Most 12th grade students long to study abroad. But they face difficulties because they need to take and pass the IELTS English evaluation. Multiple universities and countries provide alternative ways for students to earn their higher education by skipping the IELTS requirement. This article shows why universities need IELTS and lists the countries and schools that admit students without it. It covers ways to study abroad with alternatives to IELTS plus steps to apply. If you are someone who want to study abroad without IELTS, then this article will answer all your questions.
Why Do Universities Require IELTS?
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Universities need IELTS results to see how well students understand and use English for their studies in academic environments where English is spoken. To study and live well at university, students need to demonstrate their listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills in English. A solid understanding of English is your key to achieving good grades at school, learning from lectures, and taking an active part in class discussions.
Countries That Allow Studying Without IELTS
Many students worry that not having an IELTS score will limit their chances of studying abroad. However, many top universities in different countries provide alternatives, making it possible to study abroad without IELTS.
These universities assess English proficiency through alternative methods such as previous education in English, online interviews, preparatory courses, or other English language tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo.
Here’s a detailed guide on without IELTS countries and how you can study there.
United States
The USA is home to some of the world’s top universities, many of which offer alternative English language pathways for students who wish to study abroad without IELTS.
Alternative Options for IELTS in the USA:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI): If your previous education was in English, some universities accept this as proof.
- English Language Programs: Intensive English courses are available before admission.
- Other English Proficiency Tests: Some universities accept TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo instead of IELTS.
Top US Universities That Accept Students Without IELTS
| University Name | Alternative to IELTS |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Exempts students who studied in English for at least one year in the USA or from English-speaking countries. |
| University of Dayton | Offers an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) as an alternative. |
| California State University | May waive IELTS if the student attended an English-medium school. |
| University of Arkansas | Accepts students completing the Intensive English Language Program (IELP). |
| New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) | Accepts students based on their high school English scores. |
United Kingdom
The UK is one of the most popular destinations for international students and has several universities that allow students to study abroad without IELTS for Indians.
How to Study in the UK Without IELTS:
- High English Marks in Previous Education: If you scored well in English in 12th grade, IELTS might be waived.
- Pre-Sessional English Courses: Some universities offer these courses before admission.
- Online Interviews: Universities may assess English proficiency through video calls.
Top UK Universities That Accept Students Without IELTS
| University Name | Alternative to IELTS |
| University of Bristol | Accepts students based on previous English subject grades. |
| Sheffield Hallam University | Requires a pre-sessional English course for students without IELTS. |
| University of Warwick | Accepts students who meet specific high school English marks. |
| Birmingham City University | Conducts Skype interviews to assess English skills. |
| London South Bank University | Accepts students completing English preparatory programs. |
Canada
Canada is an attractive destination for students due to affordable tuition fees, excellent universities, and work opportunities. It is one of the top without IELTS countries for study. Many Canadian universities offer alternatives to IELTS.
How to Study in Canada Without IELTS:
- English Language Programs (ELP): Many universities offer these instead of IELTS.
- High School English Grades: Some universities accept students with strong English marks in previous studies.
- MOI Certificate: If your previous education was in English, you can provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate.
Top Canadian Universities That Accept Students Without IELTS
| University Name | Alternative to IELTS |
| University of Winnipeg | Offers an English Language Program (ELP) for students who don’t have IELTS. |
| Brock University | Provides the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) as an alternative. |
| Carleton University | May waive IELTS for students who studied in an English-medium institution. |
| University of Saskatchewan | Offers the U-PREP English course instead of IELTS. |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | Accepts students with an MOI certificate. |
Australia
Australia is a top destination for Indian students because of high-quality education and post-study work opportunities. Several universities allow international students to study without IELTS.
How to Study in Australia Without IELTS:
- English Preparation Programs (EPP): Many universities offer these courses as an alternative.
- Other English Tests: Some accept TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo instead.
- Work or Study Background: If you have worked or studied in an English-speaking environment, IELTS may not be required.
Top Australian Universities That Accept Students Without IELTS
| University Name | Alternative to IELTS |
| University of Queensland | Offers the UQ College English for Academic Purposes instead of IELTS. |
| University of Adelaide | Provides a Pre-Enrolment English Program (PEP) as an alternative. |
| Macquarie University | Accepts students completing English preparation programs. |
| Victoria University | Accepts students with previous English-medium education. |
| Bond University | Requires an online interview instead of IELTS. |
Germany
Germany is known for tuition-free education at public universities, making it a great choice for students who want to study abroad without IELTS.
