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English requirements

The UKVI requires all students applying for a Student Visa to prove their English Language proficiency at a level equivalent to CEFR level B2 or above.  We accept a range of tests and qualifications equivalent to this level.

Am I eligible for a UKVI English language waiver?

If you’re from one of the following countries or territories, or you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree from one of them, you can submit your passport or educational qualification to be eligible for a waiver. The countries include:

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

If you are unsure whether you need to provide proof of your English language ability, please email ioadmissions@norwichuni.ac.uk with details of your personal circumstance and we will provide you further guidance.

What if I need to prove my English language proficiency?

If you do not fit the criteria listed above, you will be required to take an accepted English Language qualification. You could opt to take a UKVI approved SELT test or one of other accepted qualifications.

UKVI Approved SELT Tests

Norwich University of the Arts accepts the following UKVI Secure English Language Tests

English Language Qualification Required Grade
IELTS for UKVI Score of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 or above in each skill
LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 overall, with 33 or above in each skill
Pearson PTE Academic UKVI Score of 65 overall, with 59 or above in each skill
Skills for English UKVI B2 – 4 component (outside the UK only) B2 overall, with a pass or above in each skill
Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) (inside the UK only) ISE II Merit overall, with a pass or above in each skill

The above tests should be dated within 2 years of your enrolment date and have been taken at a UKVI approved centre.

UK Qualifications

We accept the following UK qualifications as proof of English Language ability:

English Language Qualification Required grade
GCSE English (Language or Literature) Grade 4 (grade C) or above
A Level English (Language or Literature) Grade C or above
SQA English (Standard, Intermediate or Higher) Grade 3 (grade C) or above

The above qualifications must have been awarded by an Ofqual regulated body and taken in the UK whilst under the age of 18.

International Qualifications

The following international tests or qualifications are accepted as proof of English Language ability, whether taken in the UK or overseas:

English Language Qualification Required grade
IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, with 5.5 or more in each skill
Cambridge English (B2, C1, C2) 169 overall, with 162 or more in each skill
TOEFL 80 overall, with minimum marks as follows: Listening 17, Writing 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20.
IB Diploma English Grade 4 HL or Grade 5 SL
European Baccalaureate Grade 6 or above
GCSE/IGCSE in English (must include the Oral component) Grade 4 (grade C) or above
A Level English Grade C or above
Oxford English Language Level Test (ELLT) Overall 6, with 5 or more in each skill
ELLT details and registration
Oxford International Online Pre-
sessional English (OPSE) Course
Overall 6, with 5 or more in each skill
OPSE details and registration
INTO English for Academic Purposes 60% overall, with 55% or more in each skill
Kaplan Test of English (KTE) 444 overall, with 410 in each skill
Kaplan Test of English details
Kings Pre-Sessional Pathway for English and Academic Skills (KPP) Pass overall with 60%
Kings Pre-Sessional Pathway for English and Academic Skills details

Country-Specific Qualifications

We accept English scores from the below country-specific qualifications as proof of English language, as long as they are dated within 6 years of your enrolment date.

Country Qualification Required grade
Finland Ylioppilastutkinto / Studentexamen Grade 4 or above
France French Baccalaureate Grade 14 or above
Ghana WAEC/WASSCE Grade C6 or above
Greece Network Foundation from Greece Score of 60% or above
Hong Kong Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) English Grade 4 or above
Iceland Stúdentspróf Score of 9 or higher
India CBSE Score of 75 or above
India ISC Score of 75 or above
India Maharasthra State Board Score of 75 or above
Malaysia University of Cambridge International Examinations GCE O Level English Language: Syllabus: 1119 (Malaysia) Grade C or above
Malaysia Malaysian University English Test examination Level 4 or above
Malaysia Malaysia Certified Intensive English Programme Score of 109 or above
Nigeria West African Examinations Council Grade C6 or above
Nigeria NECO National Examination Council Grade C6 or above
Norway Vitnemal-Videregaende Opplaering Grade 4 or above
Singapore University of Cambridge International Examinations GCE O Level English Language: Syllabus: 1127/1128 Grade C or above
Singapore Singapore Integrated Programme Grade C or above
Spain TESA English Certificate Grade 6 or above
Zimbabwe GCE Grade C or above
Zimbabwe Cambridge Higher School Certificate Grade C or above

Need help? Chat to our friendly recruitment team

We are pleased to work with you to discuss your questions at any stage of the application process.

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