To be able to study in the UK, international students are required to pass the officially acknowledged English language tests by the educational institution and the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), respectively. This is to make sure that you can successfully study and live in the UK as English is the main language of the state and used for the course instruction.
If you meet all the entry requirements of the university, including the English language requirement, they will provide you a reference number, the confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS), to confirm that they have given you a slot on your chosen course. You must then apply for your Tier 4 Student visa within 6 months bearing in mind the start date of your course. Once your visa is granted you will be legally allowed to complete your course in the UK.
University enrolment
A duly recognized English language test score universities usually require is that of the IELTS or the International English Language Testing System offered by the British Council (in partnership with other organizations). Some universities may accept other English language tests approved by the UKVI, so check with the university if they do. These may include (but not limited to) the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), and Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE). There are also differences in the standards of the respective programs – the undergraduate, postgraduate, or research/further studies programs.
Undergraduate programs
For the undergraduate degrees, the minimum standard requirements for most universities is an IELTS overall score ranging from 6.0 – 6.5, with a score of at least 5.5 – 6.0 in each area (listening, speaking, reading and writing). For PTE Academic, the minimum acceptable overall score ranges from 52 – 60, with a minimum score of 51 – 59 in each area. CAE and CPE minimum scores must be at B and C respectively.
Postgraduate programs
The English language requirement for most universities for their postgraduate courses is an IELTS overall score of at least 6.5 (with a minimum score of 5.5 – 6.0 in each area) or an equivalent PTE Academic minimum score of 60 – 62 (with a score in each area of at least 51 – 59), minimum of B score in CAE and C score in CPE.
Research programs
For their research degrees, most universities require a minimum IELTS overall score ranging from 6.5 – 7.0 or an equivalent score of 68 in PTE Academic, A in CAE, and B in CPE.
If you don’t meet the English language requirement of your desired course, you may take an English language preparation course to help you gain entry to a degree program. Most universities offer this short course to help students achieve an acceptable level of English proficiency. For further information on the acceptable English language test of UK educational institutions, you can check at their respective course entry requirements.
Visa application
According to the UKVI, the English language requirement will be based on the course you’re going to take. You should only use the approved English language tests and providers by the office (Find it by clicking here)
The following is their guidance:
• CEFR level B2 for courses at NQF 6/QCF 6/SCQF 9 or above
• CEFR level B1 for courses at NQF 3-5/QCF 3-5/SCQF 6-8
(You can check for more details on UK government’s official website: https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean)
Exceptions
You will be exempted from the language requirement for the following reasons:
• You have gained an academic qualification acknowledged by UK NARIC as comparable to a UK degree in a majority English speaking country.
• You came from a majority English speaking country such as Australia, New Zealand, and the USA. Click here to see the list of these countries.
