Cambridge English for Higher Education

Stand out as a high achiever with the language skills to succeed

Cambridge English certificates are officially accepted by thousands of institutions around the world as high-quality proof of language ability, enabling you to meet the English language requirements of your chosen course.

We offer a range of exams at different levels to prepare you for studying in an English environment. The level most colleges and universities will expect you to have for undergraduate study is Level C1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the international framework used to describe language ability.

However, to be sure of the level you need, check the English language requirements of your chosen college or university. Alternatively, search our online database of colleges and universities.

Cambridge English for Higher Education exams

Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)	C2	Cambridge English: Proficency		IELTS	Postgraduate courses PhD courses Linguistically demanding undergraduate courses
	C1	Cambridge English: Advanced	Cambridge English: Business Higher	IELTS	Undergraduate courses
	B2	Cambridge English: First		IELTS	Foundation and pathway courses

Why Cambridge English?

• Cambridge English exams give colleges and universities reliable proof of your ability to use English in demanding academic settings.

• A Cambridge English certificate helps you stand out from the crowd as a high-achieving candidate with the language skills to succeed.

• Preparing for your Cambridge English exam teaches you everyday language skills for living and studying in an English-speaking environment.
  
• A wide range of support and preparation materials is available to help you get the most out of your Cambridge English exam.

Studying in the UK

Candidates taking some Cambridge English exams can gain up to 140 Tariff points from the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). UCAS Tariff points contribute towards your application to UK universities and colleges. Find out more information.

Exams for higher education

• Cambridge English: Proficiency

  Cambridge English: Proficiency, also known as Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), is our most advanced exam, for learners who have achieved an extremely high level of skill in the English language and can function at the very highest levels of professional and academic life.

  More about Cambridge English: Proficiency

• Cambridge English: Advanced

  Cambridge English: Advanced, also known as Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), is a high-level language qualification in English for demanding professional and academic situations.

  More about Cambridge English: Advanced

• Cambridge English: First

  Cambridge English: First, also known as First Certificate in English (FCE), is an exam for people who need to prove they can use everyday written and spoken English at an upper-intermediate level for work or study purposes.

  More about Cambridge English: First

• Cambridge English: Business Higher

  Cambridge English: Business Higher, also known as Business English Certificates (BEC) Higher, is ideal if you are looking to study a business-related course. Like Cambridge English: Advanced, this is an in-depth exam at CEFR Level C1 – the ideal level for the undergraduate study of academic subjects.

  More about Cambridge English: Business Higher

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System)

  IELTS is the world’s proven English test. Over 1.5 million candidates take the test each year to start their journeys into international education and employment.

  More about IELTS

Next steps

1. Choose your exam

Over 12,500 institutions recognise Cambridge English exams. If you know what country you wish to study in, or know the name of the institution you wish to attend, you can search our online database – it will show which of our certificates they officially recognise.

But remember, if an institution is not on our official list, it does not mean they do not accept Cambridge English certificates – check with your chosen college or university to find out.

Go to recognition database

Go to exam overview

2. Decide where to take the exam

Wherever you are in the world, there is a place convenient to you where you can take Cambridge English exams. There are over 2,700 authorised centres in 130 countries where you can take the exams and many of them run courses to increase your chances of success in your chosen exam.

Find my nearest centre

3. Register for your exam

Your local Cambridge ESOL exam centre will give you detailed information about:

• how to register for the exams
• exam dates
• practice materials.

Cambridge English exams are competitively priced – talk to your centre to find out how much it will cost to take your exam.

4. Prepare for success

Use our free online support to prepare for your exam.

Go to exam resources