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The UK continues to be a popular choice for higher education with institutions such as University of Oxford, University of Cambridge, and Imperial College London providing world-class education, but acceptance is conditional upon meeting the exam requirements assessing subject and language competence.
To study in the UK, international students must take specific entrance exams based on their desired course and level of study. These exams assess language proficiency, academic aptitude, and subject-specific knowledge.
Below is a concise overview of the key entrance exams required to study in the UK in 2025.
Level of Study |
List of exams to study in UK |
English Language Tests Required to Study in UK |
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge English |
Exams for Undergraduate Courses in UK (optional) |
UCAT, LNAT, TMUA, ESAT |
Exams for Postgraduate Courses in UK |
GMAT, GRE, GAMSAT |
English proficiency is a critical requirement for admission to UK universities in 2025. The selection criteria for these exams depend on the specific university and course requirements. Some institutions may prefer IELTS, while others accept alternatives like TOEFL or PTE Academic. Here's a list of popular English proficiency exams accepted by UK universities:
The IELTS examines your ability to communicate in English confidently, which is an important part of being successful in your academic studies. As a Nepali student, you will take this test as a way to demonstrate that you can communicate well in English.
Details |
Information |
Exam Duration |
2 hours 45 minutes |
Exam Fees in 2025 |
NPR 28,800 |
Sections |
Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking |
Required Score |
Undergraduate: 6.0–6.5; Postgraduate: 6.5–7.0 |
The TOEFL is a popular English proficiency test accepted by universities in the UK. The TOEFL is also helpful if you prefer a computer adaptive test, as well as for demonstrating your academic English communication.
Details |
Information |
Exam Duration |
1 hour 56 minutes |
Exam Fees in 2025 |
$195 or NPR: 27,062 |
Sections |
Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing |
Required Score |
Undergraduate: 80–90; Postgraduate: 90–100 |
PTE Academic is a computer-based English test that assesses your academic-level speaking, writing, reading and listening skills. The PTE Academic is becoming increasingly popular due to its AI scoring system and rapid results.
Details |
Information |
Exam Duration |
2 hours |
Fees (2025) |
$205 USD or NPR 28,450 |
Sections |
Speaking & Writing, Reading, Listening |
Required Score |
UG: Minimum 50; PG: Minimum 65 |
Duolingo English Test (DET) is a computer-based exam that assesses the language skills of non-native speakers in a user-friendly format, making it an attractive option for students and professionals alike
Details |
Information |
Duration |
1 hour |
Fees (2025) |
$59 USD or NPR 8,188 |
Sections |
Adaptive test + Writing and speaking sample |
Required Scores |
120+ for both UG and PG |
To pursue undergraduate programmes in the UK, there are specific entrance exams that assess the students' skills and suitability for a particular course. However, students from Nepal should note that these are optional tests and they are not required to them unless specified by their preferred university. Below is a list of undergraduate entrance exams UK:
For postgraduate programmes in the UK, entrance exams play a crucial role in evaluating a student's aptitude for advanced studies. These exams assess analytical, verbal, and quantitative skills, which are essential for academic success and career advancement.
Below is a list of key Master's entrance exams UK tailored for various disciplines:
Specifically designed for business-related master's programmes like MBA or MIM. The GMAT exam will evaluate your critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis skills.
Details |
Information |
Exam Duration |
2 hours 15 minutes |
Exam Fees in 2025 |
At Test Centre: US$250 or NPR 34,698 Online: US$275 or NPR 38,168 |
Number of Sections |
Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Data Insights |
Required Score |
Typically between 550–700 depending on the university |
Accepted for a wide range of postgraduate courses, it assesses verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills.
Details |
Information |
Exam Duration |
1 hour 58 minutes |
Exam Fees in 2025 |
$220 USD or NPR 30,534 |
Number of Sections |
Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning |
Required Score |
Varies by program; typically Verbal & Quantitative: 150+ for both |
Related Blog: GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
Required for medical and health-related master's programmes, focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving in biological and physical sciences.
Some students may qualify for exemptions from entrance exams for UK universities or English proficiency tests, depending on their academic background or professional experience. These waivers can simplify the application process but are granted solely based on university policies.
Entrance Exam Waivers:
English Proficiency Exam Waivers:
Preparing for entrance exams for UK universities can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. With the right strategies and resources, Nepali students can excel in these exams and secure admission to their dream universities. Below are practical UK entrance exam preparation tips to help you succeed:
Studying in the UK can be a costly experience for students, but once you understand all the relative UK exam fees and review all the financial assistance, it can help relieve some of the stress. Below is an overview of UK exam fees in Nepalese currency and available scholarships:
Exam |
Exam Fee |
Local Currency |
IELTS |
210 USD |
NPR 28,800 |
TOEFL iBT |
205 USD |
NPR 27,162.5 |
PTE Academic |
205 USD |
NPR 27,162.5 |
DET |
59 USD |
NPR 7,817.5 |
GMAT |
At Test Centre: 275 USD Online: 300 USD |
At Test Centre: NPR 36,437.5 Online: NPR 39,750.0 |
GRE |
220 USD |
NPR 29,150.0 |
GAMSAT |
560 USD |
NPR 74,200.0 |
Note: These values are calculated using the current conversion rate of USD to NPR (132.5). The fees may vary depending on fluctuations in exchange rates or changes implemented by the respective testing organisations.
There are no discounts provided by test agencies. However, students in need can reach out to local test centres, get in touch with test conducting bodies and also scan the internet for discounts or fee waivers. One advice to test takers would be to prepare for the entrance exam to study in UK really well to avoid having to register for the exam again.
Preparation for the Entrance Exams required to study in the UK is extremely beneficial for aspiring students from Nepal to be able to continue with the admission to prestigious universities. Regardless of entrance exam difficulty, preparation will help build your confidence and significantly help your chances of being accepted into your intended programme.
Don't delay and begin your journey to better exam success today by researching resources, joining coaching centers, and establishing a study plan. If you would like assistance with preparing for the upcoming UK university entrance exams in 2025, reach out to AECC and engage with experienced consultants who can facilitate your path to success!
In preparation for UK university entrance exams in 2025, we suggest that you start studying at least 6 - 12 months ahead of time. Be it preparing for undergraduate entrance exams or master's entrance exams, early preparations will be helpful for time management, acclimating to the exam format, and having covered any necessary subject material.
Yes, the majority of all entrance exams for UK universities allow for retakes. However, some exams will limit you on the time frame between retakes. So please make sure you know the specific exams needed to study in the UK and any limits on the allowed time of retakes, potential fees for additional UK exams, and possible delays in the application process.
Test score validity varies depending on the exam, but most English language scores for UK university entrance exams in 2025 remain valid for two years. When applying, make sure that the score you are submitting on your undergraduate entrance exams or master's entrance exams application is valid for the given time frame.
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