UK English requirements
The two separate English checks, university admission and the Student visa, and which test to book from Bangladesh.
Help me choose the right testLast updated 29 September 2026Figures checked against official sources, listed at the end
Two separate checks
Your university decides what English it needs for admission. UK Visas and Immigration sets a separate minimum for the Student visa. Meeting one does not automatically satisfy the other, and Bangladesh is not on the list of countries exempt from the visa requirement.
What universities ask for
Each course sets its own score. As a guide, Sheffield asks for at least IELTS 6.0 for bachelor’s degrees and 6.5 for master’s, with some departments higher. Competitive Russell Group courses often want 7.0 or more.
Manchester states clearly that having studied in English before is not accepted as proof on its own, so do not assume a letter from your Bangladeshi university will be enough. Save the exact test name, overall score and minimum for each skill for every course you apply to.
What the Student visa needs
| Course level | Visa minimum | How you can prove it |
|---|---|---|
| Degree level and above | CEFR B2 | Your university assesses you itself, or a SELT such as IELTS for UKVI with at least 5.5 in each skill |
| Below degree level (for example a foundation) | CEFR B1 | A SELT at B1 |
| Any level | As above | A degree taught in English, confirmed by Ecctis, or a UK degree |
Many universities assess degree-level students themselves, so you may only need the test they ask for. If you are going to a foundation or pathway college, you will usually need a SELT for the visa.
Approved SELT providers outside the UK
If you need a Secure English Language Test, it must come from a Home Office approved provider and be taken at an approved centre.
Standard IELTS Academic is not a SELT. If your CAS says you need a SELT, book IELTS for UKVI (৳34,850), not IELTS Academic (৳31,100).
English FAQs
Do I need IELTS for UKVI or normal IELTS?
It depends on your CAS. If your university assesses your English itself for a degree course, normal IELTS Academic is usually fine. If you need a SELT for the visa, you must take IELTS for UKVI or another approved SELT.
Can my English-medium degree replace a test?
For the visa, a degree taught in English can count if Ecctis confirms it. For admission, it depends on the university; Manchester does not accept prior English-medium study on its own.
Is Bangladesh exempt from the English requirement?
No. Only a short list of majority English-speaking countries, such as Australia, Ireland and the USA, is exempt.
How long is a test result valid?
Universities usually accept results up to 2 years old. A SELT must also be valid on the date you apply for the visa.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: knowledge of English ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- GOV.UK: approved SELT providers ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- Sheffield: Bangladesh requirements ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- Manchester: Bangladesh requirements ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
- IDP Bangladesh: IELTS fees ↗Checked 2026-09-29 · next review 2026-10-29
These are dated editorial checks, not a live data feed. Recheck the original page before applying or paying.
About this guide. Researched by the Student Visa From Bangladesh editorial team from the official sources listed above and last checked on 29 September 2026. We are not a university or a government agency, and admission and visa outcomes are never guaranteed. Read our editorial policy.