English Language Requirements for a Student Visa Application
If you are looking to live, work, or study in the UK, then you will need to apply for the appropriate visa through UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) in order to do so. Here, you will find information about the English language requirements for a student visa application.
Page Contents:
- English tests for UK visas
- Which English test do I need for a spouse/family and live in the UK visa?
- Which English test do I need for a work visa?
- Which English test do I need for a study visa?
- How do I get a SELT test for a UK visa?
- UK Visas and Immigration FAQs
English Test for UK Visas
To be able to get a work, study, or family visa for the UK, you may need to take an English language test to prove your ability to speak, listen, write or read English. There are different levels of Secure English Language Tests – also known as SELTs – that use the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or CEFR) guidance to assess your abilities. Which SELT test you will need to take will depend on the type of visa you’re applying for.
Which English Test Do I Need for a Spouse/Family and Live in the UK Visa?
If you’re applying for a spouse or family visa in the form of Further Leave to Remain you will need to take a SELT test depending on whether this is a visa extension or not. The Secure English Language Test (SELT) you’ll need for each are:
Visa type | Visa description | SELT test |
---|---|---|
Further Leave to Remain | Family partner | GESE Grade 2 (A1) |
Further Leave to Remain | Family parent | GESE Grade 2 (A1) |
Further Leave to Remain Visa Extension | Family partner | GESE Grade 3 (A2) |
Further Leave to Remain Visa Extension | Family parent | GESE Grade 3 (A2) |
Indefinite Leave to Remain | Settlement/ Permanent Residency | GESE Grade 5 (B1) |
British Citizenship | Naturalisation | GESE Grade 5 (B1) |
Which English Test Do I Need for a Work Visa?
If you’re staying in the UK for an extended period of time to work, then you may need to apply for a work visa; but which one you need will depend on the type of work you’re in the country to do. The visa types along with the Secure English Language Test (SELT) you’ll need for each are as follows:
Visa type | Visa description | SELT test |
---|---|---|
Representative of an Overseas Business visa | For employees of an overseas newspaper, news agency or broadcasting organisation posted on a long-term assignment to the UK. | GESE Grade 2 (A1) |
International Sportsperson visa (T2) | For elite sportspersons or qualified coaches, recognised by their sport’s governing body as being at the highest level of their profession internationally. | GESE Grade 2 (A1) |
Skilled Worker visa | For those who are coming to or staying in the UK to do an eligible job with an approved employer. | ISE I (B1) |
Health and Care Worker visa | For medical professionals who are coming to or staying in the UK to do an eligible job with the NHS, an NHS supplier or in adult social care. | ISE I (B1) |
Scale-up Worker visa | For those wanting to come to the UK to do an eligible job for a fast-growing UK business (sometimes called a ‘scale-up business’). | ISE I (B1) |
Minister of religion visa (T2) | For those who have been offered a job within a faith community (for example as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order) in the UK. | ISE II (B2) |
Innovator visa | For those wanting to set up and run an innovative business in the UK – it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market OR those with a business or business idea has been endorsed by an approved body, also known as an endorsing body . | ISE II (B2) |
Start-up visa | For those wanting to set up an innovative business in the UK – it must be something that’s different from anything else on the market | ISE II (B2) |
Which English Test Do I Need for a Study Visa?
When applying for a student visa, it’s important to understand not only which SELT test you need to take, but the specific conditions of the university or college you’ve applied to study at. Education providers may require a higher level of English language proficiency than UKVI requests – please ensure you check with your sponsor with regard to their individual requirements.
Visa type | Visa description | SELT test |
---|---|---|
Study visa – below degree level* | For those aged 16 or over and who have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. | ISE I (B1) |
Study visa – degree level and above** | For those aged 16 or over and who have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor. | ISE II (B2) |
Please note that with the above visa types, some study sponsors may require you to take a different type of SELT test on top of the one you need to take for your UKVI. For example:
*If you’re coming to the UK to study for qualifications such as GCSE, A-Level, BTEC, diploma, NVQ etc, then your sponsor might need you to take a B2 English test
**If you’re coming to the UK to study at university, then your sponsor might need you to take a C1 English test as well as a B1 for your UKVI
For the most up-to-date information on the course you’re looking to study and the visa type you’ll need, it’s best to check the UK Government website. If you’re still unsure which SELT test is the right choice for you, you can speak to the team at 0333 358 3183 or contact@ukvi.com.
How do I get a SELT test for a UK visa?
Getting a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of your UK visa application is easy. Book directly with a UKVI approved SELT provider. This also protects your booking should you need to change the date, and allows you to take advantage of other services such as Exam Protect that allows you to retake for free should you not pass your initial exam.