English language proficiency is considered to be the most prominent requirement in order to start with your application process for universities abroad. Getting the perfect score in English proficiency test scores like IELTS or TOEFL, according to your choice of university or program can be a tedious task. And therefore universities across the globe have made it quite simple to pursue courses without an English proficiency test score. Yes, you read it right! You can now study abroad without IELTS or TOEFL, provided you fulfill other requirements that are asked for. So, fasten your seat belts, as we make you explore how to study abroad without IELTS and TOEFL!
Table of Contents |
Overview of IELTS and TOEFL
IELTS
An English proficiency assessment, IELTS is usually of two types: the General Training IELTS and Academic IELTS. Lets us understand what these mean:
Academic IELTS: This test is required if you’re planning to study higher education in any English speaking country.
General Training IELTS: This test can be taken by you if you are planning to enter an English speaking country for training or work experience.
When giving an IELTS exam, you’ll be tested in four major segments:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Given below is the classification for each of these segments on the basis of duration of test, and pattern involved:
Component |
Duration |
Assessment Pattern |
Reading |
60 minutes |
3 sections with 40 questions |
Writing |
60 minutes |
3 tasks |
Speaking |
15 minutes |
One on one conversation |
Listening |
30 minutes |
4 sections with 40 questions |
Suggested: Know about IELTS Exam Patterna and Syllabus for 2022!
TOEFL
Test of English as a foreign language or TOEFL is an exam taken to prove English language proficiency for studying in numerous English speaking countries. An English proficiency assessment, TOEFL is usually of three types: the TOEFL CBT, TOEFL iBT and TOEFL PBT. Lets us understand what these mean:
TOEFL PBT: TOEFL PBT is the paper based test, usually less common and taken in areas having limited internet facilities.
TOEFL CBT: TOEFL CBT, on the other hand is a computer based test, which is majorly common among the international population.
TOEFL iBT: TOEFL iBT is an internet based test which now can be taken as the TOEFL iBT home edition test.
Like the IELTS exam, TOEFL is also tested in four segments:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
Given below is the classification for each of these segments on the basis of duration of test, and pattern involved:
Component |
Duration |
Assessment Pattern |
Reading |
54-72 minutes |
3-4 passages with 30-40 questions |
Writing |
50 minutes |
2 tasks |
Speaking |
17 minutes |
One independent speaking and 3 integrated speaking tasks |
Listening |
41-57 minutes |
Lectures and conversations with 39 questions |
Suggested: Find out latest exam pattern and syllabus of TOEFL exam!
Recently another type of TOEFL exam has been prevalent due to the COVID-19, which is the TOEFL iBT home edition, aiding students to take their TOEFL exam in the comfort of their homes. |
List of Universities That Don’t Require IELTS and TOEFL
Colleges that don’t require letters of recommendation are available in abundance on a global front, and may ask for other admission requirements from international applicants. Moreover, graduate schools that don’t require letters of recommendation are also a part of these universities.
Let us now make you acquainted with universities without English requirements:
University |
QS World University Rankings 2024 |
Alternative |
43 |
Pursue a full time English course |
|
89 |
Take an English program before the start of your studies |
|
130 |
Take an English program before the start of your studies |
|
401-500 |
Alternative tests like CAE, PTE |
|
301-350 |
Alternative tests like CAE, PTE |
|
410 |
Pathway program in English |
|
401-500 |
Show secondary education’s primary instruction language as English |
|
285 |
Show secondary education’s primary instruction language as English |
|
1201-1400 |
Show English as a primary language in school (at least 4 years) |
|
701-750 |
Show English as a primary language in school (at least 4 years) |
|
1001-1200 |
Show English as a primary language in school (at least 4 years) |
|
387 |
Show English as a primary language in school (at least 4 years) |
|
641-650 |
Show English as a primary language in school (at least 4 years) |
|
55 |
Different courses require different expertise in English |
|
801-1000 |
Different courses require different expertise in English |
|
University of Bolton, UK |
- |
Different courses require different expertise in English |
264 |
Show English as your native language Or Pursue at least 1 year of academic study at any US institution |
|
601-650 |
Pursue an English language program before the start of your course |
|
- |
Take the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) before starting your course |
|
1001-1200 |
Take the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) before starting your course |
|
- |
The university waives English requirements for some countries |
|
- |
The university waives English requirements for some countries |
So these were some top universities without IELTS. It is also advisable to check with the university that you are applying to, so as to study without IELTS, as many universities also exempt English requirements on a case by case basis.
Note: If you wish to study in foreign country without IELTS, some countries like Malaysia require no proof for English language proficiency, and more than 80% universities use English as the as the mode of instruction.
Do Countries Exempt IELTS and TOEFL?
IELTS and TOEFL are two most prominent English proficiency exams required to complete one’s application process in order to study abroad in English speaking countries like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.
There are several universities across the globe which exempt English proficiency through IELTS or TOEFL scores, and present students with other ways in order to demonstrate their English proficiency skills.
Given below are some alternatives to without IELTS universities:
- English as a primary language: You can start your university admission without IELTS provided you have studied English as your primary language in your high school for at least 4 years. Meaning, you can if English has been your primary language.
- Pathway programs: A university without IELTS will offer you to choose pathway programs in English, which are usually 9-15 months in length, in order to get a firm grip on English as a language.
- Choose a different country: If you are looking to start your admission process without English requirements, you can look for IELTS not required countries for study like Germany, Malaysia, Norway etc.
- Different language of instruction: If you wish to study in foreign country without IELTS, and are willing to choose a program in a language other than English, you can easily look for a university without TOEFL or IELTS.
- Alternative exams: If you wish to study at a university without IELTS and TOEFL, you can try your hand at other English proficiency tests like CAE, PTE, Duolingo etc. Some study without IELTS countries which use alternatives to IELTS and TOEFL include Australia, UK, Canada etc.
University admission without IELTS or TOEFL is very much possible, as there are numerous universities available across the globe that have come up with alternatives to English proficiency test scores. No IELTS required universities are quite easy to find, and you can even contact specific universities, colleges these days also take decisions on a case by case basis. Some most prominent university which does not require IELTS are in study are Canada, Australia, Germany, etc. If still in a dilemma get on a free 15 minute consultation call with Yocket Counsellors