Helpdesk Training Article
Information for international students wishing to study at a university in the UK
The English language requirements for international students wishing to study in the UK vary depending on the level of course you're applying for and where in the world you're applying from.
See the tables and the summary underneath to find out more.
If you are applying from the EU, EEA or Switzerland please see below:
| Level of Study | Visa required? | Exams accepted |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
Yes |
You do not need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT), but you must achieve a minimum B2 level of English and meet the English language requirements of the institution you apply to*. Most UK universities accept C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency for undergraduate and postgraduate courses. |
Foundation/pathway |
Yes |
You may need to take a B1 level Secure English Language Test (SELT) to support your student visa application. You should check with the institution directly. If the institution requires a SELT, we recommend IELTS for UKVI. Students must achieve CEFR Level B1 in each skill (4.0 to 5.0 score in IELTS). IELTS for UKVI must be taken at a UKVI approved test centre. |
* This applies to institutions on the Register of Licensed Sponsors. Nearly all UK universities are on this list – check if yours is here. If it isn't, you will need to take a SELT.
If you are applying from outside the EU, EEA or Switzerland please see below:
| Level of Study | Visa required? | Exams accepted |
Undergraduate, Postgraduate |
Yes |
You do not need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT), but you must achieve a minimum B2 level of English and meet the English language requirements of the institution you apply to*. Most UK universities accept C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. |
Foundation/pathway |
Yes |
You must take a recognised B1 level Secure English Language Test (SELT). We recommend IELTS for UKVI. You will need to obtain a band score of 4.0 overall and in all four skills. |
* This applies to institutions on the Register of Licensed Sponsors. Nearly all UK universities are on this list – check if yours is here. If it isn't, you will need to take a SELT.
If you are applying from a country where English is spoken as an official language for any level of study (foundation, undergraduate or postgraduate) please contact UKVI to confirm if a Visa is required.
You do not need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT), but the institution you apply to may still ask you to meet its English language requirements - check with them to confirm.
Most UK universities accept C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency
Summary
If you require a visa in order to study in the UK, the English language requirements will depend on the level of course you are looking to study.
- If you are applying for a course at below degree level (e.g. foundation and pathway courses), you will be required to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as IELTS for UKVI, as part of your visa application.
- If you are applying for degree-level study or higher (e.g. undergraduate and postgraduate courses) at an institution that is on a Register of Licensed sponsors you might not be required to take a SELT. This is because these institutions set their own English language requirements. Nearly all UK universities are on this list and most of them (including the Russell group institutions) accept C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency for entrance purposes. If your institution is not on the register of sponsors list, you will need to take a SELT.
Find out more
You can find more information on the UK university applications section of our website.
Check the UK Visas and Immigration website for the latest information and requirements.
See which Cambridge English exams your chosen UK university accepts on our Online Global Recognition Database.
If you are at all unsure about which exam to take, please check directly with your chosen institution and/or the UKVI to confirm which exam/s they will accept as part of your application.
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