Study Abroad entry requirements
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English language requirements
English language
All international applicants must be able to show that their English is of a high enough standard to successfully engage with and complete their course at SOAS.
You can demonstrate English language ability in several ways: see our English language requirements section for exceptions and alternative qualifications accepted.
Direct entry - Study Abroad/Exchange programme only
| Test | Overall | Subscores |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/for UKVI/ Online | 6.0 | 5.5 in all subscores |
| PTE Academic | 65 | 60 in all subscores |
| TOEFL iBT ('My Best Scores' not accepted) | 95 | 23 in writing, 20 in other subscores |
With 4-week pre-sessional English
| Test | Overall | Subscores |
|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic | 62 | 60 in writing, 59 in other subscores |
| TOEFL iBT ('My Best Scores' are not accepted) | 92 | 20 in writing and speaking, 18 in listening and reading |
With 8-week pre-sessional English
| Test | Overall | Subscores |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic/for UKVI/ Indicator | 5.5 | 5.5 in all subscores |
| PTE Academic | 60 | 59 in all subscores |
| TOEFL iBT ('My Best Scores' are not accepted) | 85 | 20 in speaking, 18 in all other subscores |
Pre-sessional and in-sessional English
If you do not meet the English Language Requirements in full, you may be offered an In-sessional English course or a four-week or eight-week Pre-sessional English course, depending on your test results.
Pre-sessional English is only available for September starters and is not included in exchange agreements (so will be at the student’s cost). In-sessional courses are free and take place during the term time.
Visa requirements and SELT
Applicants who require a Student Visa must prove their knowledge of the English language when applying. As a higher education provider, SOAS can assess your level of English using a variety of tests and qualifications. However, you may be asked to provide evidence of a secure English language test (SELT) as part of your Student Visa application.
Study Abroad or Exchange applicants who require a Student Visa and plan to take a Pre-sessional English course must provide a SELT test.
If you are not sure if you will require a pre-sessional course or ELAS, then we recommend that you take one of the following approved SELT English test, as this is the safest option:
Academic requirements
Undergraduate applicants
Undergraduate applicants should have the equivalent of a British 2:1 in their current undergraduate studies. For example, North American students should have a GPA of 3.3/4.0 and students from Norway should be receiving predominantly grades B and C. Applicants with a GPA of 3.0, or equivalent, will be considered if they can demonstrate a strong academic motivation or have a higher GPA in their Major.
Please note that we do not offer a first year programme. Undergraduate students can join SOAS in their sophomore/second year at the earliest.
Postgraduate applicants
Postgraduate students must have successfully completed an undergraduate degree with an overall grade that is equivalent to a British 2:1. For example, North American students should have a GPA of 3.3/4.0 and students from Norwegian institutions should have an average grade of B/C.
