Does my degree count for the ILR English requirement?

It can, and there is no date limit. A UK bachelor's, master's or PhD counts, and so can a degree from another country if it was taught or researched in English, but a degree from outside the UK needs confirmation from the UK's qualification assessment body (currently Ecctis).

Which degrees count

• A bachelor's, master's or PhD awarded by a UK institution, even if you studied outside the UK.
• A degree from a majority-English-speaking country on the GOV.UK list (or from Ireland).
• Any other degree that the qualification and language assessment provider confirms was taught or researched in English, at the level of a UK bachelor's degree or higher.

This applies to nursing and other subjects in the same way: what matters is the kind of degree and the language it was taught in, not the subject.

Does it still work after 26 March 2027?

Yes. The degree route has no date limit and no CEFR level attached, so a qualifying degree still meets the requirement for applications on or after 26 March 2027, when most routes move to B2. See Do I need B2 English for ILR? for the wider change.

A degree from outside the UK

You need the provider's confirmation that it was taught or researched in English and is equivalent to a UK bachelor's degree or higher. GOV.UK says to apply for an assessment from Ecctis, and that if you already have an Ecctis certificate you can use it. (HC 1691 removed Ecctis's name from the Rules text and now refers to "the qualification and language assessments provider"; it is still Ecctis today.)

What does not count

GOV.UK says the degree must be academic: a vocational degree cannot be used. Professional and vocational qualifications do not count. If you are not sure whether your degree is academic or vocational, GOV.UK suggests asking your university.

What about GCSEs or A levels?

GOV.UK says GCSEs, A levels and NVQs cannot be used in general. Appendix English Language does accept English GCSE or A level from UK schooling begun before 18 on some settlement routes, but not on the routes that go through Appendix KoLL, such as family partners. So this one depends on your route.

Last checked against GOV.UK: 21 October 2026.

Sources

1. Prove your knowledge of English: degrees taught or researched in English, GOV.UK (checked 21 Oct 2026)
2. Immigration Rules: Appendix KoLL (updated 8 October 2026), GOV.UK (checked 20 Oct 2026)
3. Immigration Rules: Appendix English Language, GOV.UK (checked 20 Oct 2026)
4. Statement of changes to the Immigration Rules: HC 1691 (5 March 2026), GOV.UK (checked 20 Oct 2026)
5. Prove your knowledge of English: approved English language qualifications, GOV.UK (checked 21 Oct 2026)

This is general information, not immigration advice. Check GOV.UK for your own route, or speak to a regulated immigration adviser (registered with the IAA, formerly OISC). Find a regulated adviser on GOV.UK.