English Language Requirements | Al-Maktoum College of Higher Education

English language requirements

Teaching takes place solely in English and students must demonstrate that their English language proficiency is at a level that will allow them to follow their intended programme successfully.

If English is not your first language you must have a qualification as evidence of your English language skills.

English language skills

We can waive the English language requirement if you meet one of the following criteria:

  • you have previously completed an academic qualification equivalent to a UK degree, taught in a ‘majority English-speaking’ country (as defined by the UK government)
  • You are a national from a ‘majority English-speaking’ country – click here for full list of UKVI approved countries

There may be other exceptions, please contact Admissions.

Contact Admissions

English language requirements

General requirements

If you do not require a visa to study in the UK then we will accept the following qualifications as proof of your English language skills.

Qualification Programme Requirements
GCSE English All Grade C/4-9
Standard grade All Grades 1-3
National 5 All Grades A-C
LanguageCert All B1/2

 

Requirements for Student Visa applications

The UK Government approves certain English language qualifications as being Secure English Language Tests (SELT). These meet the Government’s requirements for visa applications.

SELT’s can only be sat at approved test centres. A list of all the approved test centres is available on GOV.UK

The list of approved English language tests has been assessed as meeting Home Office requirements under the secure English language testing arrangements. Only those tests and test levels specified are approved. If you intend to use an English language test in your immigration or nationality application you must take one of the tests on the list.

You should make sure the test that you book is the one approved for the SELT.

Al-Maktoum College will accept the following:

Qualification Requirements
IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills 6.0 (Minimum of 5.5 in each component reading, listening and speaking. And 6.0 in writing)
LanguageCert SELT B2

*For the HNC in Business, HNC in HRM or HNC in Management & Leadership we may accept a SELT at level B1. 

You can purchase a voucher for LanguageCert directly with the College. Contact admissions@almcollege.ac.uk for details.

If you require a visa, please check the Visa information page for full details.

Pre-sessional English courses

Pre-sessional English courses are designed to improve your English language and academic skills prior to undertaking a programme at Al-Maktoum College.

Please contact admissions@almcollege.ac.uk for more information.