Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What you need by where you studied
From the Form AN guidance and the Home Office caseworker guidance. The degree must be academic, not vocational or professional (gov.uk).
| Where the degree is from | Evidence |
|---|---|
| A UK institution (even if studied abroad) | Degree certificate only |
| A majority English-speaking country (not Canada) or Ireland | Degree certificate and Ecctis AQUALS |
| Any other country, taught in English | Degree certificate, Ecctis AQUALS and Ecctis ELPS |
When Ecctis is not needed again
The caseworker guidance says no further Ecctis confirmation is needed if the Home Office accepted the degree in an earlier application and leave was granted. Gov.uk also says that if you have already been assessed by Ecctis, you can use the certificate from that assessment instead of reapplying.
If the degree has not been used before, or the earlier application was refused, you must get the Ecctis statement before applying.
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.
If you have lost the certificate
Appendix KoLL 4.11 accepts an academic reference or transcript on official letterhead instead. It must show your name, the award or course title, that it was taught in English, and confirm the award; a reference must also say when it was awarded and that a duplicate certificate cannot be issued (or when it will be).
Frequently asked questions
Is a degree from India accepted for British citizenship?+
Yes, if it was taught in English, is academic and Ecctis confirms both UK bachelor's level (AQUALS) and English teaching (ELPS).
Does a degree replace the Life in the UK test?+
No. Form AN guidance says you still need to pass the Life in the UK test.
Is a Canadian degree treated as English-taught?+
Not automatically. The guidance excludes Canada from the majority English-speaking countries for degrees, so you need the ELPS as well.
Can I use a professional qualification like ACCA?+
No. The guidance excludes vocational and professional qualifications, including accountancy diplomas that do not need a degree to enter.
Keep reading
Related
- UK PGCert or PGDip as English proof
- English level for ILR and British citizenship
- Majority English-speaking countries list
- The approved UK SELT list
- 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.
© 2026 BandLadder. Written and checked by the BandLadder team. You may quote or cite this page with credit to BandLadder and a link to it; republishing it in full needs our written permission. Content use policy