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Aston Online English Test

If you need an English language qualification to meet the offer conditions for your course, you can take the Aston Online English Test. 

Please do NOT take the test if you are an offer holder for the International Foundation Year.

What does the test involve?

The test is similar to an IELTS test with four parts: reading, writing, listening and speaking. It will take approximately 3 hours in total to complete. 

On the test day you will sit all sections of the test, with a short break between the reading and writing section, and the listening and speaking section.

The whole test is completed online so it is important to make sure that you have sufficient internet broadband connection and your home IT set-up meets the minimum system requirements. See the IT system requirements for more details.

During the test, you will be asked to prove your identity, by showing a passport or identity card for example. You will know the results within 7 working days of taking the test.

When can I take the test?

You can take the test from 11th May 2020 onwards. 

Bookings will be made available to those who have registered their interest in taking the test. See ‘How to book the test’ section below for more information. 

How to book the test

Before you book: It is important to check your internet connection and computer can support the test as it will not be possible to delay the test start on the day of the test. See how to check your computer and internet set-up.

  1. Register here and we will send you an email invitation to book the test on your My Aston Portal (MAP)
  2. To book a test, log into your My Aston Portal (MAP) with your Aston student ID (you will find these details in your offer letter) and click on 'Aston Online English Test'.
  3. You will be presented with different test date slots. Choose a test date that best suits you and complete the form as requested.
  4. Proceed to the payment page where you can pay for the test and confirm your test date.
  5. Once you have successfully completed payment, return to MAP and enter your payment receipt number into MAP.
  • You will receive a confirmation e-mail once your test date has been booked successfully. If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail, please e-mail international@aston.ac.uk. 
  • You will receive a reminder by e-mail about the test, with specific joining instructions two days before your test date. 
  • It is important to check your internet connection and computer can support the test as it will not be possible to delay the test start on the day of the test. Details of how to check your computer and internet set-up will be provided in the e-mail sent before you take the test.
Can I take the test again if I don’t achieve the required grades?

Yes, you can re-take the test again after 14 days. However, a third test is not allowed under any circumstances.

You may re-take the test within 28 days because of poor performance due to ill health in the first test. 

How much does the test cost?

The cost to take the test is £60 per test. If you are unable to take the test due to technical issues and need to re-take the test, you will not be charged.

For information on how to pay, please see the 'How to book the test' section. 

What are the minimum IT technical requirements to take the test?

It is important to make sure your IT set-up meets the minimum requirements before booking the test. If you are unsure, please contact international@aston.ac.uk.

Before your test date, you will be given access to a sample test which will enable you to check if your set-up meets the minimum systems requirements.

On the test day, if you have difficulties or issues with accessing the test, we will help you with trying to resolve these issues. If, for any reason, it is not possible to solve the problem, your test will be rescheduled for another day.

How long is the test valid for?

Once you have completed the test successfully, your test will be valid for a maximum of 2 years and can be used to meet the English language conditions for courses at Aston University.

Are there are any courses which will not accept the Aston Online English Test?

If you are applying to study at the School of Life & Health Sciences, we will accept the Aston Online English Test however you will need to do an additional online interview with us.

We do not accept the Aston Online English Test for entry to our Foundation programmes

I am a UK student. Can I take the test?

No, unfortunately the Aston Online English Test is only open to international students. 

Can I use the Aston English Language Test to meet offer conditions at other universities?

No. The Aston Online English Test is only valid for entry onto courses at Aston University. 

How can I prepare for the test?

Watch our webinar on how to prepare for the Aston Online English Test. 

  • Find out more about the Aston Online English Test and how to prepare
  • Learn about our online Pre-Sessional English courses and what you can expect
  • Ask any questions to Ania Bailey, Head of Centre for English Language and Communication (CELCA)  

Practice tests and materials are also available: 

Additional FAQs
View our additional Aston Online English Test FAQs document here.

English Language Requirements

To be accepted onto our programmes, you must be able to satisfy the University's English language requirements. The level required will depend on the programme you are applying for.  We strive to make your application process as easy as possible, however in all cases we reserve the right to request an English language qualification and / or conduct an interview.

We accept a wide range of English language qualifications including:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL
  • PTE Academic
  • IELTS Indicator
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition
  • Password
  • Aston Online English Test
  • Duolingo English Test (for entry onto Pre-Sessional English programmes, not for direct entry)

Check the tables below on this page to find out our required scores for a range of English language tests. 

For IELTS Academic, you can download our PDF summary: 

Download our IELTS English Language Requirements PDF
Group of students sitting around a laptop
Main Entry IELTS Minimum Band Scores

Foundation

School / ProgrammeReadingWritingListeningSpeakingOverall
All 5 5 5 5 5.5

Undergraduate (Bachelor Degrees)

School / ProgrammeReadingWritingListeningSpeakingOverall
Aston Medical School 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0
Aston Business School * Two bands at 5.5 and other bands at 6.0 and above 6.5
Engineering and Applied Science 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 6.0
Life and Health Sciences ** 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5
Languages and Social Sciences 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 6.0

* The above is applicable to students entering Years 1 and 2 of undergraduate programmes. Articulation into the Final year will vary depending on the degree programme and subject to the agreement with the partner.

