Study in UK without IELTS
There are several reasons why international students choose to study in UK without IELTS. Mainly, the UK has many universities and that offers high quality education in a various fields, from engineering to humanities.
Secondly, UK is home to a vibrant and multicultural community that welcome students around the world, providing them with opportunities to experience different cultures and life style, develop independence, resilience, and improve their language skills.
Finally, studying in the UK provides international students with valuable access to recent technologies, research facilities, and industry connections. This can enhance their education and career prospects and help them become leaders in their chosen fields. Many UK universities and colleges now offer flexible admission policies that do not require IELTS for international students, making it easier for them to pursue their studies in the UK.
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How to Study in UK without IELTS
Being one of the leading UK education Consultants we have come across many students who are aspiring to study abroad. They usually have questions in mind like Is it possible to Study in the UK without IELTS. or Is it possible to get a UK study visa without IELTS. It is possible to Study masters without IELTS. Yes, you heard it right
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You can save valuable time & money and can still study without IELTS. Many students who wish to study in UK Universities think IELTS is Mandatory. But it’s not.
There are wide range of alternatives UK universities consider for admission without IELTS.
Here is a list of alternatives and many Universities in UK which accept International students without IELTS.
First of all, let us understand what is IELTS & how to Study in the UK without IELTS for Indian Students
What is IELTS?
IELTS Stands for International English Language Testing System.
The purpose of IELTS exam is to assess one’s English language skills to write, read, speak & Listen.
The majority of the universities in English Speaking countries like the USA, Australia, Canada & New Zealand need IELTS. Most of the Indian students who are thinking of Study abroad need to take IELTS.
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In some countries like the UK, Malta many universities accept International students and provides admission without IELTS into Universities.
To be eligible to study in UK without IELTS you need to meet English proficiency prerequisites set by the universities.
Eligibility Requirements to Studying in the UK without IELTS
There are many alternatives to IELTS depending on the country student is from. In order to get admission to Universities without IELTS, students need to prove their basic English language skills by fulfilling any of the below conditions.
Depending on Class XII English Scores
Most of the Universities that offer admission in the UK without IELTS for Indian Students depending upon their XII th English Language score. In some cases, Universities May require IELTS depending upon the Board student who studied his HSC.
IELTS requirements vary from University to University. For applicants from English-speaking country, do not require IELTS.
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- If IELTS scores requirement is overall 6.5 no band less than 5.5 student needs to have 70 & above in their high school English Language.
- If the IELTS scores requirement is 6.5 no band less than 6.0 students need to have 80 & Above in High School English Language.
- Some Universities only provide IELTS waivers for students from CBSE/ICSE Boards.
If Your previous Education is in English
Some of the Universities in the UK allow International students to study in UK without IELTS whose previous education has been done in English Medium School. In order to prove English proficiency, you need to obtain a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from a previous educational institution. It must mention you have studied your education in English Medium.
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1. University of Stirling: MOI Accepted only for PG for students who completed their 12th with in last 6-10 years with 80+ English marks. They need to provide to submit an official letter from their University or College, stating that the medium of instruction (MOI) was in English, and the student graduated within 5 years of our course start date.
2. Heriot Watt University: MOI is acceptable if English marks are less than 70%. The Medium of instruction letter (MOI) from applicant’s University / College is acceptable only if he/she had graduated in the year 2019, 2020 or 2021. University also accept English proficiency documents (MOC) from the current employer and this will be on individual basis.
3. University of Strathclyde: University is accepting only MOI to waive of IELTS requirement for PG(Must be from University, Degree must be completed within last 5 years).
4. University of Essex: MOI the maximum eligibility years is passout in last 5 years, and only from class 1 university.
5. Glasgow Caledonian University: Yes, if the UG has been completed within the last 2 years and evidence is available of MOI as English at UG, the student can request for a waiver.
6. University of Portsmouth: University of Portsmouth will accept Medium of Instruction letter (MOI) from the below Indian states for the academic year 2022-23
a) Delhi
b) Maharashtra
c) Karnataka
d) Kerala
e) West Bengal
Any student who submits a medium of instruction letter from recognized colleges/universities/educational institutions of the above-given states will be given an English language waiver. MOI will no longer be accepted from any other states.
