Press release from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations

New admissions rules to boost opportunities 

for overseas students at UK Universities

17 June 2010 International students planning to study at UK universities can now use English language certificates to gain UCAS Tariff points – in the same way as they have traditionally done with ‘A’ Levels. The inclusion of Cambridge ESOL examinations in the UCAS Tariff will significantly boost opportunities for thousands of overseas students coming to UK universities each year.

Under the new arrangements announced today, overseas students applying to UK universities in 2011 will be able to gain valuable UCAS Tariff points if they hold selected high level English tests from University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations.

The two Cambridge English language certificates that will be accepted are Cambridge ESOL’s Advanced and Proficiency which have become an internationally recognised standard of language ability in a range of sectors.


UCAS points awarded for Cambridge English Certificates:

English Exam  and grade required	How many UCAS points will this earn students?	How does this  compare to ‘A’ Levels
Cambridge English:  Proficiency grade A	140 UCAS points	Equivalent to  an A* at A Level
Cambridge English:  Proficiency grade B	110 Points	Equivalent to the midpoint between A Level Grade A and B.
Cambridge English:  Proficiency  grade C and Cambridge English: Advanced grade A	70 Points	Equivalent to the midpoint between  grades C and D at A level

About the UCAS Tariff:

The UCAS Tariff is the system for allocating points to qualifications used for entry to higher education. It allows students to use a range of different qualifications to help secure a place on an undergraduate course. Further information can be found at http://www.ucas.com/