If you have decided to study at a British institution, you should be known that you have be fluent in the English language. There are assessment exams that are used to assess your level of English proficiency. The IELTS is one those exams, and it’s the most prevalent test within the UK. The IELTS is the standard exam that a student whose native language isn’t English must take to demonstrate their English competence.
Would you believe us if we told you that you could study in the UK without taking IELTS?
You should because overseas students can now study in the UK without taking the IELTS! Because foreign students around the globe demonstrate excellent levels of English language competency, multiple colleges in the United Kingdom are abandoning the task of putting overseas students through IELTS. So, you can put aside your preconceived beliefs regarding that “IELTS is essential to study in the UK?” Continue reading to learn how to study in the UK without taking IELTS.
What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardised language examination used by universities around the world to assess potential international students’ language ability.
This test is divided into four parts: reading, writing, listening and speaking. After finishing the three-hour test, students will are given an overall score for all of their fundamental English language abilities. Exams like this are used to assess the student’s language abilities in English-speaking countries such as United Kingdom.
However, this isn’t always the case. You can study in the United Kingdom without taking the IELTS. Continue reading to find out more.
What are the Top UK Universities without IELTS?
Multiple institutions in the UK’s large spectrum of highly ranked and famous universities admit overseas students without the requirement of IELTS.
Here is a list of all UK institutions that do not require IELTS:
· The University of Essex
· University of Central Lancashire
· University of Greenwich
· Swansea University
· University of Northampton
· University of Plymouth
· Portsmouth University
· Northumbria University
· Robert Gordon University
· University of Bolton
· London South Bank University
· University of Geneva
· Riga Technical University
· Audencia Nantes School of Management
· University of Basel
· University of Bristol
· Birmingham City University
· University of Warwick
· Brunel University
· Sheffield Hallam University
· Aston University
· Bangor University
Can we get a UK Visa Without taking the IELTS?
Can you acquire a student visa to the UK without taking the IELTS? Yes, you can receive a UK study visa without the IELTS provided you can show the immigration authorities a certificate from the university where you have been admitted stating you are eligible for a study visa without IELTS. The following are the main conditions for a UK student visa without IELTS:
A document verified by the university stating you are eligible to apply for a UK study visa without any IELTS results.
Acceptance letter from a UK university
Without taking IELTS, applicants can take the Secure English Language Test (SELT), which is required by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
How to Study in UK without IELTS?
IELTS is not the sole tool for an institution to assess candidates’ English competence. If you haven’t taken the IELTS exam, institutions within the UK offer you various options. Consider the following IELTS replacing their criteria supplied by UK universities:
Online interview: certain universities may request you to participate in an online interview so they can evaluate your English skills.
High school English grades: If you have achieved more than 70% in English in high school, some universities can examine your high school results rather than the IELTS. Universities, on the other hand, sometimes have their own standards for some courses.
If you’ve majored in English as the main specialisation while earning for your undergraduate degree, you may not need to take IELTS.
Pre-sessional English Course: As previously stated, some institutions offer pre-sessional English courses for students who want to study in UK without taking the IELTS and can then enrol in these courses once approved for their desired degree or diploma programme.
- UK Student Visa Process without IELTS.Once you have received your acceptance letter from an UK University, you need to start applying for a 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, for example, a student visa.
Upon filling out your application and paying Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) you need to pay the fees for your visa applications. Applicants will need to book an appointment at the nearest VFS to provide Biometrics and submit their application along with the required supporting documents.
Depending upon the type of service being used at the time of application it will take up to 2 to 15 working days to get a decision on your visa.
For Standard Visa applications, normal processing time usually takes 15 Working days.
For Priority applications can take up to 5 Working Days.
For Super Priority applications it’s 1 or 2 days.
UK Student Visa Requirements without IELTS.Needed academic Documents
- ATAS Certificate (if Applicable)
- Experience Letters (If any): Offer Letter, Currently Working Letter, at least within 3 months’ payslips.
- Passport.
- CAS Letter.
- Acceptable Financial documents include Bank Balance Certificate along with the Last 3 month’s bank statement, A loan Approval
- Letter from Bank, Fixed deposit Certificates if any.
- A Medical Certificate from a clinic approved by UKVI.
- Birth Certificate.
- Statement of Sponsorship from Parents if funds are held in parent account.
