Many UK higher education institutions accept Cambridge IGCSE First Language English (syllabus 0500, 0522 and 0990) and Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language (syllabus 0510, 0511, 0991 and 0993) as evidence of English language competency for university study, even though these qualifications do not appear on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Secure English Language Tests (SELT) list. You may be required to show the university evidence of your proficiency in all four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking. Should you be required to provide this evidence, you can apply to Cambridge for a Certifying Statement for CEFR, depending upon the syllabus you have taken.
There are some UK universities or colleges which will only accept English language tests from the UKVI list as part of their English language requirements policy. Universities with these requirements will not accept Cambridge IGCSE English or other Cambridge qualifications as proof of an applicant's English language proficiency. We strongly advise students to check which English language tests their selected higher education institutions accept for visa purposes. The details of English language requirements can be found on each university's website. These requirements may vary depending upon the course and the university. It is essential that you check your chosen institutions' requirements before making your UCAS university application.
Please note: Students applying to study in the UK at a course which is below degree standard will be required to provide a UKVI- approved English language test as proof of their English language competence.
We offer two support options for Cambridge students who need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency on their university applications:
- You can apply for a Certifying Statement for CEFR. This statement gives students a breakdown of their Cambridge IGCSE English Language results into component grades and corresponding CEFR levels according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). To apply for this service, please complete a Certifying Statement Application form. For more information please see the section below.
- You can download free PDF documents from our website that give the CEFR levels by grade and skill for each of our Cambridge IGCSE English Language qualifications. You can use the relevant document, alongside your final certificate of results and a copy of your component grades (provided by your school on request), if required by a university.
- CEFR Levels for Cambridge IGCSE First Language English
- CEFR Levels for Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language
A Certifying Statement is now available for any 9-1 graded syllabus (0990, 0991 or 0993).
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