GOV.UK
Tier 4 (General) student visa
3. Knowledge of English
You must prove your knowledge of the English language when you apply.
This usually means passing a secure English language test (SELT).
| Where you’re studying | What you’re studying | Knowledge of English needed | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher education institution (HEI) | Degree level or above | Reading, writing, listening and speaking | Equivalent to CEFR (Common European Framework for languages) level B2 |
| Institution that’s not HEI | Degree level or above | SELT in reading, writing, listening and speaking | CEFR level B2 |
| Any institution | Below degree | SELT in reading, writing, listening and speaking | CEFR level B1 |
HEIs can choose how to assess a student’s knowledge of English. They must still be at:
- CEFR level B2 if you’re studying at a degree level or higher
- SELT in reading, writing, listening and speaking and CEFR level B1 if you’re not studying at a degree level
Your test needs to be from an approved provider.
Check the full visa guidance for detailed information.
Exceptions
You don’t need to prove your knowledge of English if you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- the Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- UK
- USA
You also don’t need to prove your knowledge of English if one of the following apply:
- you’re a national of Canada or any of the countries in the list above
- you have studied in the UK before as a Tier 4 (Child) student
- you’re applying to come to the UK for a study abroad programme as part of a university degree course in the USA