Degree level or above
Usually B2 equivalent
For Student visa purposes, GOV.UK currently describes this as equivalent to CEFR level B2 in reading, writing, speaking and listening.
English Readiness
UK study English requirements
This is a plain-English summary of current official GOV.UK Student visa guidance. Your university may ask for something different. Always check the official page for your situation.
Last checked: 31 October 2026
What level do I need?
Below degree level
Usually B1
For Student visa purposes, GOV.UK currently describes this as CEFR level B1 in all four skills.
Pre-sessional course
B1 may apply
The Immigration Rules (Appendix Student) also treat a pre-sessional course as a B1 English requirement. Always confirm the current official page for your course.
Universities can set their own admission English requirements. Meeting a visa English rule does not automatically meet a university’s offer conditions.
How can English sometimes be proved?
These are possible official routes. They do not all apply to every applicant.
1.Approved Secure English Language Test (SELT)
If you do not have another accepted qualification, you may need a SELT from an approved provider, sat at an approved location. The test usually has to have been awarded in the two years before you apply.
2.Qualifying UK school qualification
GOV.UK currently allows some UK school qualifications that you began when you were under 18 — for example a GCSE, A level, or certain Scottish qualifications in English. This does not apply to every school qualification.
3.Qualifying UK degree
A degree-level qualification taught in English and awarded by a UK institution can be used, even if you studied outside the UK. The official page sets the detail.
4.Overseas degree taught in English, with Ecctis assessment
If your degree was taught in English but was not awarded by a UK institution, GOV.UK currently says you will need an Ecctis assessment. Ecctis provides a code confirming equivalence and that the course was taught in English.
5.Higher Education Provider assessment, where permitted
If you are studying at degree level or above, a Higher Education Provider may assess your English itself. GOV.UK says this must still be equivalent to CEFR B2. The university may use a different test from a SELT.
Some applicants do not need to prove English — for example certain nationality or previous-qualification routes listed on GOV.UK. Do not assume you are exempt. Check the official Student visa page for your situation.
If you need a SELT
Only approved tests, at approved locations, count as a SELT. Book through the official provider. Start2Study is not a SELT provider and is not affiliated with these organisations.
Inside the UK
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- LANGUAGECERT
- Pearson
- Trinity College London
Outside the UK
- IELTS SELT Consortium
- LANGUAGECERT
- Pearson
- PSI Services (UK) Ltd
Check official GOV.UK guidance (opens official external site)
This Start2Study English Readiness Check is a practice and guidance tool. It is not a Secure English Language Test (SELT), does not provide an official CEFR qualification and cannot be used as evidence for a UK visa or university admission.