English is one of the main requirements to get admission in UK Universities and Colleges.   All students, regardless of their visa requirements are required to show that their ability to understand and express themselves in English is sufficiently high for them to derive full benefit from their academic course.

The level of competence required depends on what type of degree you wish to study.

In general , English language proficiency can be demonstrate in following ways :-

MOI – Medium of Instruction :  If student studied throughout English medium then IELTS can be waived off on providing medium of instruction letter. Only very few universities offer such waiver.

Academic Proficiency in English : Many universities in UK can waive IELTS if student secured good % in 12^th or O level , IB .  Top ranked university usually ask for minimum 75% or equivalent   while average university may ask for minimum 60% or Equivalent .

University’s English test and their own discretion : Many universities are offering their own customise English test and if student can pass this test then University can use their own discretion to waive off  English language requirements . Such tests are usually follow the pattern of IELTS / TOEFL or PTE.

English Language Test :  IELTS is the most acceptable English Language test for universities as well as UKVI ( government body which is responsible to control immigration in the UK) .  UKVI approved test are called SELT - secure English Language Test (SELT) . For academic purpose mainly two tests are recognised

Trinity College London (UK only);

IELTS SELT Consortium (UK or overseas) - IELTS for UKVI

Be noted that for foundation programmes and any PG  and UG programs with presessional English , will required to have UKVI IELTS ( IELTS for UKVI) . No other test can replace this requirements of UKVI .

For PG and UG ( RQF level 6 or above), you can use non UKVI IELTS with B2 level ( no band less than 5.5) however every university has different programs requirements.

Many doubts are still remain in mind which can be cleared through following FAQ.

Q: What is the main difference between UKVI IELTS and non UKVI IELTS ?

The IELTS test for UK visa purposes (UKVI IELTS) is designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specific to UK Visas and Immigration. Test Report Forms will be slightly different, to show that test takers have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session. Course structure remain same but course fee will be slightly higher than non UKVI IELTS. and for Tier 4 visa  ( student visa ) academic IELTS will be required.

Q: If I take an IELTS test for UK visa purposes, can I use my result in other countries / for other purposes?

Yes. IELTS test results are accepted by more than 10,000 organisations worldwide, including universities, colleges, governments and employers.

Q: I intend to study in the UK do I need to pass a SELT?

If you  intend to study a course at degree level or above at a Higher Education Institution (HEI), the HEI can useIts own methods to assess your English language ability. It is not necessary for you to pass a SELT test.  However, the HEI may ask that you do.  If  you intend to study a course below degree level, you must have taken and passed a SELT test to meet the English language requirements . This applies to all education institutions.

Q: If I dont have enough English , then what could be my study options ?

Speaking English is not at all a barrier for you to pursue a study program in UK. There are many programs in UK Universities to teach you the English language on student visitor visa,. You can overcome your language problems in the new environment at the earliest, if you are determined to learn the language with self-interest.  Or 

you can take admission in embedded college of University where usual English Language requirements is lower than University .