I am specifically looking for a country where IELTS is not required, which countries or universities can I consider in UK/Australia?
Yes, both the UK and Australia let you skip IELTS if you provide alternative proof, such as a Medium of Instruction certificate, 70 percent plus in Class 12 English, or PTE, TOEFL, or Duolingo scores. UK schools like Greenwich and Australian schools like UNSW commonly grant these waivers.
You do not have to sit IELTS to study in the UK or Australia, but you still need to prove your English ability another way. Both countries allow universities to waive the test under specific conditions, though you must weigh the university's admission rule against what the visa office will actually accept.
How You Can Waive IELTS In Each Country
| Country | Accepted Alternative Proof | Universities Known To Waive IELTS |
|---|---|---|
| UK | MOI certificate, 70 percent plus in Class 12 English, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo, internal interview | Greenwich, Northumbria, Birmingham City, Sheffield Hallam, Portsmouth |
| Australia | MOI certificate, 70 to 75 percent plus in Class 12 English, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT | UNSW, Melbourne (select postgraduate courses), Swinburne, Macquarie |
What You Should Check Before You Apply
- Never assume a waiver covers an entire university. Email the admissions office for your exact course and ask if they accept an MOI certificate or your Class 12 English score.
- In the UK, once a university accepts your alternative proof, it is noted on your CAS letter and the visa office generally does not question it.
- In Australia, be extra careful. The Genuine Student requirement means you could still face a spoken English interview even after your university waives IELTS on paper.
My Advice
Before you rule IELTS out completely, shortlist two or three universities from the table above and email their admissions team your Class 12 English marksheet to get a written waiver confirmation. If you are set on Australia, keep practising your spoken English regardless, since a shaky Genuine Student interview can undo an academic waiver you already secured.
Do you even need IELTS?
Which test, what band, or whether you can skip it. Sorted in one free session.
More IELTS questions
- Will I be able to pass the English proficiency exam given my concerns about language skills?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Can I study in the UK without IELTS, and which universities accept other English tests?
- Would you suggest me to give IELTS first before starting the application process in Germany/Italy for a Master's?
- Do I need to score well in GRE, GMAT, or IELTS to get good scholarships in top business schools for a MBA?
- Is it possible to get an IELTS exemption if my transcript states that my medium of instruction was English?
- Will you help with the IELTS application process and provide guidance on the required documents and deposits?
- Do I need an IELTS scorecard for the APS certificate required for Germany university applications?