Exclusion of native language qualifications

Some higher education institutions specify in their subject entry requirements and entry profiles that 'native foreign language qualifications' are excluded from consideration when assessing applicants for admission to certain courses or programmes.

The rationale for this policy appears to be that a language qualification may be less demanding for a native language speaker than for a non-native speaker. Consequently, some institutions attach less importance to that qualification.

However, this policy may unlawfully discriminate on the grounds of race against those regarded as possessing the native language qualifications.

Further information

ECU and SPA (Supporting Professionalism in Admissions) have produced a briefing giving guidance on admissions policies and native language qualifications.

• Student admissions: exclusion of native language qualifications