, Teaching, and Engineering usually have stricter English requirements. These may go up to 7.0–7.5 overall, with no band below 7.0, to meet academic and communication standards.

English language proficiency is mandatory for both university admission and visa approval. UKVI requires students to meet the English language threshold unless you have a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter and your university accepts it.

Minimum IELTS Score Breakdown by Skill

UK universities and UKVI require minimum scores in each IELTS section, not just the overall band. The table below shows the minimum IELTS scores required across the four skills.

Note: Some universities or programmes may ask for higher scores in individual skills, especially for professional courses. Always check course-specific requirements before applying.

IELTS Score Requirements by Level of Study

IELTS score requirements vary by degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD) and course type. Higher education programmes, especially professional or research-based ones, require higher bands than undergraduate studies.

What IELTS score is required for a Bachelor’s degree in the UK?

Most UK universities require 6.0 to 6.5 overall for Bachelor’s degree programmes, with no IELTS band score below 5.5. Some foundation or pathway programmes may accept a lower overall score of 5.5, but direct admission generally requires higher proficiency.

Students are encouraged to aim above the minimum to access a wider range of universities and courses.

What IELTS score is required for a Master’s degree in the UK?

A Master’s degree in the UK requires an IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0.  Competitive fields such as Business, Engineering, Law, or Finance may require 7.0 or higher, depending on the university.

Meeting only the minimum score does not guarantee admission into competitive programs, so aim higher to improve acceptance chances.

What IELTS score is required for a PhD in the UK?

PhD programmes in the UK require an IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.0 overall, with individual skill scores of at least 6.0. Research-focused programmes expect stronger performance in Writing, as doctoral candidates must produce high-level academic and research work.

What IELTS score is required for nursing in the UK?

The IELTS score required for Nursing in the UK is 7.0 overall, with no individual band below 7.0. This requirement is mandated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to ensure applicants can communicate safely and effectively in clinical environments.

What Is the Minimum PTE Score for the UK?

The minimum PTE Academic score to study in the UK is usually 59 overall, with no communicative skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) below 50 to 59, depending on the course and institution.

Most universities accept this score for general undergraduate and postgraduate courses. However, competitive or professional programmes may require higher scores, similar to IELTS expectations.

PTE Score Requirements by Level of Study

PTE Academic score requirements vary by degree level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD) and course of study. Higher education and professional courses typically require higher overall and skill-wise scores.

What PTE score is required for a Bachelor’s degree in the UK?

The PTE score required for a Bachelor’s degree in the UK typically ranges from 59 to 62 overall and at least 50 in each communicative skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). Some foundation or diploma programmes may accept scores below 59, but universities prefer higher scores for direct entry.

What PTE score is required for a Master’s degree in the UK?

For a Master’s degree in the UK, universities usually require a PTE score of 62–65 overall, with minimum communicative skills between 54–59. Competitive programmes in Business, Engineering, IT, or Law may require 65–70 or above.

What PTE score is required for a PhD in the UK?

The PTE score required for a PhD in the UK generally ranges from 65 to 70 overall. Research-intensive programmes may require stronger Writing scores to demonstrate academic research and writing capability.

What PTE score is required for nursing in the UK?

The minimum PTE Academic score for Nursing in the UK is 65 overall, with no communicative skill below 65. This standard is set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) to ensure safe communication in healthcare settings.

Minimum IELTS & PTE Scores by Study Level (UK)

The tables below show typical minimum IELTS and PTE Academic scores required for UK Student Visa eligibility by degree level and profession. Actual requirements may vary by university.

Minimum IELTS Scores for UK Student Visa

Minimum PTE Academic Scores for UK Student Visa

Note: University-specific requirements may be higher. Always check your offer letter before applying for a visa.

Important Points to Remember

Does a good IELTS or PTE Score Guarantee a UK Student Visa?

No, a high IELTS or PTE score does not guarantee a UK Student Visa because the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) assesses several other factors along with your test scores before making a decision.

To be approved for a UK Student Visa, applicants must meet all of the following conditions:

• Hold a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed UK institution.
• Provide financial documents proving they can cover tuition fees and living costs.
• Satisfy the Genuine Student requirement, showing a clear intention to study and return after completing the course.
• Submit all required immigration documents without errors or omissions.
• Meet the English language requirement, unless exempt through MOI or other conditions.

Meeting only the minimum requirement should be seen as the starting point, not a guarantee. Achieving a higher IELTS or PTE score strengthens both your university application and visa credibility, improving your overall chances of success.