** BSc Biochemistry, BSc Neuroscience, BSc Biology, and BSc Psychology programmes (all) will accept applications from candidates where one band is at 5.5 and the others at 6.0 and above.

Postgraduate (Masters Programmes)

School / ProgrammeReadingWritingListeningSpeakingOverall
Aston Business School 1 band at 5.5 as a minimum. Other bands at 6.0 and above 6.5
Aston Business School – MBA 6 6 6 6 6.5
Engineering and Applied Science 5.5 5.5 5.5 5.5 6.0
Engineering and Applied Science
Engineering Systems and Management programmes		 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5
Life and Health Sciences 6 6 6 6 6.5
Life and Health Sciences – OSPAP 7 7 7 7 7
Languages and Social Sciences 1 band at 5.5 as a minimum. Other bands at 6.0 and above 6.5

* Postgraduate masters students enrolling with Aston Business School with a 5.5 in one of the 4 IELTS sections will be required to engage with English language tuition as part of the Aston Global Advantage. There will be no extra cost to the student.

Postgraduate Research Programmes

School / ProgrammeReadingWritingListeningSpeakingOverall
Aston Business School 6.5 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.5
Engineering and Applied Science 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5
Life and Health Sciences 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5
Social Sciences & Humanities 6.5 6.5 6.0 6.0 6.5
Main Entry TOEFL (iBT) Minimum Range Band Scores

Foundation

TOEFL is not accepted for entry onto foundation programmes.

Undergraduate (Bachelor Degrees)

School / ProgrammeReadingWritingListeningSpeakingOverall
Aston Medical School 26 28 26 23 109
Aston Business School * 18 23 19 19 93
Engineering and Applied Science 12 20 11 17 78
Life and Health Sciences 18 23 19 19 93
Languages and Social Sciences 12 20 11 17 78

* The above is applicable to students entering Years 1 and 2 of undergraduate programmes. Articulation into the Final year will vary depending on the degree programme and subject to the agreement with the partner.

Postgraduate (Masters Programmes)

School / ProgrammeReadingWritingListeningSpeakingOverall
Aston Business School 18 23 19 19 93
Aston Business School - MBA 18 23 19 19 93
Engineering and Applied Science 18 23 19 19 93
Life and Health Sciences 18 23 19 19 93
Life and Health Sciences - OSPAP 26 28 26 23 101
Languages and Social Sciences 18 23 19 19 93

Postgraduate Research Programmes

School / ProgrammeReadingWritingListeningSpeakingOverall
Aston Business School 23 26 19 19 93
Engineering and Applied Science 18 23 19 19 93
Life and Health Sciences 18 23 19 19 93
Social Sciences & Humanities 23 26 19 19 93
Main Entry Pearson Minimum Band Scores
School / ProgrammeReadingWritingListeningSpeakingOverall
Foundation 
Foundation programmes 36 36 36 36 42
Undergraduate (Bachelor Degrees)
Aston Business School 57 57 57 57 63
Engineering and Applied Science 50 50 50 50 57
Life and Health Sciences 57 57 57 57 63
Languages and Social Sciences 50 50 50 50 57
Aston Medical School n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
Postgraduate (Masters Programmes)
Aston Business School 57 57 57 57 63
Aston Business School - MBA 57 57 57 57 63
Engineering and Applied Science 57 57 57 57 63
Life and Health Sciences 57 57 57 57 63
Life and Health Sciences - OSPAP 72 72 72 72 72
Languages and Social Sciences 57 57 57 57 63
Postgraduate Research Programmes
Aston Business School 63 63 57 57 63
Engineering and Applied Science 57 57 57 57 63
Life and Health Sciences 57 57 57 57 63
Social Sciences & Humanities 63 63 57 57 63
Main Entry Aston Online English Test/Password Band Scores

Undergraduate (Bachelor Degrees)

 
School / Programme Reading  Writing  Listening  Speaking  Overall
Aston Medical School 7.0  7.0  7.0  7.0  7.0
Aston Business School* Two bands at 5.5 and other bands at 6.0 and above (applies to reading, writing, listening and speaking)        6.5
Engineering and Applied Science 5.0  5.0  5.0  5.0  5.5
Life and Health Sciences** 6.0  6.0  6.0  6.0  6.5
Languages and Social Sciences 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.5

*The above is applicable to students entering Years 1 and 2 of undergraduate programmes. Articulation into the Final year will vary depending on the degree programme and subject to the agreement with the partner.

**BSc Biochemistry, BSc Neuroscience, BSc Biology, and BSc Psychology programme (all) will accept applications from candidates where one band is at 5.5 and the other at 6.0 and above.

