Prove Your English knowledge
You must prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.
You can prove your knowledge of English by:
- passing a Secure English Language Test (SELT) from an approved provider
- having a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification level 4 or 5, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher in English, gained through study at a UK school that you began when you were under 18
Level of English
You must prove you can read, write, speak and understand English to a certain level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
| What you’re studying | Level |
|---|---|
| Degree level or above | Equivalent to CEFR level B2 |
| Below degree level | CEFR level B1 |
If you’re studying with a Higher Education Provider
If you’re studying at degree level or above, your Higher Education Provider (HEP) can assess your level of English themselves. This means they may ask you to do a different test.
This must still be equivalent to a CEFR level B2.
Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English
You do not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of the following countries, or are from one of the following countries:
- 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
You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if one of the following applies:
- you’re a national of Canada
- you’re applying to come to the UK for a study abroad programme as part of a university degree course in the USA
- you proved your level of English in a previous visa application