English Tests Accepted by UK Universities for Chinese Students

English Language Tests Available in China

Choosing the right English test in China depends on availability, cost, and your target score. Here is the complete picture for 2026.

1. IELTS for UKVI

Best for: Visa-mandatory pre-sessional or below-degree courses

Centres: 70+ across China including Beijing (BC, IDP), Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan, Xi'an

Cost: ¥2,170

Booking: Via British Council China (chinaielts.org) or IDP China

Result: 13 days for paper-based; 3-5 days for computer-delivered

2. IELTS Academic

Best for: All UK universities (degree level)

Same centres as IELTS UKVI

Cost: ¥2,170

Note: Confirm whether your university requires UKVI version

3. Duolingo English Test (DET)

Best for: Cost-effective, at-home option

Cost: ~¥455 (USD 65)

Result: 48 hours

Acceptance: 90+ UK universities now accept DET, especially for direct entry; check your specific course

Note: Cannot be used for UK visa application directly — only for university entry

4. PTE Academic

Best for: Fast results, computer-based

Centres: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Macau

Cost: ¥1,700

Result: 2-5 days

UKVI: PTE Academic UKVI now accepted for visa purposes

5. TOEFL iBT

Best for: Students also considering US/Canada

Centres: 100+ across China

Cost: ¥2,100

Result: 6 days

Accepted by: Most UK universities

Score Equivalence Table

IELTS	Duolingo	PTE	TOEFL

|-------|----------|-----|-------|

6.011050786.512059877.013067957.514075102

Tests You Cannot Use

CET-4 / CET-6 are NOT accepted for UK university entry

NEEA / Gaokao English is NOT a substitute for an international English test

MET (Metropolitan English Test) is rarely accepted

Which Should You Choose?

Need a visa SELT? → IELTS for UKVI or PTE Academic UKVI

Tight budget? → Duolingo English Test

Need fast results? → Duolingo (48h) or PTE (2 days)

Already prepared for TOEFL? → TOEFL iBT works for most UK universities

Source: British Council China, IDP China, ETS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo and UKVI approved test list 2026.