English language entry requirements
Find out the language proficiency requirements for Kingston University
Minimum English language proficiency requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to meet Kingston University's English language requirements, which can vary depending on the course you are applying for.
During your admissions to Kingston University, you will need to show that you have the required level of proficiency to succeed in your studies.
The standard entry requirements for our courses at Kingston University are outlined below.
| Course Type | Academic IELTS Overall Score | Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing elements |
|---|---|---|
| International Foundation Year | 4.5 | 5.0 in writing and 4.0 in all other elements |
| Foundation Diploma | 5.0 (IELTS for UKVI required) | 4.5 in all elements (IELTS for UKVI required) |
| International Year One | 5.5 | 5.5 in all elements |
| Pre-Masters Programme | 6.0 | 5.5 in all elements |
| Undergraduate study | 6.0 | 5.5 in all elements |
| Postgraduate study at Kingston School of Art | 6.5 (7.0 for Journalism MA) | 5.5 in all elements |
| Postgraduate study at other faculties | 6.5 | 6.0 in all elements |
Research degrees
English language requirements for research degrees are listed on the research degree page. Be sure to check the dropdown related to the research degree you wish to undertake.
Exceptions and additional requirements
These scores in the table above represent the minimum English language proficiency required for entry. Specific course pages will provide additional details on any exceptions or additional requirements.
Can I be exempt from taking an English test?
If you have studied or lived in a majority English-speaking country (MESC), you may not need to provide extra proof of your English skills.
Here is a list of English-speaking countries where you will be exempt from taking an English language test when applying for a Student Visa, if you have successfully completed a qualification equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree in one of these recognised MESCs:
Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, The British Overseas Territories*, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States. For more details, take a look at the UK Government Student information page
Do you accept Medium of Instruction?
We accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) as proof of English language proficiency if your degree was taught entirely in English. This applies to degrees from Majority English-Speaking Countries (MESC) or institutions that meet our academic recognition standards. You will need to provide a degree transcript confirming that English was the language of instruction for your entire qualification.
Approved English language tests
At Kingston University, we are committed to providing accessible pathways for international applicants to meet our English language requirements. We recognise a wide range of qualifications and tests to ensure that students from diverse educational backgrounds can demonstrate their English proficiency.
All accepted English language level tests are valid for a period of two years. We require the most recent test results for admission.
Country-specific English requirements
At Kingston University, we accept high school qualifications from certain countries as evidence of English proficiency, provided specific grades are met.
Countries with these requirements include:
- Austria, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Croatia, Cyprus (EU & non-EU), Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Italy, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
For full details, please visit our country-specific pages.
Global recognition of English language qualifications
At Kingston University, we pride ourselves on being a welcoming institution that recognises the diversity and richness of qualifications from around the world. We have carefully assessed a wide range of country-specific qualifications at both the high school and bachelors degree levels to ensure they meet our English language requirements.
There are time limits on how recently a qualification must have been obtained to be accepted as proof of English language proficiency. These time limits vary depending on the country and specific qualification. Details regarding the acceptability period for your qualifications will be explained during the admissions assessment process.
We accept specific qualifications from the following countries:
Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Botswana, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus (both European Union and non-European Union), Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Latvia, Lebanon, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
This global approach ensures that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to thrive in our academic environment.
We're here to help
Got a question about English language entry requirements? Our international team is always happy to help. Send us a message and we will email or call you back.
