You need to prove that you can speak, write and understand English to a standard that will allow you to study your programme. For the visa application, you may also need to prove your English language ability and provide an English language certificate. Who must prove their English language ability? All students must prove that they speak, write and understand English to a standard that will allow them to study their programme. Some students might need to submit an English language certificate in the visa application, this will depend on your programme level. If your programme is degree level or above You do not need to submit any documents to prove your English language skills in your visa application. This is because you will have proved you meet the English language requirements to study at the University. We will update your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) to say we have assessed your English language ability. For the visa application, you must be proficient to at least CEFR level B2 (IELTS 5.5). Our English language requirements are much higher than those needed for a Student visa application. Read about the University's English language requirements If you study the International Foundation or pre-sessional English programme If you are applying to study a programme below degree level (International Foundation or pre-sessional English programme), you must meet the University's English language requirements and prove your English language ability. You can do this by showing one of the following: a certificate that shows you passed the Secure English Language Test (SELT) a certificate showing you have a degree from a majority English-speaking country (along with a certificate from UK ENIC which confirms the level of your degree programme) a passport that shows you are a national of a majority English-speaking country For the visa application, you must be proficient to at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS 4.0). Our English language requirements are much higher. Read about the University's English language requirements A Secure English Language Test (SELT) You must submit one of following certificates from an approved test centre as proof of your English language ability. IELTS for UKVI (normal IELTS will not be accepted - you must have an IELTS for UKVI certificate) PTE Academic UKVI SELT Trinity College London (Integrated Skills in English - only available in the UK) You will also have to provide your SELT unique reference number in your visa application form. Find a Secure English Language Testing provider A degree from a majority English-speaking country If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, but have graduated within the last 3.5 years from a university in a majority English-speaking country, you can use your degree certificate to prove your English language ability for the visa application. You will need to submit: the original certificate or transcripts showing your award a certificate from ECCTIS which confirms the level of your degree programme Find more information on the ECCTIS website Nationals of majority English-speaking countries If you are a national of a country which the UKVI deems to be 'majority English-speaking', then you need to provide your passport to prove your English language ability for the visa application. List of majority English-speaking countries Antigua and Barbuda Australia The Bahamas Barbados Belize Canada* Dominica Grenada Guyana Ireland Jamaica Malta New Zealand St Kitts and Nevis St Lucia St Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago USA *Canada is considered a majority English-speaking for Canadian nationals only. If you are not Canadian, and you hold a degree from Canada, then you will not be able to use it to prove your English language ability. Next step Read about further Student visa requirements This article was published on 2024-07-29
