Understanding the English Language Requirements at Imperial College London

If you are applying to Imperial College London for postgraduate or doctoral study, you will need to understand two key aspects regarding English language proficiency: the required test/qualification standards and the circumstances under which you may be exempt from providing one.

Understanding the English Language Requirements

All applicants for postgraduate (and doctoral) programmes at Imperial must satisfy the university’s English language standard unless they are eligible for an exemption.

Imperial distinguishes between two levels of English standard:

Standard level – the baseline proficiency required for most courses.
Higher level – for courses or departments that require stronger English ability.

How to meet the requirement:

You can satisfy the English requirement by one of the following:

Taking one of the accepted English language tests (such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, etc.) and achieving the minimum scores required.
Having completed a qualification that entitles you to exemption (see below).
For doctoral students, additionally fulfilling the internal academic communication requirements (after enrolment) if applicable.

Accepted Tests and Example Scores:

Here are some indicative test requirements for the standard/higher levels (please check your specific course page for exact figures):

IELTS Academic: Standard might be around 6.5 overall (with minimum in each component), Higher around 7.0.
TOEFL iBT: Standard around 92 overall (minimum 20 in each element), Higher around 100 overall (minimum 22 each).
PTE Academic: Standard 62 overall (minimum 56), Higher 69 overall (minimum 62).
Duolingo English Test and other accepted tests as listed on the university page.

Important Notes:

You can submit an application even if you have not yet taken the English test; but if you receive an offer it may be conditional on you achieving the required scores.
Test scores must generally be valid at the time you begin the programme.

English Language Exemption: When You Might Not Need a Test

Under certain conditions you may not need to provide an English language test result at all. Imperial defines the English language exemption as follows:

You have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of the countries designated as English-speaking for this purpose (for example: Australia, Canada, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, South Africa, United States of America, West Indies, United Kingdom).
Other specific exemptions: If you hold full membership or fellowship by examination of a UK or Ireland’s Medical Royal College; or registration with UK medical/nursing regulatory bodies.

Important caveats:

Exemption is not guaranteed in all cases; for example the exemption rules might not apply for programmes in the Imperial College Business School.
Even with an exemption you must ensure your educational background meets the criteria (qualification awarded in eligible country, etc.).
If you are not exempt, you must take one of the accepted tests.

What You Should Do as an Applicant

To make sure you are on track:

Check your chosen course’s page on the Imperial website to confirm whether the standard or higher English level applies.
If English is not your first language, or you have not studied a qualifying degree in one of the exempt countries, arrange an English test sooner rather than later.
Use your application timeline wisely: you may apply first, but ensure your test results will be ready in time to meet any conditional offer.
If you believe you qualify for exemption, prepare evidence of your qualification from an eligible country and submit as required.
For doctoral applicants: after meeting the entry test requirement, be aware of the internal academic communication requirement (for example, the internal assessment of writing competence) and factor that into your preparation.

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