Knowledge of English
Government Digital Service
Apply for a Student visa to study in the UK if you're 16 or over - eligibility, extend or switch your visa, how much it costs and how long it takes
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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’re from one of the following countries or territories, or you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of them:

Antigua and Barbuda

Australia

the Bahamas

Barbados

Belize

the British overseas territories

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