Britain's “Financial Times” quoted anonymous sources familiar with the matter as reporting that the British government is preparing a new plan requiring college students to meet minimum entry standards before they can apply for government student loans. Ministers will announce plans to limit eligibility for student loans within a few weeks. The policy will focus on English proficiency, and officials are considering setting eligibility for the English subject of the General Secondary Education Certificate as the threshold for applying for a loan. The UK may also consult on lower standards and allow the use of other English-language qualification certificates. The UK Department of Education confirmed that it will study “multiple alternatives” to set a minimum English language requirement for student loans.

Britain's “Financial Times” quoted anonymous sources familiar with the matter as reporting that the British government is preparing a new plan requiring college students to meet minimum entry standards before they can apply for government student loans. Ministers will announce plans to limit eligibility for student loans within a few weeks. The policy will focus on English proficiency, and officials are considering setting eligibility for the English subject of the General Secondary Education Certificate as the threshold for applying for a loan. The UK may also consult on lower standards and allow the use of other English-language qualification certificates. The UK Department of Education confirmed that it will study “multiple alternatives” to set a minimum English language requirement for student loans.