Changes to English Language requirements (sub-degree)

The most significant change has occurred regarding SELT for sub-degree studies (below NQF 6 – e.g. Pre-sessional English, International Foundation Programme, International Diploma). From 06/04/15 only IELTS or Trinity test will be accepted and they must have been taken at an UKVI approved test centre. 

There is a concession in place which will allow students who have taken a SELT before 06/04/2015 to still use this in a visa application when the application is made by 05/11/2015.

*Please note, Year 0 of an integrated 4 year UG degree does not require an UKVI approved IELTS test, as the outcome of the course is at degree level.

Changes to English language requirements (degree-level and above)

There are no changes to English language requirements for programmes at degree-level and above (NQF and above – e.g. Undergraduate, Masters). Applicants can still take IELTS at any test centre or any other approved English Language test

Students requiring access to degree-level and sub-degree level study

Students who will be taking an academic course at degree-level and above, but who wish to take a pre-sessional course at Essex in order to improve their English level, will need to satisfy the sub-degree English language requirements in order to join the pre-sessional course. This means that even if a student has an offer to study with us at Undergraduate or Postgraduate level, but would need a pre-sessional English language course, they would still need to take a SELT at a UKVI approved test centre, as pre-sessional is a sub-degree level course.

If a student with this profile does not have a SELT from a UKVI approved test centre, then they would be asked to take a SELT at an approved test centre before a pre-sessional place could be offered.

Students who have taken more than one English Language Test

Where a student has taken multiple English Language tests, we will refer to the test most recently taken as the best guide to a student’s level of proficiency, and will only take this test into account when making admissions decisions/ issuing a CAS.