The UK Home Office’s list of Secure English Language Tests (also known as SELT tests) specifies the English language qualification(s) required for each category of visa application to the UK.
This list includes IELTS and IELTS Life Skills.
Student Visa Tier 4:
The institution’s English language requirement must be met by applicants for a Tier 4 Student Visa who wish to pursue a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree at a Tier 4 Sponsor university. IELTS scores are accepted by all British colleges and universities. Unless the institution has additional requirements, applicants for Tier 4 Student Visas may apply to the UK universities listed here with an IELTS score from any of the more than 1,600 IELTS test centers worldwide.
UKVI requirements for healthcare professionals have changed:
The requirements for language testing for healthcare professionals who need visas to live and work in the UK have been modified by the UK government. Please get advice from the relevant professional body if you need to take a language test to work as a doctor, dentist, nurse, or midwife in the UK.
| Visa description | Minimum CEFR level required | Skills | IELTS test and minimum score required overall and in each skill1 |
| Tier 1 (General) visa | C1 | Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 7.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 (General) visa – in most cases | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 (Sportsperson) visa | A1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills at A1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa | B2 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 5.5 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 4 (General) student visa – below degree level and pre-sessional courses | B1 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening | IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Tier 4 (General) student visa – degree level and above | B2 | Reading, Writing Speaking and Listening | IELTS/IELTS for UKVI3 – 5.5overall, and in each of the four skills |
| Family route • Spouse/partner • Parent of a dependant | A1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills at A1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
| Family route (extension) • Spouse/partner • Parent of a dependant | A2 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills at A2 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
| Indefinite leave to remain (to settle) or citizenship | B1 | Speaking and Listening | IELTS Life Skills at B1 – Pass IELTS for UKVI2 – 4.0 in Speaking and Listening |
Note:
- Academic and general training versions are both acceptable. Each skill’s CEFR requirement must be met.
- Where the IELTS Life Skills Test is required, IELTS for UKVI can be used. Speaking and listening scores of 4.0 or higher are required (scores for reading and writing will be ignored).
- When a Secure English Language Test (SELT) is not required, universities on UKVI’s Tier 4 sponsor list decide which exams to accept. Students should ensure that the institution to which they are applying is included on this list and that there are no additional requirements.