Exams for UK visas and immigration

Most students from outside the UK need a Student visa to study in the UK. As part of your visa application, you must prove your level of the English language.

C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency (and in many instances B2 First) are the ideal English language qualifications for anyone who wants to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree at a UK university.

Almost all UK universities accept C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency (and many accept B2 First) for admission to undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes. If you have successfully taken B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency and are accepted by one of these universities, you do not need to take an additional English language exam to support your Student visa application.

You should always check the latest admissions and visa requirements of your chosen institution.

What to do next

1. Contact your chosen UK university to confirm they will accept your B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency result.*
2. Apply to your chosen UK university to receive your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
3. Use the reference number from your CAS when completing your Student visa application. This number confirms to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) that you have been accepted to study at a valid UK university.

*Universities and colleges set their own entry requirements. Higher education institutions that are on the Register of Student sponsors can choose how to assess a student’s level of English for courses at degree level and above. Their students do not need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to support their visa applications. Almost all of these universities and colleges accept C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency and IELTS.

For Foundation, Pathway and other below degree-level courses, and for courses at institutions that are not visa Licensed Sponsors, you may need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to support your UK Student visa application.

If the institution requires a SELT, we recommend IELTS for UKVI.

We recommend IELTS for UKVI.

IELTS for UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) recognised for all categories of UK visa.

OET is a healthcare-specific test designed to meet the needs of doctors, nurses and midwives. It can be used for both professional registration and visa purposes.

IELTS is also accepted for all categories of healthcare work in the UK.

International students usually require a visa to study in the UK.

Please also check the websites of your chosen institutions/courses and UK Visas and Immigration for full details about their latest requirements and how to apply.

For further guidance on proving your English language abilities, please visit: GOV.UK: Student visa overview.

A visa may be needed for all activities other than short-term visits.

Please visit the UKVI website to see their latest requirements and check if you need a UK visa.

For further guidance on proving your English language abilities, please visit: GOV.UK.