Cambridge English exams approved by the UK Border Agency for Tier 4 student visas

Following changes to visa requirements for Tier 4 student visa applications, you can now choose from 12 Cambridge English exams approved by the UK Border Agency (UKBA) when applying for your student visa.

All of these Cambridge English exams are recognised for Tier 4 student applications to the UK.

The exams cover all four language skills – reading, writing, speaking and listening. In some cases candidates will need to pass the exam with a minimum score in particular skills or with a minimum overall score for all four skills.

Before entering the exam, candidates should check for more information on UK immigration policies and procedures, including English language requirements, at the UKBA website.

• Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) 
• Cambridge English: First (FCE)
• Cambridge English: Preliminary (PET) – Pass, Pass with Merit and Pass with Distinction
• Cambridge English: Key - Pass with Distinction
• Cambridge English: Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary)  – Pass, Pass with Merit and Pass with Distinction
• Cambridge English: Business Vantage (BEC Vantage)
• Cambridge English: Business Higher (BEC Higher)
• Cambridge English: Legal (ILEC)
• Cambridge English: Financial (ICFE)
• BULATS Online (certificated version) – B1 and above
• IELTS – bandscore 4.0 and above
• ESOL Skills for Life – Entry 3 and above

In addition to Tier 4 student visas, Cambridge English exams are also recognised by the UKBA as meeting the language requirements for Tier 1 and Tier 2 immigration, covering working in the UK and spouse/partner visas.

Next steps

• Get more information about student visas from the UK Border Agency.
• Find your nearest Cambridge ESOL exam centre and register for your exam.
• Find an IELTS centre near you.
• Find out which Cambridge English exams are accepted as proof of English language skills by universities and colleges you are applying to by searching our list of over 12,500 institutions which accept Cambridge English exams.

Why choose Cambridge English exams?

Worldwide recognition – accepted  by over 12,500 institutions globally, including the majority of universities and colleges in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada

Accessible – with over 2,700 test centres across 130 countries, it is convenient to take a Cambridge English exam

Choice – a range of exams to meet your specific needs - for study, work, migration and more

Convenient  – a large number of test dates to choose from and quick turnaround of test results

Flexible – candidates can choose between computer-based and paper-based exams

Easy to prepare – extensive support is available for candidates to prepare for their exams