ELLT Accepted University in UK: Updated List (2026)

ELLT Accepted University in UK: Updated List (2026)

Many universities accept the Oxford English Language Level Test (Oxford ELLT) as proof of English language proficiency for international students. The fully online English test is increasingly recognised by a growing number of UK institutions for undergraduate, postgraduate and pathway admissions.

The guide includes:

1. Which UK universities accept Oxford ELLT,
2. The kind of score patterns you will need,
3. How to apply using ELLT to 2026 intakes.

Since the policy of acceptance is subject to change, you will also get to know how to check the current requirements on the university page on English language and the Oxford ELLT partners list.

What is the Oxford ELLT and why UK universities accept it?

Oxford ELLT by Oxford International Digital Institute is a modular test of English proficiency that evaluates the four key skills: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Reading and listening are automated, while writing is marked by an examiner on a live call on the ELLT portal.

You get 2 formats:

• Oxford English Language Level Test Digital (online) and
• Oxford ELLT Global (taken at authorised test centres)

Some universities want ‘Global only,’ so check for ELLT Digital vs. ELLT Global.

Universities use Oxford ELLT as it showcases secure delivery, mapped scoring (to CEFR and IELTS) and relatively fast turnaround of results in its official materials.

Here is a simple comparison to avoid confusion:

ELLT may be used instead of IELTS/TOEFL for a large number of university admissions requirements, especially for students looking to study in the UK without IELTS.

But ELLT is not a UKVI SELT.

To apply for a visa, you should consult the UK government Secure English Language Test (SELT) guidance and your university's CAS/visa regulations.

Key Features of the Oxford ELLT

Oxford ELLT measures four skills and presents an overall level and component levels, with scores mapped to both CEFR and common English test references.

For ELLT Global format, Oxford ELLT indicates

• Reading scored out of 32,
• Listening out of 24, and
• Writing/speaking on a 0 to 12 scale

How ELLT fits into UK English language requirements?

The UK universities frequently release lists of approved English tests against admissions. Also separately, the UK Home Office has a set of rules regarding Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) applied in particular visa cases. This is why a test may be universally accepted in the university but fail to appear in the list of SELT of UKVI.

Practically, this means:

• Many degree courses may accept university-approved tests (such as Oxford ELLT), provided that the policy of the university permits it.
• Certain pathways or circumstances can also demand a UKVI-approved SELT. Always follow the most recent UK government SELT advice and the university’s visa instructions.

Where ELLT is accepted in the UK study pathway?

“Accepted” may vary slightly according to the route:

1. Degrees and postgraduate degrees

ELLT is employed as a UG /PG entry in many universities, and can be used to satisfy a condition of offer (often with a minimum overall + minimum per component).

For example, the University of Leeds clearly specifies Oxford ELLT Global with overall and specific component minimums. It also mentions a common two-year validity rule for tests.

2. Pathway and international colleges

ELLT also occurs in partner lists of pathway providers, among international colleges (such as International College Dundee and others), and as a result, you might find ELLT used as both a progression route and a direct entry.

3. Online and pre-sessional preparation of the English language.

Others apply to ELLT through a conditional pathway: a university may suggest or insist that a pre-sessional English course UK route be undertaken, rather than a direct entry, in case your score is close but not at the required level.

Updated list of ELLT accepted universities in UK

Oxford ELLT has an official partners list. Oxford ELLT has an official partners list, which you can cross-check with the OIETC accepted university list in UK.

Due to the dynamic nature of partnerships and acceptance conditions, take the following tables as a formatted, verified-with-partners snapshot, followed by checking course-level requirements in the English language page of the university.

Table A: UK universities that are research-intensive / research-active and are ELLT partners (examples)

University	Region	Test	Notes	Site
Cardiff University	Wales (Cardiff)	ELLT	Applicable to online pre-sessional courses offered at Cardiff	https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/international/english-language-programmes/pre-sessional-summer-courses/how-to-apply/entry-requirements
University of Dundee	Scotland (Dundee)	ELLT	Accepted as an online test	https://www.dundee.ac.uk/guides/english-language-requirements
University of Leeds	England	ELLT Global alone (as appearing)	Check the Leeds international entry requirements page (and/or ELLT general + component mins).	https://oxfordellt.com/wp-content/custom-tools/partners_list.php?product=1%2C2&stakeholder=1
University of Reading	England (Reading)	ELLT	Accepted for entry to undergraduate admission UK / Postgraduate Taught/Research.	https://www.reading.ac.uk/admissions/acceptable-english-language-proficiency-tests

