Global Opportunities

English language and visa requirements

English language and visa requirements

Tyne Bridge at Night

Applying for a visa

It is your responsibility to check if you need to apply for a visa before you travel.

If you are coming to Newcastle to study for one semester only, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before you travel to the UK. Most international students coming to Newcastle to study for one academic year will require a Student visa.

You can check if you need a visa on the UK government website. You should carefully check what you need and research the cost, requirements, and timescales.

You can get advice and guidance on your UK student visa, and information on what you need to do when you arrive, from the University's Visa Support Team.

If your application to study with us is successful, the Global Opportunities will send you an acceptance letter that you will use to apply for a visa. 

English language requirements

If English is not your native language, you’ll need to provide evidence that your level of English means you will be successful in the classroom. Please click on the expandable section below that is relevant to you. More information about our English language requirements can be found here.

English language courses

We offer free English lessons throughout the year – you can attend classes, workshops and interactive lectures to help with your English language skills. You can also take a pre-sessional English course. For 2024/25 academic year these cost from £3595 for 6 weeks or from £5775 for 10 weeks and take place in the summer before you start your studies.  

Exceptions to our English language requirements

  • If you’re from one of the countries or territories listed on the UK government website, you do not need to prove your knowledge of English
  • If you studied Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) you’ll need Grade 5 in English with a minimum of Grade 4 in each element. Valid only if you’ve taken the test within 3 years of the start of your course with us
  • Singapore Integrated Programme: Achievement of conditions of offer. Valid only if you have taken the test within three years of the start of your course with us 
  • If you’re joining from a Japanese partner, we will accept IELTS 6.0 with 5.5 in each sub-skill. In this case you will be required to follow certain courses/modules.
  • If you have studied in an English-speaking/teaching institution, recognition of your previous English language education is sufficient as proof of your English level.