🇬🇧 London, United Kingdom
IELTS Requirements at SOAS University of London — Scores & Tips
SOAS University of London in United Kingdom requires IELTS Academic for international student admissions. The minimum overall band score is 7.0 for undergraduate programmes and 7.0 for postgraduate programmes. Requirements may vary by department and programme.
7.0 UG Minimum
7.0 PG Minimum
IELTS Academic Module Required
IELTS Score Requirements at SOAS University of London
| Level of Study | Overall Minimum | Component Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (UG) | 7.0 | 7.0 each |
| Postgraduate (PG) | 7.0 | 7.0 each |
This university requires IELTS Academic. General Training scores are not accepted for degree-level admissions.
About IELTS Requirements at SOAS University of London
SOAS has relatively high requirements due to the language-intensive nature of its programmes. Most undergraduate and postgraduate programmes require 7.0 overall with 7.0 in each component.
View official English language requirements at SOAS University of London
IELTS Tips for SOAS University of London Applicants
- •Always check the specific programme page on the SOAS University of London website. Requirements can differ between departments and even between courses within the same faculty.
- •If your score is 0.5 to 1.0 bands below the requirement, check whether SOAS University of London offers a pre-sessional English course. Many universities provide conditional admission with a language bridge programme.
- •Pay close attention to individual component requirements. Many programmes at SOAS University of London set a higher minimum for Writing because academic writing is critical for coursework and dissertations.
- •IELTS results are valid for two years. Plan your test date so your scores are current both when you apply and when you enrol at SOAS University of London.
- •UK universities use UCAS for undergraduate applications. Your IELTS score must be valid on the start date of your course, not just the application deadline. Plan your test accordingly when applying to SOAS University of London.
- •Most UK universities, including SOAS University of London, offer pre-sessional English courses of 6–20 weeks. If you score 0.5–1.0 bands below the requirement, apply for the pre-sessional as a backup.
- •The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) IELTS is only needed for visa-level courses. For degree programmes at SOAS University of London (a recognised Sponsor), a standard IELTS Academic is accepted.
- •Many UK programmes have tiered requirements — for example, English Literature may require 7.5 while Engineering requires 6.5. Always check the specific course page at SOAS University of London.
- •UK postgraduate taught programmes (Masters) often require higher Writing scores (6.5–7.0) because of dissertation requirements. Focus extra preparation time on Writing Task 2 essays.
Frequently Asked Questions: IELTS for SOAS University of London
What IELTS score do I need for SOAS University of London?
SOAS University of London requires a minimum overall IELTS score of 7.0 for undergraduate programmes and 7.0 for postgraduate programmes. Some departments and specific courses may have higher requirements.
Does SOAS University of London accept IELTS General Training?
Most universities, including SOAS University of London, require IELTS Academic for degree-level admissions. A small number of institutions accept General Training for certain programmes. Always check the specific requirements on the university's admissions page.
Does SOAS University of London offer pre-sessional English courses?
Many universities, including SOAS University of London, offer pre-sessional English courses for applicants who score 0.5 to 1.0 bands below the requirement. Check the university website for current availability and entry criteria.
How long are IELTS scores valid for SOAS University of London admissions?
IELTS scores are typically valid for two years from the test date. SOAS University of London requires that your scores be current at the time of application and enrolment.
Do I need UKVI IELTS for SOAS University of London?
For degree-level study at SOAS University of London (a recognised Student Sponsor), you can use a standard IELTS Academic test. UKVI IELTS is only required for pre-sessional courses or below-degree-level programmes.
Can I combine IELTS scores from two tests for SOAS University of London?
No. UK universities, including SOAS University of London, require all four component scores to come from a single test sitting. You cannot combine scores from multiple attempts.
Sources & References
- •Official admissions and English language requirements page at SOAS University of London
- •IELTS Official — ielts.org — Test information and global recognition data
Requirements were last verified in March 2026. University admission requirements may change with policy updates. Always verify requirements directly with the university before submitting applications.
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