Tier 4: Secure English Language Testing and Operational Suspensions

tier 4: secure english language testing and operational suspensions

update for the joint education taskforce

12 august 2010

As previously announced, mandatory secure English language testing has come into effect today (12 August 2010) for Tier 4 (General) applicants wishing to study a course below degree level (excluding foundation degrees).

We have posted a guide for overseas applicants on SELTs on the Visa Services website at

Lifting of the operational suspension in South China.

From today (12 August), the UK Border Agency is also lifting the suspension at the three South China Visa application centres (Guangzhou, Fuzhou and Shenzhen) for Tier 4 student visa applications for all courses except English language courses.

All operational suspensions for Tier 4 have now been lifted, with the exception of applications for English language courses made in North India (Jalandhar, Chandigarh and New Delhi), Nepal, Bangladesh and South China (Guangzhou, Fuzhou and Shenzhen).

Applications for pre-sessional coursesin these regions

Students applying for a pre-sessional English Language course in North India, Nepal, Bangladesh and South Chinawill still be able to apply if they have:

an unconditional offer to study a pre-sessional English language course prior toamain course at NQF level 6 or above, a Foundation Degree or Scottish HND (the main course must be referred to on the CAS).
an unconditional offer to study a pre-sessional English language course prior toa course at NQF level 3/4/5 (the main course must be referred to on the CAS and they will be required to submit evidence of a SELT for their main course).
a conditional offer to study a pre-sessional English language course (at any level) from a HEI leading to a degree level course or above only (and the CAS is issued by the same institution, or a partner institution named on the licence of the institution offering the main course). Studentswill need to submit a copy of their conditional offer letter with their application.
a conditional offer to study a pre-sessional English language course leading to a course at NQF level 6 or above, a Foundation Degree or Scottish HND, as long as they submit a copy of their conditional offer letter with their application.

Students cannot apply in these regions for Tier 4 visas to study pre-sessional English language courses and other pre-sessional courses which include English as part of the course and which progress conditionally to courses below NQF level 6 (excluding Foundation Degrees and Scottish HNDs).