Profile 6-D (Direct entry)

The tables below include all approved English language tests and scores for Profile 6-D (Direct entry).

With the exception of IELTS Academic Online, IELTS One Skill Retake, and TOEFL iBT Home Edition, all tests must be completed in-person. Please note that only those applying for a postgraduate taught or postgraduate research programme will be eligible to take the online tests listed above.

Tests recognised for Undergraduate entry

Test name Minimum component scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) Minimum overall score

Cambridge English Qualifications
  • Listening: 169
  • Reading: 169
  • Writing: 176
  • Speaking: 169

176

IELTS Academic
  • Listening: 6.0
  • Reading: 6.0
  • Writing: 6.5
  • Speaking: 6.0

6.5

LanguageCert Academic
  • Listening: 65
  • Reading: 65
  • Writing: 70
  • Speaking: 65

70

PSI Skills for English
UKVI 4SC1

Pass

Pass

PTE Academic
(September 2025 entry)
  • Listening: 64
  • Reading: 64
  • Writing: 70
  • Speaking: 64

70

TOEFL iBT
  • Listening: 12
  • Reading: 13
  • Writing: 24
  • Speaking: 18

79

Trinity Integrated Skills
in English (ISE) II

Distinction (or Pass at level III)

Distinction (or Pass at level III)

Pre-sessional or AEQC
  • Listening: 7
  • Reading: 7
  • Writing: 11
  • Speaking: 7

11

Tests recognised for Postgraduate entry

Test name Minimum component scores (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) Minimum overall score

Cambridge English Qualifications
  • Listening: 169
  • Reading: 169
  • Writing: 176
  • Speaking: 169

176

IELTS Academic
  • Listening: 6.0
  • Reading: 6.0
  • Writing: 6.5
  • Speaking: 6.0

6.5

IELTS Academic Online
and IELTS One Skill Retake
  • Listening: 6.0
  • Reading: 6.0
  • Writing: 6.5
  • Speaking: 6.0

6.5

LanguageCert Academic
  • Listening: 65
  • Reading: 65
  • Writing: 70
  • Speaking: 65

70

PSI Skills for English
UKVI 4SC1

Pass

Pass

PTE Academic
(September 2025 entry)
  • Listening: 64
  • Reading: 64
  • Writing: 70
  • Speaking: 64

70

TOEFL iBT
  • Listening: 12
  • Reading: 13
  • Writing: 24
  • Speaking: 18

79

TOEFL iBT Home Edition
  • Listening: 12
  • Reading: 13
  • Writing: 24
  • Speaking: 18

79

Trinity Integrated Skills
in English (ISE) II

Distinction (or Pass at level III)

Distinction (or Pass at level III)

Pre-sessional or AEQC
  • Listening: 7
  • Reading: 7
  • Writing: 11
  • Speaking: 7

11

 

If you are unsure what English language test profile applies to your course of study, visit the English language requirements for more details.

Recently withdrawn tests

From 1 September 2024, the University no longer recognises the LanguageCert International ESOL test as proof of English Language competency. If you completed the test on or before 31 August 2024, the University will continue to accept this for a maximum of two years post certification. For accepted scores, or to discuss this in more detail, please email admissions@st-andrews.ac.uk.

Providing your English language evidence

When you are ready, you can submit your English language test through the applicant portal.

In some cases, undergraduate and postgraduate applicants may be able to present other English language evidence with their application.

For example, undergraduate applicants with:

  • UKVI approved nationality
  • an English-medium secondary or high school leaving qualification 
  • an International Foundation certificate from the University of St Andrews

And postgraduate applicants with:

  • a UK degree taught in English
  • a degree from a country where English has official status
  • a degree which was taught in English and obtained in another country

For more details, see undergraduate language requirements and postgraduate language requirements.