Table B: Modern career-focused ELLT accepted universities in UK

University/college	Region	Type of Test	Listed test note in partner list – Quick check step.
Coventry University	England (Coventry)	ELLT	Review accepted course English tests at the university.
London Metropolitan University	England (London)	ELLT	Establish course-level requirements and component minimums.
University of Chester	England (Chester)	ELLT	Check validity window and accepted tests.
University of Derby	England (Derby)	ELLT	Derby has a table of equivalence in ELLT (for interpreting scores).
University of Portsmouth	England (Portsmouth)	ELLT	Find out whether the requirement is different across faculties.
Abertay University	Scotland (Dundee)	ELLT	Check accepted course score thresholds.
Glasgow Caledonian University	Scotland (Glasgow)	ELLT	Verify required tests + required scores.
Aberystwyth University	Wales (Aberystwyth)	ELLT	Establish UG/PG requirements and departmental variations.
Canterbury Christ Church University	England (Canterbury)	ELLT	Confirm accepted tests and any course exceptions

(This is not an exhaustive list)

To get the latest information-

• Click "Oxford ELLT partners UK list" and search the university.
• Go to UK university English language requirements and ensure ELLT comes up in your level and course. (Note: Acceptability may change.)

Typical ELLT score requirements and how it compares to the IELTS

The average UK degree course accepts CEFR B2-C1 based on competitiveness and subject area. Oxford ELLT uses equivalency mapping relating to ELLT level (0-12) with IELTS bands and ranges of CEFR.

Oxford ELLT level	Approx IELTS level	CEFR Band
5	5.5	B2
6	6	B2
7	6.5	B2
8	7	C1
9	7.5	C1
10	8	C1

The University of Leeds provides the example of Oxford ELLT Global, where the requirements include such statements as “overall X with no less than Y in each component.” Also, it doesn’t accept results older than two years at the time of course commencement.

For example, the University of Derby presents an ELLT score equivalent of the CEFR and the IELTS as a table (for a quick conversion view).

Common patterns of requirement (what you are likely to see)

• Foundation course UK international students / Year 0 / pathways: Typically accept ELLT 5-6 (approximately IELTS 5.5-6.0); however, carefully refer to the pathway provider and visa route.
• Most Bachelor’s (UG): Typically accept ELLT 6-7 (approximately IELTS 6.0-6.5).
• Many Master’s (PGT): Typically accept ELLT 7-8 (similar to IELTS 6.5-7.0), especially when the course is writing-intensive.

When you may need pre-sessional English instead?

When you are a bit below the course requirement, then some universities will provide you a conditional path through a pre-sessional English course instead of declining the application outright.

Exact limits and regulations depend on the institution, and thus, it is always essential to refer to your offer letter conditions and the university's language policy page.

How to select the right ELLT-accepting UK university?

Here is a basic priority list to make sure you choose a university based on acceptance:

• Course Fit: Modules, accreditation, laboratory, placement.
• Results: Preparedness to work, connections to industry, and access to internships.
• Location + cost: London and non-London cost differences.
• Support: Pre-arrival information, academic ability, language support, student wellbeing, local agent networks.
• Policy fit: Course-specific ELLT acceptance + component minimums and validity window.

Step-by-step: Applying to a UK university with an ELLT score

Step to follow	Details
1-Confirm ELLT is accepted	Visit Oxford ELLT partner list.
	Verify on the university English language requirement page (course pages may not be the same).
	Proceed only when both the university and the course explicitly accept the ELLT test.
2-Choose your course and route	A wide variety of UG programs take advantage of UCAS, so it is important to understand how to apply through UCAS correctly.
	Many PG programs take advantage of direct university portals.
	Keep deadlines evergreen and follow the university admissions page.
3-Book and take the ELLT	It will involve testing of four skills.
	Speaking test will involve an examiner, who is live on video.
4-Submit results and meet requirements	Check overall score and minimum score within each of 4 areas of ELLT test
	Be alert for language such as "overall X with no less than Y in each component."
	Check that the ELLT certificate meets the university's validity period
5-Manage visa needs carefully	University acceptance ≠ SELT.
	Confirm what you need using UK government SELT guidance and your university visa / CAS instructions.

