Key takeaways
- You can study in the UK without IELTS at degree level if your university assesses your English and confirms B2 on your CAS; then no SELT is required for the visa.
- If your path is below degree level, you’ll likely need a UKVI-approved SELT (PTE academic UKVI, IELTS for UKVI, Language SELT, PSI, or Trinity in the UK).
- Professional English can satisfy the programme’s English condition and remove the need to retake external tests.
- Budget for visa funds: GBP 1,483 per month in London and GBP 1,136 per month outside London, for up to 9 months.
- Duolingo/ELLT helps with admissions, but the visa depends on what your CAS confirms. At the degree level, sponsor assessment at B2 is sufficient.
- Edvoy coordinates your admissions English route, CAS wording, financial evidence, and visa, so your application remains fully compliant and moves fast.
Did you know? You can actually study in the UK without IELTS at degree level if your university assesses your English. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about this interesting topic. Keep reading!
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Table of Contents
- Quick definitions
- Why UK universities don’t always require IELTS (and when they do)
- The most common, visa-safe alternatives to IELTS (for Nepali students)
- UK Student visa English requirement by course level
- Who does this benefit the most?
- What about the “Medium of Instruction (MOI) letters” from Nepal?
- Costs you must show
- Route map: How to study in the UK without IELTS
- SELT options (When you need one)
- Duolingo, ELLT and similar tests
- Documents checklist for Nepali students (English + visa)
- Budget check for the UK
- How the admissions team judges your English
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Before we start, let’s have a look at the most common terms first.
Quick definitions
- IELTS Academic vs IELTS for UKVI (Academic): The “for UKVI” version is SELT approved by UKVI for certain visa routes. The academic (non-UKVI) version may be accepted for admissions, but not for a visa in some sub-degree CASes. At degree level, you often don’t need any SELT if your university assesses English and confirms it in your CAS.
- CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies): Issued by your university; must confirm how your English was assessed and that it meets B2 for degree level.
- CEFR levels: An international standard for language ability. For the UK student route, B2 for degree level; B1 for below degree level.
Why UK universities don’t always require IELTS (and when they do)
At degree level, the UK student route allows a university (your student sponsor) to assess your English themselves to the required CEFR level (normally B2). If your university assesses your English and confirms B2 on your CAS, then no SELT is required for the visa.
If they do this and confirm it in your CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies), an SELT is not required for the visa. This is written into the official caseworker guidance used by UKVI.
Source: UKCISA
For below degree-level study (e.g. foundation with a separate CAS, some pathways), an SELT at B1 level may be necessary. As a rule of thumb:
- Degree level (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD): The university can assess your English and state B2 on the CAS; no SELT required for the visa if they do so.
- Below degree level: You’ll usually need an SELT (IELTS for UKVI, PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert SELT, Trinity, PSI Skills for English) at B1 or as specified by the course.
This means you can be admitted and obtain your visa without taking IELTS, provided your chosen degree level university uses its own assessment.
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The most common, visa-safe alternatives to IELTS (for Nepali students)
- University internal assessment: Many UK universities run their own English test/interview. If you pass and the university confirms B2 on the CAS, you won’t need an SELT for the visa at the degree level. Verify with your target programme’s admissions page; we’ll do that check for you.
- Accepted SELT alternatives: If your programme or CAS pathway requires an SELT, you can choose among UKVI-approved options: PTE Academic UKVI (Pearson), IELTS for UKVI (IDP/British Council test delivery), LanguageCert International ESOL (SELT), Trinity College London (in-UK only), or PSI Skills for English (SELT). These are the official SELT families recognised by UKVI. These are the official SELT families recognised by UKVI.
- Pre-sessional English courses: Many universities offer pre-sessional English for studying in the UK. If you complete it to the required grade, you can progress to your degree without retaking IELTS. The university will reflect your achievement on the CAS. (Example: The University of Kent explains that successful completion can remove the need for IELTS.)
- Duolingo English test, ELLT and others (for admission): According to the UK education system, a number of UK universities accept the Duolingo English test or the OI Digital institute’s ELLT for admissions decisions. Always check whether your specific programme and CAS route will also be visa-compliant under the student route (ie, either sponsor assessment on CAS or SELT where required).
