Fee-paying study abroad

If you are applying from a country where English is not the official or majority language, you must submit evidence of English language proficiency (minimum entry requirements are IELTS 6.0 (5.5)) at the time of application. We accept IELTS (academic) and Pearson PTE Academic tests of English language proficiency.

See our English language requirements page for more information.

Centre for English Language Education (CELE)

The Centre for English Language Education (CELE) at the University of Nottingham offers a variety of English language courses and support for international students while you study here:

• English Language for Academic Study (EDUC2021) is a 10-credit module taken as part of your programme which develops essential academic skills alongside written and spoken academic English. Students are asked to produce an extended essay in their subject area (60%) and give a short presentation (40%)
• Academic Language and Communication Skills  (non-credit-bearing) – while you are studying with us, you can continue to develop your English Language skills by attending classes and one-to-one consultations (tutorials) with an expert in academic English
• Presessional English Language Courses are for students who need English and academic skills to meet their entry requirements. Students do not need to take IELTS at the end of the course.

For further information about English language courses, please visit the CELE website.

Students exempt from providing proof of English language

Students who have completed their entire secondary education, up to year 12 or equivalent and including an English language qualification equivalent to GCSE, in one of the approved countries listed by the UK's Home Office, are exempt from providing proof of English language.

This list includes major English-speaking countries such as Australia, Republic of Ireland, New Zealand and the USA. For the full list of exempt countries and territories, please visit the UK government, student visa webpage:

UK government: countries exempt from providing proof of English language

All applicants must be a current student at an overseas university or college of higher education and must have completed at least one year of study at their home university.

The minimum academic requirement is a current overall average equivalent to a 2:2 in the UK.

Please follow the link below for country-specific guidance, grade equivalencies will be found under Masters-entry requirements.

Country-specific information

Study abroad partners

Students who are applying to study abroad at Nottingham through an existing study abroad agreement must be nominated by their home university or study abroad provider in order to take part in the programme. The home university will need to inform the Visiting students team of the nomination by contacting visiting-students@nottingham.ac.uk.

Independent study abroad students

Students who are applying independently should email the Visiting students team directly at visiting-students@nottingham.ac.uk and will be sent guidance on the application process by email.

Before applying, make sure you have the following ready:

• an electronic copy of your most recent official transcript
• an electronic copy of your English language certificate/test results if English is not your first language
• If you are applying for a full academic year, you must also upload a short personal statement of no more than 500 words, which should include: 
  • your motivations for choosing the University of Nottingham as your study abroad destination;
  • your motivations for applying for the academic school/department(s) you intend to study in, at the University of Nottingham.

You must upload all documents to your application form online.

Only complete applications will be considered and applications are processed on a rolling basis. Once your application has been submitted, please allow up to six weeks for your application to be processed.

It is your responsibility to ensure your application is complete. Any delays due to missing/incorrect supporting documents may result in us being unable to process your application and provide an offer.

Information about modules credits, study levels and choosing your modules can be found on the Visiting students modules webpage.