If you’re planning to study in UK after completing your 12th, you’ll need to meet certain exam and entry requirements depending on the course, university and your academic background. The UK does not follow a single entrance exam system for all universities; instead, each course has its own set of tests for language, academics or aptitude.
The good news is: most undergraduate courses in the UK do NOT require entrance exams, except for specialised programs like medicine, law and architecture.
However, English proficiency tests are mandatory for almost all international students.
Below is a complete breakdown of all required exams.
1. English Language Proficiency Exams (Mandatory for Most Students)
To study in the UK, you must prove your English level to meet both university admission and UK student visa (CAS) requirements.
Most Accepted English Exams
1. IELTS Academic
The most widely accepted test for UG admissions.
Score Required: 6.0 – 6.5 overall (varies by course)
2. PTE Academic
Accepted by 98%+ UK universities.
Score Required: 56 – 65
3. TOEFL iBT
Less preferred but still accepted by many universities.
Score Required: 72 – 90
4. Duolingo English Test (DET)
Accepted by several UK universities for admissions only (not always accepted for visa).
Score Required: 105 – 125
5. Cambridge English (C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency)
Accepted by universities for academically strong students.
2. UCAT – Required for Medicine and Dentistry
If you want to study MBBS or Dentistry in the UK, UCAT is the primary test.
What UCAT Tests:
- Problem solving
- Situational judgment
- Verbal reasoning
- Decision making
Who Needs UCAT:
Students applying to medicine or dentistry programs after 12th.
3. BMAT (Some Medical Schools Only)
BMAT is required by a small number of medical schools.
BMAT Tests:
- Scientific knowledge
- Critical thinking
- Writing skills
Many universities have now replaced BMAT with UCAT or internal assessments.
4. LNAT – Required for Law Degrees
The National Admissions Test for Law (LNAT) is required for law courses like LLB at several UK universities.
LNAT Tests:
- Reading comprehension
- Logical reasoning
- Essay writing
Universities like Oxford, LSE, Bristol, Glasgow and Durham require LNAT.
5. MAT / STEP – Mathematics & Computer Science
Top universities like Oxford and Cambridge may ask for additional tests like:
MAT (Mathematics Admissions Test)
For students applying for:
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
- Joint maths courses
STEP (Sixth Term Examination Paper)
Used mainly by Cambridge and Warwick.
These exams test advanced mathematical skills beyond school-level learning.
6. Architecture Aptitude Exams (Some Universities)
Some UK universities require an Aptitude Test or Portfolio Review for architecture programs.
Requirements may include:
- Design portfolio
- Sketches & technical drawings
- Creative assessment
Universities vary—some may only require a portfolio with no exam.
7. SAT/ACT (Optional – Rarely Required)
UK universities generally do NOT require SAT or ACT for Indian students.
A few universities may accept SAT/ACT scores as an alternative qualification.
8. No Entrance Exam Required for Most Courses
For courses like:
- Business
- Management
- Finance
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Engineering
- Hospitality
- Arts
- Humanities
- Media
- Education
You typically only need:
- 12th-grade marks
- English proficiency test
This makes the UK one of the easiest countries to apply to after 12th.
Summary of Exams Required to Study in the UK After 12th
| Course Type | Required Exams |
| Most UG Courses | IELTS / PTE / TOEFL / Duolingo |
| Medicine / Dentistry | UCAT (mandatory), BMAT (some universities) |
| Law (LLB) | LNAT |
| Mathematics / CS (Top Universities) | MAT / STEP |
| Architecture | Portfolio / Aptitude Test |
| Business, Engineering, Arts | Only English Test |
| SAT/ACT | Optional, rarely required |
Conclusion
Studying in the UK after 12th is a straightforward process for most students because only a few courses require specialised entrance exams. In most cases, all you need is your 12th-grade score and an English proficiency test such as IELTS or PTE.
However, programs like medicine, law and mathematics do require additional exams.
By understanding the exact exam requirements early, you can plan your preparation and choose the right universities for your study-abroad journey in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is IELTS mandatory to study in the UK after 12th?
IELTS is the most accepted English test, but it is NOT mandatory if your university accepts alternatives like PTE, TOEFL, or Duolingo. Some universities also allow admission without IELTS if you studied in an English-medium school and meet specific criteria. However, for the UK visa (CAS), an approved English test is usually required.
2. Is there any entrance exam to study undergraduate courses in the UK?
Most undergraduate courses in the UK do not require entrance exams. Only specialised programs like medicine, dentistry, law, and advanced mathematics require tests such as UCAT, LNAT, MAT or STEP. Business, engineering, arts, and social sciences typically require only your 12th-grade marks and English proficiency.
3. Which exam is required for medical courses in the UK?
For MBBS or dentistry, UCAT is the primary entrance exam. A few universities may require BMAT, although many have phased it out. Additionally, students must meet high-grade requirements in science subjects.
4. Is PTE accepted for UK student visa and universities?
Yes. PTE Academic is widely accepted by UK universities and is also UKVI-approved, meaning it can be used for your visa application. It is considered one of the fastest and easiest alternatives to IELTS.
5. Can I study in the UK without English proficiency exams?
Some universities may exempt English tests if you studied in an English-medium school or scored high in English during 12th grade. However, the UK student visa usually requires an approved English test, so skipping it is uncommon.
6. Do I need SAT or ACT for UK universities?
No. UK universities do not require SAT or ACT for Indian students. You can apply using your 12th-grade results and English proficiency exam.
7. What exam is required for law courses in the UK?
For top law schools like Oxford, LSE, Bristol and Durham, the LNAT exam is mandatory. It evaluates reasoning skills, comprehension and essay writing abilities.
8. Which exam is needed for Computer Science at top universities?
While most universities require no entrance exam, universities like Oxford require MAT, and Cambridge may require STEP. These tests evaluate advanced mathematical ability.
9. Is UCAT difficult for Indian students?
UCAT is challenging because it focuses on decision-making, reasoning and situational judgment rather than academic content. Regular practice with mock tests helps improve performance.
10. Do engineering courses in the UK require entrance exams?
No. Engineering programs usually require only your school grades and an English test. No extra exam is required unless applying to highly selective institutions like Oxford or Cambridge.
11. Can I apply to UK universities after 12th without Maths?
Yes, for many programs like business, management, psychology, arts, and social sciences. However, courses like engineering, computer science, economics and finance typically require maths.
12. What is the easiest exam for UK study?
Many students find PTE or Duolingo easier than IELTS because of shorter test formats, fast results and flexible scoring.