Oxford ELLT vs IELTS, PTE and Duolingo to study in the UK

IELTS and PTE are accepted in most institutions, and the acceptance of ELLT is high but institution-specific, which is better determined by the list of the official partners and the university policy page.

Test	Format & Skills Tested	Where Accepted (UK)	Typical Cost Band	Results Time
Oxford ELLT	Online or test-centre version; assesses Reading, Listening, Writing, Speaking; mapped to CEFR/IELTS scales.	Accepted by a growing number of UK universities (institution-specific, not UKVI SELT). Oxford English Tests	£120 (fixed fee)	Around 48 hrs after completion of all parts
IELTS Academic	In-person or trusted online; four skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking). Accepted widely in the UK including for visa/SELT needs.	Universally recognised by UK universities and UKVI SELT. IDP IELTS India	Mid-range ($200–250)	2–7 days (computer/paper)
PTE Academic	Computer-based; four skills assessed via adaptive tasks.	Widely accepted by UK universities and sometimes as UKVI SELT (centre-based).	Similar to IELTS ($200–250*)	5 working days typical
Duolingo English Test (DET)	Fully online from home; adaptive test covering four skills.	Increasing UK university acceptance but not UKVI SELT; varies by institution.	Lower ($60–70*)	Usually, 48 hours

Also, do not forget about the visa layer: UKVI English language test requirements of SELT are regulated by the list of Home Office requirements, which varies. So, always use the official guidance of the UK government concerning SELT status.

ELLT preparation tips for UK university admission

1. Begin with the score target: Your benchmark study must be the required overall + minimum per skill of your university.
2. Practice with timing: Reading (40 min) and listening (25 min) timing is present in ELLT Global format.
3. Writing + speaking: Give priority to structure, clarity, and idea development. You should practise on these aspects since they are checked by the examiner.
4. Test-day checklist: Reliable internet, quiet room/test centre policy, valid ID and a complete tech check prior to commencing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which UK universities presently accept Oxford ELLT?

Many institutions in the UK are listed on the official list of partners of Oxford ELLT in England, Scotland, and Wales. Examples include the Cardiff University, University of Dundee and University of Leeds (ELLT Global only). Always confirm this point on the university English language requirements page, since acceptance may be course-based.

Does Oxford ELLT qualify for a UK student visa?

ELLT acceptance for UK admission is separate from UKVI SELT regulations. The UK government has issued SELT advice and certified tests; use that advice and your university CAS/visor guidelines to find out whether you require a SELT (including IELTS for UKVI) on your route.

What ELLT score do I need for a UK master’s degree?

It varies with the course, although CEFR B2+ English level to CEFR C1 English level is a common range for many UK postgraduate courses. IELTS equivalent for ELLT is as below:

• ELLT 7 = IELTS 6.5
• ELLT 8 = IELTS 7.0

Can I study in UK without IELTS with ELLT?

There are several UK universities that accept ELLT instead of IELTS. Check if your chosen university accepts Oxford ELLT and you have the required score. Not all institutions or programs will, however, admit ELLT, and visa/SELT rules may vary by route, so you should check both university policy and visa advice.

Is Oxford ELLT easier than IELTS?

The two tests measure the same core skills (reading, listening, writing, speaking). The format or delivery of ELLT is more convenient to some students, but you need to know what is easier according to your strengths and the specific score required by your programme. The CEFR/IELTS mapping should only be used as a guideline, not a promise.

How long is an ELLT score valid for UK universities?

Many universities follow two years of validity for English tests. For instance, the University of Leeds explicitly says that they cannot consider a test of more than two years at the course start date. Do not forget to check your university policy for better guidance.

Can I retake my ELLT if I fail to get the required score in my UK university?

Rules and time of retaking the online English test for UK universities may differ. When you are planning to retake, look into whether your university only considers the latest score or allows multiple sittings, because the university may have specified how they treat multiple attempts.

Conclusion

Oxford ELLT is a widely recognised, flexible English test accepted by a growing network of UK universities, though acceptance is institution/course-specific. Your 3-step approach should be:

• Sift through Oxford ELLT-accepted universities in UK for 2026 intake using the Oxford ELLT partners official list.
• Verify the actual score requirements with the help of the university English language requirements resource (including components, minimums, and validity rules).
• Follow a clean application strategy, right from test booking to visa checks post results.

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