• Facebook
• WhatsApp
• LinkedIn
• Twitter

To study overseas, especially in an English-speaking nation, compliance with English proficiency test scores such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, etc., plays an essential role in enrolling in universities and the visa application process. Similarly, IELTS is usually required by many universities and educational institutions to study in UK. However, various other ways exist to get admission to a UK university without providing English proficiency test scores.

Universities have some other criteria through which they assess international students’ language skills and accept their applications. In this blog, we bring you all the information about universities and courses to study in UK without IELTS.

What is IELTS?

Before discussing whether you can study in UK without IELTS or not. Firstly, let’s briefly understand about IELTS, a standardized test.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) evaluates the English language proficiency of students who desire to study abroad. This test checks students’ language ability in four areas: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

After evaluating the student’s proficiency, the bands are scored on a scale of 0 to 9. Moreover, those who are experts in any section get high bands in that particular section. After taking this three-hour test, the students get an overall band score that is accepted by various countries to allow international students to study abroad.

Is it possible to Study in UK without IELTS?

Yes, it is possible to study in UK without IELTS in certain cases. Many universities and colleges in the UK offer alternative English language proficiency tests or have specific admission criteria that exempt students from providing IELTS scores.  

Here are some ways to pursue education in the UK without IELTS:

1. English Proficiency Exemptions:

Some universities in the UK may exempt you from the IELTS requirement if you have completed your previous education in English or if English is your first language. Check with the specific university’s admission requirements to see if you qualify for an exemption. If yes, then you can study in UK without IELTS.

2. Alternative English Language Tests:

Many universities accept alternative English language proficiency tests such as the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the Pearson Test of English (PTE). Confirm with your chosen institution if they accept these alternatives. If they accept the other language proficiency tests, you can study in the United Kingdom without IELTS.

3. Pre-sessional English Courses:

Some universities offer pre-sessional English language courses for international students. Completing such a course successfully can exempt you from the IELTS requirement, as it demonstrates your ability to study in English at the university level.

4. Work Experience:

If you have significant work experience in an English-speaking environment, some universities may consider this as evidence of your English language proficiency. Check with the admissions office to see if your work experience qualifies.

5. Online Interviews:

In some cases, universities may conduct interviews during the admission process. A successful interview could prove your English language skills to the authority taking your interview.

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 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. By using all the ways mentioned above, you can study in UK without IELTS. But before applying, always check the specific admission requirements of the university and the program you are interested in, as they may vary.

20 Best Universities to Study in UK without IELTS

After discussing the ways through which students can study in UK without IELTS. You should know about various universities that offer students the opportunity to study in the United Kingdom without IELTS. More than 100 universities offer international students the opportunity to study in the United Kingdom without taking the IELTS exam. Among all of them, the 20 best universities for Indian students are as follows:

• York University
• University of Strathclyde
• University of Warwick
• University of Bristol
• University of Birmingham
• London Southbank University
• University of Dundee
• Northumbria University
• University of Bolton
• University of Northampton
• University of Plymouth
• University of Stirling
• Portsmouth University
• Aston University
• Swansea University
• Robert Gordon University
• Riga Technical University
• Sheffield Hallam University
• University of Basel
• University of Geneva

Documents required to Study in UK without IELTS

To apply to various UK universities, you are required to show certain documents such as:

• Educational Qualifications: Over 75% in class 10th and 12th (CBSE or ISCE)
• A valid Passport
• Birth Certificate
• CV
• CAS Letter
• Experience Letters (if any)
• ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
• Financial proof, including a Bank Balance Certificate accompanied by the most recent 3 months’ bank statements, a Loan Approval Letterfrom the bank, and Fixed Deposit Certificates, if applicable
• If funds are held in a parent’s account, a sponsorship affidavit from the parent may be required
• Medical Certificate from authorized UKVI certifying the medical condition of the candidate

With all these documents, you can apply to various universities to study in the United Kingdom with the IELTS requirement.

If you are also planning to study in UK without IELTS, contact our expert mentors of Yourpedia. you can also take online sessions through our website. Our expert mentors will provide the best guidance and support for the admission in abroad. Yourpedia mentors also help to reduce the financial burden of students for study abroad.