English Language Policy (Overseas
students)
Purpose
The purpose of this English Language Policy is to set out the University’s requirements for evaluating
the English Language ability of International and EU applicants for entry in September 2013 and
beyond. It is designed to ensure that all students who are admitted to the University are able to
successfully complete their course of study.
Key Principles
1. The University wishes to recruit students with the ability to succeed on their chosen
programme of study. All applications will be evaluated for evidence of English Language
ability. The English Language Enhancement Centre and the Admissions Office will provide
advice on the acceptability of qualifications and other matters relating to English Language.
2. The University wishes to support all students in developing their English Language skills
whilst at the University. English Language support classes are available via the English
Language Enhancement Centre and academic Schools should encourage their students to
utilise this service wherever possible.
3. The minimum level of English Language attainment for entry to Undergraduate or
Postgraduate programmes is IELTS 6.0 or equivalent. The following exceptions may apply:
a. If a programme contains English Language tuition as an integrated part of the
course a minimum of IELTS 5.5 or equivalent is acceptable
b. Individual degree programmes may choose to increase this level when setting /
reviewing entry requirements via the normal Course Approval and Review
procedures.
4. A list of qualifications that are acceptable as equivalent to IELTS is provided via the English
Language database, managed by the Admissions Office in conjunction with the University
Language Centre. Requests for qualifications to be included on the database should be
submitted via the Admissions Office for consideration at the Admissions Sub- Committee.
5. Should academic Schools believe that an applicant should be considered for entry as they
can demonstrate via other means that their English Language is at the required level then an
English Language waiver should be submitted for consideration.
6. The University’s Language requirements as listed above may differ from those requirements
set by the UK Borders Agency (UKBA). Students requiring sponsorship under Tier 4 of the
Points Based Immigration System (PBS) must meet the UKBA requirements in addition to
those of the University. Specifically, the following should be noted:
a. Students sitting IELTS or equivalent qualifications will be required to meet the UKBA
minimum of 5.5 in each of the 4 components (Speaking, Listening, Reading &
Writing).
b. UKBA requirements cannot be waived. The English Language waiver process cannot
therefore be used for students requiring a Tier 4 visa.
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c. Some qualifications deemed as equivalent to IELTS may not meet the UKBA
requirements (due to the additional requirement for all components as above) and
will not therefore be accepted for students requiring a Tier 4 visa. Such qualifications
will be clearly marked as such in the database.
7. Students from countries defined as majority English language speaking will not normally be
required to complete an English Language qualification as listed above, however we would
expect to see evidence of achievement in English ie through a School leaving qualification.
Successful completion of a degree in one of these countries will normally be accepted in lieu
of any further evidence of ability. Details of the countries to which this applies can be found
via the English Language database
Further Information


English Language requirements by country can be found at
www.bradford.ac.uk/international
Information relating to UKBA requirements can be found at
www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/visas-immigration/studying/adult-students/can-youapply/english-language/
Date of approval:
March 2013
Review Date:
April 2014
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