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 ³ÉÈËÖ±²¥. 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) Kaplan Test of English (KTE) Main Flight Score

(the same grading system applied to the required component scores)

TOEFL iBT (including Special Home Edition) Pearson Test of English (Academic) Cambridge English: Advanced and Proficiency ELLT (Online English Language Level Test by Oxford International)

(the same grading system applied to the required component scores)

5.5 (B2) 425-443 46-59 59 162 5
6.0 444-477 60-78 59 169 6
6.5 478-509 79-93 66 176 7
7.0 510-541 94-101 76 185 8

*Component scores for CAE are not applicable for comparison. Please contact the International Admissions Team for further queries. Please visit 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
Listening 5.5 (B2) 7-11 59 162
Reading 5.5 (B2) 8-12 59 162
Speaking 5.5 (B2) 16-17 59 162
Writing 5.5 (B2) 18-20 59 162
Listening 6.0 12-19 59 169
Reading 6.0 13-18 59 169
Speaking 6.0 18-19 59 169
Writing 6.0 21-23 59 169
Listening 6.5 20-23 66 176
Reading 6.5 19-23 66 176
Speaking 6.5 20-22 66 176
Writing 6.5 24-26 66 176

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.