The Code of Conduct’s Language Test Appendix now includes an overview of language tests that have been accepted in the context of the Code of Conduct. The providers and the tests all meet the ‘Higher Education Code of Conduct Language Test Standard’. An updated version of the Code of Conduct’s Language Test Appendix will take effect on 1 October 2025. This new version will apply to prospective international students who enrol for the 2026-2027 academic year, with account being taken of the period in which students have the opportunity to enrol on a programme. The Appendix has now been made available on the Code of Conduct website.
Applications
The Language Tests Assessment Committee has recently received two applications. Both applications were honoured. The applications came from language-test providers IELTS and Cambridge. Both providers were already listed in the language table. They have used the transitional arrangements. All the providers who were already included in the language table have now successfully completed the procedure. Advisory reports from the language test providers who feature in the language table can be found on the Code of Conduct website: Reports by language test providers – international study
How does it work again?
Every year, language test providers may submit an application to the Code of Conduct office to have their language tests included in the Code of Conduct language table. The quality of their applications is then assessed by a validation body. The quality assessments are based on the Higher Education Code of Conduct Language Test Standard and its related Description of the process of language test validation. The findings are set down in an advisory report, including a recommendation on whether or not to include the language test in the Code of Conduct language table.
The advisory reports are then submitted to the Language Tests Assessment Committee. The committee consists of delegates from the umbrella organisations. It follows the advice of the validation body. It also carries out a more marginal assessment of how carefully, completely, and traceably the process has been followed.
Between 1 October 2025 and 1 February 2026, language test providers will have another opportunity to register for the language table. In consultation with the validation body, the Assessment Committee has decided to curtail the application period by two months (from 1 April to 1 February). This is because the Code of Conduct office and the umbrella organisations have been informed by the educational institutions that having an updated version of the Code of Conduct’s Language Test Appendix before the summer is very helpful, as this enables them to incorporate the updated details in the information they publish in good time.
If you have any questions about the procedure or the Code of Conduct’s Language Test Appendix, be sure to contact the Code of Conduct office.