- List of Universities in the UK preferred without IELTSHow to Study in UK without IELTS?IELTS is not the only way that a university can test the English proficiency of applicants. If you haven’t been given the IELTS exam, there are alternatives provided by universities in the UK. Let’s take a look at the substituting criteria of IELTS offered by UK universities:
Online interview: Some universities may ask you to appear for an online interview to assess your English proficiency.
English marks obtained in high school: If you have scored more than 70% in English in your high school, then some universities will consider your high school marks rather than IELTS. However, universities have set their own requirements for different courses. You can obtain more detailed information from Leverage Edu experts!
English major: If you studied English as a major specialization while pursuing your undergraduate degree, then you do not need to appear for IELTS.
Pre-sessional English Course: As elaborated above, some universities offer pre-sessional English courses for those who plan to study in UK without giving IELTS and thus can opt for these courses once they get accepted for their chosen degree or diploma program.
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Eligibility Requirements
To study abroad especially in an English-speaking country, submission of English proficiency test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc. do play a important role in the application procedure. Similarly, to study in the UK, IELTS is going to generally be needed by many academic institutions but there are other ways to get admission into an English university without providing these scores.
Yes, you can study in UK without IELTS through the following requirements:
- 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 as the medium of instruction in your school
- Take an Online Interview conducted by the university of your choice
- An undergraduate degree in English
- Pursue a Pre-sessional English course offered by the university before starting your program in the UK
- Note: You can apply for those UK universities that need proof of your academic records in English to gauge your language proficiency along with utilizing other parameters such as taking a telephonic interview round or considering those who have studied a degree or majored in English.UK Universities Without IELTS Explained!Now, we can explore some of these major universities in the UK that offer students admission without IELTS in further detail.
International students that are applying to UK universities must follow the well-researched guide before starting their application process:
Step-1: Shortlist Courses and Universities
The primary step in the application process is to shortlist universities and courses according to your academic profile and preference. Students can make a shortlist courses and universities through AI-Course Finder and generate a list of universities where they are more likely to get through and plan their application process.
Step-2: Know Your Deadlines
The next step is to know the exact deadlines of universities and colleges in the UK you are applying for. International students must take their application process well in advance (one year to 6 months before the actual deadline). This ensures students can fulfil the college requirements such as SOP, letters of recommendation, English proficiency tests, funding/scholarship options, and accommodation.
Step-3: Take Entrance Tests
This step in the application process for UK universities requires students to take tests such as, TOEFL,IELTS, PTE, or GRE/GMAT/LNAT/BMAT/MAT (for some courses). In some universities, students will be given submit scores for SAT or ACT exams. A new addition to English proficiency tests is the Duolingo Test which allows students to take the exam from the comfort of their homes and is accepted across the world.
Step-4: Compile Your Documents
The next step is to compile all the required documents and test scores for the application process. This means students should start writing their SOPs, getting letters of recommendation from teachers and other recommendations, helping to arrange their financial statements along with other documents like tests scorecards. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, students must download their vaccine certificates and specify the administered vaccine for the application.
Step-5: Get Started with Your Application
Once you have all the documents in place, then student can start the process either directly or through UCAS. Students applying to UK universities that accept direct applications can start by applying through the official university website. They must select the courses, pay their application fees, and start the online application process.
List of Scholarships in UK
Here is a list of some of the best scholarships for Indian students who are aspiring to study in UK without IELTS:
- Rhodes Scholarship
- Great Scholarship
- Chevening Scholarship
- University of Plymouth UK Scholarship
- Welcome (UK Government) Scholarship
- UK Bristol University Scholarships
- The University of West England Chancellor Scholarship
- University of Westminster Scholarships
- The University of Sussex International Scholarships
- Nottingham Trent University Scholarships
- University of Birmingham Scholarship
India’s Largest Study Abroad Scholarship
FAQs
Is it possible to study in UK without IELTS?
Yes, it is possible to study in UK without IELTS as there is 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 studying 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 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
Can I get a student visa without IELTS?
To get a student visa without IELTS, you must find a university that offers programs without the requirements of having IELTS scores and then apply. Once you get have an acceptance letter, you can carry out your student visa process accordingly.
Can I go to the UK without IELTS for work?
If you want to apply for a UK work visa without taking the IELTS, you must provide your bachelor’s or master’s level academic records to verify that you have a score more than 70% in either school or college. Moreover, for the UK work visas without IELTS, applicants can submit IELTS UKVI with four bands (all) which can make it easier to score