To obtain a student visa you’ll need to evidence that you have suitable English language capabilities to study in the UK. This is usually in the form of a Secure English Language Test (SELT).
The below information is intended as guidance on the English language tests that are accepted at Arden University. These may change from time to time and your student advisor will be able to help answer any questions.
Our English Language Requirements for studying in the UK:
IELTS 6.0 (no less than 5.5 in any element); or equivalent Secure English Language Test (SELT) score.
We may consider other English qualifications so please contact your student advisor if you have any questions.
The guidance below is aligned to UK government requirements on secure English Language tests required to study in the UK. You can find out more here.
Tests taken outside of the UK
| Approved English language test | SELT provider |
| IELTS for UKVI | IELTS SELT Consortium |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 | LanguageCert |
| PTE Academic UKVI | Pearson |
| Skills for English UKVI B2 (4 component) | PSI Service (UK) Ltd |
| IELTS for UKVI | IELTS SELT Consortium |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 | LanguageCert |
| PTE Academic UKVI | Pearson |
| Skills for English UKVI C1 (4 component) | PSI Service (UK) Ltd |
| IELTS for UKVI | IELTS SELT Consortium |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 | LanguageCert |
| PTE Academic UKVI | Pearson |
| Skills for English UKVI C2 (4 component) | PSI Service (UK) Ltd |
Tests taken in the UK
| Approved English language test | SELT provider |
| IELTS for UKVI | IELTS SELT Consortium |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT B2 | LanguageCert |
| PTE Academic UKVI | Pearson |
| Integrated Skills in English II (ISEII) | Trinity College London |
| IELTS for UKVI | IELTS SELT Consortium |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 | LanguageCert |
| PTE Academic UKVI | Pearson |
| Integrated Skills in English III (ISEIII) | Trinity College London |
| IELTS for UKVI | IELTS SELT Consortium |
| LanguageCert International ESOL SELT C1 | LanguageCert |
| PTE Academic UKVI | Pearson |
| Integrated Skills in English IV (ISEIV) | Trinity College London |
Information on this page is correct at time of publishing. These tests change over time. Please check with your admissions advisor for the confirmation.
Published May 2025
You may also meet the English language requirements if:
You’re a national of an English speaking country as outline in the UK immigration rules - gov.uk
If you are a dual national then you do not have to apply in the nationality of an English speaking country. You have to provide evidence of their English-speaking nationality as part of their application.
Below is a list of recognised English speaking countries.
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- The Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- The British Overseas Territories
- Canada
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Jamaica
- Malta
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United States of America
You have an Academic degree taught in English
Applicants can meet the English language requirement if they hold a degree or degree level qualification which meets, or exceeds, the recognised standard of a UK Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree or doctorate and was taught or researched in English.
You have Academic degree from the UK
If the degree was awarded by an awarding body that is recognised in the UK that is UK bachelor’s level or above and that the qualification is academic, not technical or professional
You have a GCSE, A Level or Scottish equivalent qualification (or higher) in English
If you have a GCSE, 'A’ level, Scottish National Qualification at level 4 or 5, or Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher, in English (language or literature) you will also meet the language requirements.
Speak to your admissions advisor for more information