English Course Questions

The English language course is considered a prerequisite for passing the Common First Year in order  to join majors offered by the Saudi Electronic University. As the English language is the study language for most disciplines in the university, students must obtain the required scores in any of the standard language tests approved by the university whether (STEP) that is provided by the National Center for Assessment, or IELTS, which is provided by the British Council. A requirement to pass the English language course for freshmen to obtain the required scores in any of the standard language tests approved by the university.

What score is required to pass the STEP and IELTS for all majors?

How to register in STEP?

Students sign up in the official website of the National Center for Assessment in case students do not have an account, then register in (STEP) for undergraduate students. After that, pay the fee (if the test is paid by student’s account).  If the test is announced by the university, the university will pay the fee.

Is STEP computerized test different from paper test?

The STEP computerized test is identical to the paper test, it is available daily and students should register in it maximum 72 hours in advance.

Are the Saudi Electronic University students entitled to register in STEP computerized test?

YES, they are.

How often can students register in university-paid STEP tests?

The university usually registers students twice, but students must choose a test’s location to complete the registration process.

• End of the second semester of the Common First Year.
• End of the summer semester if the student did not pass the English language course in the academic year.

If students are unable to register in the university-paid STEP test because there is no available date, what shall they do?

Registration for the university- paid STEP is available at the National Center for Assessment approximately a month in advance, and it is addressed for Saudi Electronic University students. Then the student receives an SMS to register if he\she listed in the university- paid STEP. After that, students must choose a suitable location as soon as possible in order to make sure there are available seats.

Can students conduct STEP by their account more than twice?

Yes, they can, according to the Policy of the National Center for Assessment.

Are the total grades (23) calculated if the STEP score is less than 83?

Students benefits from the total grades (23) if they do not obtain the required score in the STEP test and if they get (60) score or more.

Is the equivalency processed if students obtain a score of (60) or more in STEP conducted by their account?

Yes, it is. Note that the equivalency application must be submitted via University Website- login -- Academic procedures-English Language equivalency - Add request and attach a PDF file for the test result.

Is the equivalency processed at the end of the first semester when obtaining (75) score in STEP ?

No, it is not. If the score obtained is less than (83), the equivalency will be processed at the end of the second semester.

Are there training courses on STEP during the summer semester or the following semester via Blackboard?

No, there are not. However, there are links to training materials via Blackboard.

How to register in IELTS? What is the approved test type in the Saudi Electronic University?

- Registering in IELTS is through the British Council website at the following link: click here

The the approved test type is the Academic .

When can students apply for the English equivalency if they are registering by their account ?

The icon is available right from the beginning of the semester and closes a week before the (STEP) test that is provided by the university. You can apply for the equivalency through the university’s website → login → academic procedures → English language Equation → Add request and attach PDF file for the test result. 

Can students be excused from studying the second semester once they passed (STEP) or (IELTS)?

Yes, they can. However, it depends on their major.

If students get the required score in IELTS or STEP, do they need to complete the weekly plan and attend classes?

No, they don't. However, they must apply for the equivalency application. If they obtain less than the required, they shall attend the classes and follow the plan.

How can a student prepare for IELTS or STEP? What are the best references that can be used?

The student can prepare for the test by referring to several references to benefit from it, including:

"Fahad Educational Series: Kifaiyat 1" by Fahad Al-Babtain, "Necessary Techniques and skills in the English language proficiency tests" by Muhammad Altayyib, as well as trying the experimental tests in the search engines.

What is the mechanism used to calculate the grades for the summer semester?

The grades for summer semester are calculated through the student participation in (Oxford System) only.

Is it possible to benefit from the total grades of the Common First Year in the English language equivalency of the summer semester?

No, it isn't. Each semester has its own grade.

Shall students register in the summer semester to be able to equate the English language course?

In the event that you obtain the required score in STEP or IELTS based on your major, registration for the summer semester is not required, but in case you get less than that, you must register.

What are the consequences of not passing the summer semester?

 Students will be suspended from the university.

Can students (who passed, failed, failed but had a second chance and didn't pass) study in the Oxford Program?

No. they can't. The program is only available to those who are enrolled in the course, and this means the program is available simultaneously with your registration for the course.