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General entry requirements
At Kent, we encourage all those who have the ability to study at university to apply, and we accept a wide range of qualifications.
Flexible tariff
At Kent we look at your circumstances as a whole before deciding whether to make you an offer to study here. Find out more about how we offer flexibility and support before and during your degree.
We consider your experience, alternative qualifications and other information in your application form. Students are not treated differently on grounds of race, colour, religion, disability, gender, sexuality or any other distinction. For more information, see our admissions policy.
The following are our minimum entry requirements for degree level study.
Age
There is no upper age limit to studying at the University. You should be at least 17 years old by 20 September in the year you begin your course. If you are below this age, we may still consider you for admission but please contact us for more details.
GCE/GCSE
The minimum requirements are:
- five passes at GCSE grade C (or grade 4) or above, including English Language or Use of English (IGCSE English as a Second Language, grade B or grade 6), and at least two subjects at A level OR
- three passes at GCE A level and a pass at grade C (or grade 4) or above in GCSE English Language or Use of English.
Offers are normally based on achieving three A levels or equivalent at Level 3, although some University subject areas may specify differently. You must have a minimum of two A level equivalents at Level 3 in two subjects (ie two A levels or one vocational double award).
We base offers on a combination of GCSE/AS/VCE A level/A level/other qualifications or predicted grades, your personal statement and reference.
New GCSE grading system
GCSE subjects and the system for grading them are being overhauled, with numerical grades replacing the current A*-G system.
For more information, see our GCSE conversion table.
Subjects accepted for the General Entry Requirement
- Kent generally accepts any A level syllabus approved by the AQA, OCR, WJEC and Edexcel and CIE awarding bodies, though we regard some subjects as more suitable than others.
- We do not accept the more vocational subjects if offered as one of only two A level passes.
- We count subjects with a significant overlap as one subject.
- We may accept two mathematical subjects at the same level provided that the course syllabuses were substantially different (for example, a combination of Pure and Applied Mathematics or of Mathematics and Further Mathematics). We will accept papers in Mathematics and Further Mathematics set on the SMP syllabus. A level ‘Use of Mathematics’ is not accepted by some degree subjects as meeting requirements for a specific grade in A level Mathematics.
- Some academic schools may take into consideration passes in Level 2 functional skills communication and numeracy where you cannot meet the matriculation requirements for English and Maths at GCSE level. However, you are advised to try to retake GCSE English and Mathematics as these will provide a better preparation for studying at university.
Core Mathematics qualifications
Kent welcomes the introduction of Core Mathematics qualifications to provide students with the opportunity to develop their mathematical skills beyond GCSE. As the University is a nationally recognised Q-Step centre for quantitative social science skills, we value the importance of giving our students the chance to develop broader statistical, problem-solving, evaluation and data analysis skills.
We believe students taking degree subjects that do not require an A level in Mathematics benefit from taking a Level 3 Core Mathematics qualification from the suite available. Although not a prerequisite for admission, we would continue to look positively on applications from students offering Core Mathematics qualifications.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
The University welcomes applications from prospective students offering the full IB Diploma. We make offers solely on the basis of the IB marking scheme and not the UCAS tariff.
We have a standard IB Diploma offer of 34 points across all programmes of study including any specific subjects at higher or standard level required by the particular degree programme. As an alternative to achieving 34 points, for most programmes, the University will also make IB students the offer of passing the IB Diploma with specific achievement in higher/standard level subjects. Both offers will be communicated to UCAS.
Students offering a combination of IB certificates and other qualifications, such as A levels, Advanced Placement Tests or the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), will also be considered on their individual merits and should contact the Recruitment and Admissions Office for additional guidance.
