English Language Requirements for Programme Admission
To ensure learner success in qualifications delivered and assessed in English, all applicants must possess a sufficient level of English language proficiency. The following guidance outlines the requirements that all centres must follow when enrolling learners onto English-medium qualifications.
Minimum English Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate an English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.5, particularly in reading and writing, to be eligible for admission. Acceptable equivalents include:
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) – Level B2
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) – Minimum score of 51
- IELTS – Overall score of 5.5, with Reading and Writing components also at 5.5
Centres must ensure that non-native English speakers who have not completed their final two years of schooling in English meet the required standard prior to enrolment.
Responsibility of the Centre
Each centre is responsible for determining what evidence is necessary to confirm a learner’s English proficiency. The evidence provided must align with the standards outlined above.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are English language requirements necessary?
To ensure learners can fully engage with the content and assessment requirements of programmes delivered in English. Additionally, universities and higher education institutions in the UK typically require similar levels of English proficiency for academic progression.
2. Who do these requirements apply to?
All non-native English speakers, both in the UK and internationally, applying to qualifications delivered and assessed in English.
3. Is it essential that the final two years of school were completed in English?
Learners do not need to have studied specific subjects in English. However, they must have completed their final two years of schooling in English to be considered for exemption.
4. Can other English language qualifications be accepted?
Yes. Centres may consider alternative English language qualifications (e.g. Cambridge, City & Guilds, ESOL, etc.) if they are equivalent to IELTS 5.5 / PTE 51 / CEFR B2.
5. Can centres use their own English language assessments?
Yes, centres may use internal assessments, provided they can verify that the results meet the required standard. However, learners should note that some universities may not accept internal assessments for progression, and it’s their responsibility to confirm recognition with receiving institutions.
6. Are WAEC graduates exempt?
Yes, if learners completed the final two years of their education through WAEC in English, they are exempt.
7. Are learners with a full diploma taught and assessed in English exempt?
No, unless the diploma subject was specifically English language, learners must still demonstrate English proficiency at the required standard.
8. Are learners who completed GCSE-level English or an equivalent test in their home country exempt?
Exemption depends on the results achieved and whether they equate to IELTS 5.5 / PTE 51 / CEFR B2.
9. Are learners who completed other qualifications in English in the past two years exempt?
Only learners who have completed their final two years of schooling in English are eligible for exemption.
10. How is compliance monitored?
Meeting the English language requirement is a condition for offering qualifications. Compliance is monitored through external quality assurance reviews.
