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UK Entrance Exams: What Exams are Required to Study in UK for International Students

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Tumul Buch
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UK is one of the best study abroad destinations, with more than 100 universities included in the QS World Rankings 2023 list. The top universities in UK such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, Imperial College London, King’s College London, etc. provide various courses like BBA, BSc, MIM, MSc, MA, MBA, and more. To benefit from the bustling economy, diverse culture, and world-class employment opportunities, thousands of students apply to the institutions in UK for their education.

Universities in UK are on the lookout for the best students for each course and have specific entry requirements for the same. Exams for UK universities also fall into the requirements category. Students have to take entrance exams, language proficiency tests, etc. and submit the scores in their application. So, if you are planning to apply for courses in UK, we are providing all the necessary details about the UK exams required and the minimum score requirements.

Table of Contents

What Exams are Required to Study in UK?

In order to get admission into the program of your choice at UK universities, you are required to take some proof of language tests as well as some standardised tests. These tests help in accessing the compatibility of educational programs and comparing the students that come from different backgrounds. Universities have different exam requirements based on the courses and programs. Let us discuss what exams are required to study in UK.

The significant exams to write to study in UK can be divided into three major categories:

  1. English Language Proficiency Exams
  2. Undergraduate exams
  3. Graduate exams

Now let us talk about each of these categories in detail to understand which tests are included in them.

English Language Proficiency Tests to Study in UK

International students from non-native English countries seeking admission into UK colleges and universities will have to apply for the English Language tests. These tests help in the assessment of the English speaking, writing, and hearing abilities of students. Some of the most popular English language proficiency examinations include

Let us talk about these exams in detail.

1.  IELTS

The International English Language Testing System or the IELTS is one of the most preferred English Language Proficiency tests for different institutions in UK. IELTS covers 4 main skills of the students i.e., reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The minimum IELTS score required for UK is between 6.0 – 8.0.

2.  TOEFL

This English language test in UK is often considered to be an alternative to IELTS. While most universities accept IELTS scores for admission, TOEFL scores are also accepted by some TOEFL accepting universities in UK. TOEFL also tests the English language proficiency of a student based on their listening, speaking, and writing abilities. Students have to score a minimum of 80 or above in the TOEFL exam to be considered eligible.

3.  PTE Academic

Almost all the UK universities tend to accept the Pearson Test of English or PTE Academic results. Students are tested on their ability to speak, test, read, and write the English language. For international students who want admission to the top PTE accepting universities in UK, an average score of 60 is a must.

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UK Exams to Study for Undergraduate Programs

Students pursuing an undergraduate program in UK are required to appear in the two most important standardised exams i.e., ACT and SAT. These examinations will assist in demonstrating the academic, logical, and aptitude skills of students during their higher secondary education. Let us talk about these exams in detail.

1.  SAT Exam

It is one of the most common exams for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in UK. Originally known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, SAT is a high-level aptitude test for higher secondary students. This 3-hour long test measures the grammatical and mathematical skills of the students. Any SAT score between 1100 and 1600 is considered to be good in UK universities. With this good SAT score, students can gain admission to colleges and universities in UK.

2.  ACT

The American College Testing or ACT examination is another one of the most important exams to study in UK. This test will measure the excellence of students in the subjects of mathematics, English, science, etc. An advantage of choosing this test is that the curriculum for ACT is based on the high-school examination. Thus, students have a familiar edge with this examination. The average ACT score requirement for UK universities is around 24 or more.

3.  LNAT

The Law National Aptitude Test or LNAT is a popular entrance exam for UK universities taken by students who want to apply for undergraduate law courses in the UK. Academic institutions in UK such as the University of Bristol, University of Oxford, University College London, and University of Glasgow accept LNAT scores above 25 for their law programs.

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UK Exams to Study for Graduate Programs

Students wanting to pursue a Masters degree in UK also have to clear some important examinations to be considered eligible for admission. There are graduate entrance examinations based on the program type. Some of the common entrance examinations include GRE, GMAT, GAMSAT, LNAT, etc. Here we are providing details about each entrance exam for UK universities.

1.  GRE

The Graduate Record Examination or GRE is a standardised test which is fundamental for graduate students at UK universities. This test might be similar to the GMAT but there is a significant difference between the two exams. Keep in mind that GMAT is just required for graduate business courses while GRE is the main requirement regardless of the choice of the graduate program. The GRE test helps in examining the algebraic, geometric, algebraic, writing, as well as the language ability of students. There are three sections in the examination:

  • Verbal
  • Analytical
  • Quantitative

The minimum score required by GRE accepting universities in UK is around 300 or above.

2.  GMAT

Most business management universities and colleges in UK accept a GMAT score for international students. Also known as the Graduate Management Admission Test, GMAT is an important UK entrance exam that assesses the analytical, verbal, quantitative, and reasoning skills of students. To get admission into the top GMAT colleges in UK, securing a score above 550 is a must for students.

3.  Cambridge Law Test

Students pursuing a masters course in Law at the University of Cambridge will have to submit their scores for the Cambridge Law Test. The test doesn’t require any prior knowledge of law concepts. However, students with some work experience in this particular field will be given special attention. The students are tested on their reasoning, persuasive, and argumentative abilities. The minimum score requirement for CLT is 7.

4.  GAMSAT UK (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test)

This UK entrance exam is the main requirement for students who are applying to medical colleges and universities in UK for a masters program. The test assesses written communication, reasoning skills in biological & physical science, etc. The Graduate Medical School Admissions Test score requirement for UK institutions is between 60-70.

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These are some important entrance exams that are required to study in UK. Based on your choice of program and course, you can choose the examinations that are essential for admission. To get more information on UK entrance examinations, choose Yocket Premium and resolve your doubts.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Exams to Study in UK

What exams are essential for a bachelors program in UK?

Is there an age limit to apply for SAT exam?

Is IELTS better than TOEFL?

How long are the scores of IELTS and TOEFL valid for?

Is GMAT essential for business management courses in UK?

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