Are you planning to study abroad at university this year?
Do you need an English Language test for visa purposes?
Avicenna International College is the only European Language Test Centre to offer the NCUK English Language Test (ELT) on campus, outside of the UK.
What is the NCUK English Language Test?
The test is formally aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), which is the international standard for describing language ability, and reliably assesses the four skills of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Find the grading of the test in the following table:

Here you can find further comparisons:
IELTS Band Score | CEFR Level |
---|---|
8.5 and higher | C2 |
8.0 | Borderline C2/C1 |
7.5 | C1 |
7.0 | C1 |
6.5 | Borderline C1/B2 |
6.0 | B2 |
5.5 | B2 |
5.0 | Borderline B2/B1 |
4.5 | B1 |
4.0 | B1 |
Why choose the NCUK ELT at the AIC?
It is designed exclusively for international students who require a proof of English language test that is accepted for entry to over 30 UK universities.
You will need it for student visa
You will need it for university entry in the UK
You don’t need to travel to the UK to take it
It is fully computerised, no need for paperwork
Results are sent to you in an online format in about 5 days
You can retake it many times, 28 days after the previous test
There is also a short, specific preparation course on target included
This preparation course comprises of approximately 8 hours of engaging content delivered through an online workbook, allowing you to work through a variety of tasks covering each of the four key components of the NCUK English Language Test (reading, writing, listening, and speaking).
The online workbook allows you to practice for the test in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. It is also accessible on all mobile devices so you can learn on the go wherever you are.
How does the test look like?
The test is split into two parts:
The total duration for completion of both tests is 3 hours and 15 minutes and both tests should be taken in one day.
The test will be delivered in a safe and secure environment called Test Room at the quality assured Avicenna Test Centre under exam invigilation settings.
The test consists of four modules, split into two tests, which are all delivered online through the secure testing portal:
Test 1
Reading and Writing (in the morning)
This test module consists of five tasks which increase in difficulty as the module progresses. The time allowed for this test module is 1 hour and 15 minutes.
This test module offers test-takers a choice of two open-ended questions, one of which they choose as the subject of an essay. Test takers are instructed to write 200 words or more in 30 minutes.
Test 2
Speaking and Listening (in the afternoon)
This test module consists of five sections with one or more tasks in each section which increase in difficulty as the test module progresses. Most of the recordings are short lectures or extracts of lectures. The time allowed for this test module is 1 hour.
This test module consists of five tasks with one or more subjects on which to speak about displayed on screen. The responses expected increase in length and complexity as the test module progresses. Responses are captured by a microphone, and the time allowed is 20 minutes.
Which universities accept the ELT?
The NCUK English Language Test is recognised for entry at the following NCUK universities:
Aston University
University of Birmingham
University of Bradford
University of Bristol
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
University of Huddersfield
Keele University
University of Kent
Kingston University London
University of Leeds
Leeds Beckett University
Liverpool John Moores University
Manchester Metropolitan University
Queen Mary University of London
University of Salford
The University of Sheffield
Sheffield Hallam University
It is also recognised for entry by the following universities:
University of Bath
University of Chichester
Cranfield University
Durham University
University of Dundee
University of East Anglia
Harper Adams University
University of Hertfordshire
University of Hull
University of Lincoln
Loughborough University
University of Nottingham
Oxford Brookes University
St Mary’s University
Staffordshire University
University of Sunderland
University of Wales, Trinity Saint David
UWE Bristol: University of the West of England
University for the Creative Arts


Ask for further information about ELT
Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any question with respect to the NCUK English Language Test, and related services.