Language requirements

Normally we need a certificate from a language course you have completed, stating you have reached B2 level in the relevant language, in accordance with the CEFR for Languages. 

The B2 language level requirement is part of the eligibility criteria for taking up your exchange place, so you will need to provide evidence of this by the April before your exchange begins. It is therefore not possible for students to complete a language course over the summer, with the intention of achieving B2 level prior to departure.

Students studying the relevant language as a formal, named part of their degree at the University of Edinburgh are assumed to have B2 level, and are exempt from providing evidence. However if you're taking a language as an outside course/elective, you will be required to provide evidence of your language level.

Please note that B2 level is higher than A level/Higher/Advanced Higher, so these qualifications are not accepted as evidence of meeting B2 level. In this instance, you will normally be required to take an additional language level assessment.

If you are a native speaker of the language of instruction at your proposed host institution, please contact the SWAY team directly to confirm whether you are exempt from assessment.

Contact the SWAY team

If you are not able to evidence your language level, you will be required to take a language level assessment through the Centre for Open Learning (COL) as outlined in the "What if I can't evidence my language level?" section below.

If you will be studying in another language and cannot provide evidence of your language level, you will be required to take a language level assessment, usually in or by the April preceding your exchange. 

The Study and Work Away (SWAY) team will contact you if you are required to take a language assessment. Please note that there is a cost attached and you will be required to cover the assessment fees.

Students who do not achieve B2 level at the time of the assessment will not be able to proceed with their exchange.

Assessments for 2026/27 students

Language assessments for French, German, Italian and Spanish are carried out through the Centre for Open Learning (COL). Students who need to be assessed will be contacted by SWAY with more information in the second half of February. 

The cost is £100, to be paid once you have confirmed your assessment date. Please note that COL are not able to facilitate language assessments outside of the following times.

The assessment consists of two parts:

1. Reading & Writing (90 minutes) 

This assessment will take place in person. 

Venue: Paterson's Land (exact location to be confirmed)

Available dates: 

• 24 March 2026 (12pm to 2pm)
• 26 March 2026 (2pm to 4pm)

2. Speaking (20 minutes)

This assessment will most likely take place online. This part will be arranged individually between you and your allocated language tutor. Your tutor will contact you via email with details, so please wait for their message. 

Exceptions

Students going to the following institutions should be aware that they may need to take the SIELE exam instead of the COL assessment in order to prove their Spanish language proficiency: 

• Universidad Autonoma de Madrid (Spain)
• Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (Mexico)

The SIELE exam is an international Spanish language proficiency test that certifies your level of Spanish. You can book your test here

SIELE – International evaluation and certification for Spanish language

You must cover the cost of the SIELE exam yourself, and are responsible for organising the test at a suitable test centre and providing SWAY with the test results.

Taking a language as an extra subject in your first and/or second year(s) at Edinburgh is recommended to ensure you're linguistically equipped for your time abroad. 

Even if you'll be studying in English, knowing at least a few words and phrases in the local language can really help you to get around and integrate.

There are other opportunities for improving your language skills whilst at the University of Edinburgh:

Your host institution may offer subsidised or free language courses, either during term time or as an intensive course before the start of your exchange.  These can also be a good way to meet potential flatmates and settle in before the start of your exchange.   

Many hosts also offer a buddy programme to help you meet local students and get a chance to practise your language skills. Information about any courses on offer should be available on your host institution's website.

Local student societies are also a great way to meet like-minded students and get you speaking. Many universities will also have societies and student organisations to support exchange students.