News
New admissions rules to boost opportunities for overseas students at UK Universities
17 June 2010
International students planning to study at UK universities can now use English language certificates to gain UCAS Tariff points - in the same way as they have traditionally done with 'A' Levels. The inclusion of Cambridge ESOL examinations in the UCAS Tariff will significantly boost opportunities for thousands of overseas students coming to UK universities each year.
Under the new arrangements announced today, overseas students applying to UK universities in 2011 will be able to gain valuable UCAS Tariff points if they hold selected high level English tests from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.
Dr Mike Milanovic from Cambridge ESOL says this will significantly increase the pool of talented students available to admissions officers. He explains:
“This is an excellent move which will benefit overseas students, their peers and the University sector as a whole. Each year thousands of overseas students bring a wealth of cultural experience to UK universities, but it's essential they have the necessary language skills to cope with the demands of academic life. By awarding points to linguistically competent students who have already proved a high level of English ability, admissions officers will have access to a pool of even more exceptionally talented individuals.”
Cambridge ESOL a department of Cambridge University is the world's only English language assessment provider to gain this prestigious accreditation from UCAS, the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. Cambridge provide over 3 million exams a year, and Dr Milanovic, says today's news is part of a growing trend in the university sector which has seen language ability being held in the same regard as more traditional skill sets:
“More and more universities are recognising the importance of language ability as an essential skill. Last year over 30 higher education institutions in the UK supported the inclusion of Cambridge ESOL in the UCAS Tariff points system, and I think this news is very encouraging.”
The two Cambridge English language certificates that will be accepted are Cambridge ESOL's Advanced and Proficiency which have become an internationally recognised standard of language ability in a range of sectors.
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITORS:
UCAS points awarded for Cambridge English Certificates:
| English Exam and grade required | How many UCAS points will this earn students? | How does this compare to 'A' Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Cambridge English: Proficiency grade A | 140 UCAS points | Equivalent to an A* at A Level |
| Cambridge English: Proficiency grade B | 110 Points | Equivalent to the midpoint between A Level Grade A and B. |
| Cambridge English: Proficiency grade C and Cambridge English: Advanced grade A | 70 Points | Equivalent to the midpoint between grades C and D at A level |
About Cambridge ESOL:
University of Cambridge ESOL examinations is the world’s leading language assessment provider. It provides exams in English language for over 3 million people every year, in more than 130 countries as well as a range of qualifications for language teachers. Around the world, thousands of universities, employers and government ministries rely on Cambridge ESOL certificates as proof of English language ability. A Cambridge ESOL certificate can determine whether the career is progressed or a university place offered, while the broader examination results can help to determine a nation’s education and investment policy.
It is a not-for-profit department of the University of Cambridge and is part of the Cambridge Assessment group, Europe’s largest assessment agency which provides exams and tests covering a huge range of subjects and levels; more than eight million are taken every year.
About the UCAS Tariff:
The UCAS Tariff is the system for allocating points to qualifications used for entry to higher education. It allows students to use a range of different qualifications to help secure a place on an undergraduate course. Further information can be found at http://www.ucas.com/
