New Requirements for Secure English Language Testing for Visa & Immigration Purposes

Posted date: 26 May 2021

You will need to show that you speak and understand English at an appropriate level if you want to study abroad in the United Kingdom. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) authorities consider a Safe English Language Exam (SELT) as evidence of the English competence of the student applicant. The distinction between SELT and other forms of language tests is that the British government officially accepts and trusts the Stable English Language Test.

To receive the UK Student Visa, students intending to study a course at the academic degree level (such as a foundation course or pathway course) will need to take a SELT. A appropriate SELT score is seen as an assurance that incoming foreign students can integrate into the community and study in the United Kingdom. The only exam boards approved as SELT providers by UKVI are IELTS and Trinity College London.

The IELTS Life Skills or 'IELTS for UKVI' are called the SELT by IELTS. The IELTS Life Skills test requires only level A1 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) to demonstrate your speaking and listening abilities. If you reach the minimum English language standard, a pass/fail score will be decided.

Not all applying for the UK Study Visa must pass the SELT (also known as the Tier 4 General Student Visa). Not having to take a SELT does not indicate that to come and study in the UK you would not have to take any English language exam. A criterion for university entry is English language proficiency, and other English test scores (such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic) will be required by universities.

International students (and other citizens) who need a UK visa may also take a Pearson English Exam to comply with the visa criteria set out by the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) from June 2020 onwards. There is no difference between the PTE Academic and the PTE Academic UKVI in test material. Still, both of them are not offered by all test centers. Make sure you book the exam at the correct test centre if you need to pass the PTE Academic UKVI.

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GSP Admin