7. BPP University: Require 70% and above in CBSE in English in Standard XII. MOI is also acceptable.
8. University for the Creative Arts: Student can also get the IELTS waiver by providing MOI if the student has completed the graduation in last 2 years .
An Online interviews
In case the student is not able to fulfill the above language proficiency conditions, University will arrange an online interview with the applicant and assess their English language proficiency. Few Universities will conduct their own online Self English Language test (SELT) to assess applicants’ English Language proficiency.
Doing a pre-sessional English Course:
For students with low IELTS scores, Universities in the UK offer Pre-sessional courses. Depending upon their IELTS Score student need to attend an English course for the duration of 6 to 12 weeks. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be progressed to their degrees. Checkout respective University website reg pre-sessional English language skills course offered by the respective University.
Top UK Universities where International Students can study without IELTS
There are around 100+ UK Universities offering admission to Study abroad in UK without IELTS, but applicants need to prove their language skills. Here is the list of Some of the top UK universities preferred by Indian students are mentioned below.
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| S.No | University Name | University Ranking 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Bristol | 11 |
| 2 | University of Strathclyde | 15 |
| 3 | University of York | 16 |
| 4 | University of Dundee | 19 |
| 5 | University of Birmingham | 21 |
| 6 | Coventry University | 26 |
| 7 | Northumbria University | 27 |
| 8 | University of Stirling | 28 |
| 9 | Royal Holloway University | 32 |
| 10 | Nottingham Trent University | 38 |
| 11 | Kingston University | 40 |
| 12 | Oxford Brookes University | 43 |
| 13 | Queen’s University Belfast | 46 |
| 14 | University of Surrey | 54 |
| 15 | Staffordshire University | 55 |
| 16 | University of Liverpool | 59 |
| 17 | University of Huddersfield | 64 |
| 18 | University of Portsmouth | 66 |
| 19 | Glasgow Caledonian University | 77 |
| 20 | Liverpool Hope University | 84 |
University Ranking Source: The Guardian
Requirements to Study in the UK without IELTS
Admission Requirements
- Successful completion of High School or Undergraduate degree from the UK or overseas which is equivalent to UK qualification in relevant discipline with at least 55% and above.
- English language skills, equivalent to CLB level B2 or higher.
Documents Required to Study in UK without IELTS
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- SSC Marks Sheet.
- HSC Marks Sheet.
- Bachelors semester-wise mark sheets, Provisional certificate & consolidated marks memo (Not required for UG applicants).
- Original Degree if more than 2 years since last Bachelors (Not required for UG applicants).
- IELTS Score Card/Medium of Instructions depending on Senior year scores in English.
- Passport.
- Letter of Recommendations-2(Date should be typed and not handwritten and not more than one month old at the time of application).
- Resume.
- Statement of Purpose.
- Experience Letters (If any)
Well Known Universities in UK for Indian Students
- Birmingham City University
- Portsmouth University
- Greenwich University
- Sunderland University
- Swansea University
- University of East London
UK Student Visa Process without IELTS.
- Once you have received an acceptance letter from UK University, you need to start applying for UK study visa on the Home Office website.
- At the time of application, you need to make sure you are applying for the right type of visa, I.e., a Student visa.
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- Upon filling application and paying Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) you need to pay visa application fees. Applicants need to book an appointment at the nearest VFS to provide Biometrics and submit an application along with required supporting documents.
- Depending upon the type of service used at the time of application it will take 2 to 15 working days to get a visa decision.
For Standard Visa applications, the processing time is 15 Working days.
For Priority applications 5 Working Days.
For Super Priority applications 1 or 2 days.
UK Study Visa Requirements without IELTS.
- Academic Documents
- Passport.
- Experience Letters (If any): Offer Letter, Currently Working Letter, Last 3 months’ payslips.
- ATAS Certificate (if Applicable)
- CAS Letter.
- Acceptable Financial documents: Bank Balance Certificate along with Last 3 month’s bank statement, Loan Approval Letter from Bank, Fixed deposit Certificates if any.
