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Exams for MS in the UK: Eligibility, Validity & Deadline

Updated on 01 December, 2023

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

UK universities actively seek top-performing students for their various courses, with specific entry requirements tailored to each program. Among these prerequisites, standardized exams play a pivotal role. The exam types include entrance exams, language proficiency tests, and more. The prominent exams for MS in the UK include GRE, IELTS, and GMAT. To facilitate your application process, we offer comprehensive information on the entrance exams for MS in the UK and the corresponding minimum score criteria.

 

Check Eligibility to Study in UK

List of Exams

Subject-specific exams

There are various entrance exams for UK universities. You need to appear for the following exams for post-graduate in STEM courses:

Subject

ExamFeesEligibilityValidityDeadline & Application Process
Business Graduate ProgramGMAT- Graduate Management Admission Test USD 25018 years or aboveFive years

Throughout the year.

You can register for the exam through the following link: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat/before-the-exam/register-for-the-gmat-exam.

LawLNAT (Law National Aptitude Test)  (£ 120)After completing GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or another equivalent exam1 year

31 January 2024. (For registration and booking)

You can register for the exam here: https://lnat.ac.uk/registration/.

MedicalUCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test,£115Students willing to enroll in a medical or dental degree program.1 year

22 September 2022 (provisional booking deadline)

You can register for the test here: https://www.ucat.ac.uk/register/.

MedicalBMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test)£104Minimum 15 years of schooling1 year

Mid September

Follow the link to register for the exam: https://www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/bmat/bmat-november/how-to-register/.

Graduation/Management/EngineeringGRE- Graduate Record Examinations$220Those who wish to study MS courses, engineering or Management.5 years

No particular deadline (can be written anytime).

Go to the link to register for the exam: https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/register/how.

Medical

GAMSAT-Graduate Medical School Admissions Test

 

 

INR 26,999 (GBP 268)Candidates applying for the exam must hold a non-scientific first degree.2 years

30 January (Registration closes for March attempt)

11 July 2022 (Registration closes for September attempt).

Register for the exam using the following link: https://gamsat.acer.org/register

MathematicsSTEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper)£129

1. As per the official guideline, only candidates contacted directly by the University of Cambridge, the Imperial College London, and the University of Warwick will be eligible to register. Authorities will not accept registrations from other candidates.

 

2. Candidates who have passed the 12th examination and seek admission in undergraduate mathematics specialization.

NA

5 May 2022 (last date for centers to register for the test).

 

Go to the link to register for the exam: https://www.admissionstesting.org/for-test-takers/step/how-to-register/.

Language-Specific Exams

It is essential to take an English exam for UK universities. Since the courses are delivered in English, you must be proficient in the language. The universities consider the score to determine your level of proficiency and understanding.

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These are standard English exams that UK universities require from students:

Name of the Exam

FeesEligibilityValidityDeadlineApplication Process

TOEFL– Test of English as a Foreign Language

 

 

$205No minimum or maximum age limit. No restrictions on educational qualifications.2 yearsNo particular deadline (can be written anytime)Go to https://www.ets.org, select TOFEL, and sign in to create an account. Then click ‘register for the test,’ select the test date, and book the slot.

IELTS– International English Language Testing

 

 

INR 16.500Minimum age of 16 years2 yearsVaries based on the test date.Go to the official website of IELTS. Click ‘Register for the test.’ Select the preferred test mode- Online or Offline. Then, choose the test format you want to take, i.e., General Training Test or the Academic test.

PTE- Pearson Test English

 

 

INR
15900		Students appearing for the exam must be 16-year-old. Also, candidates below 18 need to give a parental consent form to write the exam.2 years

9 November 2022

 

Go to https://in.pearson.com and create your account. Then choose PTE Academic. The account will be activated within 48 hours. Browse through the list of exam centers and choose one near you. Select your preferred exam date and time to book your seat.

Counselling">Interested to Study In UK? Apply for Free Counselling

University-Specific Exams

Thinking Skills Assessment Cambridge (TSA Cambridge)

It is a computer-based test. Aspirants who wish to study Land Economy at the University of Cambridge need to take Thinking Skills Assessment: Section 1. 

Thinking Skills Assessment Oxford (TSA Oxford)

It is a two-hour pre-interview test for undergraduate applicants to the University of Oxford. Following are the UG courses you will need to take TSA for, Geography, Psychology and Philosophy, Philosophy and Linguistics, Human Sciences, Experimental Psychology, Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE), and Psychology and Linguistics. 

Thinking Skills Assessment University College London (TSA UCL)

It is an online 90-minute test and comprises 50 multiple-choice questions. It is used for applications to the following programs: LV01 International Social and Political Studies (ISPS) and R990 European Social and Political Studies (ESPS). 

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Universities Accepting Entrance Exams for MS in UK

Given below are the list of the universities that accept various entrance exams for MS in the UK

Name of the examName of the universityAverage score accepted
TOEFLUniversity of Cambridge100 overall
University of Manchester90 overall
University of Leeds87 overall
University of Durham92 overall
Manchester Metropolitan universities79 overall
IELTSUniversity of Manchester6.0 overall
University of Glasgow7.0 overall
University of Sheffield6.0 overall
University of Birmingham6.0 overall
University of Bristol6.0 overall
GRECranfield UniversityAcceptancy depends on your profile and other scores also. There isn’t any particular cut-off for GRE.
Hult International Business School
University of Leeds
City University London
PTEThe University of Leicester36-56
Swansea University56-67
Solent University36-61
The University of Stirling etc.51-54

Conclusion

If you want to study overseas and enroll in a UK university, you need to appear for the above exams depending on the institute and course’s requirements. The score in these examinations helps you increase your chances of acceptance in universities despite a low CGPA. Some universities even offer scholarships based on your score in these entrance exams.

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FAQs:

Is the GRE test required in the UK?

Every university has different requirements. You must check on the university’s official website you are applying to. Few universities would look into your GRE score and CGPA, while some require only an IELTS or other language proficiency score.

Are there any entrance exams in the UK?

Yes, GRE, GMAT, BMAT, etc., are some of the entrance exams you need to appear for, depending on the course, if you want to study in the UK. The exam requirement varies according to the university and the course. Language proficiency tests such as PTE, IELTS, and TOEFL for UK universities are also necessary.

Does the UK accept GRE for MBA?

Along with many other countries, the UK too accepts GRE scores for admission to MBA courses. However, you may also be required to submit GMAT scores. Therefore, ensure that you appear for all the required examinations before applying to the university.

Which English exam is required for the UK?

For entry to UK universities, you must take the IELTS Academic test. If you want to take a pre-sessional English or a Foundation course, you must take your IELTS test at an approved UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) test center.

Is the SAT required for the UK?

SAT Subject Tests are not mandatory for admission to universities in the UK. However, it helps demonstrate your skill and interest in a particular subject and helps you with college-level courses. Therefore, you must only submit your SAT Subject test scores if your scores are exceptionally high.

Is IELTS enough for MS in the UK?

Mostly yes, but some top universities like Oxford may ask for GRE too for technical courses. TOEFL and PTE scores are also accepted in the UK. You will have to check individual university websites to understand the entry requirements.

Is PTE accepted in the UK?

The PTE Academic is accepted by 99% of universities across the UK. However, you must check the official website of the university before applying. Other accepted English proficiency tests in the UK include IELTS and TOEFL.

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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