University of West London: Entry, English Scores and Bursaries
TL;DR: The University of West London (UWL) accepts master's applicants with a lower second class degree (55 percent) and asks for IELTS 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each skill for most master's courses. A £2,000 deposit secures your place, and paying £10,000 upfront by 1 December 2026 earns a £3,500 bursary on a February master's start.
Students looking at the University of West London usually want three answers: will my grades get me in, which English score do I need, and what will it cost before the visa. This guide answers all three from UWL's own pages. If you are not sure where you stand, Check your eligibility with Prosper before you pay anything.
What is the University of West London known for?
The University of West London is a London university with its main campus in Ealing, west London. The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 named UWL London's top modern university, where "modern" means a university that gained university status in 1992 or later. The same guide's 2027 edition places it in the UK top 20 for teaching quality, and the National Student Survey 2026 ranks it second among London universities for overall student satisfaction. It holds a Silver award in the Teaching Excellence Framework 2023.
UWL teaches at its Ealing and Brentford sites in west London, linked by a 10-minute shuttle bus, and at a Reading campus that hosts many nursing and midwifery courses run with the NHS. From Ealing, the Elizabeth line reaches Oxford Street in about 15 minutes.
University of West London entry requirements
UWL publishes the academic level it expects by course type. For a master's degree, the benchmark is a bachelor's degree with a lower second class (55 percent) or the equivalent of a UK 2:2. For a PhD, it asks for a UK 2:1 plus a master's with merit or distinction.
For undergraduate entry, UWL lists A Levels from 112 UCAS tariff points, depending on the course. An integrated foundation year is available for students whose results are below direct entry.
If your degree is a 2:2, see our guide to a master's with a 2:2 degree in the UK.
UWL English language requirements
UWL asks for IELTS Academic taken at a UKVI approved test centre, and it accepts several other tests. These are the minimums on its English requirements page:
| Course level | IELTS Academic (each skill) | PTE Academic (each skill) | Duolingo (each skill) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated foundation year | 5.5 (5.5) | Not listed | 100 |
| Undergraduate | 6.0 (5.5) | 51 (51) | 105 (100) |
| Master's and extended master's | 6.5 (5.5) | 58 (51) | 120 (100) |
| Enhanced extended master's | 6.0 (5.5) | Not listed | Not listed |
| PhD | 6.5 (6.0) | 58 (55) | Not listed |
Your test must still be valid on the first day of your course, and a Duolingo result must be issued from July 2024 onwards and within 24 months of your start date. If you are close but not there, UWL runs online pre-sessional English courses of 6, 10 and 15 weeks.
Not sure which test suits you? Compare PTE Academic with IELTS UKVI and IELTS Academic before you book.
University of West London fees, deposit and bursaries
UWL shows the international tuition fee at the top of each course page, and international fees rise each year, so check the figure for your course and start date. Before your visa, plan for four money items:
- The deposit. UWL charges a £2,000 non-refundable deposit against international tuition. It is returned only if UWL does not issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) or your visa is refused for a reason other than fraud or misrepresentation, and a £1,000 administration fee applies to refunds.
- The International Tuition Fee Bursary. If you pay £10,000 upfront, UWL deducts a bursary from your fees: £3,500 for a master's, £5,000 for an enhanced extended master's and £2,000 a year for an undergraduate degree. The £10,000 must arrive by 1 December 2026 for a February 2027 start, or by 2 July 2027 for September 2027. It does not apply to the on-campus MSc Nursing (Adult) pre-registration course, the MRes or online study.
- The Early Settlement Discount. Pay the full year's tuition by enrolment and UWL takes off £500, or £700 on an enhanced extended master's.
- Visa funds. You also pay the Immigration Health Surcharge and show living cost funds. See the UK maintenance funds you must show.
UWL intakes and the CAS
UWL's bursary terms name February 2027 and September 2027 as the next international intakes. UWL asks for your Student visa application more than three months before your course starts, and it requests a CAS only once you meet every offer condition, including English. Our CAS guide explains the next step.
Applying from Sri Lanka
- Grades UWL lists for Sri Lanka. UWL's Sri Lanka page lists GCE Advanced Level grades of S, C or D in each subject for undergraduate entry, and a minimum S in each subject for the integrated foundation year. For a master's, it asks for a bachelor's with Second Class Lower Division or above (55 percent).
- Certificates. Request your attested A/L and O/L certificates early. See how to request A/L and O/L certificates online.
- TB test and biometrics. The UK TB test is done at the IOM clinic in Colombo, and VFS Colombo handles biometrics. See the IOM Colombo TB test guide and the VFS Global Colombo guide.
- The bursary and your funds. If you pay £10,000 upfront, keep enough for the 28-day funds check too.
Frequently asked questions
Is the University of West London a good university? The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 named UWL London's top modern university, and the 2027 guide places it in the UK top 20 for teaching quality.
What IELTS score does the University of West London need for a master's? Most UWL master's courses ask for IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each skill, taken at a UKVI approved centre. PTE Academic 58 with 51 in each skill and Duolingo 120 with 100 in each skill are also accepted.
Does the University of West London accept a 2:2 for a master's? Yes. UWL's published master's benchmark is a bachelor's degree with a lower second class (55 percent) or the equivalent of a UK 2:2, though some courses may ask for more.
How much is the University of West London deposit? UWL charges a £2,000 non-refundable deposit against international tuition, returned only if no CAS is issued or the visa is refused for a reason other than fraud.
PS
The UWL bursary rewards students who are ready early. To find out whether a February or September start at UWL fits your grades, English score and budget, Check your eligibility with Prosper and we will tell you which route is realistic.
References
- International students, University of West London, https://www.uwl.ac.uk/international (accessed 11/11/2026)
- Fees and funding for international students, University of West London, https://www.uwl.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding-international-students (accessed 11/11/2026)
- International scholarships and bursaries, University of West London, https://www.uwl.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding-international-students/international-scholarships-and-bursaries (accessed 11/11/2026)
- English language requirements, University of West London, https://www.uwl.ac.uk/international/your-country/english-language-requirements (accessed 11/11/2026)
- Entry requirements for Sri Lanka, University of West London, https://www.uwl.ac.uk/international/your-country/international-entry-requirements/sri-lanka (accessed 11/11/2026)
- Before you apply, University of West London, https://www.uwl.ac.uk/international/before-you-apply (accessed 11/11/2026)
- Our campus and sites, University of West London, https://www.uwl.ac.uk/student-life/our-campus-and-sites (accessed 11/11/2026)
- Pre-sessional English language courses, University of West London, https://www.uwl.ac.uk/international/pre-sessional-english-language-courses (accessed 11/11/2026)
