What is the required level of English Language ability?

If your CAS was assigned to you on or after 21 April 2011, we have to ensure that:

• you are competent in English language at a minimum of CEFR level B2, if you are enrolling on a course at NQF 6/QCF 6/SCQF 9 or above (unless you are a gifted student studying at a higher education institution); or
• you are competent in English language at a minimum of CEFR level B1, if you will be enrolling on a course at NQF 3-5/QCF 3-5/SCQF 6-8; or
• you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

If your CAS was assigned to you before 21 April 2011, we must ensure that you are competent in English at a minimum of level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) unless:

• your course is at or above level 6 of the revised National Qualifications Framework (equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree); or
• your course is a foundation degree, or an HND in Scotland; or
• your course is a pre-sessional course that you will take before taking a degree course in the UK; or
• you are a government-sponsored student who wants to study an English language course; or
• you are a national of a majority English-speaking country (see below).

You must still meet the English language requirement if you want to study an English language course (unless you are covered by one of the exemptions above).

If you do not meet the English language requirement, we cannot assign a CAS to you.

Please read the guidance on the UKBA website for further information.

 

What is the UKBA definition of a ‘gifted student’?

Our academic registrar will personally authorise the issue of your CAS to you. The CAS must confirm that the academic registrar has approved the waiving of the English language requirement. We will also give you a letter confirming this. If you are applying from overseas, you should ensure that you have the letter with you when you enter the UK.