Countries Exempt from English Language tests

Most applicants are now required to meet the B1 level requirements regarding speaking and listening in the English language. The following three qualifications are recommended:

• English language qualifications that cover speaking and listening at level B1 or higher.
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). The qualification needs to be listed and recognised by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulations).
• Applicants who live in Scotland can use the National Qualification is ESOL at Scottish Qualifications Framework levels 4, 5 or 6.

If you are a national of one of these countries, you automatically meet the English language requirement:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Australia
• the Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Canada
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• New Zealand
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Lucia
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• the USA

Additionally, any person who holds a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree that was taught using the English language will not be required to take a further test.

However, the qualification must be recognised by UK NARIC as meeting the standard of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree or PhD in the UK.