Applicants need to have a high level of competency in using English in an academic setting. You may need to submit evidence that you meet our English language requirements.
For most courses, you do not need to provide evidence until we make you an offer. We will let you know what is required.
For the Master of Law (LLM) and Master of Corporate Law (MCL) courses, you need to provide evidence when you apply. Check the course pages for further guidance.
Applicants that need a language test
When you apply, the Applicant Portal will estimate whether you need to submit an English language test result.
You do not usually need to submit an English language test result if:
- you are a national of a majority English-speaking country (as listed) and were educated in such a country
or
- you have a 3-year qualification equivalent to at least a UK Bachelor's Degree from a majority English-speaking country (as listed), excluding Canada. You must have graduated from that course no more than 2 years before the start of your chosen Cambridge course or have been living and working in a majority English-speaking country since you graduated.
Majority English-speaking countries as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia (also Christmas Island, Norfolk Island, Keeling Islands, Cocos Islands)
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- British Overseas Territories
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Republic of Ireland
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand (also Niue, Tokelau, Cook Islands)
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- UK (including Isle of Man and Channel Islands)
- United States of America
Check the government website for the most up-to-date list. These countries are sometimes referred to as ‘List A’ countries.
Accepted language tests
We accept the following language tests:
- IELTS (Academic), IELTS for UKVI Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake, IELTS Online
- TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Home Edition
- C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency (for some courses)
Check your course page for the scores required for your course.
It is not possible to combine scores from different language test certificates. You must meet the minimum requirements for all elements in the same sitting.
Taking your language test
When to take your test
There can often be long waiting times for language tests.
You should usually make arrangements to take a test as soon as possible after you get an offer. This means that you will have enough time to resit the test if you need to.
Your test result must be dated no more than 2 years before the start of your course.
How to provide your results
You can report your language test results by uploading a valid test certificate to:
- the Applicant Portal before you submit your application. This is optional for all courses except LLM and MCL
- your Self-Service account after you’re made an offer
We will verify your results using online verification services.
We cannot accept test reports that are sent to us directly from IELTS or TOEFL.
If you need a visa
If you meet the language requirement for admission, you will not need to provide further evidence of your English language ability in your visa application.
Find out more about visas and immigration.