Proof of English Language Level
How to prove your English language level
If you are applying for a Tier 4 General Student Visa, you must be able to prove to us that your level will allow you to follow an elementary course at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) A2 level. The entry level for General Student Visa students at CSL is therefore Elementary (A2 CEFR). This means that you must already have a good A1 level when you apply. This applies to sponsored students only.
For non sponsored students you must be able to prove to us that your level will allow you to follow an Upper Intermediate course at Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) B2 level. This means that you must already have a good B1 level when you apply. This applies to non-sponsored students. only.
To prove to us that your level is already a good A1 or higher, please send us one of the following:
- An internationally-recognised certificate of an English language qualification (eg IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge ESOL)
- Proof of some study* of English in your country, confirming the level of study. This can be:
- A college or university certificate showing your attendance and achievement in an English course
- A secondary school examination certificate showing some form of English language achievement
- A secondary school attendance record or leaving certificate showing that you had English classes for three years or more
- Proof of previous English study and level in the UK or another English-speaking country
- An attendance certificate from evening classes in English
- A reference from a teacher or other qualified person confirming you have studied English. The reference must confirm the dates, level of study, qualification received and the contact details of the person who wrote the reference. Ideally the reference should certify that the person has interviewed you and found your level of English to be adequate to take your intended course.
* The length of study might depend on what you studied and when. For example, this may include several years at secondary school or a few months if you have studied more recently.
If you do not have any of the above, you may be able to use one of the following, but we cannot guarantee that they will always be accepted:
- An online test of English completed under supervised conditions to prove that the level it shows is your real level (upon request CSL are able to provide an accredited online test that will confirm language level in CEFR rating through an assessment that includes, reading, writing and listening. Please contact the school for more information on this)
If the proof is not in English, you will need to send us an authenticated translation.
It is important that you tell us how you will prove your level when you apply for your course. We must confirm the proof of your level on your student visa letter / CAS and you must submit the original of the same document when you apply for your visa in your country.
