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English language tests and requirements
For a Student visa at degree level you need English at level B2 or above on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Your university can assess this itself, and it may set a higher level for admission.
Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026.
This is general information, not immigration advice. For your own situation, speak to your university's international student adviser, UKCISA, or a regulated immigration adviser. Rules change, so always check GOV.UK before you apply.
Two separate checks
- For the visa: level B2 or above at degree level. A university that is a licensed sponsor can decide how to assess this.
- For admission: each university sets its own requirement for each course, often shown as an IELTS score. Many undergraduate courses ask for around 6.0 to 7.0 overall, with a minimum in each part of the test. Law, medicine and some other courses ask for more.
Which tests are accepted
Universities accept different tests, such as IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, LanguageCert, the Duolingo English Test and Cambridge English qualifications. Check the course page before you book. If you ever need a Secure English Language Test (SELT) for the Home Office, it must be one on the Home Office's approved list, taken at an approved centre.
Who does not need to prove their English
You do not need to prove your English if you are a national of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, a British overseas territory, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Ireland, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago or the USA, or if you have a degree taught in one of those countries (other than Canada). Universities may still ask for evidence for admission.
Other ways to prove your English
You can also prove your English with a UK school qualification you began before you were 18, such as a GCSE or A level, a Scottish National 4 or 5, or a Higher or Advanced Higher in English, or with a degree taught in English.
If your score is not high enough
Many universities run pre-sessional English courses before the degree starts. Some offer a place conditional on completing one.
Sources
Quick answers
What level of English do I need for a UK Student visa?
Level B2 or above on the CEFR for a degree. Your university can assess this itself.
What IELTS score do UK universities ask for?
Many undergraduate courses ask for around 6.0 to 7.0 overall with a minimum in each part, but each university sets its own requirement for each course.