New English requirements for student visas to UK set
Following the recent announcement of changes to the English language requirements for overseas students wishing to study in the UK a document clarifying the rules has been published.
The document from the UK Border Agency sets out the details of the changes under Tier 4 of the points based system with requirements for students and sponsors.
It points out that students who wish to study at NQF/QCF level 6 (SCQF 9) and above normally need to produce a Secure English Language Test (SELT) certificate, from a UK Border Agency approved provider, showing that they have achieved level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for languages (CEFR) in speaking, listening, reading and writing.
Students who wish to study between NQF/QCF levels 3 and 5 (SCQF 6-8) normally need to produce a SELT certificate, from a UK Border Agency approved provider, showing that they have achieved level B1 on the CEFR in each of the four components.
However, different rules apply to those students who wish to study at a higher education institution (HEI). At NQF/QCF 6 (SCQF 9) and above there is no requirement to produce a SELT certificate, the HEI can vouch on the conformation of acceptance for studies (CAS) that the student has attained B2 level on the CEFR in all four components.
HEIs are not required to use a UK Border Agency approved provider to assess the level of English language competence for students who wish to study at NQF/QCF 6 (SCQF 9) and above. Where a test from an approved provider is used though, the prescribed scores must be obtained in each of the four components.
Where the student will be undertaking a pre-sessional course of up to three months’ length and has an unconditional offer to progress to a degree level course, then a single CAS can be issued for the pre-sessional and the main course. The HEI then can vouch on the CAS that the student has attained B1 level on the CEFR in all four components, and a single grant of leave will be issued to cover the pre-sessional and the main course.
It also points out that students need to meet the new English language requirements if they are applying for an extension of leave and their CAS will be issued after 21 April 2011. ‘If the student is studying at degree level or above then it is up to the HEI sponsor to decide appropriate methods of checking the student meets the English language requirement,’ it says.‘If the way in which they have made this assessment is based on the student’s previous track record of study with them then a statement to this effect should be included on the CAS. This statement must confirm that the student is competent in English to B2 in all four components and that this assessment is made on the basis of their previous track record,’ it adds.
It also gives definitions of different sectors. For example, an HEI is described as a recognised body, or a body in receipt of public funding as an HEI from the Department for Employment and Learning in Northern Ireland, the Higher Education Funding Council for England, the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales or the Scottish Funding Council those wishing to study at or above degree level) through the provision of a recent SELT from our list of approved test providers. The student must have achieved the minimum required level in all four components.
There are exemptions, for example, students who are from a majority English speaking country, who have achieved a qualification equivalent to a UK degree which was taught in a majority English speaking country, or who have recently and successfully completed a course in the UK as a child student under Tier 4 or its predecessor route.
It also points out that the student visitor route was extended in January 2011 to enable English language students wishing to attend English language courses to apply for a student visitor visa of up to 11 months.
Source: Expatforum .com
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