English Language Levels

Minimum entry requirement for Further Education courses is an IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent.

Minimum entry requirement for Higher Education courses is an ILETS score of 6.0 or equivalent.

These entry requirements might change depending on the course, please always check the course description.

FCE (First Certificate in English)

What is the FCE?

The FCE is administered by the University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

It is an upper intermediate level test of your English ability and·a pass is equivalent to IELTS: 5.5 - 6.5, TOEFL: 520 - 580 (paper test), TOEFL: 193 - 233 (computer test), or TOEIC: 650 - 800.

Passing also shows that you have a wide vocabulary and are able to express an opinion persuasively and effectively. You should have no trouble adapting to a variety of social, work and personal situations.

Why should I take the FCE?

1) Employers worldwide recognise the FCE. You can use English for small work-related tasks and even undertake an internship. 
2) You can use the result as part of an application for some degree and diploma courses. 
3) If you'd like to take the CAE, passing the FCE is perfect preparation.

How is the FCE assessed?

There are 5 papers, each worth 20% of the final mark: reading, writing, use of English, speaking (normally taken in pairs), and listening.

You'll receive a statement of results detailing your performance in each section. An overall grade of A, B or C means you've passed. A grade of D, E or F means you have failed. Please note, the percentages required to achieve the above grades are not set exactly. However, an overall mark of 60% is usually required to achieve grade C.

CAE (Certificate in Advanced English)
What is the CAE?

The FCE is administered the University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

It is a lower advanced level test of your English ability. A pass is equivalent to IELTS: 6.5 - 7.5, TOEFL: 580 - 620 (paper test), TOEFL: 233 - 250 (computer test), or TOEIC: 800 - 900.

A pass will prove that you have a good command of English vocabulary and grammar. You can apply English confidently in education, social and professional settings. It will also show that you can use your English language skills in a range of culturally appropriate ways.

Why should I take the CAE?

1) Applying to many degree and diploma courses at established universities is possible.
2) Employers understand that you are able to apply English in most professional settings.
3) You will be ideally prepared to study for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE).

How is the CAE assessed?

You will take 5 separate papers that are each worth 20% of the final mark: reading, writing, use of English, speaking (normally taken in pairs), and listening.

You'll receive a statement of results detailing your performance in each section. An overall grade of A, B or C means you've passed. A grade of D, E or F means you have failed. Please note, the percentages required to achieve the above grades are not set exactly. However, an overall mark of 60% is usually required to achieve grade C.

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CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English)

What is the CPE?

The CPE is administered by the University of Cambridge English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

It is a lower advanced level test of your English ability. A pass is equivalent to IELTS: 7.5+, TOEFL: 620+ (paper based), TOEFL: 250+ (computer based), or TOEIC: 900+.

Passing the exam will demonstrate that your standard of English is approaching that of an educated native speaker. It will also show that you can use English with ease and fluency in almost any situation.

Why should I take the CPE?

1) Entry to graduate and postgraduate degrees at prestigious institutions is now possible.

2) There is no higher English language accreditation than the CPE! Employers worldwide will recognise that you can use English expertly in a professional setting.

How is the CPE assessed?

You will take 5 separate papers that are each worth 20% of the final mark: reading, writing, use of English, speaking (normally taken in pairs), and listening.

You'll receive a statement of results detailing how you performed in each section of the exam. An overall grade of A (80% +), B (75% - 79%) or C (60% - 74%) means that you have passed. A grade of D (55% - 59%) or E (54% and below) means that you have failed.

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IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

What is IELTS?

The IELTS is jointly managed by the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, the British Council and IDP Education Australia. The exam measures your ability in all aspects of the English language. Depending on your reason for taking the IELTS, you can choose either the academic or general training route:

- For academic study or professional registration, you should choose the 'Academic Module' 
- For non-academic training, work experience or for immigration purposes, select the 'General Training Module'

Why should I take IELTS?

You will need an IELTS score to apply to universities in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Professional bodies, governments and immigration authorities worldwide also require IELTS scores. Please note: In all cases the required score will depend on what you are applying for.

How is IELTS assessed?

You will take four equally weighted exams: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. All candidates take the same listening and speaking exams. However, for the reading and writing tests, you can choose between the 'Academic Module' and the 'General Training Module'. You’ll receive one score for each exam and an overall score in the form of a whole or a half band (e.g. 5.0, 5.5).

What does my IELTS band mean?

There are nine bands and they each describe your English language ability at that level. The highest is 9 (expert user) and the lowest is 0 (no English language ability).

Your chosen school will provide details regarding when the test can be taken.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

What is TOEFL?

The TOEFL measures your ability to apply and understand North American English in an academic environment, for example in a classroom or on a university campus.

Why should I take TOEFL?

If you want to apply to study at a college or university in the USA, you will need a TOEFL score. Government agencies, scholarship programmes and professional bodies in the USA also require TOEFL scores.

How is TOEFL assessed?

Depending on where you take the test, you will take either the Paper-Based Test (PBT) or the Computer-Based Test (CBT). The PBT contains 4 parts. You’ll receive one score for each exam and an overall mark ranging from 0 to 677:

- Listening comprehension 
- Structure and written expression 
- Reading comprehension 
- Test of written English

The CBT has 4 parts. You'll receive three scores (from 0 to 30) for the listening, reading and structure/writing (combined) sections and an overall result ranging from 0 to 300:

- Listening 
- Structure 
- Reading 
- Writing

TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication)

What is TOEIC?

TOEIC is a measure of how well you are able to apply and understand English in an international business/industrial environment. Questions are based upon everyday work related situations.

How is TOEIC assessed?

The exam contains a total of 200 multiple choice questions. It lasts for 2 hours and is divided into two sections:

- Listening (100 questions) 
- Reading (100 questions)

You will receive a mark of between 5 and 495 points for each section. The results are added together to give you a total score out of 990 points.

Why should I take TOEIC?

You will be able to prove your ability to use English effectively in an international business setting. Your chances of future professional advancement or promotion are likely to be improved.