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I know you’re one of those fellows who have been told that you cannot study in UK universities or that studying in the UK without IELTS is totally not possible. And you just clicked this article to confirm if that’s absolutely true.
Well, we’ve got some good news, although proof of English language proficiency is imminent, it is very possible to study in the UK without IELTS. In this guide, we show you the stunt to pull to make that possible.
We understand that many students give up on their studies in the UK simply because of IELTS requirements and cost. After our article on How to Study in Canada Without IELTS, we got great feedback from our readers.
Therefore, we deemed it fit to make the same available for our prospective UK student readers.
Carefully and systematically, we have put together this piece to inform you of the list of UK universities where you can study without IELTS. We also bring you alternative requirements you can use to bypass the IELTS requirements.
If that is your need, this all-in-one article will clear your doubts as well as give you the right information you seek.
Welcome Aboard Scholar!!!
What is IELTS?
IELTS is an abbreviation for the term International English Language Testing System.
It’s a harmonized language assessment examination many institutions around the world use to evaluate the English language skills of potential international students.
IELTS consists of 4 major sections which include;
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking.
Each section is as important as the other.
Usually, this test takes 3 hours to complete after which students will receive an overall score for all of their basic English language skills.
IELTS is used by English-speaking Universities in France as well as other countries to assess your English language proficiency.
And because it’s a major requirement for most schools abroad, even universities in the UK require you to write IELTS. However, there are ways to study in the UK without the IELTS exam. This you can only find if you keep reading.
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Do UK Universities Require IELTS?
Well, not all. Because the UK is a British society, English is their common language of instruction. Before admission into UK universities, IELTS may be a compulsory requirement.
However, there are some UK universities where international students can study without IELTS.
Who Can Study in the UK Without IELTS?
Although there are ways you can bypass the IELTS test and still study in the UK, some prospective students stand a better chance.
One of the reasons why IELTS or any other English language proficiency tests would be waived for you is if you are part of the exemption. What’s that? You ask. Well, some students who have had an affiliation with the English language may not need to take the IELTS test or undergo any form of an interview to validate their proficiency in the English language.
Here are the people who can get an IELTS bypass in the UK;
#1. Students who have over 70% English marks in high school
If from high school you score over 70% in English, some universities will consider your high school marks rather than IELTS.
This 70% is a general figure. Some universities have set their own High School English Pass mark for different courses.
#2. You’re Exempted from Studying in the UK Without IELTS If You Studied English As A Major.
If you studied in English Language during your undergraduate degree, then you do not need to appear for IELTS.
#3. You Don’t Need IELTS if You’re Going for Pre-sessional English Course
Some universities in the UK offer pre-sessional English courses. Pre-sessional courses are English courses students who plan to study in the UK without IELTS can go for once they get admitted.
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What are the Requirements to Study in the UK?
The requirements to study in the UK will largely depend on the institution and program level you are applying.
On a general note, you need the following documents to pay to any UK university;
- Passport.
- Resume.
- Offer Letter
- SSC Marks Sheet.
- HSC Marksheet.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Experience Letters (If any)
- Currently Working Letter
- Last 3 months’ payslips
- Letter of Recommendations-2(Date should be typed and not handwritten and not more than one month old at the time of application).
- Original Degree if more than 2 years since last Bachelor’s (Not required for UG applicants).
- Bachelor semester-wise mark sheets, Provisional certificate & consolidated marks memo (Not required for UG applicants).
- IELTS Score Card/Medium of Instructions depending on Senior year scores in English.
These are the general requirements. Some of these requirements do not apply if you want to study in the UK without IELTS. Therefore, visit the school website for more details.
How Can I Study in the UK without IELTS?
What many do not know is that IELTS is not the only way that universities who need to check English language proficiency examine the proficiency of applicants.
There are 3 major ways to study in the UK without IELTS;
#1. Enrol in UK universities who do not need the IELTS test scores.
As we established earlier, some universities in the UK do not require you to do the IELTS exam.
They don’t see IELTS as a requirement to determine whether or not you will be admitted into their institution.
If you’re looking for a way to bypass IELTS and get to study in the UK, this is a viable option for you to take.
Such UK universities that do not require IELTS l include;
- Aston University
- Bangor University
- Brunel University
- University of Essex
- Swansea University
- University of Geneva
- University of Bristol
- The University of Basel
- University of Warwick
- University of Bolton
- The University of Greenwich
- University of Plymouth
- Portsmouth University
- Northumbria University
- Robert Gordon University
- Riga Technical University
- Sheffield Hallam University
- University of Northampton
- Birmingham City University
- London South Bank University
- University of Central Lancashire
- Audencia Nantes School of Management
All these UK universities listed above rule out the IELTS requirements option.
#2. Use other English language proficiency alternative exams to substitute for IELTS.
Another option to study IELTS free in the UK is to use other English language proficiency tests. If you have heard of TOEFL or PTE, they are other English language proficiency tests.
Some UK universities rule out IELTS because they require TOEFL or any other English language proficiency tests.
Therefore, once you’ve chosen institution, visit the school’s website to determine the exact English language proficiency test they require.
#3. Resort to the Online interview
Many UK universities offer international students an alternative to an online interview. Some universities conduct online interviews to assess prospective students’ English proficiency.
Via these three major ways, international students stand a chance of studying in the UK without IELTS.
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Can I Get a UK Study Visa without IELTS
Before or when applying for a visa to study in the UK, one of the requirements is IELTS. If you’re wondering how you can bypass this protocol, this section will answer the question.
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.
Immediately, after you get the acceptance letter, you can carry out your student visa process accordingly. So how do you do that?
To bypass this, you need to provide the immigration authorities with a document from the UK university you have been admitted into that says you are eligible for a study visa without IELTS. The other requirements for a UK study visa in addition to this will get you your visa ASAP.
Here are the major requirements you need to get your UK study visa without IELTS:
- Passport.
- CAS Letter.
- Birth Certificate.
- Academic Documents
- ATAS Certificate (if Applicable)
- Your UK university acceptance letter.
- A document from the UK university you have been admitted into says that you are eligible for a study visa without IELTS.
- Experience Letters (If any): Offer Letter, Currently Working Letter, Last 3 months’ payslips.
- Acceptable Financial documents: Bank Balance Certificate along with the Last 3 months’ bank statement, Loan Approval Letter from the Bank, and Fixed deposit Certificates if any.
- Medical Certificate from a clinic approved by UKVI.
- Affidavit of Sponsorship from Parents if funds are held in the parent account.
- Aspirants can also appear for the Secure English Language Test (SELT) mandated by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as valid proof of English proficiency without IELTS.
Read Also: 10 Cheapest Universities in UK for International Students 2024
Frequently Asked Questions About Studying in the UK Without IELTS
Is It Possible To Study in the UK Without IELTS?
Yes, studying in the UK without IELTS is possible. All you have to do is adopt the three steps we stated above. A more surest way is to apply to UK universities that do not require IELTS.
Which Country Is Best For Studying Without IELTS?
Many nations accept students to study without IELTS. We cannot categorically say it’s this or that. However, we recommend countries such as
- USA
- UK
- Canada
- Germany
- Malaysia
- Australia
Can I Go To The UK Without IELTS for Work?
Yes, you can work in the UK without IELTS as long as you’re a student. All you have to do is to provide your bachelor’s or master’s level academic records. These records are used to verify that you have scored more than 70% in school or college. Moreover, you can submit IELTS UKVI with four bands.
Summary
I hope this article answers your question about studying in the UK without IELTS. Do well to visit the school website for details on the application requirements
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Thanks for your kind words. We are happy that we can be of help