Is studying abroad without IELTS possible?
Most popular study abroad destinations require students to clear language proficiency tests. IELTS (or the International English Language Testing System) is one such test that is quite popular among foreign institutes. It measures the ability of an international student to read, write and speak English.
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That being said, there are some colleges without IELTS countries. This means that even if you have never taken the IELTS exam, you still have the chance to study abroad. Below is a list of without IELTS countries and universities. Read and start applying to universities in these countries which do not need IELTS for study.
List of Without IELTS Countries & Universities
Study in the UK Without IELTS
Studying in the UK is possible even when students do not have an IELTS score. The only difference is that they have to meet other eligibility criteria. For instance, students must have scored 70% or more in high school. Some universities also require international students to have an undergraduate degree in English or a pre-sessional language course. Students may also need to appear for online interviews to secure admission to such universities.
As for which universities in the UK offer admission with IELTS, below is the list:
| List Of Universities |
|---|
| Sheffield Hallam University |
| Birmingham City University |
| University of Warwick |
| Bangor University |
| Robert Gordon University |
| University of Lincoln |
| Brunel University |
| University of Bristol |
| The University of Bolton |
| London Southbank University |
International students can pursue undergraduate and graduate courses in various disciplines. Check their websites to know the admission eligibility criteria.
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Study in the USA Without IELTS
Regardless of what most people think, the US does have some universities that do not need IELTS exam scores for admission. Some of these top universities are:
| List of Universities |
|---|
| University of Colorado |
| State University of New York |
| University of Arkansas |
| University of Dayton |
| California State University |
| University of New Orleans |
| University of Delaware |
| University of Iowa |
To get admission to these universities, students need to either clear other language proficiency tests, such as the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) or meet the eligibility criteria of the university. For instance, some universities like the University of Colorado allow admissions to students whose native language is English. Students are also exempted from showing language proficiency proof if they have attended secondary school or/and graduate school where they were taught in English.
Study in Canada Without IELTS
While Canada does have the requirement of IELTS score in many parts, it is also one of the best choices for students who wish to study in without IELTS countires. The country has many universities and colleges that do not require this language proficiency test for admission. This is mainly for those students from countries such as India, where English is one of the primary languages. Some of the universities you can check are:
| List Of Universities |
|---|
| Brock University |
| Carleton University |
| Concordia University |
| University of Winnipeg |
| University of Regina |
| Memorial University |
| The University of Saskatchewan |
However, keep in mind that the admission process is strict for students with no IELTS score. For instance, students need to take other languages proficiency tests such as Duolingo, TOEFL, and PTE. Some universities also conduct their English language tests.
Students are also required to submit proof of English medium education for at least five years. To know more, visit the websites of these universities.
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Study in Europe Without IELTS
Not just the United Kingdom but several other European countries also offer admissions to international students without IELTS exam scores. The candidates just need to submit proof that their prior education was conducted in the English language and that they have excellent communication skills. These countries include Germany, Norway, France, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Belgium, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Cyprus, to name a few.
Here are some EU universities that give the opportunity to international students to apply to their universities without giving IELTS:
| List Of Universitas |
|---|
| University of Siegen, Germany |
| American Business School, France |
| Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy |
| Ghent University, Belgium |
| Uppsala University, Sweden |
| University of Oslo, Norway |
| University of Bergen, Norway |
| Riga Technical University, Latvia |
| University of Amsterdam, Netherlands |
This is just a small list. Make sure you go to the university’s website and check the entire application process without IELTS scores.
Study in Australia Without IELTS
Australia also has several universities that have not made IELTS scores mandatory for admissions to international students. These universities grant admissions on other factors. One of them is that the international students seeking admissions should have completed a previous degree at a school where English was the primary medium of instruction. In addition, Bond University and The University of South Australia also accept alternative language proficiency tests, such as CAE and PTE, from international students.
Below are some Australian universities students can apply to without worrying about IETLS scores:
| List Of Universities |
|---|
| University of Queensland |
| University of Adelaide |
| Macquarie University |
| University of Southern Queensland |
| Swinburne University of Technology |
| Bond University |
| University of New South Wales |
Study in Ireland Without IELTS
Studying in Ireland is possible without IELTS. Like the other without IELTS countries for studying mentioned above, this country too has universities and institutions where the IELTS test score is not mandatory for admissions. Instead, they offer other options such as alternative language proficiency tests to test students’ ability to write, read, and communicate in the English language.
Here are some Ireland universities without IELTS for international students:
| List Of Universities |
|---|
| National University of Ireland |
| Maynooth University |
| Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
| University of Limerick |
Conclusion
For many students, qualifying IELTS exam is a big obstacle in their journey to studying abroad. But thankfully, not all the universities in the world stick to these criteria. They allow other options, such as alternative language proficiency tests.
Apart from the list of without IELTS countries mentioned above, students can also go to Singapore, Japan, Romania, Malaysia, China, etc., to pursue their dream degrees. They only need to read the admission process carefully and other requirements to ensure they are prepared.
For further guidance in your study abroad journey, reach out to LeapScholar.
FAQs
What are the alternatives to IELTS?
Some alternatives to IELTS are as follows:
Pearson (PTE Academic)
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
Duolingo (DET)
Password English Language Test
Cambridge Advanced Exam (CAE)
Can I get a visa without IELTS?
Yes, you can get a visa without IELTS. You just need to submit the documents from the university you have been admitted to, certifying that you are eligible for a study visa without IELTS.
Which is the best country to study without IELTS?
There are plenty of amazing countries that offer admissions without IELTS. These include the US, Canada, the UK, France, Ireland, Sweden, China, Japan, and Italy, to name a few. You can select one based on the courses and universities aligned with your goals.
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