EFL students will face new tests when they try to enter the UK to study – but these tests won’t be set by universities or educational bodies. Immigration officers at the UK border will be given the right to admit or refuse entry to foreign students trying to enter the UK to study.

This new measure has been taken as an attempt to curb the number of bogus applicants entering the country. Our concern is that many legitimate students could be prevented from entering the UK to study on the decisions of immigration staff.

Will all immigration staff have sufficient knowledge of the English language in en EFL context to be able to properly judge the language capabilities of a foreign student?

Students from ‘high risk’ countries to be tested 

The new ruling allowing immigration staff to judge the English language competencies of a foreign student came into force on 30th July 2013.

Immigration minister, Damian Greene, commented: “With more interviews and greater powers to refuse bogus students we will weed out abuse and protect the UK from those looking to play the system.”

Not all students will be tested, only those from high risk countries where bogus applications have been an issue in the past.

The UK Border Agency (UKBA) says this will mean about 5% of students trying to enter the UK will be tested by immigration officers.

To ensure entry to the UK, applicants applying for Tier 4 student visas will need to demonstrate, without the help of an interpreter, that their English skills meet the level of the language test certificate they have previously submitted.

No details have yet been revealed about the training of immigration staff or how students’ interviews will be conducted.

Are the English language tests fair on foreign students?

It isn’t clear if all issues have been considered to protect foreign students. What about those legitimate students who get flustered under interview conditions, are shy, who stutter or who have a strong accent?

Students studying some subjects do not need to use the English language as much as others in their studies. This should all be taken into account.

Is there a better alternative to prevent the potential abuse of the education system and protect the UK borders?

We think that universities could be asked to provide attendance reports for students, to ensure all students with Tier 4 visas are actually attending classes at a legitimate institution.

Can you think of other alternatives? Or do you think the ‘bogus applicant’ issue has been blown out of proportion?