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Study Abroad Without IELTS or TOEFL: Universities Without English Requirements

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Rohan Deshmukh
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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 

  1. Overview of IELTS and TOEFL 
  2. List of Universities That Don’t Require IELTS and TOEFL 
  3. Do Countries Exempt IELTS and TOEFL? 

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

University of Queensland, Australia

43

Pursue a full time English course 

University of Adelaide, Australia 

89

Take an English program before the start of your studies 

Macquarie University, Australia

130

Take an English program before the start of your studies

Bond University, Australia 

401-500

Alternative tests like CAE, PTE 

University of South Australia, Australia 

301-350

Alternative tests like CAE, PTE 

University of Southern Queensland, Australia 

410

Pathway program in English 

Bond University, Australia 

401-500

Show secondary education’s primary instruction language as English 

Swinburne University of Technology, Australia 

285

Show secondary education’s primary instruction language as English 

Brock University, Canada 

1201-1400

Show English as a primary language in school (at least 4 years) 

University of Winnipeg, Canada 

701-750

Show English as a primary language in school (at least 4 years) 

University of Regina, Canada 

1001-1200

Show English as a primary language in school (at least 4 years)

Concordia University, Canada

387

Show English as a primary language in school (at least 4 years) 

Memorial University, Canada 

641-650

Show English as a primary language in school (at least 4 years) 

University of Bristol, UK 

55

Different courses require different expertise in English 

London SouthBank University, UK 

801-1000

Different courses require different expertise in English 

University of Bolton, UK

-

Different courses require different expertise in English 

University of Colorado, US

264

Show English as your native language 

Or 

Pursue at least 1 year of academic study at any US institution 

Drexel University, US 

601-650

Pursue an English language program before the start of your course 

State University of New York, US 

-

Take the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) before starting your course 

University of Arkansas, US 

1001-1200

Take the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) before starting your course

California State University, US 

-

The university waives English requirements for some countries 

University of New Orleans, US 

-

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

 

FAQs About Universities Without English Requirements 

How can I do abroad studies without IELTS?

What are some top countries to study abroad without IELTS for Indian students?

List some alternatives to study abroad at a university without TOEFL or IELTS. 

What are some universities that do not require IELTS in US?

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