English language requirements

Teaching takes place solely in English and students must demonstrate that their English language proficiency is at a level that will allow them to follow their intended programme successfully.

If English is not your first language you must have a qualification as evidence of your English language skills.

English language skills

We can waive the English language requirement if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • you have previously completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree, taught in a ‘majority English-speaking’ country (as defined by the UK government)
  • You are a national from a ‘majority English-speaking’ country – click here for full list of UKVI approved countries

There may be other exceptions, please contact Admissions.

Contact Admissions

English language requirements

General requirements

If you do not require a visa to study in the UK then we will accept the following qualifications as proof of your English language skills.

Qualification Programme Requirements
GCSE English All Grade C/4-9
Standard grade All Grades 1-3
National 5 All Grades A-C
IELTS or equivalent Introductory Certificate in Arabic Language Overall 5.0
IELTS or equivalent Certificate in Arabic Language Overall 5.0
IELTS or equivalent Diploma in Arabic Language Overall 5.0
IELTS or equivalent Advanced Diploma in Islamic Studies 6.0 (Minimum of 5.5 in sub-components reading, listening and speaking. And 6.0 in writing)
IELTS or equivalent Diploma in Moral Economy & Sustainable Development

Executive Diploma in Islamic Finance & Entrepreneurship

Professional Diploma in Islamic Banking & Finance

 6.0 (Minimum of 5.5 in sub-components reading, listening and speaking. And 6.0 in writing)
IELTS or equivalent HNC/D in Business 5.0 (Minimum of 5.0 in sub-components reading, listening and speaking. And 6.0 in writing)
IELTS or equivalent HNC/Diploma in Management & Leadership 5.0 (Minimum of 5.0 in sub-components reading, listening and speaking. And 6.0 in writing)
LanguageCert All B1/2
Requirements for Student Visa applications

The UK Government approves certain English language qualifications as being Secure English Language Tests (SELT). These meet the Government’s requirements for visa applications.

Al-Maktoum College will accept the following:

Qualification Requirements
IELTS for UKVI 6.0 (Minimum of 5.5 in each component reading, listening and speaking. And 6.0 in writing)
LanguageCert SELT B2

*For the HNC in Business, HNC in HRM or HNC in Management & Leadership we may accept a SELT at level B1. 

You can purchase a voucher for LanguageCert directly with the College. Contact admissions@almcollege.ac.uk for details.

If you require a visa, please check the Visa information page for full details.

Pre-sessional English courses

Pre-sessional English courses are designed to improve your English language and academic skills prior to undertaking a programme at Al-Maktoum College.

Please contact admissions@almcollege.ac.uk for more information.

More information