How To Study In The UK Without IELTS

Whether you like it or not, exams are an integral part of your study abroad journey. Want to study in the UK? Take the IELTS, TOEFL or GMAT. How about the US? Take the SAT, ACT or GRE. International students find it very difficult to escape the clutches of these competitive exams. But what if we told you that you can study in the UK without IELTS, would you believe us?

You definitely should, because international students can now study in the UK without IELTS! Since international students all over the world are displaying high levels of English language proficiency, many universities in the UK, are forging the mandate of putting international students through IELTS. So forget all about your preconceived notions of “Is IELTS required to study in the UK?”. Read on to find out how you can study in the UK without IELTS.

What is IELTS?

How To Study In The UK Without IELTS

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a language assessment test that is used by universities to assess the language skills of international students. The International English Language Testing System contains 4 sections –

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

The duration of IELTS is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

Many English speaking countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand take into account the IELTS scores of international students during the admission process. However, as stated earlier, this may not always be the case.

Why Do Some UK Universities Not Insist On IELTS Scores?

Consideration of your X and XII English marks.

Instead of making students appear for the IELTS, some universities in the UK consider your X and XII English marks. The marks received during these examinations are often assessed by UK universities to determine the language proficiency of international students. In order to have a good chance of getting admission to a UK based university, ensure that you have at least 70% in these examinations.

Here is a sample conversion chart provided by the Queen Mary University of London for Indian students –

% In English In CBSE or ISC Class 12th Exams Equivalent IELTS Score

60% 6.0

70% 6.5

80% 7.0

An interview conducted by your university.

Most universities in the UK, and also around the world for that matter, conduct online interviews as part of their admission process. The main intention of this interview is to gauge how serious you are about getting admission but secretly, the interviewers want to test your fluency in English. This interview process eliminates the need for IELTS scores.

English was the main medium of instruction in your school.

While applying for admission to a UK university, you can declare that you have attended an English medium school. This fact can be used as proof for your English proficiency. Of course, you will have to support this claim with your scores in your final years in the English medium schools, but this provision can allow you to study in the UK without IELTS.

Alternative language assessment tests.

If you thought the IELTS was the only standardised language assessment test that universities consider, then you’re wrong. Apart from IELTS, students can take TOEFL, the Duolingo English test, Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE) and PTE Academic. Different universities in the UK, may require students to take a particular language assessment test. So, make sure you go through the admissions process guidelines of your prospective university. Sure, this means taking an exam, but at least you can study in the UK without IELTS.

Pre-sessional English Course.

The crux of taking the IELTS is to prove you have excellent communication skills. If you don’t meet the mark, then chances are, you may not get admitted to your preferred university. However, there is no need to be dejected if your IELTS scores don’t meet the cut-off of universities in the UK. Remember, you can study in the UK without IELTS.

One of your best options is to take opt for pre-sessional courses. Many universities in the UK offer pre-sessional courses without IELTS as an option for international students to adapt to the new educational system. These pre-sessional courses are a great way to improve your English language skills, along with the needed classroom skills. Pre-sessional courses offer international students a smooth transition to the UK education system.

Check your university’s website for any foundation or pre-sessional courses. This is your best option if you are not confident in your English speaking skills.

How To Obtain A Study Visa In The UK Without IELTS

High English language proficiency is one of the requirements of your study visa process. The Immigration Office may ask you to submit your IELTS so that they can assess your language skills. However, you can avoid this if you choose to study at a university that waives IELTS. So, instead of submitting your IELTS scores, all you need to do is submit a document from your university stating that you are eligible to apply for a student visa. This proves that you can not only study in the UK without IELTS but also get a student visa without IELTS.

Universities You Can Study In UK without IELTS

Some of the leading universities in the UK have now made it possible for international students to study in the UK without IELTS. Here is a list of universities you can apply to if you don’t want to take the IELTS.

London Southbank University

London Southbank University is an excellent public university based in the bustling city of London. One of the hallmark features of London Southbank University is the placement system. The high quality of education makes students of London Southbank University highly employable. This university offers globally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in subjects such as business management, humanities, science and technologies.

Admission criteria –

For Indian students, a minimum average of 60-65% in XII examinations.

Two to three passes at GCE A-Level (minimum grade C)

International Baccalaureate Diploma (24-30 points)

Accredited UK Foundation programme (minimum 55-65%)

Accredited Polytechnic/College Diploma (two years duration – minimum grade 60%)

Tuition fees –

The fees at London Southbank University depends on the study program. Fees can range anywhere from £5,400 to £10,000. There are several scholarships available for international students, including the UniAcco Fly High Scholarship.

The University of Bristol

How To Study In The UK Without IELTS

The University of Bristol is one of the leading research universities in the UK. This university offers international students over 200 undergraduate courses from its six academic faculties. Being a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive British universities, the University of Bristol attracts thousands of international students each year. The University of Bristol has excellent undergraduate and postgraduate programs in the fields of management, finance, social sciences, law and economics.

Admission criteria –

Passed 12th grade from a recognized board or institute

A score of 75% in English in 12th class with an average of 60%

Tuition fees –

The fees structure of the University of Bristol depends on the faculty you choose –

Arts – £15,000

Science – £18,000

Clinical – £32,000

Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University is a premium public university based in the city of Aberdeen, Scotland. This university is renowned for its BA, BSc and PhD courses in the fields of business management, design and technology and health and social care. There was a time when Robert Gordon University was the UK’s leading university in terms of graduates in employment or postgraduate study six months after graduation. Students can enrol themselves in any of the 11 schools of Robert Gordon University –

Aberdeen Business School

School of Applied Social Studies

School of Computing Science and Digital Media

School of Creative and Cultural Business

School of Engineering

Gray’s School of Art

School of Health Sciences

The Law School

School of Nursing and Midwifery

School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences]

The Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment

Admission criteria –

An aggregate score of 60% or above in 12th or equivalent.

A score of 60% or above in English subject.

A diploma or certificate or equivalent from a recognized institution/board.

Tuition fees –

The tuition fees of Robert Gordon University depends on the course you choose.

Apart from the aforementioned universities in the UK, the following universities also give international students the opportunity to study in the UK without IELTS.

University of Plymouth

University of Portsmouth

Swansea University

University of Warwick

University of Greenwich

University of Central Lancashire

Aston University

Northumbria University

University of Bolton

Birmingham City University

Riga Technical University

University of Northampton

Sheffield Hallam University

We advise students to confirm IELTS exemption from universities before the application process can start.