What English level do I need for a UK Student visa?

You need at least CEFR B2 level for degree-level courses and CEFR B1 for below-degree courses. Your university may require higher scores for admission, but B2 is the Home Office minimum for degree-level study.

Which English tests are accepted for a Student visa?

The Home Office accepts Secure English Language Tests (SELTs) including IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic, LanguageCert, and others on the approved list. Your university may also accept non-SELT tests like standard IELTS or TOEFL for their own admission requirements, but the visa process requires SELT unless an exemption applies.

Am I exempt from the English language requirement?

You may be exempt if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country (such as the US, Canada, or Australia), or if you have completed a degree taught in English. Your university confirms your English level on your CAS.

How long is my English test result valid?

SELT results are valid for 2 years from the test date. Your test must still be valid on the date you submit your Student visa application.

Student Visa English Language Requirements 2026

All Student visa applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency. The required level depends on your course level, and there are several ways to prove it. This guide covers the accepted tests, minimum scores, exemptions, and common mistakes.

Required English Levels

The Home Office sets minimum English language levels for Student visa applications. These are based on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR):

Degree-level courses and above: CEFR B2 (upper intermediate). In IELTS terms, this is approximately 5.5 to 6.0 overall.
Below-degree courses: CEFR B1 (intermediate). In IELTS terms, this is approximately 4.0 to 5.0 overall.

Many universities set their own English requirements that are higher than the Home Office minimum. Check your university's specific requirements alongside the visa requirements.

Accepted Tests

The Home Office maintains a list of approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTs). The most commonly used are:

IELTS for UKVI (Academic). The most widely used test for UK Student visas.
PTE Academic (UKVI). A computer-based alternative with faster results.
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT. Available as both online and in-person tests.
Trinity ISE. Integrated Skills in English tests at various levels.

Check the GOV.UK approved SELT list for the full and current list. Non-SELT tests (standard IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo) are not accepted directly for the visa, but your university may use them for admission and confirm your English level on the CAS.

Exemptions

You do not need to take an English test if:

You are from a majority English-speaking country. This includes the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, and others. The full list is on GOV.UK.
You completed a degree taught in English. If your previous degree was taught entirely in English in a majority English-speaking country, or you hold a degree from a UK institution, you are exempt.
Your university has assessed your English. Universities with a track record of compliance can assess your English themselves and confirm it on your CAS, without requiring a SELT.

How Your University Confirms Your English

Your university records your English proficiency on your CAS. They can confirm it based on:

A SELT result you provided to them
Their own English language assessment
Your nationality (if exempt)
A previous degree taught in English

If the CAS confirms your English level, you generally do not need to submit separate test results with your visa application. However, keep your test certificate as the Home Office may request it.

Common Mistakes

Taking the wrong version of IELTS. You need IELTS for UKVI, not standard IELTS, if you are using IELTS directly for the visa (not through your university).
Expired test results. SELT results are valid for 2 years. If your test expires before your application date, you need to retake it.
Not meeting component scores. Some tests require minimum scores in each component (reading, writing, listening, speaking), not just the overall score.

Next Steps

Check your university's specific English requirements first. Then confirm whether you are exempt or need to take a SELT. Book your test well in advance as slots fill up quickly, especially in summer. For the overall cost breakdown, see our Student visa cost guide.

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