Study at university in the UK

With Cambridge English Qualifications and IELTS, EU, EEA and Swiss nationals can continue to study, work and live in the UK.

UK immigration changes for EU, EEA and Swiss nationals from January 2021

There is very little change in terms of English language requirements.

Higher education institutions, who are visa ‘Licence Sponsors’, can choose how to assess a student’s English language proficiency for courses at degree level and above. This means that Cambridge English Qualifications C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency can still be used as proof of English language ability for both admission and visa purposes.

Almost all UK universities, including all the top-ranked institutions, accept C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency. See the full list of universities and colleges in the UK that accept Cambridge English exams.

If you already have an IELTS certificate, this may also be sufficient to apply for an undergraduate course, as all UK universities accept IELTS as proof of English ability.

Please check the website of your chosen institution/course for full details about their latest requirements and how to apply.

If you are planning to take a Foundation, Pathway or other below-degree-level course, you may need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to support your visa application. You should check with the institution directly.

If the institution requires a SELT, we recommend IELTS for UKVI. Students must achieve CEFR level B1 in each skill (4.0 to 5.0 score in IELTS).

IELTS for UKVI must be taken at a UKVI approved test centre: find a test centre.

The latest changes for students came into effect on 5 October 2020. The term ‘Student Route’ has replaced what was previously called ‘Tier 4’.

For more information see Exams for UK visas and immigration.

Check the UK Visa and Immigration website to see the requirements in full.

Check the website of your chosen institution/course for full details about their latest English language requirements and how to apply.

To take your exam, you simply register with an authorised exam centre. Your centre will help you with booking a date and preparation courses.

Your exam centre can find you a course to prepare you for the exam. We also offer a wide range of learning resources, including preparation materials and free resources.

Results for computer-based exams are available in two weeks, and in four weeks for the paper-based exam.

The quickest and easiest way to get your results is to sign up for our FREE Online results service.