English Writing Skills, IELTS Exam for UK University Entry & Student Visa
Do you need to take an English Writing Skills Test to Study at University in the UK? International students with English as an Additional Language and who are studying at an Independent college in the UK can receive academic support in preparing for IELTS examinations. The academic support is of great help to support students’ university applications (more about Independent college in a later Study Coach blog). In this blog the focus is on English Language exams for UK University Entry and Visa.
English Language and UK Visa:
Rules about English Language tests requirements for a UK visa can be complicated and furthermore open to change. It is reported that many students are not sure if they need to take a SELT (Secure English Language Test) or whether an alternative English Language test will be acceptable to the UK authorities.
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Question: What exactly are SELTs?
Answer: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam is an example. SELTs are Secure English Language Tests and they are usually taken for visa applications. The UKVI decides which exams are accepted, for example: IELTS. Students intending to study in the UK will usually sit the IELTS exam in their own country before making an application to join a UK University.
Question: Who needs to take a SELT?
Answer: Students living outside of the European Union, European Economic Area, or Switzerland, are required to take a SELT, if their intended course of studies in the UK will be below degree level. Internationalstudents coming from outside of the European Union and hoping to study at a UK university or college that is not recognised by UK Visa will also be expected to take a SELT.
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Question: Who doesn’t need to take a SELT?
Answer: If you live in the European Union and don’t need a visa for other reasons and intend to study in the UK irrespective of the course level.
Question: Do you need a SELT to study an undergraduate degree?
Answer: Students don’t need a SELT to study for an undergraduate degree, or to study for a post graduate degree, unless the specific university request a SELT.
Question: Do students with a degree from an English-speaking country need SELT?
Answer: If you are from an English-speaking country and your country is listed on UKVI’s website, then you may not need to take a SELT. If you are a national from an English speaking country and have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an English-speaking country you don’t need to take a SELT. You should have a look at the website, but Study Coach would expect that English speaking countries such as: USA, Canada, St. Lucia, Australia, Trinidad and other English speaking countries don’t need SELT.
Question: Is Cambridge English an acceptable exam?
Answer: Cambridge English Advanced is usually an accepted exam for UK university applications. Please note that though you might not need to take a SELT, your chosen college or university may still ask you to prove your English ability as part of your application. The university is at liberty to choose which exams they will accept.
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