Is it possible to study in UK without IELTS?

Exams are inevitable battles in our educational journey. One of them that all international students will be familiar with is the language assessment test - IELTS.

It's not just the UK you can study without IELTS in too - it is possible to study in the USA without IELTS.

When exploring English language requirements for your desired university, IELTS can be one of many options.

Here, we explore how you can study in the UK without IELTS.

Is it possible to study in the UK without IELTS?

What is IELTS?
When can you study in the UK without IELTS?
Can you get a UK study visa without IELTS?
Top 10 UK Universities Without IELTS

1. What is IELTS?

International English Language Testing System, or IELTS, is a standardised language assessment test used by universities worldwide to assess their prospective international students' language skills.

This test consists of four sections - reading, writing, listening and speaking. After taking the three-hour test students will get an aggregate score on all their basic English language skills.

English speaking nations like the UK assess your language skills through such exams during the application phase. However, this is not always the case. You can study in the UK without IELTS!

2. When can you study in the UK without IELTS?

1. If English was the primary medium of instruction in your school

'English-medium' schools are pretty common nowadays in India.

If you have attended an English medium school or university, you can show that as proof of your English proficiency.

Many universities accept this based on your English medium school scores. By applying to such universities, you can study in the UK without IELTS.

2. If your university considers your X and XII English marks to assess your language skills

Many Universities in the UK also consider your class XII English subject marks to assess your language proficiency.

Ensure that you have at least 70% in final exams to be considered by primary universities in the UK.

3. If your university conducts its own interviews to assess your language skills

Most universities have online interviews as part of their admission process.

You can study in some of these UK universities without IELTS as they will use these online sessions to analyse your English language skills. In that case, IELTS scores will be unnecessary.

4. If you take another English language assessment

IELTS is definitely the most popular and widely accepted English assessment test in the UK. But there are many others that are accepted also.

You can alternatively opt to take TOEFL, Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE), PTE Academic, Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE) and the Duolingo English test.

If you have good scores in one of the other standard language tests, you can plan to study in the UK without IELTS.

Note: Universities will mention the tests that they accept in the requirements section of their website. Check your intended university’s site before taking any test.

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5. If your desired university will allow you to take pre-sessional English

In all of the above options, you need to have good English communication skills; otherwise, there is a high chance of rejection.

There is no need to be dejected as you can study in the UK without IELTS even if you are not proficient enough in the English language. You can opt for pre-sessional courses.

Most universities offer pre-sessional courses in the UK without IELTS to help international students adapt to the new educational system.

In these courses, you will gain the required language skills along with the needed classroom skills. You will also have the opportunity for a smooth transition to aforeign education system.

Check your university website to find out if they offer foundational or pre-sessional courses. You can also reach overseas education advisors for more details.

If you are not confident about your English language skills, this option is your best bet.

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3. Can you get a UK study visa without IELTS?

Yes. Though English language proficiency is one of the requirements, there is an alternative if you choose to study at a university that waives IELTS.

Instead of submitting your IELTS scores, you need to submit a document from the university stating that you are eligible to apply for a Visa.

Here are some popular universities in UK without IELTS for students starting courses at Foundation, Undergraduate and Postgraduate level.

4. Top 10 UK Universities Without IELTS

Universities for MBA in UK without IELTS

You also might be interested how you can study in New Zealand without IELTS. We have a comprehensive article that details everything you need to know!

There you have it. You can avoid sitting through yet another exam (IELTS) before you go abroad to study.

Achieve your highest IELTS score!