Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Youth Mobility Scheme: what you need instead
The Youth Mobility eligibility page lists the rules below. The full guide asks for a valid passport and a bank statement showing at least £2,530 in savings; English is mentioned only for translating documents not in English or Welsh.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the gov.uk Youth Mobility page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
| Who | Age | Extra step |
|---|---|---|
| Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Korea | 18 to 35 | None listed |
| Andorra, Iceland, Japan, Monaco, San Marino, Uruguay | 18 to 30 | None listed |
| Hong Kong (SAR passport), Taiwan | 18 to 30 | Selection in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot |
| British overseas citizen, British overseas territories citizen, British national (overseas) | 18 to 30 | None listed |
India Young Professionals Scheme
Indian nationals use a separate scheme. The India Young Professionals Scheme eligibility page requires you to be an Indian national aged 18 to 30, hold a qualification at UK bachelor's level or above (RQF level 6, 7 or 8) or an overseas equivalent, have £2,530 in savings and have no children under 18 living with you or that you are financially responsible for. You must be selected in the ballot first. No English test is listed.
Need a SELT for a UK visa?
Where the Home Office asks for a Secure English Language Test, IELTS for UKVI and PTE Academic UKVI are approved. Practise the format free.
Free IELTS for UKVI practice →Practise before you book: free IELTS mock test, IELTS reading practice, IELTS listening practice and IELTS speaking predictions.
Money and other limits
For both schemes you need the £2,530 for at least 28 days in a row, with day 28 within 31 days of applying. You cannot apply if you have already been in the UK under either scheme.
If you later move to a sponsored job, the Skilled Worker visa does have an English requirement: see IELTS for the UK Skilled Worker visa.
Frequently asked questions
Do Indian applicants need IELTS for the India Young Professionals Scheme?+
Gov.uk's eligibility page does not list an English test. It requires a bachelor's-level degree, £2,530 in savings and selection in the ballot.
Is there an English test for Australians on the Youth Mobility visa?+
No. The eligibility rules are age 18 to 35, nationality, no dependent children and £2,530 in savings.
How much money do I need for the Youth Mobility visa?+
At least £2,530, held for 28 days in a row, with day 28 within 31 days of your application.
Can I bring my children on a Youth Mobility visa?+
No. You cannot apply if you have children under 18 who live with you or that you are financially responsible for.
Keep reading
Related
- Does the UK Graduate visa need IELTS?
- IELTS for the UK Skilled Worker visa
- IELTS for the UK: scores by route
- Free IELTS mock test with AI band score
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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