Prove your knowledge of English for citizenship and settling

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If your degree was taught or researched in English

You can prove your knowledge of English by having a degree that was awarded by:

  • a UK institution
  • an institution outside of the UK

Your degree must be academic. You cannot use a vocational degree as proof. If you’re not sure whether your degree is academic or vocational, contact your university.

You will need your degree certificate as proof.

If you have a degree from a UK institution

You can prove your knowledge of English by having a degree that was both:

  • taught or researched in English
  • awarded by a UK institution, even if you studied outside the UK

If you have a degree from an institution outside the UK

If your degree was taught in English and was not awarded by a UK institution, you’ll need to apply for an assessment from Ecctis.

Ecctis will give you a code to confirm that your qualification is equivalent to a UK bachelors degree or higher and was taught in English.

If you have already been assessed by Ecctis, you can use the certificate from your previous assessment instead of reapplying.

If you’ve lost your certificate or you’re waiting for graduation

You must have proof that you’ve passed your degree. This can be either:

  • an official transcript with your name, the name of the institution, your degree and confirmation of the award
  • an official letter from your university confirming it cannot reissue your certificate or when it will be issued

Your letter must include:

  • your name
  • your degree
  • the date the degree was or will be awarded