The IELTS is generally considered as a prerequisite for your application and a good IELTS score is very beneficial to your UK university application. The IELTS in some institutions can be waived off making it possible for Indian students to study in the UK without the IELTS. International students must be aware of the set criteria and conditions of certain institutions in the UK when they can apply for their desired degree or course.
So…did you know how to study in the UK without the IELTS?
Eligibility Conditions to Study in the UK without the IELTS
-An assessment of your class scores and feedback as well as your feedback on your English language scores
Some universities in the UK will consider competence in the language of an applicant based on the score in matriculation and senior secondary in English.
In terms of admission, international students with a score of 60% or above in their 10th and 12th classes are allowed to proceed into some universities within the UK. In some individual cases, the overall score of the 12th class and feedback is taken into consideration.
-If during your academic life studied in an English medium school
If the students have spoken English or have used the language as the medium of instruction throughout their time in school and good grades overall, then an admission committee can waive the IELTS requirement for their admission.
-Conducting a telephone/Skype interview with your chosen university
Before taking that final step on applications, some universities prefer to speak to the applicants. Usually, they are interviewed over the telephone or skype calls which could be at your nearest test center. This interview can determine your English language competence altogether and if they manage to impress the interviewer in a good way, there is a higher chance that the university may waive the IELTS.
The UK universities offering admissions without IELTS as a requirement are:
- Birmingham City University
- The University of Bristol
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of Warwick
- London Southbank University
- Northumbria University
- Robert Gordon University
- The University of Bolton
- University of Plymouth
- University of Portsmouth
- Swansea University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Central Lancashire
- Aston University
However, a student may face refusal of a place on their desired course if they don’t possess the excellent verbal and written English language skills required for the university.
Is it possible to study in the UK without the IELTS as a requirement ?
Contrary to belief, there is the possibility to study in the UK without the IELTS if you apply to certain universities that have alternative requirements to get in. For instance, gaining over 60% in English class, an undergraduate degree in English, or a pre-sessional language course available upon completion for international students.
Some of the top UK universities without having the IELTS as a requirement are the University of Central Lancashire, University of Greenwich, Swansea University, University of Northampton, University of Plymouth, Portsmouth University, and Northumbria University. This article brought to you by the Kampus group will be bringing you all the information about the colleges and courses to study in the UK without having the IELTS as a requirement.
When can you study in the UK without the IELTS?
If English was the primary medium of instruction during your academic years.
‘English-medium’ schools are a common feature in India. If you have attended an English medium school or university, you can show that as proof of your English proficiency as part of your admission. Many universities in the UK accept this based on your English medium scores in your school. By applying to such universities, you can study in the UK without the IELTS.
Your university considers your X and XII English marks to assess your language skills and proficiency in English, this determines your ability to complete the degree.
Many Universities in the UK also consider your 12th class English results as a way to assess your proficiency in English. Ensure that you have at least 70% in your final exams to be considered by the universities you want in the UK.
Your university conducts its own interviews to assess your very own language capability.
The majority of universities have online interviews as part of the individual’s admission process to gauge your suitability for the course. You can study in some of these UK universities without the IELTS as they will use these online one-to-ones to analyse how well you fit into the university and if you’re actually capable of studying in the English language. In that case, IELTS scores will be unnecessary for your application.
Taking other language assessment tests as part of your application:
IELTS is definitely the most widely accepted English assessment test in the UK for university admission. But there are many other examinations gaining weightage to your application. Alternatively, you take the TOEFL, Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE), PTE Academic, Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), and the Duolingo English test. If you have good scores in one of the other standard language tests for your university admission, you can plan to study in the UK without the requirement of the IELTS.
In addition, please note that universities in the UK will mention the tests that they accept in the requirements section of their website. Check your desired university’s site before taking any test to proceed with your application.
Doing a pre-sessional English Course:
In all of the above options, you will have to withhold good English communication skills; otherwise, there is a high chance of having your application rejected in the process. There is no need to be disheartened as you can study in the UK without having the IELTS as a requirement even if you are not proficient enough in the English language. You can opt for pre-sessional courses instead.
The majority of universities in the UK offer pre-sessional courses in the UK without the requirement of IELTS to help international students adapt to the educational system in the UK. In these pre-sessional courses, you will gain the required language skills along with the needed classroom skills and etiquette. You will also have a smooth transition to the UK and European education system. Check your university website to find out if they offer any foundational or pre-sessional courses. You can also reach overseas education advisors designated at the university for more details. If you are not confident about your English language skills and capability, this option is your best bet moving forward.
Can you get a UK study visa without having an IELTS?
Yes. Though English language proficiency is one of the main requirements, there is an alternative if you choose to study at a university that waives the IELTS entirely. Instead of submitting your IELTS scores, you need to submit a document from your university stating that you are eligible to apply for a student Visa in the UK.
Here are some popular universities in the UK without the need for IELTS for students doing foundation, undergrad and postgrad courses.
How to Study in the UK without IELTS…
IELTS is not the only way that a university can examine the English proficiency of future applicants. If you haven’t taken the IELTS exam, there are some substitutes provided by universities in the UK, for instance:
Online interview: Some universities may ask you to appear for an online interview to see how you interact.
English marks obtained in high school: If you have scored more than 70% in English, then some universities will consider your high school marks instead of your IELTS. However, universities have set their own requirements for various courses. You can obtain more detailed information from Leverage Edu experts!
English major: If you studied English as a major while completing your undergraduate degree, then you do not need to appear for theIELTS.
Pre-sessional English Course: As explained above, some universities offer pre-sessional English courses for those who plan to study in the UK without giving an IELTS and thus can opt for these courses once they get accepted for their chosen degree or diploma program.
Requirements
In order to study abroad, especially in an English-speaking country like the UK, submission of English proficiency test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. plays an important role in the application procedure.
Similarly, to study in the UK, IELTS is generally needed by many academic institutions however, there is another way to get admission into the university without providing these scores.
Yes, it is possible to study in the UK without having the IELTS through the requirements below:
That you have proof of over 70% in English in High School/Class XI and Class XII or transcript of a short-term English course.
- Proof that English is the medium of instruction in your school
- Take an Online Interview conducted by the university
- An undergraduate degree in English
- Pursue a Pre-sessional English course offered by the university before starting your program in the UK
- You can apply for those UK universities that need proof of your academic records in English to gauge your language proficiency along with utilising other conditions such as taking an interview over the phone or considering those who have studied a degree or majored in English.
FAQs
Is it possible to study in the UK without IELTS?
Yes, it is possible to study in the UK without IELTS as there are a multitude of universities in the country where you can apply without language proficiency scores. These universities include Swansea University, Birmingham City University, Robert Gordon University, University of Bristol, amongst others.
Which country is best for study without IELTS?
There are many countries where international students are not necessarily required to submit IELTS scores. Some of the major countries where you can study without IELTS include the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, Malaysia, Australia, etc.
Which university does not require IELTS in the UK?
Many universities in the UK accept applications from international students without the requirement of IELTS scores. Some of these universities are Sheffield Hallam University, University of Basel, University of Bristol, London Southbank University, Swansea University, Birmingham City University, amongst others.s
Can I get a student visa without IELTS?
Once you get the acceptance letter, you can carry out your student visa process accordingly.. In order to get a student visa without IELTS, you need to first find a university that offers programs without the requirements of IELTS scores and then apply there.
