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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?

The UKVI does not need students to prove their knowledge of English if you’re from one of the following countries or territories, or you’ve completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in one of them:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • the Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • the British overseas territories
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • Malta
  • New Zealand
  • St Kitts and Nevis
  • St Lucia
  • St Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • UK
  • USA

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

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 QualificationRequired Grade
IELTS for UKVI Score of 6.0 overall, with 5.5 or above in each skill
LanguageCert International ESOL SELTB2 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 QualificationRequired grade
GCSE English (Language or Literature)Grade 5 (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 QualificationRequired grade
IELTS Academic6.0 overall, with 5.5 or more in each skill
Cambridge English (B2, C1, C2)169 overall, with 162 or more in each skill
TOEFL80 overall, with minimum marks as follows: Listening 17, Writing 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20.
IB Diploma EnglishGrade 4 HL or Grade 5 SL
European BaccalaureateGrade 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
INTO English for Academic Purposes60% overall, with 55% or more in each skill

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.

CountryQualificationRequired grade
FinlandYlioppilastutkinto / StudentexamenGrade 4 or above
FranceFrench BaccalaureateGrade 14 or above
GhanaWAEC/WASSCEGrade C6 or above
GreeceNetwork Foundation from GreeceScore of 60% or above
Hong KongHong Kong (HKDSE) EnglishGrade 4 or above
IcelandStúdentsprófScore of 9 or higher
IndiaCBSEScore of 75 or above
IndiaISCScore of 75 or above
IndiaMaharasthra State BoardScore of 75 or above
MalaysiaUniversity of Cambridge International Examinations GCE O Level English Language: Syllabus: 1119 (Malaysia)Grade C or above
MalaysiaMalaysian University English Test examinationLevel 4 or above
MalaysiaMalaysia Certified Intensive English ProgrammeScore of 109 or above
NigeriaWest African Examinations CouncilGrade C6 or above
NigeriaNECO National Examination CouncilGrade C6 or above
NorwayVitnemal-Videregaende OpplaeringGrade 4 or above
SingaporeUniversity of Cambridge International Examinations GCE O Level English Language: Syllabus: 1127/1128Grade C or above
SingaporeSingapore Integrated ProgrammeGrade C or above
SpainTESA English CertificateGrade 6 or above
ZimbabweGCEGrade C or above
ZimbabweCambridge Higher School CertificateGrade 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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