Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
The B2 requirement
The Minister of Religion knowledge of English page says you may need to prove your English, to at least B2 level on the CEFR scale. Minimum test scores are from the gov.uk approved SELT list.
| Approved SELT | B2 minimum in each skill | Listed as |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS for UKVI | 5.5 (listening, reading, writing, speaking) | 4-facet test |
| PTE Academic UKVI | 59 | 4-facet test |
| LanguageCert Academic SELT or General SELT | 60 | 4-facet test |
| Skills for English UKVI B2 (4 component) | Pass | 4-facet test, outside the UK |
Ways to prove it on this route
Unlike the work routes that also accept UK school qualifications, the Minister of Religion page lists three ways: a degree taught in English and awarded by a UK institution; a degree taught in English outside the UK, with an Ecctis code confirming it is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher; or passing a SELT with an approved provider.
If you already proved your English in a previous successful visa application, you may not have to prove it again (gov.uk).
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.
Who is exempt
Nationals of Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British overseas territories, Canada, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Malta, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago and the USA do not need to prove their English. Gov.uk adds that you may not have to prove it in other circumstances and points to the full visa guidance (gov.uk).
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the gov.uk Minister of Religion page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Is IELTS General accepted for the Minister of Religion visa?+
If you need a SELT, the IELTS test on the gov.uk list is IELTS for UKVI (5.5 in each skill for B2), not standard IELTS General Training.
Can my theology degree replace an English test?+
Yes, if it is a degree taught in English and awarded by a UK institution, or an overseas degree that Ecctis confirms was taught in English and is at UK bachelor's level or higher.
How old can my SELT result be?+
Gov.uk says a SELT must have been awarded in the two years before the date of your application.
Is PTE accepted for this visa?+
Yes. PTE Academic UKVI is an approved SELT; B2 needs 59 in each skill.
Keep reading
Related
- UK SELT list 2026
- IELTS for UK ILR and citizenship
- PTE vs IELTS for UK visas
- IELTS for the UK: scores by route
- 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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