BTEC/OCR
- BTEC Extended National Diploma (QCF) or National Diploma (NQF) (18 units); or Diploma (QCF) Certificate (NQF) (12 units); and a pass in an approved English language qualification
- Higher National Diploma or Certificate and a pass in an approved English language qualification
Access to Higher Education Diploma
- All Access applicants are considered individually
- Pass with a proportion of Level 3 credits in particular subjects at merit grade or above
Other qualifications
We are happy to consider other qualifications on a case-by-case basis, including the following qualifications, providing they demonstrate a satisfactory standard and include a pass in English at the equivalent of GCSE:
- Scottish (SQA) higher/advanced higher qualifications
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- European Baccalaureate Diploma
- Certificate in Education
- university degree
- Advanced International Certificate of Education
- Advanced Placement (AP) – a minimum of two full APs is required
- Overseas certificates (including some other European Union (EU) countries)
- Higher School Certificate of Matriculation of approved overseas and EU authorities
- American High School Diplomas if accompanied by two full AP passes
- School Certificates and Higher School Certificates awarded by a body approved by the University
- matriculation from an approved university, with a pass in English Language at GCSE/O level or an equivalent level in an approved English language test
- Kent’s foundation programmes, provided you meet the subject requirements for the degree course you intend to study
- an examination pass accepted as equivalent to any of the above.
For information on entry requirements for your country, see our International Student website, or email international@kent.ac.uk.
English language qualifications
In order to enter directly on to a degree programme, you also need to show evidence of your proficiency in English language. The University also accepts some school qualifications in English.
Students requiring an educational visa will be restricted to particular tests that are acceptable to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), such as IELTS.
For details, see our English language requirements.
English language requirements
Our English language entry requirements are set at a level to ensure all students benefit fully from their studies and can communicate effectively with academic staff and students.
To study at Kent, you must be able to demonstrate an excellent level of spoken and written English. This page gives guidance on the qualifications we accept as an entry requirement onto our undergraduate courses.
On this page
International students
If you are not a national of one of the UKVI list of majority English-speaking countries, you must show evidence of a minimum level of English language proficiency. You may be able to prove this in the following ways:
Approved English language qualifications > For students with one of our approved English language proficiency qualifications.
A level, GCSE and IB students > For students studying recognised qualifications in English at an international school and who do not require a Student visa to study in the UK.
Students with other qualifications > For students with at least a Bachelor’s degree level qualification in a majority English speaking country or a degree taught entirely in the medium of English (approved on a case-by-case basis).
Approved English language qualifications
The qualifications and grades we accept are listed below. If you have taken an in-country qualification or A level, GCSE or IB English, this may not be required. This is assessed on an individual basis for applicants requiring a Student visa.
In light of Covid-19 we are accepting some online tests as well as those sat in official test centres and we are able to extend IELTS test expiry dates by 12 months for applicants who do not require a SELT.
| IELTS (including IELTS Indicator) | PTE Academic | CAE/CPE | TOEFL iBT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in R&W; 5.5 in S&L) | 62 overall with 60 in each subtest | 176 overall (with a minimum of 169 in R&W; 162 in S&L) | 90 overall (with a minimum of 22 in R; 21 in W; 17 in L; 20 in S |
| Social Work – BA (Hons) (UCAS code: L508) | 7.0 overall (with a minimum of 6.5 in each component) | 68 overall with 65 in each subtest | 185 overall (with a minimum of 176 in each component) | 95 overall (with a minimum of 25 in R; 24 in W&S; 22 in L) |
| Kent Business School Foundation (UCAS codes: N103;K, N303;K, N197;K, N406 & N209) | 5.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) | 48 overall with 48 in each subtest | 72 overall (with a minimum of 18 in R; 17 in W&L; 20 in S) | |
| Politics and International Relations Foundation (UCAS code: L250) | 5.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) | 48 overall with 48 in each subtest | 72 overall (with a minimum of 18 in R; 17 in W&L; 20 in S) | |
| Sciences Foundation (UCAS codes: G108, F412, F105, F305, H16F, H31F, H694, N325) | 5.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) | 48 overall with 48 in each subtest | 72 overall (with a minimum of 18 in R; 17 in W&L; 20 in S) | |
| Pharmacy – MPharm (UCAS code: B230) | 7.0 overall (with a minimum of 7.0 in each component) | 68 overall with 65 in each subtest | 185 overall (with 176 in each component) | 95 overall (with a minimum of 25 in R; 24 in W&S; 22 in L) |
