English Language Requirements

If your first language is not English, we may ask you to provide evidence of your English Language abilities when you apply to study with us.

The language of teaching and assessment during the programme is entirely in English. All students must have a satisfactory knowledge of the English language due to the need to understand the intensive course lectures and the demands of group work. 

In addition to the below requirements, students who require a student visa and their first language is not English, are required to provide proof of a Secure English Language Test.  

Secure English Language tests to study in the UK (SELT)

What is a Secure English Language Test (SELT)?

A Secure English Language Test (SELT), as defined by the UK Home Office, is a test that is offered at an approved test centre and assesses the four skills of English Language; reading, writing, listening and speaking, using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) as a guide to English Language proficiency.

Do I need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT)?

Yes, if you're not of a majority English speaking nationality or you don't possess a degree awarded by a majority English speaking country, you will need to provide proof of a Secure English Language test. If you are an international applicant that needs a student visa, you must prove your level of English langauge during the visa application and have taken a Secure English Language test where applicable.

Exemptions to Proof of English Language Proficiency

You do not need to take a Secure English Language Test if you are from one of the approved English speaking countries or you've completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of those countries or terriorities. 

You also do not need to prove your knowledge of English if one of the following applies:

  • You're a national of Canada
  • You proved your level of English in a previous visa application
  • You're a Postgraduate applicant of a majority English speaking country or have recently completed an Undergraduate degree in the UK or Ireland.

If your country is not listed in any of the above, you will be required to fulfill the standard English Language requirements and submit a SELT as part of your application.

Taking a SELT Test

The most commonly taken Secure English Language Test (SELT) is IELTS. The IELTS website provides useful information and advice on how to prepare for, and take the test. Please familiarise yourself with this information before you book and prepare for your test.

It can take around 14 days for your IELTS test results to be sent to you, so it's important to plan ahead and get your SELT result to us in good time. You will need to provide us with a copy of your IELTS certificate.

However, IELTS is one of several other approved SELT Tests that we accepted. You can also take the following:

If you are in the UK

To find test dates and book your test, go to the website of the provider offering the test you plan to take:

Trinity College London ('Secure English Language Tests for UKVI' or 'Integrated Skills in English' ISE)

IELTS SELT Consortium ('IELTS for UKVI')

LanguageCert ('LanguageCert International ESOL SELT')

Pearson ('PTE Academic UKVI')

If you are outside of the UK

To find test dates and book your test, go to the website of the provider offering the test you plan to take:

PSI Services (UK) Ltd ('Skills for English UKVI')

IELTS SELT Consortium ('IELTS for UKVI')

LanguageCert ('LanguageCert International ESOL SELT')

Pearson ('PTE Acdemic UKVI')

You should be able to take a test within 28 days of booking, but it may not always be the nearest location to you. 

For your test results to be accepted, your test must be:

  • One the list of approved English Language Test providers
  • Have been sat at an approved test location
  • Have been awarded in the two years before the date of your application 

You should make sure the secure English language test that you book is the one approved for SELT. It is for you to decide which test to take.

Minimum Level B2 test scores:

The IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).  Please see below for more information and other equivalent tests that are accepted.

 

Exam Type

IELTS SELT Consortium UKVI

Trinity College London

Pearson PTE Academic UKVI

LanguageCert International ESOL

PSI Services (UK) Ltd

Skills for English UKVI 4SB2

Scores Needed

A minimum requirement of IELTS level 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any of the  communicative skills (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)

Overall Score: ISE II (B2) Pass with Merit in communicative skills

Overall score of 59 with minimum communicative scores of; Listening 48, Reading 53, Speaking 46 and Writing 62.

 

Overall 38 with no less than 33/50 in any of the communicative skills 

4SB2+, B2 Pass


What should I do once I get my results?

If you're already holding an offer with us, and need to provide us with an updated SELT Language, you should upload your test certificate (official copy scans only). We will confirm and verify your results and contact you to confirm your offer. You can upload your English Language certificate by logging into our applicant portal with your username and password.

Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding the English Language Requirements, please email us at admissions@lfs.org.uk.

More information on student visas can be read here.

 

Last updated: 7 October 2024