Assessing English Language Competency for International Students to ensure they meet minimum UKVI requirements

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that students being admitted to a degree-level or above course are assessed as being competent in English language at a minimum B2 Level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) by the sponsoring institution.

If the sponsor is a Higher Education Institution (HEI) and the student is being admitted onto a degree level course or above, the HEI is permitted to choose how to assess the student’s English language competency. However, HEIs must ensure that the student is proficient to B2 Level in all four components (Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing).

If the student has been awarded a degree or equivalent qualification from a majority English language speaking country, or is a national of a majority English language speaking country, (as defined by UKVI guidance) the University is not required to confirm their English language competence at CEFR level B2 through a separate test or qualification.

If the sponsor is not a HEI, or the student is being admitted to a course below degree level, the sponsor must assess the student’s English language by way of one of the UKVI's list of recognised Secure English Language Tests (SELTs).

UKVI SELT:

Where a student submits a SELT, the relevant Admissions Office will ensure that the results are above the minimum CEFR B2 level in all four components. As the University’s minimum English language requirements are higher than the B2 baseline, if a student does submit a SELT with one or more sub-test scores below the B2 requirement they would not be admitted to the degree programme and therefore not issued with a CAS which is required for a student visa.

Non-UKVI SELT:

If a student submits an English language test or qualification that is not on the UKVI SELT list, the University will assess it for competency at B2 level according to some or all of the following criteria.

• Where the test provider has benchmarked the test against the CEFR, and this benchmarking has been reviewed and ratified by the University’s Academic Language Support Service and Admissions Office. If there is an option to take the test online, this review will include an assessment of the test security. The required level for admission to a degree-level course will be in excess of CEFR B2 in all four components.
• Where the student has obtained the agreed progression requirement in the ONCAMPUS Test of English (OCTOE) on completion of the ONCAMPUS Undergraduate Foundation Programme or Pre-Master's Foundation Programme. The progression requirement is in excess of CEFR B2.
• Whether the student is a national of a majority English language speaking country, or has obtained a degree or equivalent qualification from a majority English language speaking country (with the exception of a degree obtained in Canada for non-Canadian nationals).
• Whether the student has a UK or overseas school-level qualification outlined on the University’s list of acceptable qualifications, which the University is confident assesses speaking, listening, reading and writing at a level suitable for admission to a degree-level programme and which is in excess of CEFR B2.
• Whether the student is permanently domiciled in a country where English is principally spoken, and the student’s school curriculum was taught in English, and the English language qualification was taught in English.
• In some cases where students have applied for a Research degree, whether they have publications written in English language, and in the case of joint publications, that it is clear what writing has been completed by the candidate themselves.

In the above cases, º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ is satisfied that, provided the student achieves a grade at or above the University’s minimum English language requirement, which is in excess of CEFR B2, they meet the requirement in Reading and Writing through the course work and examination related to the qualification, and Speaking and Listening through participation in a curriculum taught in the English language.

The University requires that English language tests are taken within the previous two years. School-based English language qualifications are acceptable up to ten years after being taken providing there is ongoing evidence of the use of English language in the intervening period. Very occasionally, qualifications older than this may be accepted provided supporting evidence of the continuing use of English language in the workplace or an academic environment is provided.

º¬Ðß²ÝÊÓƵ has built up considerable experience of teaching students with non-SELT English language qualifications and uses this experience to inform its assessment of competency. A list of acceptable non-SELT qualifications is detailed on the University website. This list of qualifications is reviewed regularly by the Admissions Office and Doctoral College.

The University recognises that it is not either in its or the student’s interests to admit them to a degree-level course if their English language skills are not at a sufficient level for them to be able to engage effectively with their studies. Analysis of the progression of students on their degree with a range of English language qualifications is undertaken on an ongoing basis to help inform this policy.

Verifying English language tests and qualifications

The University seeks to verify English language test results with the provider wherever possible. Where a verification service is not offered, qualifications are verified in the following ways:

• Through the UCAS Awarding Body Linkage (ABL) agreement for undergraduate applicants where this is possible.
• By requesting scanned copies of official qualification documents which show a clear stamp and/or signature.
• By checking original qualification documents where possible.
• By comparing the photo ID on applicants’ passports with the photograph on their test results, where this is possible.

Changes to UKVI Sponsor Guidance

The University will review the above policy and procedure as and when updates to the Student Route Policy and Sponsor Guidance are issued by the UKVI, and will amend its practice if required.

Prepared: 30/11/2012
Updated: 25/10/2023