If you wish to study in the UK, you must display exceptional English language skills. It is a well-known fact that IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most popular language proficiency test in the UK, and most universities require international students to provide language proficiency test scores. But what if someone does not want to take IELTS? It is also possible to study in UK without IELTS. There are many ways to get admission in UK universities without IELTS provided that you furnish other required documents.
In this blog, we will discuss everything that you need to know about UK admission without IELTS. So, keep reading right till the end!
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What is IELTS?
Before understanding how to study in UK universities without IELTS, let us first understand what exactly an IELTS exam is. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardised language assessment examination used by various universities around the world to evaluate the language skills of international students.
Students are tested in 4 sections on this test—reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The test is 3 hours long, and students will receive an overall score for all of their basic English language skills. Exams like these are required in English-speaking countries to test your language skills so that you can understand the courses taught in English in such countries. However, it is not always mandatory.
You can also study in UK without giving the IELTS exam. Let’s understand how?
Suggested: Complete Requirements for Studying in the UK for International Students
How to Study in UK without IELTS?
Since many international students already display excellent English language skills or are unable to take the IELTS exam due to time constraints, many universities in the UK have decided not to put international students through the IELTS exam. Therefore, international students, by selecting the universities without IELTS, can study in UK without giving the aforementioned exam. However, there are a few more requirements that the students need to abide by.
Let’s check the requirements for admission in UK without IELTS.
Requirements to Study in UK Universities without IELTS
IELTS is not the only way through which the British universities can evaluate your English language proficiency. The universities ask for other requirements to check your proficiency in such cases:
- Pre-sessional English Course: Many universities in UK offer pre-sessional courses for students who wish to study in UK without the IELTS. These pre-sessional courses are a great way to improve your English language skills and needed classroom skills. If you couldn’t score well in the IELTS exam or if for some reason you missed the IELTS exam, you can always opt for such pre-sessional courses. These courses are 4 to 10 weeks in duration, depending on your choice and requirement.
- Certificate of English as an Official Language: Some without IELTS universities in UK also accept an English proficiency certificate from your previous employer as proof of English language proficiency. The certificate should prove the following:
- English is the official language at your workplace
- You have fluency in English
- You are competent in writing and communicating in English
- English Marks Obtained in High School: If you have scored 70% or more in your 10th and 12th class English, then some universities in the UK can consider those marks instead of IELTS.
- Interview: Many universities in the UK have interviews as a part of their application process. These interviews are held to see how serious you are about studying in the UK and also to gauge your English language proficiency. If you do well in the interview, you may not have to give the IELTS exam.
- English Medium School: If you were in a school where the main medium of language was English, you could provide proof that you attended an English medium school, and you can use this fact as English language proficiency, and then you might not have to give the IELTS exam.
- English Major: If you studied English as a major or specialisation for your bachelor's, you do not need to give IELTS.
Suggested: Is IELTS Compulsory in all Cases?
You must make sure that you check with the university regarding which of the above they consider as an alternative to IELTS. Let’s check a few!
Alternatives to Giving IELTS in UK
There are various alternatives to giving IELTS. These include giving other standardised tests. Different universities have different requirements when it comes to language proficiency.
Some universities may ask you to give tests other than the IELTS, and some may not. Check with your university first before starting your application process. Some of the popular standardised tests for testing the English language are mentioned below:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a foreign language)
- PTE
- Duolingo English Test
- Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE)
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE)
Suggested: Duolingo Accepting Universities in UK!
UK Universities Accepting Admissions Without IELTS
There are various without IELTS universities in UK which accept admissions on other requirements than IELTS scores. Here is a look at the list of UK universities without IELTS requirements:
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Requirements to Study Without IELTS |
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High grades in 12th standard English. |
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Take a pre-sessional language course offered by the university. Taking a different language course in your home country, which qualifies. Re-sitting language tests in your home country to reach the required level. |
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A score of 60% or above in English subject in 12th grade. Other standardised tests like TOEFL, PTE academic, etc. |
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Provides pre-sessional English courses for those wanting to study without IELTS. |
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Take a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to meet English language requirements without IELTS. |
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You can take up an English Language course at the university’s TESOL centre where you will be prepared to reach the required score necessary for language proficiency. |
Apart from the universities without IELTS in UK mentioned above, there are many more UK universities without IELTS requirements. These are listed below:
- University of Basel
- Birmingham City University
- Riga Technical University
- Northumbria University
- University of Bolton
- University of Northampton
- University of Plymouth
- Portsmouth University
- Swansea University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Central Lancashire
- Aston University
It is recommended that you check the language requirements for particular courses you are interested in before starting the application process.
Suggested: PTE Accepting Universities in UK!
UK Student Visa without IELTS
Wondering if it’s possible to get UK study visa without IELTS? Well, it absolutely is! You can get a UK study visa without IELTS only if you provide the immigration authorities with an official document from the university you have been admitted to saying that you are eligible for a study visa without IELTS. Here are the key UK visa without IELTS requirements for Indian students:
- A document attested by your university with the statement that you can apply for UK study visa without IELTS scores.
- Acceptance letter from a university in the UK.
Students can also take the Secure English Language Test (SELT) mandated by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as valid proof of English proficiency without IELTS. These requirements will surely help you have a UK student visa without IELTS.
Suggested: How to apply for a UK Student Visa?
Getting admission in UK without IELTS makes the process much easier for international students. However, every university has its own criteria when it comes to language proficiency. Hence it is very important to check the language criteria before applying to universities in the UK. However, if you need end-to-end customised guidance at any step, choose Yocket premium. Our counsellors will surely update you about each step in the UK educational journey!
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in UK without IELTS
Ques. Is it possible to study in UK without IELTS?
Ans. Yes, it is! You can study in UK without IELTS provided that you submit proof of other documents supporting your English proficiency like your 10th and 12th-grade marks in English, scores of other standardised tests for English or pre-sessional English courses, or give an interview.
Ques. What are the UK student visa requirements for Indian Students without IELTS?
Ans. Without IELTS student visa in UK process is different from that of getting a regular student visa. You will have to show the immigration authorities an official document by the university you have been accepted to saying that you have been allowed to study in UK without giving IELTS.
Ques. Is it good to go to UK without IELTS?
Ans: Although IELTS is generally considered a prerequisite for the UK application, a good IELTS score can strengthen the UK university application. However, it can be waived off, making it possible for Indian/international students to study in the UK. There is no difference in education with or without IELTS. But one must do a thorough check of the courses and universities available without this exam.
Ques. Is IELTS mandatory for UK student visa?
Ans. IELTS for UKVI is an English language proficiency test approved for UK visa and immigration purposes. However, if you are going to study in UK without IELTS, you need to provide an official document from the university you have been admitted to saying that you have been selected for the course without IELTS. Some of the universities that provide this option are—University of Warwick, University of Bristol, University of Essex, etc.
Ques. Can we go to UK without IELTS after graduation?
Ans. After completing the degree, one can work legally in UK without giving IELTS exam. Most of the time, the British High Commission accepts students who have a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies or CAS document from a UK university to which they have applied.