International Sportsperson visa
Knowledge of English
You may need to prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply. You can prove it in one of the following ways, by:
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having a degree from a UK institution
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having a degree from an institution that was outside the UK and taught in English
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passing an English test from an approved provider
If you have already proved your knowledge of English in a previous successful visa application, you may not have to prove it again.
If you have a degree from a UK institution
You can prove your knowledge of English if you have a degree-level qualification that was both:
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taught in English
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awarded by a UK institution, even if you studied outside the UK
If you have a degree from an institution outside the UK
If your degree was taught in English and was not awarded by a UK institution, you’ll need to apply for an assessment from Ecctis.
Ecctis will give you a code to confirm that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelor’s degree or higher and was taught in English.
Passing an English test
If you do not have any qualifications that prove your knowledge of English, you will need to pass a Secure English Language Test (SELT) with an approved provider.
You must pass the test with at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale in speaking and listening.
Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English
You will not need to prove your knowledge of English if you’re a national of one of the following countries or territories:
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Antigua and Barbuda
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Australia
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the Bahamas
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Barbados
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Belize
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the British overseas territories
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Canada
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Dominica
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Grenada
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Guyana
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Jamaica
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New Zealand
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Malta
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St Kitts and Nevis
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St Lucia
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St Vincent and the Grenadines
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Trinidad and Tobago
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USA
You also may not have to prove your knowledge of English in other circumstances - check the full visa guidance.