International Entry Requirements at SAE

SAE aims to ensure that all students have the necessary language skills to succeed in their academic studies and to easily integrate into the institution’s friendly community.

International students must demonstrate that their qualifications are equivalent to the standard entry requirement of 72 UCAS tariff points, as well as competency in English. For degree courses in Audio Production and Games Programming, an equivalent qualification to GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above is also required.

English Language Requirements

All students are required to show proficiency in English. We recommend getting in touch with our team for advice and to confirm what evidence is accepted.

However, if English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence that you meet the appropriate level of English proficiency for your level of study.

Requirements vary depending on the level of study you are applying for (e.g. undergraduate or postgraduate) and whether you require a student visa. If you require a student visa, please refer to the acceptable test information below.

Equivalent qualifications can be accepted, where these qualifications have been verified by ENIC and are adopted widely within the UK Higher Education sector.

If your qualification does not meet these requirements, we’ll ask for one of the following:

• IELTS (UKVI or Academic) – minimum 5.5 in all components and an overall score of 6.0
• Pearson Test of English – minimum 59 in all subscores
• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) – minimum grade C
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) – minimum grade B
• TOEFL (IBT or IBT Home Edition online) – 72 overall with the following component
  • Listening – 17
  • Writing – 17
  • Speaking – 20
  • Reading – 18

• LanguageCert ESOL examinations:
  • International ESOL C1 Expert – pass in all four components
  • International ESOL SELT B2 (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) – minimum 33 in all components
  • ESOL Integrated Skills in English II – pass in all components
• IELTS Indicator (online) – minimum 5.5 in all components and an overall score of 6.0

EXEMPTIONS FROM LANGUAGE TESTING

You do not need to take an English test if you fall into one of these categories:

• You are a national of a majority English-speaking country (as defined by UKVI) and have completed full secondary-level education in one of these countries: Majority English Speaking Countries

• You may not require a test if you hold a qualification equivalent to a UK degree or higher where instruction was in English and your proposed course of study at SAE will be an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.

• You may not require a test if you have completed a GCSE, A-Level, Scottish National Qualification or Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher, in English Language/Literature in the UK, which you started when you were aged under 18.

CONFIRM WITH US BEFORE BOOKING YOUR TEST

Please contact our friendly Admissions team at ukenquiries@sae.edu if you need advice on whether you need a test or before booking your test to confirm that it will meet our requirements. We are able to accept a wider range of language evidence if you do not require a student visa.