As the new academic year gets underway, universities across the UK are welcoming thousands of international students onto campus. For many, their English language skills will be exactly where they need to be to thrive in their studies. For others, however, gaps in language ability may only become apparent once they begin navigating the realities of university life.
The transition from previous study to a UK university can bring new demands. Students may find themselves engaging with fast-paced lectures, extensive academic reading and writing, group discussions, presentations, and the everyday communication that comes with living and studying in a new environment.
For students who have progressed through transnational education (TNE) or international partner programmes, identifying these challenges can be particularly difficult. Universities may have less visibility of a student’s current English language ability, even when they have successfully met the requirements for entry.
So, what can universities do when concerns begin to emerge?
Identifying English language needs early
The first step is understanding where a student currently is with their English.
Oxford ELLT Spotlight provides a quick and flexible way for universities to establish a student’s current English language level. Its adaptive assessment offers insight into students’ strengths and areas for development, helping institutions identify students who may benefit from additional language support.
For students who require a more comprehensive assessment, Oxford ELLT assesses the four key language skills — Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking — providing a robust measure of overall English proficiency.
Together, these assessment options can help universities move beyond assumptions and gain a clearer picture of the language needs within their international student population.
From identifying the need to providing support
Identifying an English language gap is only the beginning. The next step is making sure students have access to the support they need to succeed.
OIDI can work with universities to provide in-sessional English language support, helping students develop the academic and communication skills they need to participate confidently in their studies and the wider university experience.
This might include support with academic writing, communication, study skills, or the language demands of particular learning environments. By providing targeted support alongside students’ academic programmes, universities can help them address challenges before they become barriers to progress, engagement, or confidence.
Importantly, this approach can provide a practical solution for students who have met their university’s entry requirements but subsequently discover that they need to further develop their English in order to meet the demands of their course.
Supporting students throughout their university journey
English language development doesn’t always follow a straightforward path. A student may arrive with the level of English expected at entry but encounter new challenges once they are immersed in a UK academic environment. For universities, having flexible ways to identify and respond to these needs can make a significant difference.
Whether you need to assess a small number of students, understand the English language profile of a particular cohort, or put additional in-sessional support in place, OIDI can help.
If English language needs are starting to emerge within your current international cohort, we’d be happy to discuss how we could support your university and your students.
