Please note that we have recently updated our IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson and USEPT requirements to reflect changes to UK government visa policy. We are still in the process of reviewing our requirements for other English language qualifications.
If you intend to study at the University of Sheffield you must be able show that your English language proficiency is at a level which allows you to successfully complete your chosen course of study.
Acceptable minimum qualifications are shown below, but some departments require a higher minimum level due to the nature of their subject areas.
If your qualification is not listed, or if you require further information, please contact the Admissions Service.
Applicants with a first degree taught in English will not generally be required to provide other evidence of English Language proficiency.
GCSE English (English, English Language, but not usually English Literature)
Grade C or above
IGCSE English Language (as a first language)
Grade C or above
IGCSE English Language (as a second language)
Grade B or above
O Level English Language
Grade C or above
AS Level English Language
Grade C or above
A Level English Language
Grade C or above
A Level General Studies
Grade C or above
Scottish Certificate of Education, Standard Grade English
Grade C or above
Scottish Certificate of Education, Higher Grade English
Grade C or above
Irish Leaving Certificate, Ordinary Level English
Grade C or above
Irish Leaving Certificate, Higher Level English
Grade C or above
International tests in English
Qualification
Level
International English Language Testing Service (IELTS)
Average of 6.0 or above with at least 5.5 in each component (IELTS requirements for each postgraduate taught course are provided in the PGT course listings)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Please note that the internet-based test (IBT) is the only TOEFL qualification that we accept.
Details of the equivalence between IELTS and TOEFL scores are available on the ELTC webpages).
87 or above, with at least 21 in Listening, 21 in Writing, 22 in Reading and 23 in Speaking
Average of 60% or above with at least 53% in each component
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
54 or above, with at least 51 in each component
International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level English
Grade 4 or above
European Baccalaureate (EB) English
6.5 or above
NEAB University Entrance Test in English
Pass
Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Grade C or above
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
Grade C or above
Oxford Higher Level Certificate
Pass, Credit or Distinction
London Examinations Certificate of Attainment
Level 4 or above
NCUK International Foundation Year: English for Academic Purposes Module
Grade C or above
Other international qualifications
Qualification
Level
Cameroon GCE O Level
Grade C or above
Caribbean Examination Council General Proficiency
Grade I and II
French Baccalaureate l'Option Internationale, English
Grade 11 or above
German Abitur, English
Grade 11 or above
Hong Kong Use of English
Grade D or above
Indian Standard XII
70% or above in the English component
Kenyan Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)
Grade B or above
Malaysian 1119 syllabus (UCLES)
Grade C or above
Netherlands VWO, English
Grade 7 or above
Norwegian Vitnemål, English
Grade 4 or above
Singapore GCE O Level
Grade C or above
Singapore Computerised English Language Proficiency Test (CELPT)
Grade 6.5 or above
Sri Lanka GCE O Level
Grade Credit or above
Swedish Fullstandigt fran Gymnasieskolan, English
Grade VG or above
Uganda Certificate of Education
Grade 6 or above
West African Examinations Council School Certificate (WAEC SSCE)
Grade 6/C or above (please note that in the West African Examinations Council School Certificate a lower grade indicates higher achievement – ie 5 is better than 6)
Zambian Secondary School Certificate
Grade 6 or above
Qualifications not accepted
Please note that we are unable to accept some qualifications as meeting the English language entry requirements. Qualifications we are unable to accept include the following:
Anglia Examinations in English
Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
Cambridge Preliminary English Test (PET)
Key English Test (KET)
London Chamber of Commerce: English for Business
Malaysian Certificate of Educational English Language
Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency
Oxford International Business English Certificate
Pitman English for Business Communications
TOEFL paper-based test (TOEFL PBT)
Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
