If English is not your first language, we strongly recommend that you submit an English language test score with your application to prove your level of proficiency.

Need help improving your English?

We offer special 12 week and 6 week Pre-sessional Academic English Programmes (PAEP) for students who have an offer to study at Central Saint Martins and accepted their place.

12-week Programme: 15 June – 9 September
For students whose current IELTS score or equivalent is 1.0 below the English language requirement for their course.


6-week Programme: 27 July – 9 September
For students whose current IELTS score or equivalent is 0.5 below the English language requirement for their course.

Places are limited so please book early.

What are our minimum English language requirements?

If you need a Tier 4 student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the University and the UK Border Agency's (UKBA) minimum language requirements.

Please note that we do not accept English scores that are over two years old.

View our English Language requirements page for more information

Useful links

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)

We prefer applicants to take the IELTS test where possible.

Entry requirements

• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
  Our standard requirement is IELTS 5.0 with a minimum of 4.0 in all four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking).
  
  
• Undergraduate courses
  Our standard requirement for our undergraduate courses is IELTS 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking). Note: BA Criticism, Communication and Curation and BA Fashion History & Theory both require IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all four skills.

• Postgraduate courses
  Our standard requirement for our postgraduate courses is IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in all four skills. Note: MA Innovation Management, and MA Fashion Journalism both require IELTS 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in all four skills.

• Centre for Performance / Drama Centre London courses
  Standard English language entry requirements vary for each course. Please read individual course pages, under ‘entry’.           

Frequently asked questions

Question: I’m a national of a majority English-speaking country

Answer: You will not need to prove your English language level if your first language is English and you are a national of the countries below that the UK Border Agency considers a majority English speaking country:

Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America.

Question: I’m an applicant from the European Union who does not require a Tier 4 Student Visa

Answer: If English is not your first language you will be asked to demonstrate at enrolment that your level of English is sufficient to meet the course requirements. It is required that you submit one of the accepted English test scores, from this list of English test scores [PDF, 0.5mb]          

If you’re a UK national studying in English at a European school, we can frequently waive this requirement. Please contact us if you fall into this category.

Question: I’ve studied International Baccalaureate – do I have to take an English test?

Answer: If you need a Tier 4 visa, then yes. Studying IB Diploma/Certificate overseas (even if subject is English language) does not exempt applicants from needing to take a ‘secure English language test’, as IB does not specifically test the four skills – now a Tier 4 visa requirement of the UK Border Agency.

Question: I have studied GCSE English - do I still need to take an English test?  

Answer: If you need a Tier 4 visa, then yes. Studying GSCE English overseas, or in the UK does not exempt applicants from needing to take a ‘secure English language test’ as it does not specifically test the four skills – now a Tier 4 visa requirement of the UK Border Agency.