You might be surprised to know that out of all popular study abroad destinations, you can study in UK without IELTS. Although IELTS is generally considered a prerequisite for your application and a good IELTS score strengthens your university application in UK, IELTS can be waived, making it possible for Indian Students to study in UK without IELTS. The nation has also embraced diverse language proficiency assessments, which promote inclusivity in higher education. Alternative language tests include TOEFL, Pearson PTE, Cambridge C1 Advanced, etc.
What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. This test is administered by the British Council, IDP education and Cambridge Assessment English. It analyses one’s English language skills to read, speak, write and listen. It is a standardised test for a student who wants to show his or her proficiency in English whose mother tongue is not English.
The maximum band that one can score in IELTS is nine, and the band is valid for two years. This exam is valid for admission to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral-level courses. The registration fee for IES is INR ₹17,000.
Eligibility Conditions to study in UK without IELTS
IELTS is not the only way that the university can examine applicants’ English proficiency. If you have not attempted the IELTS exam, there are some alternatives provided by UK universities without IELTS. The following are the substituting criteria of UK Universities without IELTS:
- Online Interview- Some institutions may ask you to join an online interview to assess your English proficiency. This could be done via telephone, Skype, or Zoom.
- English marks obtained in high school- if you have scored more than 70 per cent in English in your high school, then some UK universities without IELTS might consider your high school marks rather than IELTS. However, UK universities without IELTS have their own requirements for different courses. You can obtain more detailed information from your desired university’s official website.
- English major- if you studied a major specialisation in English while pursuing your undergraduate degree, then you need not appear for IELTS
- Pre-sessional English course- some universities offer pre-sessional English courses for those who plan to study in UK without IELTS and thus can opt for these courses once they get accepted for their chosen degree or diploma course.
- Medium of Instruction- if you have studied at an English medium school till your 12th standard, you can use it to get into some of the UK universities without IELTS. The university will ask you to provide proof of the applicant’s medium of education. These UK universities without IELTS may accept your application if you study in a school with English as the primary language of communication. If you’re applying for a master’s course, you must prove that you completed your graduation in English medium.
- Foundation programs- To help international students get ready for their degree programmes, a few UK universities without IELTS provide foundation programs. These programs contain academic coursework and their chosen subject and pre-sessional courses.
- Work experience- some UK universities without IELTS may waive the IELTS requirement if you have significant work experience in an English-speaking country and can demonstrate your English language proficiency through your professional work experience.
Documents Required to study in UK without IELTS
The documents that should be included in your checklist if you are applying to study in UK without IELTS are given below-
- Academic transcripts (grade 10, 12 and bachelors)
- Provisional certificate and consolidated mark sheets
- Medium of instruction certificates
- Experience letters (if any)
- Financial proof
- A valid passport
- Letters of recommendation
- Document issued by a clinic authorised by UKVI certifying the medical condition of an individual
- Updated curriculum vitae or resume
- Personal statement
- English language proficiency certificate, if required (PTE, TOEFL, C1)
- UK immigration history (if applicable)
- Portfolio (for design, architecture and art courses)
- Birth certificate ( if asked)
Top Universities to study in UK without IELTS
The UK is globally known and known for its highly-ranked universities, and among these known and reputed UK universities without IELTS, many accept applications from international students and give them a chance to study in UK without IELTS. Let us look at these UK universities without IELTS for Indian students which are listed below.
- Birmingham City University
- University of Bristol
- University of Edinburgh
- University of York
- University of Strathclyde
- University of Oxford
- Kings College London
- University of Dundee
- University of Birmingham
- Northumbria University
- University of Stirling
- Robert Gordon University
- Coventry University
- University of Warwick
- Queens University Belfast
- University of Hertfordshire
- Herriot-Watt University
- University of Wales Trinity Saint David
- De Montfort University
- Keele University
- Canterbury Christ Church University
- University of Gloucestershire
- University of Westminister
- Swansea University
- University of Essex
- London Southbank University
- Nottingham Trent University
- Aberdeen’s Robert Gordon University
- University of Portsmouth
- Sheffield Hallam university
- University of East London
These UK universities without IELTS require a high grade in 12 standard English, or they encourage students to take up a pre-sessional language course offered by the universities. These UK universities without IELTS also accept other standardised exams like TOEFL and PTE, so it is advisable to check the university website and start preparing accordingly.
Admission Process to study in UK without IELTS
International students applying to UK universities without IELTS to study in UK without IELTS must follow a researched guide before starting their application process-
- Step 1- research and shortlist UK universities without IELTS
- Step 2- know your deadlines
- Step 3- take the relevant entrance tests
- Step 4- gather and compile the documents
- Step 5- Follow the application instructions
- Step 6- fill out the application form and submit it to the universities
- Step 7- showcase language skills in other aspects of the application
- Step 8- Get additional support if required
- Step 9- apply for your visa
- Step 10- attend the visa interview and start planning for your journey to study overseas
Can I get a UK Student Visa Without IELTS?