| International Foundation Programme (UCAS codes: Y001, Y002) | 5.0 overall (with a minimum of 5.0 in each component) If you require a student visa to study in the UK you need to take the IELTS for UKVI | 36 in each component If you require a student visa to study in the UK you need to take the Pearson PTE Academic UKVI | 62 overall (with a minimum of 15 in R; 15 in W; 14 in L; 19 in S) Please note this cannot be used if you require a student visa to study in the UK |
Online tests
| TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition | NCUK English Language Test | Duolingo | LanguageCert International ESOL or SELT (Online or Test Centre) | Pearson Versant (VEPT) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate degrees | 90 overall (with a minimum of 22 in R; 21 in W; 17 in L; 20 in S | 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6.0 in R&W; 5.5 in S&L) | 110 (minimum 90 in all components) | B2 High Pass (minimum 33 in all components) | 60 |
| Social Work – BA (Hons) (UCAS code: L508) | 95 overall (with a minimum of 25 in R; 24 in W&S; 22 in L) | 7.0 overall (with a minimum of 6.5 in each component) | 120 (minimum 90 in all components) | C1 Pass (minimum 33 in all components) | 65 |
| Sciences Foundation (UCAS codes: G108, F412, F105, F305, H16F, H31F, H614, H605, N325) | 72 overall (with a minimum of 18 in R; 17 in W&L; 20 in S) | 5.5 overall (with a minimum of 5.5 in each component) | 90 (minimum 90 in all components) | B2 Pass (minimum 33 in all components) | 50 |
| Pharmacy – MPharm (UCAS code) B230) | 95 overall (with a minimum of 25 in R; 24 in W&S; 22 in L) | 7.0 overall (with a minimum of 7.0 in each component) | 120 (minimum 90 in all components) | C1 Pass (minimum 33 in all components) | 65 |
| International Foundation Programme (UCAS codes: V001, V002) | B1 High Pass (minimum 33 in all components) |
Key: R = reading; W = writing; S = speaking; L = listening
- Students requiring a Student visa must ensure the IELTS Test is taken at a UKVI approved test centre and the certificate must bear the UKVI number.
- You must give the University permission to view your Pearson test results.
- You cannot combine scores from more than one TOEFL test and you must arrange for TOEFL to forward a copy of your results direct to the University. The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Kent is 0826.
For more information:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- Cambridge English: Advanced & Proficiency (CAE/CPE)
- Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)
Pre-sessional courses
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements, pre-sessional courses are available to prepare international students for study at Kent. These develop your skills in academic reading, writing and critical thinking, listening to lectures, speaking in seminars and delivering presentations.
At the end of the course, you take the Kent International Test of English. You must meet the required exit level to progress directly onto your main programme.
A level, GCSE and IB students
If you are studying recognised qualifications in English at an international school, we will consider the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Level required |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | English A Literature, SL grade 5 or HL grade 4 |
| English A Language & Literature, SL grade 5 or HL grade 4 | |
| English Language A1, SL grade 5 or HL grade 4 | |
| English Language A2, SL grade 6 or HL grade 5 | |
| English Language B, SL grade 6 or HL grade 5 | |
| English Literature & Performance SL grade 6 | |
| IGCSE English as a Second Language | Grade B or above |
| IGCSE English First Language | Grade C or above |
| GCE Advanced Level English Language | Grade C or above |
| Cambridge O Level English Language | Grade C or above when taking CIE A Levels |
| Cambridge English: Advanced and Proficiency | 176 (with a minimum of 169 in R&W; 162 in S&L) |
| OxfordAQA International GCSE English Language | Grade 4 or above |
Please note that the levels indicated above are not applicable to the MPharm (B230) programme. Visit the Medway School of Pharmacy website for further details.
Students with other qualifications
UKVI list of majority English-speaking countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, you do not need to prove your English language ability for Student visa purposes. You may also be exempt if you have an academic qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s degree from one of these countries. However, you must still meet our English language requirements.
| UKVI English-speaking countries | |
|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | Jamaica |
| Australia | Malta |
| The Bahamas | New Zealand |
| Barbados | St Kitts and Nevis |
| Belize | St Lucia |
| Canada (nationals only) | St Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Dominica | Trinidad and Tobago |
| Grenada | UK |
| Guyana | USA |
| Ireland |
In-country qualifications
You may use one of the following English language qualifications in your visa application as proof of meeting the Level B2 requirement. This does not guarantee you will be exempt from taking a SELT. The University will conduct an assessment of your application and determine if an offer can be made.
