THE FOLLOWING IS SOURCED FROM UK BOARDERS AGENCY.

http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/sitecontent/newsarticles/2011/october/24-t4-south-china

 

11 October 2011 From 12 August 2010, the UK Border Agency is lifting the suspension at our 3 South China visa application centres (Guangzhou, Fuzhou and Shenzhen) on Tier 4 student applications for all courses except English language courses. In addition, from 12 August 2010 Tier 4 (General) applicants must be assessed to English language level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) by passing a UK Border Agency approved secure English language test (SELT) before applying for a Tier 4 visa. You are exempt from taking a SELT if you: are from a majority English-speaking country will be studying a Foundation Degree, Scottish HND or any course at NQF level 6 and above will be studying an English language course have studied as a child student in the UK for 6 months or more, ending within 2 years of the date when your new sponsor assigned your confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) are a Tier 4 (Child) applicant will be attending a pre-sessional course linked to a degree For more information, see our Tier 4 (General) - English language ability page. Continuing suspension on visas for English language courses
In South China, there is a continuing suspension on students applying for Tier 4 visas to studyEnglish language courses. This includes any pre-sessional course that includes English language. However, there are 3 exceptions. You can apply for a visa to study a pre-sessional English language course if you have: an offer for a foundation degree at NQF5, for any course at NQF6 or above or for a Scottish HND, where the CAS is being issued by the same institution or a partner institution named on the licence of the institution offering the main course. If the offer of a place on the main course is unconditional, it should be referred to on the CAS. If the offer of a place on the main course is conditional, you will need to submit a copy of your conditional offer letter with your application; or a conditional offer for any of those courses listed in point 1 above, if the pre-sessional course is being taken at a separate institution. You will need to submit a copy of your conditional offer letter for the main course with your application. The pre-sessional course must be at CEFR B2 level or higher, and you must be at B1 level. A SELT is not required; or an unconditional offer for a NQF level 3, 4 or 5 course, if the CAS has been issued for both the pre-sessional course and the main course. You must take a SELT to prove that you are at B1 level, and the pre-sessional course must be at CEFR B2 level or higher.
Students in Southern China cannot apply for Tier 4 visas to study pre-sessional English language courses and other pre-sessional courses which include English as part of the course and which progress conditionally to courses below NQF level 6 (excluding foundation degrees and Scottish HNDs). This suspension will be kept under review.