How to Study in Germany Without IELTS:
- MOI Certificate: Many German universities accept a Medium of Instruction certificate.
- Completion of Previous Education in English: Some universities waive IELTS if you studied in English.
- University-Specific Language Assessments: Some universities conduct their own tests.
Top German Universities That Accept Students Without IELTS
| University Name | Alternative to IELTS |
| University of Siegen | Accepts MOI certificates instead of IELTS. |
| University of Koblenz and Landau | Offers English-taught programs without IELTS. |
| Esslingen University of Applied Sciences | Requires students to complete a university English assessment. |
| Braunschweig University of Technology | Accepts other English proficiency tests. |
| University of Kaiserslautern | Accepts students based on previous English education. |
Alternative Options to IELTS
If you’re aiming to study abroad without IELTS, you still have several options to prove your English proficiency. Many universities in without IELTS countries offer alternative assessments to determine your ability to study in an English-speaking environment. Below are some widely accepted alternatives to IELTS.
Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
A Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate is a document issued by your previous institution stating that your education was conducted entirely in English. Many universities worldwide accept this as proof of English proficiency, eliminating the need for standardized tests like IELTS.
How to Obtain an MOI Certificate?
- Request the certificate from your school or college’s administration.
- Ensure it clearly states that all instruction, coursework, and exams were conducted in English.
- Submit the document along with your university application.
Universities Accepting MOI Instead of IELTS
| Country | Universities Accepting MOI |
| Canada | University of Winnipeg, Brock University, Memorial University of Newfoundland |
| UK | University of Portsmouth, University of Essex, London South Bank University |
| Australia | University of South Australia, Bond University, Swinburne University of Technology |
| Germany | University of Siegen, University of Kaiserslautern, Chemnitz University of Technology |
| USA | California State University, University of Dayton, University of New Orleans |
Other English Proficiency Tests as IELTS Alternatives
Many abroad universities without IELTS accept other English proficiency exams. Mentioned below are some of the commonly accepted tests:
| Test Name | Accepted in Countries | Minimum Score Requirement |
| TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) | USA, Canada, Australia, UK | 80-100 (iBT) |
| PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic | Australia, New Zealand, Canada | 50-65 |
| Duolingo English Test | USA, Canada, UK, Australia | 95-120 |
| Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) | UK, Australia, Canada, USA | 160-180 |
| Oxford Test of English | UK, Europe | B2 level |
Tip: Check with the university if they accept any of these tests as an alternative to IELTS before applying.
Pre-Sessional English Courses Offered by Universities
Universities throughout non-IELTS required nations provide pre-sessional English classes for students who need English language improvement. The courses run for a limited time to teach you English skills before you start studying your regular course.
How Do Pre-Sessional Courses Work?
- Enroll in a university’s English language course before starting your degree.
- Complete the course with satisfactory grades to meet the English language requirements.
- Proceed to your chosen degree program without taking IELTS.
Universities Offering Pre-Sessional English Courses
| Country | Universities Offering Pre-Sessional Courses |
| UK | University of Birmingham, University of Glasgow, University of Leeds |
| Canada | York University, University of Regina, Dalhousie University |
| Australia | University of Sydney, Deakin University, Curtin University |
| New Zealand | Victoria University of Wellington, University of Canterbury |
Intensive English Language Programs (IELP)
Universities and language institutions establish IELP training programs to let students prepare for better English skills ahead of their actual studies. These programs are an excellent alternative for those who want to study abroad without IELTS
Key Features of IELPs
- Offered by universities and private institutions
- Duration ranges from a few weeks to several months.
- Includes grammar, speaking, writing, and comprehension training
- Successful completion allows direct admission into university programs
Universities Offering IELPs Instead of IELTS
| Country | Universities with IELP Programs |
| USA | University of Delaware, University of Oregon, Texas A&M University |
| Canada | McGill University, Simon Fraser University, University of Manitoba |
| UK | University of Edinburgh, University of Reading, University of Bristol |
| Australia | University of Melbourne, Griffith University, Macquarie University |
Studying in Universities That Do Not Require IELTS
Several universities from without IELTS countries decide not to ask for English proficiency exams from their students. They assess students through their educational background or conduct interviews to evaluate speaking ability.
