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Can I get a waiver for IELTS based on my 12th grade English score in UK/Ireland?

01 Sept 2026 · Answered by Pallavi Attri · 1 min read
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Yes, you can often get an IELTS waiver for UK universities using your 12th grade English score. You typically need between 70% and 85% from recognized boards like CBSE or ISC. However, top tier institutions and competitive programs like Medicine rarely grant waivers and require an official test.

Pallavi Attri
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Navigating English language requirements can feel overwhelming when you are planning to study abroad. Fortunately, many universities in the UK and Ireland may waive the IELTS requirement if your high school English scores meet their standards.

UK Waiver Criteria and Board Cutoffs

Board TypeRequired English Score
CBSE70 percent to 85 percent
ISC and CISCE70 percent to 85 percent
Select International CurriculaGrade B or higher
State Boards75 percent to 85 percent

Important Visa Rules and Irish Policies

  • Ensure your UK university explicitly states on your CAS that they assessed your English proficiency.
  • Competitive courses like Law or Medicine and top universities like Oxford and Cambridge always require a Secure English Language Test.
  • Irish universities generally require an official Medium of Instruction certificate rather than relying solely on high school marks.

My Advice

Check the specific English language requirements page for each target university to confirm their exact percentage cutoffs. Always email admissions to verify whether your board score qualifies for a waiver and will be endorsed on your CAS.

More expert answers

Thaiba Nazreen
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It depends on the university and program. Some institutions accept strong 12th-grade English marks from recognized Indian boards as proof of English proficiency and may waive the IELTS requirement.

- Many UK universities (like Kingston University London, University of Nottingham) accept CBSE or CISCE 12th-grade English scores for an IELTS waiver, if you meet their minimum percentage.
- Requirements vary by university and course, and some may still require IELTS regardless of your marks.
- Visa rules may also require a standardized English test, subject to change.

With a 7.62 GPA in 12th English, you may qualify for waivers at certain universities. For your best options, discuss your target universities and programs with your LeapScholar counsellor.

Abhishek Mehta
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It depends. Some universities may waive the IELTS requirement if you have strong Class 12 English marks, but this usually requires a minimum score - often 70% or higher.

With 64% in Class 12 English, you may not meet the typical threshold for an IELTS waiver at most institutions. Even if a university grants a waiver, visa authorities (especially in the UK) may still require an approved English test like IELTS.

Policies vary by university and country.

Premlata Shandilya
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An IELTS waiver lets you skip the standard IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test if you can show strong English skills through other means.

For Ireland, some universities may offer an IELTS waiver if you've completed a degree taught entirely in English - often accepted for degrees from countries like India. Each university sets its own rules, and you may need to provide proof, such as a letter confirming English as the medium of instruction.

Waivers are not automatic and are decided by the university’s admissions team. Check the specific requirements for your chosen program before applying.

Mona Negi
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You may be eligible for an English language waiver for MSc Financial Technology in the UK based on your 12th-grade English score of 8.1, as many UK universities accept strong 12th-grade English marks. However, waiver policies differ by university and program.

In Ireland, English test waivers for 12th-grade English are less common - most universities require IELTS or another standardized test.

Note: UK student visa rules typically require proof of English proficiency, which may still mean submitting an approved English test score even if the university grants a waiver.

Please connect with your LeapScholar counsellor to confirm waiver options for your chosen universities and get guidance on next steps.

Abhishek Mehta
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Yes, many UK universities offer IELTS waivers if you scored above 75% in English in your 12th grade from CBSE or certain state boards.

Waiver policies differ by university and program. Some may also require a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter to confirm your education was in English. Visa requirements for English proficiency are separate and may still apply, even if the university grants a waiver.

With your 85% in 12th English, you are likely eligible for these waivers.

Tejaswini B
Tejaswini B Verified
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Yes, you may be eligible for an IELTS waiver based on your 12th-grade English marks from the ICSE board.

- UK: Many universities accept high ICSE English scores (typically 70 - 75% or above) as proof of English proficiency and may waive IELTS, but this depends on each university’s policy.
- Ireland: IELTS waivers based solely on 12th-grade English marks are less common. Most universities require a standardized test or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter.
- Germany: Some universities may accept high ICSE English marks, but requirements vary by institution and program.

Admission and visa rules are subject to change.

Edayachandiran Velmurugan
Edayachandiran Velmurugan Verified
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It depends on the university and country. Some universities may waive IELTS if you have high English scores in your 12th standard, but requirements vary.

- UK: Many universities accept strong 12th-grade English scores (often 70%+ from CBSE/ICSE/ISC) for an IELTS waiver. Some may also ask for a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter.
- Canada: A few universities accept 75%+ in English for a waiver, but policies differ widely.
- Ireland: IELTS waivers based only on 12th English scores are rare; most require a standardized English test or an MOI letter.

Visa authorities may still require IELTS or another approved English test, even if the university grants a waiver. Requirements are subject to change.

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