The tables below compare the total score and component score respectively between IELTS, Pearson Test of English (Academic) and C1 Advanced (formerly CAE). We will use this comparison to decide whether you have met the level required to study at BU. The comparison below is a guide based on the UK Border Agency’s requirements for Student Route Visa.
We accept a range of other English language qualifications, which are among the language tests published and regularly updated by UK Border Agency for Student Route Visa purposes.
If you have received a verification ID number with your English language qualification, please send this to us to enable us to verify your qualification.
Comparison of overall scores
| IELTS (Academic) & IELTS Indicator (until further notice) | TOEFL iBT (including Special Home Edition) | Pearson Test of English (Academic) | Cambridge English: Advanced and Proficiency | Trinity College London ISE II |
| 4.0 (B1) | 0-31 | 36 | 142 | |
| 4.5 | 32-34 | 39 | 147 | |
| 5.0 | 35-45 | 45 | 154 | |
| 5.5 (B2) | 46-59 | 51 | 162 | |
| 6.0 | 60-78 | 54 | 169 | Pass |
| 6.5 | 79-93 | 58 | 176 | Pass |
| 7.0 | 94-101 | 62 | 185 | Pass |
*Component scores for CAE are not applicable for comparison. Please contact the International Admissions Team for further queries. Please visit TOEFL iBT website for more information about Special Home Edition test.
Comparison of component scores
| Component | IELTS (Academic) & IELTS Indicator (until further notice) | TOEFL iBT (including Special Home Edition) | Pearson Test of English (Academic) | Cambridge: C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency | Trinity College London ISE II |
| Listening | 4.0 (B1) | 0-2 | 36 | 142 | |
| Reading | 4.0 (B1) | 0-2 | 36 | 142 | |
| Speaking | 4.0 (B1) | 0-11 | 36 | 142 | |
| Writing | 4.0 (B1) | 0-11 | 36 | 142 | |
| Listening | 4.5 | 3 | 42 | 147 | |
| Reading | 4.5 | 3 | 42 | 147 | |
| Speaking | 4.5 | 12-13 | 42 | 147 | |
| Writing | 4.5 | 12-13 | 42 | 147 | |
| Listening | 5.0 | 4-6 | 49 | 154 | |
| Reading | 5.0 | 4-7 | 49 | 154 | |
| Speaking | 5.0 | 14-15 | 49 | 154 | |
| Writing | 5.0 | 14-17 | 49 | 154 | |
| Listening | 5.5 (B2) | 7-11 | 51 | 162 | Pass |
| Reading | 5.5 (B2) | 8-12 | 51 | 162 | Pass |
| Speaking | 5.5 (B2) | 16-17 | 51 | 162 | Pass |
| Writing | 5.5 (B2) | 18-20 | 51 | 162 | Pass |
| Listening | 6.0 | 12-19 | 53 | 169 | Pass |
| Reading | 6.0 | 13-18 | 53 | 169 | Pass |
| Speaking | 6.0 | 18-19 | 53 | 169 | Pass |
| Writing | 6.0 | 21-23 | 53 | 169 | Pass |
| Listening | 6.5 | 20-23 | (51)* | 176 | Merit |
| Reading | 6.5 | 19-23 | (51)* | 176 | Merit |
| Speaking | 6.5 | 20-22 | (51)* | 176 | Merit |
| Writing | 6.5 | 24-26 | 55 | 176 | Merit |
*No BU programme currently requires Listening, Reading or Speaking component scores of 6.5 or above. However, the UKBA minimum for those requiring a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa still applies, these are indicated in brackets.
IELTS Indicator: This online test was available to facilitate IELTS testing during the Covid-19 pandemic and may still be accepted for entry to BU graduate courses if the test is still within its 2 year validity period.