List of Universities That Do Not Require IELTS
| Country | Universities Without IELTS Requirement |
| Canada | Brock University, University of Saskatchewan, Carleton University |
| UK | University of Bristol, University of Warwick, University of Greenwich |
| USA | University of Colorado, State University of New York, Drexel University |
| Australia | Bond University, University of South Australia, Macquarie University |
| Germany | University of Siegen, University of Freiburg, University of Giessen |
Steps to Apply for Universities Without IELTS
To apply to universities without IELTS, follow these steps:
- Research Universities and Programs: Search for schools that waive the IELTS requirement while offering your subject of interest.
- Check Alternative Requirements: Find out which tests and documents each university accepts instead of IELTS including MOI certificates or other English proficiency results
- Prepare Necessary Documentation: Get all your needed documents ready which includes past study results, MOI certificates, and demonstration of English skills through other test results
- Complete Application Forms: Enter each application form with precise and thorough information.
- Submit Applications: You should submit your applications before the deadlines
- Prepare for Interviews or Additional Assessments: Some universities demand both interview sessions and further testing to understand your abilities
Pros and Cons of Studying Abroad Without IELTS
Pros:
- Wider Access: Opens opportunities in institutions that focus on holistic admission criteria
- Cost Savings: Avoids the expense associated with taking the IELTS exam
- Reduced Stress: Eliminates the pressure of preparing for and achieving high IELTS scores
- Flexible Admission Requirements: Many universities offer alternative ways to prove English proficiency, making the process easier for students.
Cons:
- Limited University Choices: Not all universities waive the IELTS requirement, restricting your options.
- Additional Tests or Requirements: Some institutions may require other assessments, such as interviews or alternative language tests, which can be time-consuming
- Language Barriers: If English is not your strong suit, skipping IELTS may lead to struggles in academic coursework, making it harder to adapt to university life.
- Visa Challenges: In some cases, student visa applications may require proof of English proficiency, and IELTS is a widely accepted standard. You may need to provide an alternative, such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
Conclusion
You can study internationally without facing IELTS testing because it helps students access education overseas while skipping English language exams. Major universities throughout the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany let students show their language skills with classes before the semester begins and alternative tests apart from IELTS.
By skipping IELTS, you save time and money, but reduce your choices of universities and face added admissions criteria. To study abroad without IELTS, check universities offering alternate admission programs then verify if they accept your English language skills.
You can achieve university admission success in without IELTS countries with guidance from Transglobal’s expert counselor team. Get in touch with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible to study abroad after the 12th without IELTS?
Students can enroll at numerous universities even if they do not have IELTS test results. Universities let students demonstrate their English proficiency through other tests or interview results instead of IELTS.
2. Which countries allow students to study without IELTS?
Countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Germany have universities that accept students without IELTS. They offer alternatives like internal language tests, previous English-medium education, or foundation programs.
3. What are the alternative English proficiency tests to IELTS?
TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English Exams, and university-specific tests serve as alternatives to IELTS. Some universities also conduct their own language assessments or accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificates.
4. Are foundation or pathway programs a good option for studying abroad without IELTS?
Yes, foundation or pathway programs help students meet language and academic requirements. These programs improve English skills and provide direct entry into degree courses at partnered universities without needing IELTS.
5. Do some universities accept students based on English-medium education in school?
Universities across the globe approve students who pursued their entire education in English. To prove English skills, universities need a Student of Origin school documen,t which makes the IELTS exam unnecessary.
6. Which universities offer admission without IELTS for international students?
Many universities, including the University of Winnipeg (Canada), Swansea University (UK), and the University of Adelaide (Australia), offer admission without IELTS. They accept alternatives like TOEFL, PTE, or MOI certificates.
7. What are the visa requirements for studying abroad without IELTS?
Visa requirements vary by country. Many countries demand students to provide evidence of their English skills through an MOI certificate or an alternate evaluation. Several institutions may need your university to offer to prove IELTS is not needed. Always check specific country regulations.
8. What documents are needed for university admission without IELTS?
Required documents include an MOI certificate, academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, a passport, and recommendation letters. Some universities may also require an English proficiency test result or an interview.
