UK Student Visa English Requirements 2026: B2, B1 and Which Test to Take
The UK student visa English requirements in 2026 depend on your course level. You need English at CEFR level B2 for a degree-level course or higher, and B1 for a course below degree level. For degree-level study, your university can often assess your English itself; otherwise you need an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Quick answer: Degree level and above = B2. Below degree level = B1. A degree-level university may self-assess your English. If you need a SELT, the approved list includes IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Life Skills, PTE Academic UKVI, PTE Home, LanguageCert SELT, Skills for English UKVI (PSI) and Trinity SELT. TOEFL and the Duolingo English Test are not SELTs.
UK student visa English requirements: B2 or B1?
The UK government sets the level using the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). According to GOV.UK's Student visa English page, the rule is simple:
Course level | CEFR level required | Can the university self-assess? |
|---|---|---|
Degree level or higher (bachelor's, master's, PhD) | B2 | Yes, the university can assess your English |
Below degree level (for example, a foundation course) | B1 | No, plan on a SELT |
Your university will tell you the exact score it wants on each test. That score is often higher than the visa minimum, because universities set their own entry requirements too.
When your university can self-assess your English
For degree-level courses, a UK university can confirm your English level itself. It might accept a test result it trusts, a previous qualification, or its own assessment.
This matters because a self-assessing university may accept a test that is not a SELT. For example, some UK universities accept the Duolingo English Test or TOEFL iBT for degree-level admission under self-assessment.
What to do first:
Check your offer letter or the university's English language page.
Email the admissions team and ask: "Will you self-assess my English for my visa, and which tests do you accept?"
Keep their written reply with your application documents.
If the university says you need a SELT, or your course is below degree level, move to the next section.
The full UK SELT list (updated 12 October 2026)
A SELT is a test the Home Office approves for visa purposes. The GOV.UK SELT guidance lists these providers and tests, as updated on 12 October 2026:
Provider | Approved SELT |
|---|---|
IELTS | IELTS for UKVI; IELTS Life Skills |
Pearson | PTE Academic UKVI; PTE Home |
LanguageCert | LanguageCert SELT |
PSI | Skills for English UKVI |
Trinity | Trinity SELT |
Only these versions count. A regular IELTS Academic or a regular PTE Academic certificate is not the same as the UKVI version, even though the test content looks familiar.
IELTS for UKVI vs IELTS Academic
This is the most common mix-up. Per ielts.org's test types page:
IELTS Academic is for university entry and professional registration.
IELTS for UKVI is IELTS Academic or General Training taken under UK SELT conditions, for UK visas.
IELTS Life Skills tests Speaking and Listening only, at A1, A2 or B1, and is also a UK SELT.
So IELTS for UKVI uses the same format you already know, but it is run under the extra security conditions the Home Office requires. According to ielts.org's delivery update, UKVI tests are computer-delivered only.
Which should you book?
Degree level, university self-assesses: IELTS Academic may be enough. Confirm with the university first.
Below degree level, or the university asks for a SELT: book IELTS for UKVI (or another SELT on the list).
Not sure: IELTS for UKVI is the safer choice, because it works for both the university and the visa. In many countries it costs a little more, so check the fee table below.
PTE Academic UKVI
Pearson's fee page confirms that PTE Academic UKVI is a UK SELT, and that it costs the same as standard PTE Academic. If you are already preparing for PTE, the UKVI version keeps your options open.
Why TOEFL and Duolingo are not SELTs
Neither TOEFL iBT nor the Duolingo English Test is on the Home Office SELT list. That means:
You cannot use them where the Home Office requires a SELT (for example, courses below degree level).
You may be able to use them for degree-level study if your university self-assesses and accepts them.
If a friend tells you "TOEFL worked for my UK visa," it almost always means their university self-assessed them. Do not assume the same applies to you. Ask your university directly.
IELTS for UKVI fees by country
Here are the published IELTS for UKVI fees next to the regular computer-delivered fee. Prices change and may exclude tax, so always confirm on the official booking page (British Council or IDP).
Country | IELTS Academic/GT (computer) | IELTS for UKVI |
|---|---|---|
UK | from GBP 257–260 by centre | GBP 257 (London Central) |
USA | USD 280–340 by centre | USD 305 (British Council) |
India (IDP) | INR 19,000 | INR 19,250 |
Nigeria | NGN 299,000 | NGN 315,500 |
Pakistan | PKR 75,600–76,240 | PKR 72,000 (BC) / 78,820 (IDP) |
Bangladesh | BDT 31,100 | BDT 34,850 |
Nepal | NPR 36,000 | NPR 36,400 (BC) |
Philippines (IDP, from 1 Jul 2026) | PHP 14,470 | PHP 15,059 |
Kenya | KES 41,580 | KES 44,840 |
Uganda (BC) | UGX 1,397,000 | UGX 1,490,000 |
Ghana | GHS 3,720 | GHS 4,000 (BC) / 4,800 (IDP) |
For a side-by-side view of what each university and visa asks for, use our score requirements guide.
A note on the Skilled Worker visa (B2 from 8 January 2026)
Planning to work in the UK after your studies? The English rule for the Skilled Worker visa changed. From 8 January 2026, new Skilled Worker applicants need B2. People who already held the visa before that date still need B1 when they extend.
This doesn't change your Student visa requirement. But if your long-term plan is to stay and work, aiming for a solid B2 now can save you a retest later. Confirm the current Skilled Worker rules on GOV.UK before you apply.
Key takeaways
B2 for degree level and above; B1 below degree level.
Degree-level universities can self-assess your English, so they may accept non-SELT tests.
The SELT list (updated 12 October 2026) covers IELTS for UKVI and Life Skills, PTE Academic UKVI and PTE Home, LanguageCert SELT, Skills for English UKVI and Trinity SELT.
IELTS for UKVI is computer-delivered only.
TOEFL and Duolingo are not SELTs.
Skilled Worker applicants now need B2 if applying new from 8 January 2026.
FAQ
Is IELTS Academic accepted for a UK Student visa?
It can be, for degree-level courses where your university self-assesses your English and accepts IELTS Academic. If the Home Office requires a SELT, you need IELTS for UKVI instead.
Can I use TOEFL for a UK Student visa?
TOEFL is not a UK SELT. Some universities accept it for degree-level study under self-assessment, so check with your university before you book.
Is the Duolingo English Test accepted in the UK?
It is not a SELT. Some UK universities may accept it for degree-level courses through self-assessment. It won't work where a SELT is required.
What is the difference between B1 and B2?
They are CEFR levels. B2 is the higher of the two and is required for degree-level study. B1 is required for courses below degree level.
Is PTE accepted for a UK Student visa?
Yes, if you take PTE Academic UKVI or PTE Home, both of which are on the SELT list. Standard PTE Academic may be accepted by a self-assessing university.
Is IELTS for UKVI harder than regular IELTS?
The format is the same as IELTS Academic or General Training. The difference is that it is taken under UK SELT conditions and is computer-delivered only.
Get ready with a realistic mock
The fastest way to know if you're at B2 is to test yourself under real timing. Start with a free IELTS practice test or a PTE practice test, then use your results to plan the weeks before your booking. Everything you need is in the Student Hub.
Checked against official sources on 26 October 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm on the official site before you book.
IELTS, TOEFL, PTE and Duolingo English Test are trademarks of their owners; Prep Passport is not affiliated with them.
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