English language requirements
You must score 10 points for your English language skills.
You can meet the English language requirement in ONE of the ways below. These are the only ways in which you can meet the English language requirement. No alternative evidence will be accepted.
Option 1: National of a majority English speaking country
You will meet the requirement if you are a national of one of the following countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- British Overseas Territories
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United States of America (USA)
As evidence, you must provide a valid passport, national ID card or travel document of that nationality.
Option 2: Academic Qualification (awarded a degree taught or researched in English)
You can use your degree to meet the English language requirement if:
- It was taught in English
- It is UK Bachelor’s degree level or above, including Postgraduate degrees (or an equivalent level as recognised by Ecctis (previously known as UK NARIC))
The documentation you need to provide depends on where your degree is from:
Country in which degree was awarded | Evidence required |
---|---|
UK |
|
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, United States of America (USA) |
|
A country not listed above |
*On the Ecctis website there is an option to select a Visa and Nationality Service (English Proficiency) that includes both AQUALS and ELPS. Please always check on the Ecctis website that you are selecting the correct one. |
Option 3: Passed an approved English language test at the appropriate level
You must sit and pass an approved English language test with at least CEFR level B1 in reading, writing, speaking and listening. Approved tests are currently provided by IELTS, Pearson, Trinity College London and LanguageCert.
These test providers are updated regularly, so please check the Home Office website to ensure you are sitting an approved test:
These tests are only valid for a certain amount of time. If you are unsure of what test to sit, please contact staffvisahelp@ed.ac.uk
Option 4: GCSE or A-Level English
You meet the requirement if you have a GCSE, A level, Scottish National Qualification at level 4 or 5 or, Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher, in English (language or literature), that was awarded:
1. by an Ofqual (or SQA, Qualifications Wales or CCEA) regulated awarding body; and
2. following education undertaken in a UK based school which began while you were aged under 18.
You cannot rely on GCSE or A levels gained through adult education or correspondence courses.
Further resources
To further help you with your application, there are several resources available from the UK Government website.
UKVI website:
Skilled Worker Guidance:
Appendix Skilled Worker -Caseworker Guidance
Relevant immigration rules:
Appendix Skilled Worker in the Immigration Rules
English language tests approved by the UK government: