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English Language Requirements

As of 21st April 2011, all students requiring a CAS for degree level study, whether new or continuing students, are required to demonstrate that they are competent in English language at CEFR B2 or above. This is the equivalent of IELTS 5.5 in listening, writing, reading and speaking.

This new rule does not apply if you:

  • Are from a majority English speaking country*, or
  • You have completed an academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK bachelor degree taught in a majority English-speaking country*.

*Majority English speaking countries are:

Antigua & Barbuda Dominica St Kitts and Nevis
Australia Grenada St Lucia
The Bahamas Guyana St Vincent and the Grenadines
Barbados Ireland (for academic qualifications only) Trinidad & Tobago
Belize Jamaica USA
Canada (except for academic qualifications) New Zealand UK

 What to do when you need to renew your visa

  • If you already have a valid IELTS certificate, or other secure English language test with an appropriate score in all 4 components, please make sure that you submit a copy of your certificate with your CAS request form.
  • If you have a pre-sessional/other English test transcript from INTO Newcastle with component scores of 55 or above, please include a copy with your CAS request form.
  • If you have completed a UELA test, up to and including the 31 October 2012, with component scores of 55 or above, please include a copy of the results with your CAS request form.

If you do not have any of the evidence listed above and you have not completed an academic qualification at least equivalent to a UK bachelor degree taught in a majority English-speaking country and you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you must take a secure English language test to obtain an appropriate score in all components.

The UKBA List of approved secure English language test which includes the relevant validity period and acceptable scores can be found here.