Top 10 Universities to Study in UK Without IELTS for 2026-27

IELTS is required because courses in the UK are taught in English, and most teachers are native English speakers. A strong command of English means that international students can understand lectures, participate in discussions, complete assignments, and integrate smoothly into academic life.

Below are the reasons why IELTS is one of the major admission requirements in the UK:

• Measure of academic eagerness: IELTS makes sure students can handle the language demands of their course, from lectures to exams.
• Eligibility for top universities: Many leading UK universities set minimum IELTS scores; meeting or exceeding them improves admission chances and access to competitive programs.
• Support for smooth adaptation: Strong English skills help students participate confidently in seminars, labs, group projects, and social life.
• Professional and career preparation: Courses, internships, and networking in the UK require advanced English; good language proficiency improves employability and integration into the professional environment.

You can study in the UK without IELTS by either submitting a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or taking alternative English exams like PTE, TOEFL, or the Duolingo English Test, and there are a few other options too. 

Below are the major alternatives universities accept if you want to study in UK without IELTS:

Submit MOI Certificate

If you studied in an English-medium school, a Medium of Instruction certificate can waive the need for IELTS in many universities.

Cambridge English Exam

Cambridge English qualifications like CAE or CPE are widely accepted. Universities often accept CAE scores of 176+ or CPE scores of 185+ as equivalent to IELTS 6.5-7.0.

TOEFL/PTE/DET

TOEFL 88-100, PTE 58-65, or DET 110-120 are generally considered equivalent to IELTS 6.0-6.5 for most undergraduate or postgraduate programs. They allow students to show proficiency across reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Class 12th Certificate

Some universities accept your Class 12th English marks if you studied in English as your primary language. This can be an easy route if your scores reflect strong language skills, and it eliminates the need for additional exams.

University English Tests/Interviews

Many universities take their own English assessments or interviews to test speaking and comprehension skills. These are often shorter and focused on academic communication, and performing well can bypass IELTS requirements.

Secure English Language Test

Some courses or visa applications require a UKVI-approved SELT, which is similar to IELTS but accepted specifically for Student Route visas. High scores on SELT exams are equivalent to IELTS 6.5-7.0 and satisfy both university and visa requirements.

There are various UK universities accepting applications without IELTS, like the University of Bristol, the University of Northampton, and many more.

Here is the list of universities in the UK without IELTS, along with their alternatives and average scores required: 

Additional Universities to Study in the UK without IELTS

• University of Basel
• Riga Technical University
• Robert Gordon University
• University of Bolton
• Swansea University
• University of Greenwich
• University of Central Lancashire
• Aston University

Most UK universities accept other English proficiency tests that match IELTS 6.0-7.0 levels, such as PTE, TOEFL, or Duolingo.
These options make it easier for students who want to study in UK without IELTS.

The table mentions the IELTS alternatives to study in the UK, along with their average scores:

To study in the UK without IELTS, you need a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate and academic transcripts, and other key documents that verify your eligibility. Below is the complete list of what you’ll typically need to submit:

• Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: Proof from your previous institution confirming that your studies were conducted entirely in English.
• Academic Transcripts and Certificates: Mark sheets and degree certificates showing your educational background and subject performance.
• English Language Proficiency Proof: Alternative test results, such as PTE, TOEFL, or Duolingo, if required by the university.
• Valid Passport: A mandatory identity and travel document for international applicants.
• Statement of Purpose (SOP): A personal essay explaining your academic goals, reasons for choosing the UK, and plans.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs): Academic or professional references validating your skills and communication ability.
• Proof of Funds: Bank statements or financial certificates showing you can cover tuition and living expenses during your stay.
• Offer Letter from the University: Confirmation of admission, required later for your student visa application.
• Visa Documents: Includes your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) number and other visa application forms.

To get a UK Student Visa without IELTS, you need to prove your English proficiency through an accepted alternative (like a degree taught in English or a Secure English Language Test) and submit proof of admission from a UK institution.

Below, we’ve given an overview of the main steps:

Step 1: Choose a UK University That Accepts IELTS Alternatives

Select a university that allows you to prove English proficiency through options like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, TOEFL/PTE scores, or internal language assessments. Many Higher Education Providers (HEPs) in the UK can assess your English level directly if your program is at degree level or above.

Step 2: Meet the English Requirement Under CEFR Levels

The UK visa process follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels:

• B2 for degree-level and above courses.
• B1 for below-degree-level programs.

You can meet this requirement by submitting proof of an equivalent qualification, such as a degree taught in English or results from another similar level test.

Step 3: Submit a Degree Taught in English (Outside the UK)

If you’ve completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree entirely in English, you can apply through Ecctis (formerly UK NARIC) for confirmation that your qualification is equivalent to a UK degree. This serves as your official English proficiency proof for the visa.

Step 4: Take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) If Needed

If your course or university requires it, take an SELT approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Tests like IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert, or Pearson PTE Academic UKVI are accepted. Scoring at the CEFR B2 level is typically equivalent to IELTS 6.5.

Step 5: Submit Supporting Visa Documents & Attend the Visa Interview

You’ll need your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) from your university, financial proof, passport, and educational certificates. Universities that waive IELTS usually prepare you for the visa interview step through internal interviews or English assessments.

Studying in the UK without IELTS can help you save on exam fees and speed up your admission process, but it also comes with a few trade-offs.

The table highlights the key pros and cons of studying in the UK without IELTS:

Many students worry about preparing for IELTS while managing applications and finances. Skipping IELTS can save both money and time, but it’s important to carefully check if your target universities accept alternatives like PTE, TOEFL, or MOI certificates. Planning your documents early, such as MOI or Class 12 English marksheets, ensures you don’t face last-minute hurdles.

Yocket Premium can simplify this process by helping students filter universities that accept non-IELTS applications and track alternative English test requirements. With premium features, you can compare top UK universities, check visa requirements, and organize your application documents in one place.

Can I apply for universities in the UK without IELTS?

Yes, you can. Many UK universities accept IELTS alternatives like PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English exams, or a Medium of Instruction certificate instead of IELTS. Always check the specific course requirements before applying.

I have scored 100 in DET. Will I be accepted in the UK?

It depends on the university and program. Most UK universities consider DET scores of 110‑120 equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5, but you should verify if your target university recognizes your exact score.

Can I get a study visa without IELTS?

Yes, you can get a UK student visa without IELTS if you meet the English language requirement through a degree taught in English or a Secure English Language Test (SELT). Universities can also assess your English directly for degree-level programs (CEFR B2 level).

Which is the best alternative to IELTS in the UK?

The best alternative depends on your comfort and preparation time. PTE, TOEFL, and Duolingo English Test are widely accepted and recognized by top universities, while Cambridge English (CAE/CPE) is ideal if you already have advanced English skills.