Postgraduate (Masters Programmes)

 
School / Programme Reading  Writing  Listening  Speaking  Overall 
Aston Business School - MSc or LLM One band at 5.5 as a minimum. Other bands at 6.0 and above (applies to reading, writing, listening and speaking)       6.5 
Aston Business School - MBA 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5
Engineering and Applied Science 5.0  5.0  5.0  5.0  5.5
Engineering and Applied Science, Engineering Systems and Management programmes 6.0  6.0  6.0  6.0  6.5 
Life and Health Sciences 6.0  6.0 6.0  6.0  6.5 
Life and Health Sciences - OSPAP 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5
Languages and Social Sciences Our band at 5.5 as a minimum (applies to reading, writing, listening and speaking)       6.5

* Postgraduate masters students enrolling with Aston Business School with a 5.5 in one band will be required to engage with English language tuition as part of the Aston Global Advantage. There will be no extra cost to the student.

Aston Online
Aston Business School 6.5 6.5  6.0  6.0  6.5 
Engineering and Applied Science 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.0 6.5
Life and Health Sciences Not accepted        
Social Sciences & Humanities 6.5  6.5  6.0  6.0  6.5 
Pre-Sessional English course Duolingo Entry Requirements

Undergraduate (Bachelor Degrees)

 

School/Programme 5-week Aston Pre-sessional Entry Requirements  9-week Aston Pre-sessional Entry Requirements 
Aston Business School 100 90
Life and Health Sciences* 100 90
Engineering and Applied Science 90 80
Languages and Social Sciences 90 80
Life and Health Sciences - Pharmacy,  Optometry and Audiology programmes 100 90

*With the exception of UG Pharmacy, Optometry and Audiology that are now mapped with PGT LHS.

Postgraduate (Masters Programmes)

 

School/Programme 5-week Aston Pre-sessional Entry Requirements  9-week Aston Pre-sessional Entry Requirements 
Aston Business School
 100 90
Languages and Social Sciences 100 90
Life and Health Sciences (excluding
 OSPAP)		 100 90
Engineering and Applied Science (Engineering Management & Supply Chain Management programmes) 100 90
Engineering and Applied Science 90 80

 

Exemptions

If you meet any of the criteria below, then you may not need to provide an English language qualification: 

Graduated from a UK university?

If you studied for a minimum period of one year in the UK and achieved at least a 2:2 within the last two years then we will consider you to have met Aston’s English language requirements for Postgraduate study.

Students having a hot drink
National of a majority English Speaking Country

If you have one of the following nationalities then you will be exempt from the English Language requirements:

Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago United States of America.

Students discussing notes in the classroom
Academic qualification equivalent to a UK Degree - Taught in majority English Speaking Country

If you have a qualification from overseas and it is deemed to be equivalent to a UK degree. The degree must have been taught in one of the following majority English speaking countries:

Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, United States of America.

Students will also have to provide provide official documentation produced by UK NARIC which confirms the evaluation that the overseas academic qualification is equivalent to a UK degree (does not include professional or vocational qualifications).

Students who have recently graduated at the University

Exemptions for Undergraduate applicants

If you have studied or are studying recognised qualifications in English, such as GCSE English or IB, an IELTS qualification is not required provided you meet our minimum requirements.

Unfortunately this does not apply to any courses below degree level.

These don't apply to me

If you don't meet the above criteria you will need to meet our English language requirements as listed below.

For applicants whose English falls short of our minimum entry requirements we provide a range of Pre-sessional English Language programmes which aim to enable our applicants to reach our requisite levels of English and help them to become more confident about studying in English in the UK.

See pre-sessional dates and costs here
Students in the computer room
Student reading notes in a classroom

Which English Language test should I take?

IELTS

If you have been asked to provide evidence of an IELTS Academic test (not the IELTS General test) at a certain level, there are now two to choose from.

  1. A standard IELTS Academic test.
  2. IELTS Academic test from a UKVI approved test centre.

The following applies to those who need a Tier 4 visa and have been made an offer based on an IELTS score:

  • If you have a direct entry unconditional offer for an undergraduate or postgraduate programme, you can take any IELTS Academic test, whether from a UKVI approved centre or not.
  • If you require a CAS for a single Pre-sessional course, or have been made an unconditional offer for a Foundation year you must take your IELTS Academic test from a UKVI approved test centre.
  • If you are not sure which to choose, we strongly recommend that you take the UKVI approved test.
  • If you have any further questions, please contact the Visa Compliance Team or alternatively please contact the International Office.
Students taking notes in a classroom

TOEFL

We will only accept TOEFL for Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes, and will be able to issue your CAS to support your overseas Tier 4 Visa application (if you hold a suitable level). However we will not be able to accept TOEFL for programmes below degree level, including Foundation and pre-sessional programmes.

If you have been made an offer for direct entry on to an undergraduate or postgraduate programme, then we will still accept a range of qualifications as evidence of your English Language ability, and you are NOT required to provide evidence of these for a Tier 4 visa application.