- Medical Certificate from a clinic approved by UKVI.
- Birth Certificate.
- Affidavit of Sponsorship from Parents if funds are held in parent account.
List of Universities in the UK preferred without IELTS
London Southbank University
London South Bank University is a Public University situated in London, England, established in 1982. It is situated near the south bank of the River Thames hence the name London Southbank University. LSBU offers over 140 Bachelor’s Degrees and 53 Master’s degrees full-time or part-time courses in over 33 disciplines.
London South Bank University was awarded as Entrepreneurial University of the year by Times Higher Education Awards in 2016.
London Southbank University offers an IELTS waiver for international students with 75% & above in their 12th English from the recognized higher secondary Board of Education. Whereas for Internship courses, IELTS is required Min 5.5 in Listening and Reading, min 6.0 in Speaking and Writing.
Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University, located in Aberdeen, Scotland, is a Public University and was awarded University status in the year 1992, and its history dates back to 1881. RGU offers 87 Undergraduate and 86 Post-graduate programs and has 11 departments offering various programs.
Times Higher Education named Robert Gordon University’s Aberdeen Business School as Business School of the year in 2020. Many of the university programs have been ranked no 1 in Scotland.
RGU conducts their English Language test for International students to study in UK without IELTS, which will be conducted online and costs 75GBP. If an applicant doesn’t meet entry requirements, they need to attend pre-sessional courses offered by the University.
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University is one of the best public research universities in the UK, founded in 1843. SHU offers 128 undergraduate courses and 129 post-graduate courses in over 38 disciplines.
University has been awarded the Guardian award for the student experience and by the Times Higher Education and Sunday times for the year of the teaching quality in 2020.
To Study in UK without IELTS Sheffield Hallam University is one of the best possible options for International Students. Applicants required more than 75% in English during their High School in the English Language. Alternatively, students need to complete Pre Sessional course with Distinction.
University of Central Lancashire
The University of Central Lancashire is a public university located in Preston, England, and roots back to 1828. It is one of the best affordable options for international students who wish to study in the UK without IELTS. UCLAN has a wide range of UG & PG Programs in over 45 disciplines.
As per Higher Education Statistics Agency, 95.5% of the students find employment within six months of completing their Education.
Need to have achieved 70% & above in English subject during high schooling. The last qualification should be awarded within the previous 2 years to be eligible for an IELTS waiver in UCLAN.
University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich is located in London, England. It is a Public University and houses its main campus in Old Royal Naval College and is well-reputed for its quality of Education. Founded as Polytechnic in 1890 and been moved to University status in 1992.
The University of Greenwich offers 308 undergraduate and post-graduate programs in 35 disciplines. It’s been ranked No1 Modern University in London by Times & Sunday times Good university guide 2021.
The University of Greenwich allows the possibility to Study in UK without IELTS for International applicants, provided minimum entry requirements are met. Entry requirements are as follows 70% & above in 12th English and academic percentage of 55% & above in undergraduate degree.
Q. Is it possible to study in the UK without IELTS?
A. Yes, it is possible to study in the UK without IELTS. You need to meet certain prerequisites set by University in order to be eligible for an IELTS waiver. Most commonly High school English Language marks of 70 % & Above are required.
Q. Can I get a UK student visa without IELTS?
A. Whether you have IELTS or do not have IELTS, you can get a UK Student visa based on Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) provided by UK University. This University will mention English Language assessment has been made by Higher Education institutions.
Q. Is 5.5 bands eligible for the UK?
A. You need to attend pre-sessional courses in order to be eligible for IELTS 5.5. Course duration varies from 6 weeks to 12 weeks depending upon individual band score.A. You need to attend pre-sessional courses in order to be eligible for IELTS 5.5. Course duration varies from 6 weeks to 12 weeks depending upon individual band score.
Q. What is the minimum IELTS score for the UK?
A. There are a wide variety of alternate options to get an IELTS Waiver. If you are not able to meet any of the conditions mentioned minimum IELTS needed is overall 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 to get direct admission into university without any pathway programs.