Please note that these qualifications are not accepted for MPharm (B230) or MPharm with a Foundation Year (B231).
| Country | Qualification | Minimum grade requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Botswana | Botswana General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) | C |
| Brunei | Brunei-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (B-C GCE O Level) | C |
| Cameroon | GCE O Level | C |
| Ghana | WAEC or WASSCE | C6 |
| Hong Kong | Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination Use of English | C |
| Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, Core English | 4 (with 3 in each component) | |
| India | Standard XII – if English medium school | 70% |
| Standard XII – if non English medium school | 80% | |
| Kenya | Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) | C |
| Malawi | Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) | C |
| Malaysia | Cambridge English Language syllabus 1119 (SPM) | C |
| Mauritius | SC (Cambridge Overseas Secondary Certificate) | C |
| Nigeria | Senior School Certificate (NECO) or WAEC/WASSCE | C6 |
| Norway | Vitnemål for Videregående Opplæring (ENG1002) | 4 (5 for those requiring IELTS 7.0) |
| Singapore | Singapore O Level English | C |
| South Africa | National Senior Certificate | 5 |
| Tanzania | Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) | C |
| Uganda | Uganda Certificate of Education (UCE) | 6 |
| C6 | ||
| West Indies / Caribbean | Caribbean Examinations Council Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) | Grade 3 |
| Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) | C | |
| Bermuda Secondary School Certificate (BSSC) | C | |
| Zambia | Zambia School Certificate | 6 |
| Zimbabwe | Cambridge School Certificate / Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) / O Level / ZGCE | C |
| Worldwide | University of Cambridge IGCSE First Language English | C |
| University of Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language | B | |
| GCSE/O Level English language | C | |
| AP (in American High School Diploma system) – English | 3 | |
| IB – English higher A1/A2/B | 4/5/5 | |
| 5/6/6 | ||
| IB – English standard | 5 |
Applicants who require a Student visa
If you require a Student visa to study in the UK, you must also meet the English language requirements set by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For degree-level entry, you must achieve at least Level B2 of CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) in all four language components. Full details are available on the UKVI website.
If you do not hold one of our listed English language qualifications, then a secure English language test (SELT) may be required. A SELT is a language qualification approved by UKVI for visa purposes.
As a Student visa
Sponsor of overseas students, if you have taken a degree taught entirely in the medium of English, an in-country qualification, or A Level, GCSE or IB English, we can assess your language proficiency for degree-level entry or above. We use our own entry requirements as above, which in most cases are higher than the B2 Level set by UKVI.
For pre-sessional and foundation programmes (below National Qualification Framework Level 6), Level B1 (CEFR) is acceptable. Full details are available on the UKVI website. A UKVI-approved SELT is mandatory for programmes at this level. Alternative qualifications will not be accepted. Please note that our own entry requirements for our pre-sessional courses depend on which course you have applied for, so please refer to the International Programmes website for details.
Find a UKVI-approved test and test centre
UK and non-visa students
All students need an appropriate score in an approved English language examination. For UK students, this is usually a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English language or equivalent.
For non-visa students, we accept the following qualifications:
| Qualification | Level required |
|---|---|
| European Baccalaureate (EB) | 7.0 in written English (first language); 7.5 (if second language); 8.0 (if third language) |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | English A or B standard level 5; English A or B higher level 4; English ab initio standard level 6 |
| International English Language Testing System (IELTS) | 6.5 overall (with a minimum of 6 in R&W; 5.5 in S&L) |
| Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) | 62 overall with 60 in each subtest |
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) | 176 overall (with a minimum 169 in R&W; 162 in S&L) |
| Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) | 176 overall (with a minimum 169 in R&W; 162 in S&L) |
| Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) | 90 overall (with a minimum of 22 in R; 21 in W; 20 in S; 17 in L) |
| IGCSE First Language English | Grade C or above |
| IGCSE English as a Second Language | Grade B or above |
Key: R = reading; W = writing; S = speaking; L = listening
These requirements are for guidance only. All applications are assessed individually and entry requirements can vary.
Please note that the levels indicated above are not applicable to the MPharm (B230) programme. Visit the Medway School of Pharmacy website for further details.
Further information
If you have a query about our English language entry requirements, please make an enquiry here.
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