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For entry to our undergraduate and postgraduate courses, you'll be required to show evidence of your academic background and your professional experience, when applicable.

Students from outside the EU will have the choice of applying either via UCAS or through a local agent. For more information, please email our admissions team: admissions.international@solent.ac.uk or call +44 23 8201 5066.

Undergraduate courses

Appropriate minimum entry requirements of a bachelor's degree include:

  • High school leaving examinations equivalent to British A-levels
  • International or European Baccalaureate
  • International Foundation Year.

Postgraduate courses

Appropriate minimum entry requirements of a taught master's degree include:

  • British bachelor's degree with a minimum of 2:2
  • Or any recognised equivalent of the above qualification.

To find out whether your qualification is suitable for entry to one of our undergraduate or postgraduate courses, please see your country in the international section. 

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you will be required to demonstrate an acceptable level of both written and spoken English before being accepted onto one of our programmes.

All international applicants need to be aware that the English language requirements to attend Solent University may be different from the English language requirements to obtain a visa from UK Visas and Immigration.

This means that if you meet the University's language requirements and gain a place on the course, you may still have to meet additional requirements to be issued with a visa by UK Visas and Immigration (5.5 in all four components of the IELTS, or equivalent, for degree level and above).

We strongly advise all applicants to visit the UK Visas and Immigration website, which outlines the requirements for a successful visa application.

For information about Solent University and UK Visas and Immigration requirements, please contact admissions.

If you are applying for a course which is below degree level, you must have completed a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to be able to obtain a visa.

For further information, please contact our admissions team:

Telephone: +44 23 8201 5066
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.uk

Secure English Language Test (SELT)

If you are studying below degree level, you will need a SELT. You can take a SELT from one of the following providers:

  • IELTS SELT Consortium
  • LanguageCert
  • Pearson
  • Trinity College London
  • PSI Services (UK) Ltd

Tests are valid for two years and must be taken at an approved test location.

Can I be exempt from taking an English test?

Some countries will have an educational system fully or mostly taught in English, in which case we may not require that you take an English test. 

Students from the following English-speaking countries are exempt from undertaking a language test prior to applying for a Student visa (Student sponsor policy guidance version).

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Canada (if education was taught in English)
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Jamaica
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitt and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United States of America

Some aspects of the English entry requirements are currently being looked at by UK Visas and Immigration within the Student visa. Consequently, some countries listed above may be affected. Please check with UK Visas and Immigration for an update.

How can I improve my English before joining my course?

Please check our pre-sessional classes, which take place in the summer and will prepare you for life and academic studies in the UK prior to your main course of study, as well as help you improve your English.

Check our alternative English language programmes if you need or wish to improve your level of English before joining one of our undergraduate or postgraduate courses.

Still not sure? Contact us

For further information on this topic, or for any queries regarding international applications, please contact our admissions team:

Telephone +44 23 8201 5066
Email: admissions.international@solent.ac.uk 

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