English language in Scotland

If you're coming to Scotland to live, work or study you'll need a good command of the English language: it helps you to integrate and is essential for work and study.

Improving your English needn't be a huge hurdle if you are willing to put in some time for studying and you'll find plenty of Scottish people keen to help you.

English and the points based system

If you are planning a move to Scotland you'll need to know about the Points Based System which the UK Border Agency use to decide if you're eligible to live here. Part of the criteria they use to assess each case is the ability to speak English.

You can find detailed information on language requirements and on the How are the points calculated section on the UK Borders Agency website.

If you need help learning English in Scotland,working on your written and spoken language, there are lots of different and fun ways to do it and organisations who can help and advise.

If you are thinking of studying on a Scottish degree course, but need to work on your English first, read the English skills for studying in Scotland page for advice.

We also have information on the other languages spoken in Scotland and learnt by children in Scottish schools.