Many Indian students wonder if they can get a UK student visa without attempting IELTS. Getting a UK student visa is possible without qualifying for the IELTS test. However, you must provide an alternative document from the university or college. You passed out from proving your English language proficiency and ability to communicate and comprehend in English and submit it to the immigration authorities. Here are the main requirements for the UK student visa without IELTS test scores-
- If your university accepts, you can submit a document attested by your institute stating that you can study in UK without IELTS on a UK study visa or can submit the medium of instruction document (MOI)
- The letter of acceptance from the university you are planning to study in UK without IELTS.
- Alternatively, applicants may show their English language competency without taking the IELTS by taking the SELT (secure English language test) required by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI)
- If you are applying for a master’s degree in the UK, then you can get your English language proficiency evaluated through ECCTIS (formerly known as UK NARIC). They evaluate your previous academic transcripts and check whether you meet the English language proficiency requirements of UKVI. You can use this certificate they issued instead of your IELTS score.
However, it is also important to consider that even if you get a student visa without an English language proficiency test, it might still impact your overall study experience. This is because English language proficiency is a key to effectively communicating, participating in class discussions, completing assignments and integrating into foreign countries’ academic and social environments. Therefore, writing IELTS before embarking on your study abroad journey for your student visa is highly advised.
Why is it better to take an IELTS exam?
Now that you’ve understood how to proceed and study in UK without IELTS exam, you should learn why the IELTS is necessary and why you must take it. There can be ways to proceed without an IELTS exam, but there are multiple advantages if you take it. The following are some explanations for why IELTS is better and the ways it can help you in your academic and professional contexts-
- IELTS is important for a smooth transition from school to universities abroad, especially in the UK, attaining a high score. Not only ensures your language proficiency but also fulfils university requirements for your chosen program, enabling you to adapt to a new academic environment successfully.
- The UK is a global English language fluency hub for academic scholars and daily interactions. Attempting the IELTS exam familiarises you with the local language and cultural environment, making it easier for you to fit in academically and socially over there and enhancing your overall educational and personal experience.
- For Indian students, the IELTS exams open doors to numerous scholarship opportunities and provide admissions to universities in the UK. Excellent academic merit and fluency in English help students claim scholarships to deserving candidates with high IELTS scores, increasing the likelihood of receiving such funding to aid their finances.
- It also enhances your employability as several fields, including law, medicine, and professional writing, require language ability as an essential job requirement. Showcasing your English skills can highlight your ability to communicate effectively in unprofessional workplace settings, eventually making you more appealing to employers and expanding your career prospects.
- Apart from the personal and academic factors, the IELTS exam is becoming increasingly significant as a regulatory requirement in some parts of India. This increased scrutiny of admission processes by educational institutions and immigration authorities. These regions have highlighted the importance of standardised measures of English language proficiency, with Is emerging as a reliable benchmark.
Conclusion
Acquiring admission to UK universities without IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirement can significantly streamline the process for Indian students. Nevertheless, it is imperative to note that each university has its own specific criteria for assessing English language proficiency. So, it is important to thoroughly check and verify the language requirements of the UK universities without IELTS before submitting their applications. It is always recommended that you check the university’s official website to learn all these requirements and prepare accordingly.
FAQs
Q. How can I work in the UK without IELTS?
If you want to apply for a UK post-study work visa without ILS, you can provide your undergraduate or postgraduate academic level records to verify that you’ve scored more than 70% in school or college. Moreover, for the UK work visa without IELTS, candidates can submit IELTS UKVI with four bands, which is comparatively easier to score.
Q. Are there any scholarships for Indian students aspiring to study in UK without IELTS?
Yes, scholarships for Indian students who aspire to study in UK without IELTS include the Rhodes Scholarship, Great Scholarship, Chevening Scholarship, Welcome (UK government) scholarship, and other university-specific scholarships.
Q. Does the UK accept the study gap?
Yes, the study gap is acceptable in the United Kingdom. This is because the UK is a friendly place for international students, which makes it a favourable study destination. However, one must have an outstanding academic record, work experience, and a valid reason and justification for the gap.
Q. Which is the cheapest university in the UK without IELTS?
Northumbria University is the cheapest university in the UK without IELTS. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programme.
Q. Is it possible to work in the UK with a student visa?
Yes, Indian students in the UK can work in the UK with their student visa. A full-time degree-level program will allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during this semester.