From 21 April 2011 the UK Border Agency (UKBA) has made some significant changes to the acceptable English Language requirements for university students. This means that some students who had previously been accepted by Birmingham City University have now to acquire further qualifications to get through the visa process. These changes have been brought in by UKBA and not by Birmingham City University.
We understand that this may create difficulties for many of our students and have tried to answer some of your questions regarding these changes. If your question is not listed, please contact the International Office directly where a member of staff will be happy to address your concerns.
Under the UKBA changes, which qualifications are currently accepted by Birmingham City University for visa purposes?
- Malaysian SPM: level A-C
- Malaysian Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary: C or above
- Brunei Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary: C or above
- Singapore Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary: C or above
- Sri Lankan O Level English: Pre 2001 – Distinction or Credit/Post 2001 – C or above
- West African Examination Council (WAEC): level A-C or 1-6
- Indian Standard XII (Central Board Secondary Education): 65% or above
- Indian Standard XII (Tamil Nadu Board): 65% or above
- Indian Standard XII (CISCE Board): 65% or above
- Indian Standard Board (Gujarat State Board): 65% or above
- Indian Standard Board (Andhra Pradesh): 65% or above
- GCSE English: Grade C or above
- IGCSE English: Grade C or above
- IELTS level 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any band, or 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, or 7.0 with no less than 6.5 in any band depending on the entry qualification to the course.
- TOEFL : 72 overall with Reading 18, Listening 17, Speaking 20 and Writing 17
- Pearsons (PTE Academic): Reading 51, Listening 51, Speaking 51 and Writing 51
What is a SELT?
A SELT is a Secure English Language Test. All students coming to study a pre-sessional course or a course which is below degree level will be required by UKBA to have a SELT provided by one of UKBA’s approved English language test providers. Here is the full list of providers.
I have spoken English all my life and used it throughout my academic life, so why is my qualification not accepted?
Under the new UKBA regulations, universities are required to state on a students’ CAS that they are confident that the student is proficient at CEFR level B2 in all 4 components of English language learning; reading, writing, speaking and listening. The regulations also require universities to provide proof of this. Therefore, Birmingham City University needs to ensure that all qualifications it accepts comply with the new regulations and as a result the University is currently assessing the syllabuses of various qualifications from around the world. Should your qualification become accepted as we go through this process, we will notify you as quickly as possible.
What does CEFR mean?
CEFR is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. UKBA requires students coming to study pre-sessional courses and courses at below degree level to have the equivalent of B1 within this scale and the equivalent of B2 for courses at degree level or above. Further information is available on the UKBA website.
Where is my nearest SELT test centre?
Information on where you can sit an IELTS test
Information on where you can take a TOEFL test
Information on the Pearson test
How much does an English test cost?
Find the cost in local currency for IELTS
Find information on the cost for TOEFL
Find the cost in local currency for Pearson
Will Birmingham City University pay for my test?
Unfortunately the changes to English Language requirements have been introduced by the UKBA and not by Birmingham City University and as a result we are unable to pay for your Secure English Language Test.
I have Indian Standard XII but it’s not from any of the boards listed. Will Birmingham City University accept this?
In light of the change in the UKBA requirements, we are reviewing the syllabuses of other Indian Standard XII boards, however at the present we are only able to accept Standard XII from the education boards listed above.
I have a Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) from Nigeria in English. Will Birmingham City University accept this?
As a result of the change in the UKBA requirements, we are reviewing all African board qualifications, however currently we are only able to accept the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
I have a National Examinations Council (NECO) qualification in English. Will Birmingham City University accept this?
As a result of the change in the UKBA requirements, we are reviewing all African board qualifications, however currently we are only able to accept the West African Examination Council (WAEC).
Can I withdraw my offer because of these changes?
Yes, you can withdraw your application because of these changes, however we would recommend that you discuss this first with a member of the International Office.
Can I arrive later than the start date in my offer letter so that I have time to do an English language qualification?
Unfortunately the advised date for the start of the course cannot be changed and you will need to arrive on time for the course.
If you have any further information about the changes to English Language requirements or anything else relating to your course, please do not hesitate to contact the international office:
Students from South East Asia (China, Japan, Malaysia etc.) southeastasia@bcu.ac.uk
Students from South Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka etc.) southasia@bcu.ac.uk
Students from Africa (Africa, America or the Caribbean etc.) Africa@bcu.ac.uk
General enquiries: International.admissions@bcu.ac.uk