Need personalised help? Speak to an Edvoy counsellor today!
UK Student visa English requirement by course level
| Course level | Required CEFR level | Who can assess your English | Is SELT needed for the visa? |
| Degree level (Undergraduate, Postgraduate, PhD) | B2 | Your sponsoring university can assess and confirm on CAS | Not required if the university confirms B2 on CAS |
| Below degree level (e.g. some foundation) | B1 | Usually via an approved SELT | Often required (check course/CAS) |
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Who does this benefit the most?
- You’re a strong English user but want to skip IELTS logistics: Book a university that offers internal assessment or accepts your pre-sessional completion.
- You need a fast turnaround: A university English interview/test can be scheduled quickly; we coordinate dates so you meet deadlines.
- You’re applying for below-degree pathways with a separate CAS: Pick a UKVI-approved SELT that’s offered at centres you can access or as an online proctored option where permitted. We'll check availability and the nearest approved centres with you.
Need personalised help? Speak to an Edvoy counsellor today!
What about the “Medium of Instruction (MOI) letters” from Nepal?
Some UK universities may accept MOI (or proof you studied in English) for admissions, but for the student visa, the decisive factor is what the CAS states. At the degree level, if the sponsor confirms you meet B2 (via their assessment), that satisfies the visa requirement.
An MOI letter alone is not what the visa decision is based on (separate UK government guidance about degrees taught in English applies primarily to other immigration routes). We’ll help you align your university’s policy and your visa route correctly.
Costs you must show
The UK has minimum living-cost requirements you must show for up to 9 months, depending on where you’ll study. The current official figures are higher than before, so budget carefully.
Current UKVI financial requirement for students
| Study location | Minimum living costs (per month) | Months counted | Total living costs to show |
| London | GBP 1,483 | Up to 9 months | GBP 13,347 |
| Outside London | GBP 1,136 | Up to 9 months | GBP 10,224 |
Source: GOV.UK
Note: UK student rents, especially in London, have risen rapidly in recent years, outpacing maintenance support. Plan carefully for actual market costs.
How Edvoy helps you show proof of funds
We'll walk you through bank statement rules, acceptable accounts, sponsorship letters, and currency conversions, making sure your documents meet the format, timing and balance requirements.
If you're looking for education loans, check out Funds to get pre-approved loans in just 3 days!
Route map: How to study in the UK without IELTS
Step 1 - Shortlist programmes that accept non-IELTS routes
We help you shortlist universities that either:
- Use an internal English assessment at the degree level and will state B2 on the CAS, or
- Accept pre-sessional English completion, or
- Accept UKVI-approved SELTs other than IELTS for UKVI, if needed
Step 2 - Confirm the exact English route on your offer
Before you accept an offer, ensure it clearly states either:
- “English met via university assessment” or
- “English condition can be met via pre-sessional” or
- “Accepted SELT(s) with required scores”
Step 3 - Match the visa requirement
At the degree level, we make sure your CAS explicitly confirms B2 and how you were assessed. If your pathway means an SELT is needed, we help you choose the fastest, most accessible option (PTE Academic UKVI, LanguageCert SELT, PSI Skills for English, IELTS for UKVI).
Step 4 - Prepare financial documents
You’ll see the monthly amounts shown above for up to 9 months, plus the tuition fee remainder if applicable. We’ll help you calculate timelines (eg, 28-day holding periods if required) and compile the right statements.
Step 5 - Apply for your student visa
We'll help you complete the online application, book biometrics, upload documents, and answer the TB test / ATAS (if needed) questions.
Step 6 - Accommodation and arrival
We’ll guide you on safe deposits, contracts, and realistic rent budgeting, especially for London.
Pre-sessional English: The flexible safety net
Pre-sessional is an intensive English programme for academic purposes at your university. If you pass the required level, the university waives standard test requirements for progression to your degree. Ex: The University of Kent confirms that completing their pre-sessional at the required grade means no additional IELTS test is needed.
Who should pick this route?
- You’re confident with English but want to polish your academic writing and seminar skills.
- You just missed the required score in an alternative test.
- You prefer to arrive early, settle in, and build study skills.
