English is the language of instruction and assessment at UCC. Therefore, the student’s success is likely to be better if he is proficient in English. All applicants whether domestic or international, for admission to any UCC program delivered either in Jamaica or online, must provide evidence that their English language ability meets the minimum requirements for admission.

You will be deemed to have satisfied the English language requirements if you can provide evidence that you meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Standardised English Language Tests & UCC English Preparation Courses
• Prior study in the medium of English

UCC recognises a number of English Language tests. Please see the table below. The test or English course must have been undertaken no more than two years prior to the commencement of the program at UCC.
 

Prior Study
Senior Secondary Studies

If you have successfully completed an assessable Senior Secondary qualification from an English-speaking country you do not have to prove proficiency in English provided the qualification was:

1. taught and examined in English
2. completed no more than two years prior to the commencement of the program at UCC

Post Secondary or Tertiary Studies
If you have successfully completed at least two years of full-time study in an assessable qualification at a recognised university or other post-secondary institution where the sole language of instruction and assessment was English, you may not be required to undertake a standardized language test if you can provide a statement or certificate issued by the Registrar (or equivalent) of that institution confirming this.

• The statement or certificate must be on official headed paper, and must be the original document.
• The study must have been completed no more than two years prior to the commencement of the UCC program.

Alternatively, if your studies were undertaken more than two years prior to the commencement of the program at UCC you may meet UCC’s English Language Proficiency requirements provided.

• you have satisfactorily completed a degree or other assessable post-secondary qualification of a minimum duration of three full-time years (or equivalent) at an institution where the sole language of instruction and assessment was English, and
• you have resided in a predominately English-speaking country1 since graduation. You will need to provide proof of residency with your application for admission.

Candidates will usually be considered to meet the English language requirements on the basis that:

• Their first language/mother tongue is English or they provide satisfactory evidence showing that they have:
• Substantial (minimum of 24 months) education (secondary or higher) conducted and assessed in English; or
• Passed acceptable examinations in English equivalent to GCSE/GCE O Level English Language grade C; or
• Passed, at an appropriate level, a test of proficiency* in English acceptable to the University; or
• Achieved advanced level 5 of the UCC ESL course.