Are you planning to study in the UK? But are you worried about the IELTS exam? Wondering if you can crack the exam? IELTS is one of them and is the most common test in the UK. It is a standardized test that a student whose English is not their first language must take to demonstrate their knowledge of the English language. But now you can surpass this test! We got a good news for you! You can now study in the UK without IELTS!
Yes, you read it right! International students can now study in the UK without IELTS. As international students around the world demonstrate excellent levels of English, several UK colleges refuse to take the IELTS test for international students. So put aside your preconceived notions about “Is IELTS important for studying in the UK?”
But if you can study in the UK without IELTS, what are the other eligibility requirements? We will cover that for you, don’t worry continue reading this post till the end! Trust us, you will get all your answers by the end of this post. So, come along…
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How to study in the UK without IELTS?
IELTS is not the only way a university can test the English proficiency of applicants. There are certainly other options too that UK universities are offering to candidates who want to study in the UK but have not taken the IELTS exam.
Step 1: Application procedure
- Select the courses and universities you want to apply to.
- Check the eligibility criteria offered by the University on its official website as well as verify University rankings
- Select the University that offers the chosen course without an IELTS scorecard.
Step 2: Interview
- Once your profile gets shortlisted, you will be required to appear for an online interview conducted by the university to check your English proficiency.
Step 3: Fees payment
- Once you have cleared the interview round, you will receive a letter of acceptance from the UK college, to which you have applied. It is a confirmation that you have been selected to sign up for the program you have been interested in. The next step is to pay a tuition fee for the chosen program.
Step 4: Apply for a UK student Visa
You will be required to submit the following documents to qualify for the UK student visa process without IELTS:
- Copy of filled student VISA application form
- A letter of acceptance received from the university offering admission without IELTS
- Passport
- Copy of your financial documents to prove your financial stability during your stay in the UK.
Requirements to study in the UK without IELTS
The UK is a top destination for higher education. While IELTS is a common requirement, several pathways allow students to study without it. These alternatives can make the application process smoother and less stressful.
Key Criteria to Study in the UK Without IELTS
- If your earlier education was in English, many UK universities might waive the IELTS requirement. You’ll need a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your previous school or college.
- Universities may accept your Year 12 English scores instead of IELTS. Scoring over 70% in English in your 10th and 12th grades can be sufficient proof of proficiency.
- Some universities conduct online interviews via Skype. This interview helps assess your English language skills directly.
- A few universities have their own English exams. These can serve as an alternative to IELTS or TOEFL.
Additional Considerations
- For a Tier 4 visa, English proficiency is required. If your university accepts you without IELTS, request a document from them confirming your eligibility for the visa.
Studying in the UK without IELTS for Indian Students is possible through various routes. By meeting these criteria, you can pursue your education goals without the stress of an additional English exam.
Documents Required to Study in the UK Without IELTS
After receiving an acceptance letter from the UK university, candidates should apply for a student visa. You will be required to complete the application and pay the Immigration Health Fee (IHS), students must pay a visa fee of £348. Once the fees are paid, applicants need to make an appointment at the nearest VFS and provide biometrics along with the application and necessary supporting documents.
Here is a list of documents to fulfill UK student visa requirements for Indian students without IELTS.
- Academic Transcripts (both HSC & SSLC)
- Bachelor’s marks sheet
- Letters Of Recommendation (LORs)
- Medium of Instruction certificate (Depending on the senior year scores in English)
- Offer letter
- Provisional certificate & consolidated marks
- Resume
- Statement Of Purpose (SOP)
- Valid Passport
- Work Experience letter (if required)
Now the question is which universities in the UK do not require IELTS?
List of UK Universities/Colleges to Study in Without IELTS
Passing the IELTS exam is crucial for your stay since it’s required for a student visa, though not for university admission. Some universities now accept students without IELTS scores but may have other requirements. UK universities might let you prove your English proficiency differently. Check with the university to find out their criteria. This can save you time, money, and effort.
Here’s the list of universities/colleges where you can study in the UK without IELTS:
- Aston University
- Birmingham City University
- Birmingham City University
- London Southbank University
- Northumbria University
- Riga Technical University
- Robert Gordon University
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Swansea University
- University of Basel
- University of Bolton
- University of Bristol
- University of Central Lancashire
- University of Central Lancashire
- University of Geneva
- University of Greenwich
- University of Northampton
- University of Plymouth
- University of Portsmouth
- University of Warwick
Epilogue
So, it’s clear now that you can study in the UK without IELTS! No wonder, the UK brings a variety of exploration options, job and research opportunities, and much more that you can expect. You can achieve all these at an affordable cost compared to other popular countries. We’ve served you much, isn’t it? Now, to put all those existing doubts at the back of your mind to rest, why not ask expert professionals?
iDreamCareer is on a mission to reach every state and every child to ensure that talent is appropriately delivered to the industry.
Talk to our study abroad experts to know yourself in and out! We have helped several brilliant but confused minds to select their most-suited career choices. We have helped many students like Anjana Prasanna who was not very confident about her capabilities. Later with the help of career guidance and moral support from our study abroad experts, she got an offer from King’s College London! We have also helped several brilliant but confused minds like Aayush, and Tapan to select their most-suited career choices.
Also Read:
- MBA in UK
- LLM in UK
- MBBS in UK
- List of UK Scholarships for Indian Students
- TOEFL vs. IELTS
- Exams to Study Abroad
- Study MBBS Abroad
FAQs
Yes, it is possible to study in the UK without IELTS. To do this, you must meet the English language requirements, such as having more than 70% English proficiency in high school or passing an online interview conducted at the university, or proof of English as a medium of instruction at your school.
Applicants can obtain a certificate of English proficiency from their former university. The university letter must state that the candidate has completed all courses in English. Instead of the IELTS certificate, you can use the letter form from this university.
You will be allowed to work legally in the UK after completing your degree without an IELTS requirement. The UK Higher Commission usually accepts students who have received a ‘Confirmation of Admission to Study’ (CAS) from the UK university to which they have applied. Alternatively, applicants can submit IELTS UKVI scores with four bands, which is easier to achieve.
For a student visa, start the online application after receiving an acceptance letter from a UK university. Pay the visa application fees and the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS for biometrics and document submission. Visa processing times vary: 15 working days for standard, 5 for priority, and 1-2 for super-priority applications.
Anushree Rastogi is a Senior Content Writer at iDreamCareer, bringing over 5 years of expertise to the field of career counseling. She has done a PGDM in Marketing and Finance and possesses a unique blend of skills that allows her to craft engaging and informative content. She is passionate about helping individuals navigate their career paths and has dedicated her career to providing valuable insights through her content. Her commitment to excellence and keen understanding of the career landscape make her a trusted guide for those seeking professional direction. With a flair for clear and engaging writing, Anushree is on a mission to empower others to make informed and fulfilling career choices.
