UK Universities That Accept WAEC and NECO Results
You may be wondering whether there are UK universities that accept WAEC (WASSCE) or NECO English qualifications, including whether it is sufficient to satisfy the English language requirement to study in the UK.
If your first language is not English, you will need to prove your English language proficiency before being admitted to most undergraduate or postgraduate courses in the UK. This is because you need a sufficient level of English to complete your course, take part in classes and discussions, and submit assessments such as coursework and examinations. Applying for scholarships also requires some level of English language proficiency.
You need to demonstrate your English proficiency by taking an approved English language test and sending the result to the university you are applying. Different courses need different levels of English, usually measured on the International English Language Test System (IELTS).
UK Universities That Accept WAEC and NECO: Options for Nigerian students without IELTS
There are many UK universities that accept WAEC and NECO. If you require a Student Visa to study in the UK as an international student, you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) department’s requirement, which is currently IELTS 6.0 with no sub-test less than 5.5. International students will be admitted into a UK course based on these requirements.
You can also prove your knowledge of English by having a GCSE or A level gained through study at a UK school (or an international equivalent) that you began when you were under 18. Suppose you are above 18 at the time of studying for a GCSE or A level.
In that case, the university you are applying to might be able to advise you further as to the suitability of your GCSE or A level equivalent qualification. Some universities will also require the English language qualification obtained within five years of commencing studies.
Additionally, some courses may require a higher level of English language proficiency than other courses, especially if you are applying to study degree programmes in languages, linguistics, literature, etc. For details of each programme’s English language requirement, please carefully go through each course page.
Regardless of the fact that there are many UK universities that accept WAEC and NECO, completing a degree from any of these countries will automatically exempt you from any proof of English language requirements: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, UK, USA. However, universities reserve the right to ask for additional qualifications.
Many universities may also consider other English language qualifications other than IELTS such as NECO and WASSCE. This is also similar in many countries e.g., Canada where your WAEC and NECO will be accepted by many universities for the purpose of admission and English language requirements.
Are NECO and WAEC results accepted in the UK?
Many UK universities that accept WAEC, WASSCE and NECO results from applicants in Nigeria and West Africa.
The West African Examination (WAEC), established in 1952, has contributed to education in Anglophonic countries of West African nations (Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone and the Gambia).
For students of these countries, a credit score of C6 minimum in the English language in your WASSCE results can earn you a place in a UK university as the equivalent of a UK GCSE. Also, some UK universities will accept a grade C in the National Examination Council (NECO) certificate to prove English language proficiency.
Most UK universities that accept these qualifications will accept a qualification at a minimum grade C6, as proof of English proficiency as long as it was completed within the last 5-10 years years. If you have not achieved this, you may be required to complete an IELTS.
For applicants whose first language is not English, i.e., if you have a qualification from Nigeria or Africa, you must demonstrate that they have an appropriate English language level to be eligible to study either undergraduate or postgraduate courses. The level of English required for the university programme depends on the course and the department.
Over a dozen universities accept either NECO or WAEC in the UK. See the list below.
| University | List of UK Universities that Accept WAEC/NECO Results |
|---|---|
| University of Plymouth | To be accepted onto a degree course in Plymouth, you must have a suitable English language qualification. A WAEC grade of C6 is an acceptable qualification that meets the English language requirement. |
| University of Southampton | A grade of C6 in the WASSCE will be accepted as a qualification that meets the English language requirement. |
| Teesside University | NECO will be accepted at Teesside University |
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