Fee-paying study abroad

If you are applying from a country where English is not the official/majority language, you must submit evidence of English language proficiency. We accept IELTS (academic), Pearson PTE Academic and TOEFL (iBT) tests of English language proficiency.

The level of English at the time of application must be:

• IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each element
• TOEFL 80 with a minimum of 17 in writing and listening, 18 in reading and 20 in speaking) 
• PTE Academic overall score of 65 with a minimum of 59

See our English language requirements page for more information.

A number of alternative language qualifications can also be accepted as B2 equivalent alternatives for NQF Level 6 (undergraduate degree level) study and above. For more information, please consult the following: English language equivalencies.

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 a 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 must email the nomination to the Visiting students team.

Independent study abroad students

Students who are applying independently should email the Visiting students team directly 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.

Department of Architecture and Built Environment

Architecture and Built Envionment require a portfolio to be submitted in addition to the application.

School of Biosciences

The course location for Environmental Science and Plant Science modules is on the University Park Campus. 

Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering

Chemical and Environmental Engineering modules are only open to students whose home university has a subject-specific existing exchange agreement with this department, as capacity is limited.

School of Chemistry

Chemistry are happy to consider students into Level 1 or Level 2 for the full year, or for one semester, or the whole year in Level 3 or Level 4. In all cases, please contact the Visiting students team for further guidance.

School of Economics

Economics only offer a very limited number of modules to students who are not hosted by the School of Economics. Please check the Approved modules page carefully for availability.

School of English

English welcomes Visiting students from both undergraduate and postgraduate study, for one semester or a full year. Undergraduate students with an English major or minor can choose modules from any undergraduate level, subject to availability.

Visiting students without a background in English Studies should consult the Exchange coordinator, if they would like to study modules in the School of English at levels 2 or 3. All Visiting students are welcome to choose available Level 1 modules; 10-credit modules are recommended.

Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Electrical and Electronic Engineering are happy to consider students for Level 1 and 2 modules for the full year exchange only, single semester exchange students will only be able to enrol on the more advanced Level 3 or 4 modules. In all cases, please contact the Visiting students team, to check that your module choices can be accommodated.

Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences

Medicine and Health Sciences do not accept visiting students except for the School of Life Sciences, but certain criteria may need to be met.

School of Politics and International Relations

Politics and International Relations modules are only available to students hosted by this school.

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

If you are a European student, you will be provided with a learning agreement by your home university for your exchange. These can be signed on arrival by our staff in the Student Service Centres.

The impact of Brexit means that visa support for the Erasmus+ internship route is coming to an end.

The British Council is continuing to act as immigration sponsor for Temporary Work - Government Authorised Exchange visas, but only in respect of Erasmus+ funding secured up to 2020. The applicant would need a 2014-2020 reference number. Students must approach the British Council directly to access this visa route.

The British Council cannot sponsor participants funded under reference numbers starting 2021 or later, therefore applicants with a reference number from 2021 onwards will not be able to participate in an Erasmus+ internship within the UK.

It is expected that the British Council will close this visa route completely in June 2023.