The UK Border Agency is making a series of important changes to the student visa – Tier 4 of the points-based system.
Level of English language study
A Tier 4 (General) student who will be studying a course that is below degree level (except a Foundation Degree or an English language course), should be competent in English language at a minimum of level B1 on the CEFR in all four components (reading, writing, speaking and listening). To prove the English Language Competency, students should take an English language test with an approved test provider.
Please see below for list of approved test providers and the minimum score requirements:
|
Test Name |
Awarded By |
Minimum Score Required |
|
Test of English as a Foreign Language – Internet Based Test (TOEFL – iBT) |
Educational Testing Service |
Listening – 13 Reading – 8 Writing – 17 Speaking – 19 |
|
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – General Training or Academic Module |
University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations, British Council, IDP |
Listening – 4.0 Reading – 4.0 Writing – 4.0 Speaking – 4.0 |
|
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) |
Pearson |
Listening – 43 Reading – 43 Writing – 43 Speaking – 43 |
Students applying to change to a different education provider
Tier 4 students who want to change to a sponsor with a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) licence will be able to begin their new course of study, at their own risk, while they are waiting for the UK Border Agency to make a decision on their application to change sponsor.
Students applying to change to an A- or B-rated sponsor are not permitted to begin their new course of study until they receive a positive decision from us on their application to change sponsor.