Onterra Tutor🇬🇧 UK student visa
For degree-level study the UK student route requires CEFR B2, which maps to IELTS 5.5 in each of the four skills. In practice your university's offer letter is the bar that matters: most degree courses ask 6.0-7.0 overall, and universities with Student sponsor status can assess your English their own way.
The requirement at a glance
| Degree level (RQF 6+) | B2: 5.5 in each skill |
|---|---|
| Below degree level | B1: 4.0 in each skill, IELTS for UKVI required |
| Typical university offers | 6.0-7.0 overall, course dependent |
| Top courses (law, medicine) | 7.0+ with per-skill minimums |
What people miss
- Universities sponsoring degree students can accept standard IELTS or their own assessment; below degree level, the UKVI version is mandatory.
- Your course offer conditions override the visa floor. Meet the offer, and the visa English requirement follows.
- Pre-sessional English courses exist for near-miss scores, but they cost real money; half a band of practice is cheaper.
Are you already there?
Find out before you pay the exam fee. Check a real essay or record a speaking answer and get examiner-style bands in about a minute, free.
Questions people ask
Do I need IELTS for UKVI for a UK degree?
Usually not: universities can assess English themselves for degree-level courses and accept standard IELTS Academic. Below degree level, IELTS for UKVI is required.
What score do UK universities actually ask for?
Most bachelor's and master's offers sit between 6.0 and 7.0 overall with 5.5-6.5 per skill. Check the exact course page, then train for half a band above it for safety.
Figures reflect commonly published requirements and can change. Confirm against the official government or regulator source before booking.