Language requirements
International students who do not have English as a first language must provide evidence of an adequate level of English language competence. The two most commonly used tests to determine this level are International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).The minimum requirement in IELTS is an overall score of 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in writing.
The minimum TOEFL requirement is 600 in the paper version and 250 in the computer version. Students also need to have at least 4.5 in the Test of Written English or Essay Rating.
IELTS is the preferred test at Bristol, because IELTS assesses students’ ability to use English rather than just test students’ knowledge of English through multiple-choice questions.
Applicants who are just below the IELTS entry requirements may consider one of the pre-sessional courses offered at the University of Bristol. There is a 10-week course for students with no less than IELTS 5.5 and a 5-week course for students with no less than IELTS 6.0. These courses are designed to develop the academic English language skills needed for higher education study at a British university. These courses are provided by Bristol University’s Language Centre.