26/03/2015
Please note some content in this news article is out of date.
From 12 November 2015, you can no longer use a result from a Cambridge English exam for Citizenship (naturalisation).
From 19 November 2015, you can no longer use a result from a Cambridge English exam for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
We strongly recommend taking IELTS or IELTS Life Skills for these purposes.
Original story:
Following the recent changes announced by the UK Visas and Immigration authority (UKVI) to language testing for visa purposes, UK universities can continue to accept Cambridge English exams, including Cambridge English: Advanced and Proficiency, at undergraduate and postgraduate level. Candidates applying for a Tier 4 visa in order to study at degree level and above at a Tier 4 Sponsor university are only required to present the proof of English language level that the university requires; UKVI does not require them to have taken a test from the UKVI list of Secure English Language Tests (SELT tests).
Cambridge English exams provide an in-depth assessment at the level needed for university study and enable universities to be confident of the applicant’s level of English. Cambridge English exams are currently accepted and trusted by 98% of the UK’s universities. As an exam board, Cambridge Assessment English continues to take a comprehensive, robust approach to test integrity and security so that the exam results are a true and reliable reflection of an international applicant’s ability to communicate in English.
For courses below degree level, universities need to accept an approved SELT from international applicants. IELTS is included on UKVI’s SELT list. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. For UK visas and immigration purposes, IELTS will need to be taken under specified conditions at centres which are specifically approved for this purpose.
Further questions
Further detail about using Cambridge English exams for UK university admissions can be found in this FAQ.
If you have any questions regarding the announcement, please contact the Cambridge English Recognition helpdesk:
01223 556144
recognition@cambridgeenglish.org