Also read: Courses in the UK
SELT options (When you need one)
When an SELT is required (For example, below degree level, or if your chosen university insists), you can use these UKVI-approved families:
- Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
- IELTS for UKVI
- LanguageCert International ESOL (SELT)
- PSI Skills for English (SELT)
- Trinity College London (in-UK centres)
UKVI maintains and updates the official guidance and test-centre lists. We'll point you to the newest version and a centre you can access from Nepal or neighbouring countries if needed.
Duolingo, ELLT and similar tests
Many UK universities accept the Duolingo English Test and the OI Digital Institute’s ELLT for admissions decisions. Always read the fine print: some faculties set higher thresholds, and a few programmes won’t accept these (Duolingo English Test, Oxford English Tests).
For degree-level visas, the key is that your CAS must show English at B2 and how it was assessed. If your university uses Duolingo/ELT for admissions and then confirms on the CAS that they assessed you at B2, you don’t need an SELT for the visa. If they won’t put that on the CAS (or your route is below degree level), you’ll need an approved SELT instead.
Our tip: Decide your route before you test, so you don’t waste time or money.
Need personalised help? Speak to an expert counsellor today!
Documents checklist for Nepali students (English + visa)
For admissions (English evidence)
- University internal test result/interview confirmation or
- Pre-sessional offer and later completion transcript or
- Accepted test report (Duolingo, ELLT, or SELT, where applicable), and
- Any faculty-specific requirements
For visa
- CAS stating B2 and assessment method (for degree level), or SELT where required
- Financial documents showing the monthly amounts above for up to 9 months
- Passport, TB test (if applicable), ATAS certificate (only for certain courses)
- Accommodation/contact details
Budget check for the UK
The official minimum for living costs is the visa baseline; real rents, especially in London, can be higher. A 2024-25 analysis found that the average London student rent exceeded the maximum loan for home students, highlighting broader market pressure. You're self-funding as an international student, so plan conservatively and consider cities outside London for value.
We’ll match your course interests with cities where rents and part-time work options suit your budget. If you prefer London or the southeast, we’ll target universities with on-campus or partnered housing that’s predictable and safe.
How the admissions team judges your English
Even when tests are optional, universities still look for evidence that you’ll succeed in seminars, labs and assessments. Typical indicators include:
- Your academic writing sample or statement of purpose
- Faculty interview or a short online English task
- Performance in research proposals, coding challenges (for Computer Science courses), or portfolio reviews
- Consistency with your previous medium of study and transcripts
Mistakes that may derail your applications (and how to avoid them)
- Assuming “no IELTS” means “no English proof”: Even without IELTS, you still need a university assessment or another accepted route, get that confirmed in writing and on your CAS.
- Taking a non-UKVI test when an SELT is required: If your pathway is below degree level, confirm whether an SELT is needed before you book.
- Missing the financial evidence window: Balances, source of funds, and statement dates matter. We'll check them against the latest thresholds and rules.
- Ignoring pre-sessional deadlines: Places fill up; the earlier you apply, the better your options.
- Choosing a course first, visa route second: Reverse the order: decide your English route + visa compliance first, then finalise course/offer.
Studying in the UK without IELTS is absolutely possible for Nepali students, especially at the degree level, thanks to universities offering alternative English assessments or pathways like pre-sessional English courses. With the right guidance, you can navigate these options smoothly and ensure your visa and admissions process is streamlined.
That’s where we at Edvoy help you every step of the way, from selecting universities that align with your goals to managing your visa paperwork and financial requirements. Our experts can guide you through the entire application journey.
Reach out to us today and turn your study abroad dreams into reality!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I study in the UK without taking IELTS at all?
Yes, at the degree level, many universities can assess your English and confirm B2 on your CAS, which satisfies the visa. Some programmes may still prefer a test score for admissions. We'll help you target universities that support this route.
Which English tests are officially approved if an SELT is required?
The UKVI approves particular test families, including PTE Academic UKVI, IELTS for UKVI, LanguageCert SELT, PSI Skills for English, and Trinity College London (UK centres). We’ll point you to an accessible centre and the latest list.
Does Duolingo work for visas?
Duolingo may be accepted for admission by many universities, but visa eligibility depends on your CAS. If your sponsor confirms you were assessed at B2 for a degree-level course, you don’t need an SELT. If they won’t confirm this, or your route is below degree level, you’ll need an SELT instead.
