English language requirement

You must prove your knowledge of the English language when you make your Student visa application (unless you are exempt*).

You can prove your knowledge of English by achieving any English test or academic English qualification on the following link: English language entry requirements

For the IELTS for UKVI Academic, we accept the following scores for our courses:

• IELTS for UKVI Academic 5.5 overall with all components at 5.5 or above (for all 4-year undergraduate courses)
• IELTS for UKVI Academic 6.0 overall with all components at 5.5 or above (for all 3 and 2-year, 1-year undergraduate courses and 1-year MBA and MSc Management postgraduate courses)

Please note that all English tests must not be more than two years from the date of submitting your online Student visa application.

Password Skills Plus Test

You can take the online Password Skills Plus Test to prove you meet the English language requirement. It is scored on the same basis as the IELTS for UKVI Academic. There is a charge of £95. You can also take a practice test beforehand at a cost of £40.

You can book your test here.

Once you have sat the Test, you will normally receive the results within 5-7 working days.

Exemptions from providing an English language qualification*

You will be exempt from providing an English language qualification if:

• You completed a GCSE, A Level or Scottish Higher in English in the UK, which was commenced before you turned 18. The qualification must be in English literature or English language and be issued by an Ofqual, SQA, Qualifications Wales or CCEA-regulated awarding body in the UK. You must also have undertaken your education at a UK-based school.
• You are a national of a majority English-speaking country.
• You previously completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree which was taught in a ‘majority English-speaking’ country.
• You obtained an academic degree qualification from an educational establishment in the UK, which is a bachelor’s degree or above.

You can find more details about these exemptions here.

If you have any questions about any of the above information, please contact visa.compliance@bil.ac.uk