GOV.UK
General student visa (Tier 4)
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
If you have to pass a SELT, it must 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