免语言测试SELT¶
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Applying for a student visa in the UK may exempt you from SELT English language testing.
As we all know, when applying for a visa in the UK, whether it's a student visa, work visa, or any other type of visa, it is generally required to provide proof of English language proficiency. This English language proof can be in the form of an IELTS test or any other English language test that assesses your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Only those who meet the language requirements can continue with the visa application, and the specific English language scores and regulations vary depending on the visa type.
This article mainly focuses on student visas in the UK.
However, English language testing is also categorized into two types. The first type covers all four aspects: listening, speaking, reading, and writing, while the second type covers only listening and speaking.
The visa types that require the first type of English language test (covering all four aspects: listening, speaking, reading, writing) are as follows:
- Innovator Visa
- Start-up Visa
- Tier 2 (General) Work Visa
- Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) Work Visa
- Student Visa
The visa types that require the second type of English language test (covering listening and speaking) are as follows:
- Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Work Visa
- Representative of an Overseas Business Visa
- Partner Visa
- Parent Visa
- Settlement Visa (also known as indefinite leave to remain)
- Citizenship Application
This article mainly focuses on the English language test requirements for student visas, while other exemptions from English language testing are similar.
Currently, the accepted English language tests for student visa applications include:
- IELTS SELT Consortium (UK or overseas)
- LanguageCert (UK or overseas)
- Trinity College London (UK only)
- Pearson (UK and overseas)
- PSI Services (UK) Ltd (overseas only)
According to the official update by the UK government on October 6, 2020, the requirements for providing English language test evidence for visa applications have been simplified. This includes the option to use alternative documents in place of English test certificates or to be exempted from providing English language test evidence altogether.
Who is exempt from providing English language test evidence when applying for a student visa in the UK?
- Individuals currently holding a Child Student Visa
- Individuals from English-speaking countries
- Individuals who have obtained an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree from a country where English is the primary language
- Individuals who have obtained a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE), A-Level, Scottish National Qualifications (level 4 or 5), Scottish Highers, or Scottish Advanced Highers in English (language or literature) from an educational institution in the UK
Note: Even if the visa center exempts the requirement to provide English language test evidence during visa application or renewal, or when transferring to another school, etc., additional language evidence may still be required by the educational institution or employer.
Let's go through them one by one:
1. Individuals currently holding a Child Student Visa
It goes without saying that if someone holds a Child Student Visa, which is intended for children, they do not need to provide English language test evidence.
2. Individuals from English-speaking countries
Note: This refers primarily to individuals from countries where English is spoken or those who have obtained a degree certificate from one of these countries where the degree is taught in English (and the degree certificate must have NARIC certification).
What does NARIC certification mean?
NARIC stands for the National Recognition Information Centre. It is an organization established by the UK government to provide advice and information to all educational institutions regarding the recognition of qualifications and degree levels. Its main role is to issue certificates stating the level of equivalence of qualifications and degrees held by international students in the UK, thereby confirming that the qualifications and degrees they hold are equivalent to a certain level in the UK.
So, which countries are considered English-speaking countries? Here's the list:
Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
the Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
Malta
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
UK
USA
Or:
- You are a national of Canada (as Canada has some courses taught in French).
- You are applying to come to the UK for a study abroad program as part of a university degree course in the USA.
- You have proven your level of English in a previous visa application.
3. Individuals who have obtained an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree from a country where English is the primary language
This means that if you are from one of the countries listed in item number 2 and have obtained a degree certificate from a program taught in English, with NARIC certification, you meet the following criteria:
- The program was taught in English.
- You have a degree certificate.
- The degree certificate has NARIC certification.
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