Yes, although the UKBA now requires that all of your component scores (i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing) are 5.5 or above.

If you have a component score of below 5.5 in any of the four areas listed above you will not be granted a Visa according to the latest UKBA information, even though you may have met the conditions of your offer to study at BU.

To obtain a Visa, you will need to ensure you achieve a minimum score of 5.5 in all of the four components.

Yes, but only if it is the Internet Based Test (IBT). You need to have scored a minimum of 21 in Writing and Listening, 22 in Reading and 23 in Speaking. If you have a component score that falls below this level, you will not be granted a Visa according the latest UKBA information, even though you may have met the conditions of your offer to study at BU.

To obtain a Visa, you will need to ensure you achieve the required minimum score in each component. The TOEFL Paper Based Test does not test the Speaking skill, and is therefore not sufficient to satisfy the UKBA's new component rules.

The UKBA approves a number of Secure English Language Tests (SELTs). In each case you will need to achieve minimum component scores (i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing). Full details of current acceptable SELTS are available here

Bournemouth University (BU) has extended its preparatory English provision to help students meet the UKBA's new requirements.

If you have an IELTS (Academic) score of at least 5.5 overall (with no less than 4.0 in any component) then you may apply to join the Bournemouth University Preparatory English Programme (BUPEP). Successful completion of the programme allows students to secure their Visa without the need to retake IELTS. BUPEP will commence on the 4th July 2011.

Please note however that places on BUPEP are limited and so you must apply quickly. We are reviewing our recruitment position daily. After the 4 July, BUPEP will no longer be an option and you will need to retake IELTS, scoring at least 6.0 overall (to met BU's minimum language requirement in most cases – see your Offer Letter) and no less than 5.5 in any component, (or required level in other SELT) to meet the UKBA's requirements.

For more information on BUPEP please visit www.bournemouth.ac.uk/BUPEP

Not necessarily. In some cases, students may have met BU's entry requirement, but not have met the UKBA's new requirements.

For example, a student with IELTS (Academic) 6.0 overall might have an unconditional offer with BU, but could have a component score of less than 5.5. This would mean that they are not eligible for a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa under the UKBA's new rules. In this case, the student would need to take the IELTS (Academic) test (or other SELT) again in order to meet the new rules (see Q1), or consider applying to BUPEP (see Q3).

Yes, in most cases, even if that university was not in a majority English speaking country, such as India or Nigeria.

Yes, in most cases. If you have completed your GCSE A-Levels, a Bachelors Degree, a Higher National Diploma (HND) in the UK or elsewhere, you will satisfy the UKBA's requirement. The International Baccalaureate is also acceptable (but you need to achieve an English mark of 5 or higher).

For other qualifications, we will be able to advise you on a case by case basis. If your qualification is more than 2 years old, you may also need to prove that you have continually developed your English skills during this period.

Successful completion of BUPEP will enable you to obtain a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa for entry to your Bachelors or Masters Degree course. If you are enrolled on IFC, you will complete an IELTS test as part of your course, and the result will form the basis of your Tier 4 (General) Student Visa application – see Q1.

We encourage you to check if you meet the UKBA requirements before requesting your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). If you do not meet the requirements, and your Visa application is rejected, you will still be charged for your Visa application. When requesting your CAS from Bournemouth University, your International Admissions Administrator will check your IELTS (or equivalent) documentation. If it does not satisfy the UKBA regulations we will advise you of this and you can then make arrangements to ensure you meet the requirements to obtain a Tier 4 (General) Student Visa.

Yes, but only if you will be studying a Postgraduate (Masters) course that is 12 calendar months in duration or longer. Many Masters programmes are less than 12 months in duration. If you have dependants, they will no longer be eligible to enter the UK as dependants on your Tier 4 (General) Student Visa if your course is less than 12 months in duration.

If you are unsure if the course you plan to study at BU is less than 12 calendar months, please contact the International Admissions Team member who sent your offer letter. If you are studying an undergraduate course, the changes made by UKBA do not allow you to bring dependants to the UK – this includes one year Top up degrees.

Yes, but it is now required that an employer sponsors you to do so, and that you earn over £20,000 per year in that role. This route is known as a 'Tier 2 Working Visa'; more information on this route is available on the UKBA Website