The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is one of the most popular English language proficiency exams often required to pursue higher education at international universities. However, studying in the UK without meeting the IELTS requirements is possible in a few cases. So, let’s understand through this guide how international students can study in the UK without IELTS and more.

Key Highlights

• How can you study in a UK university without IELTS?
  • Previous education in English
  • Class 12th English scores
  • Appear for an online interview
  • Enrolment in a pre-sessional English score
• Popular UK universities offering admission without IELTS score
• Documents required to study in the UK without IELTS
• How to apply without IELTS in the UK universities 2024

How can you study in a UK university without IELTS?

IELTS is not the only way to examine the English proficiency of aspirants for a university. Varsities offer admissions to international students across programs without IELTS when the following criteria are met:

• Previous education in English: International students can study in the UK without IELTS if they have done their previous education (bachelor’s in case they want to enrol in a master’s degree program) from an English medium institute. For this, aspirants have to submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from the previous institution as proof of English proficiency.
• Class 12th English scores: If students score over 70% in English in class 12th, UK universities can consider this as proof of their English proficiency and offer them admission without IELTS. A few UK institutes even ask for a minimum 70% English score requirement in class 10th to offer admission without IELTS.
• Appear for an online interview: Few universities may ask students to appear for an online interview to assess their English abilities. Cracking this interview is important to get admission without IELTS in the UK universities.
• Enrolment in a pre-sessional English course: Another way to study in a popular UK university without an IELTS score is by enrolling in pre-sessional English courses. These programs aim to improve the English speaking, writing, reading and listening skills of international students so that they can meet the language requirements for the chosen study program. Once the pre-sessional course is completed, they can take the direct entry into their preferred course without the IELTS score.

Last but not least, some UK universities even accept other English language proficiency tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Pearson Test of English (PTE), C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency exams for master’s degree programs. However, it is advised to check the university and course-specific requirements before appearing for any language test.

Popular UK universities offering admission without IELTS in the UK

To study without IELTS - universities in the UK:

• The University of Essex
• University of Plymouth
• University of Central Lancashire
• University of Northampton
• University of Geneva
• University of Bristol
• University of Portsmouth
• University of Warwick
• University of Greenwich
• University of Bolton
• Birmingham City University
• Aston University
• Robert Gordon University
• Northumbria University
• London South Bank University

Kindly note that this is not an exhaustive list.

Documents required to study in the UK without IELTS

Submit your application form with the following documents for pursuing a master’s degree program from a UK university without IELTS:

• Bachelor’s degree from a reputed university
• Academic transcripts (degrees and certificates)
• MOI certificate or appear for other English language proficiency exams, such as TOEFL, PTE, C1, or C2
• Standardised exams like Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
• Letters of Recommendation (LOR)
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Resume
• Work experience (if any)
• A valid passport

How to apply without IELTS in the UK universities 2024?

• Conduct extensive research to find the university offering the study program of your choice.
• Understand university and course-specific requirements and admission deadlines to clear the entrance exams accordingly.
• Keep your application form ready by attaching the necessary documents, such as LOR, SOP, etc., and submit it either online or offline.
• Apply for the student visa after receiving a confirmation letter from the university.

At this moment, are you wondering if getting a UK student visa without IELTS is possible? The answer is yes. You can get the visa if you have an acceptance letter from the university stating that you are allowed to study a chosen course in the UK without IELTS. 

So, if you are willing to study in the UK, but the rising education cost is bothering you, you opt for an education loan. At Avanse Financial Services, we offer an education loan for abroad studies that covers the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation expenses, cost of learning devices, travelling costs, and other education-related expenses. If you have any queries regarding the application process, education loan rate of interest, etc., get in touch with us today!