Studying UK Universities without IELTS is a dream come true, a lifetime opportunity for many of our Indian students as well as the preferable country for International students as well but there’s a call as many other universities in the United Kingdom ask for the IELTS Score, which counts as a part of the process in their admission.
This is why the question often arises? If we don’t have IELTS, what should we do? Is there any other alternative? To answer this question, Yes, you have plenty of different options and top-notch universities in the UK where you can study without taking IELTS; that’s why we’ve brought you the UK Scholarship Program for our bright Indian students.
In this piece of content, we’ll discuss the things related to IELTS and their alternatives, Universities in the United Kingdom accepting without IELTS, the Application process, Visa and Documentation, Tips, etc. So, without wasting much time, let’s Scroll!
How is it possible to study at UK Universities without IELTS?
Yes, it is possible to study at UK Universities without IELTS under two conditions:
- If you have graduated or completed your education that was done in English medium, to prove this proficiency, you need a Medium of Instruction, i.e., an MOI certificate from your previous institution.
- If you have scored more than 70 % in English you can get admission in the UK without taking IELTS.
What Are Other Alternatives for English Proficiency Tests?
To study in UK Universities without IELTS, other alternative options are required for English proficiency tests.
- UKVI IELTS (Academics): UKVI IELTS (Academic) is a variation of the traditional IELTS test designed for visa and immigration purposes. This test can help you to get a UK student visa.
- Duolingo English Test: DET is an IELTS Alternative. It can be taken online via a computer and webcam.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic): Pearson Test of English is a Computer based test designed to assess candidates’ English skills, consisting of 4 sections i.e., Speaking, Writing, Reading, and Listening. The minimum requirement is 59 (depending on the University). Also, for training and upskilling, you can join one of our best PTE Coaching in Delhi.
- Password English Language Test: Password English Language Test by CRELLA, i.e., The Center for Research, is recognized as an IELTS alternative test.
- Cambridge Advanced Exam: To pass this exam, you need to score at least around 60%, with a minimum of 40% in the reading section and 20% in the other three sections.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): TOEFL is one of the alternatives to IELTS. The total duration for this test is about 4 hours, taken either online with a computer or paper-based test. It is accepted for immigration purposes in some countries like the US, UK, Australia, and Europe. The minimum requirement is 92-100 (depending on the course).
Need help choosing the right English proficiency test? Reach out to our consultants for personalized guidance and support.
Top 11 Universities to Study in the UK without taking IELTS.
1) University of Plymouth
Plymouth University is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom as it ranks in the top 5 best universities in the UK, with almost 150 partnerships with 26 countries in the world.
Plymouth offers scholarships to more than 18500 students with an addition of 2500 staff members, whereas Plymouth has 2000 international scholars coming from hundreds of other, different countries.
It has an 85 % acceptance rate, which is why it is considered one of the best UK Universities without IELTS.
Throughout the year October, January, and April are the only months when you can get admission at Plymouth University. Fees included for UG Degrees are INR 14.61 lakhs to INR 17.49 lakhs, and for PG’s, the fee is around 22.74 lakhs INR.
| Official website | https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/ |
| Address | Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK |
| Contact No | +44 1752 585858 |
| Review | 4.2 |
| Total International Students | 3000 |
| Exams Required | TOEFL/ IELTS/ PTE |
| Accommodation expenditure | 5268 Pound for 1 Sharing UG / 4838 Pound for 1 sharing PG |
| Ranking | 401-500 for 2023 / 551-600 in the world |
2) University of Portsmouth
The University of Portsmouth is one of the best universities in the UK. Portsmouth has been given 5 stars for teaching, employability, internationalization, facilities, inclusiveness, arts & culture.
Portsmouth is awarded an overall rating of gold for the TEF 2023, i.e. Teaching Excellence Framework. 70-80 % is acceptance rate, making it somewhat selective at the time of admission.
Studying at the University of Portsmouth is considered as one of the best UK Universities without IELTS.
The University of Portsmouth has earned prestigious AACSB accreditation for the outstanding quality of its Business and Management Education.
| Official website | https://www.port.ac.uk/ |
| Address | Winston Churchill Ave, Southsea |
| Contact No | +44 23 9284 8484 |
| Reviews | 4.1 |
| Total International Students | 6500 |
| Exams Required | TOEFL/ IELTS/ Duolingo |
| Accommodation expenditure | 1 Sharing UG for 6200 Pound / 4 Sharing PG for 6720 Pound |
| Ranking | 501-600 as per QS World University Ranking 2024 / 558 in Global Universities US News & World Report in 2023. |
3) Swansea University
Swansea University has ranked 298 in QS World University Rankings 2025, considering it one of the best Universities that offers more than 4,000 international students from almost 130 countries.
Here, the students can enjoy the top-notch quality of excellent housing facilities and world-class sports facilities, as well as benefits including teaching, upskilling, and industry links.
Swansea University received the most prestigious award, the Queen’s Anniversary Prize, for the second consecutive time. It has a 14% acceptance rate which makes it more difficult and much tougher to get into these universities for admission. Studying at Swansea University is considered as one of the best UK Universities without IELTS.
| Official website | https://www.swansea.ac.uk |
| Address | Singleton Park, Swansea |
| Contact No | +44 (0)1792 205678 |
| Reviews | 3.9 |
| Total International Students | 20831 (2016) |
| Exams Required | IELTS/ PTE |
| Accommodation expenditure | 2 Sharing UG for 5400 Pound / 1 Sharing PG for 8313 Pound |
| Ranking | 307 as per QS World University Ranking 2024 / 463 in World University ranking in 2023 |
| Application Deadline | For semesters 1st and 2nd Dec 3, 2023, and July 31, 2024 Final UCAS semester 1st and 2nd is Dec 22, 2023, and Sep 6, 2024 |
4) The University of Warwick
The University of Warwick ranks among the top 10 universities in the UK. It ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK according to the QS World Ranking.
It is said that students who graduated from Warwick are within the top 10 for highest earnings. From 2022 to 2023, the number of students enrolled at the University of Warwick was 28,622. It has a 14% acceptance rate.
As per the standards of International Scholars or students, the University of Warwick has offered admission to over 9500 students from almost 147 countries.
It is ranked 9th institution in the world for its sustainability efforts, which is why studying at the University of Warwick is considered as one of the best UK Universities without IELTS.
| Official website | https://warwick.ac.uk/ |
| Address | Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom |
| Contact No | +44 24 7652 3523 |
| Reviews | 2.9 |
| Total International Students | 9325 |
| Exams Required | IELTS/ PTE/ GMAT/ GRE |
| Accommodation expenditure | 1 Sharing UG for 5016 Pound / 1 Sharing PG for 8100 Pound |
| Ranking | 104 in QS 2023 till declining. |
| Application Deadline | Take admission through UCAS, currently, it's closed. |
5) London South Bank America
London South Bank America offers around 2000 international students coming from more than 130 countries. It ranks in the middle of 851-900 as per the QS World University Rankings 2024, awarded under the Top Global Universities.
For admission, Scholars and students must go through the English proficiency test and other requirements related to admission, which is why studying at London South Bank America is considered as one of the best UK Universities without IELTS.
It has a 17% acceptance rate, which means that admission to these universities is very competitive.
| Official website | https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/ |
| Address | 103 Borough Rd, London SE1 0AA, United Kingdom |
| Contact No | +44 20 7815 7815 |
| Reviews | 3.43/5 |
| Total International Students | 2000 |
| Exams Required | IELTS/PTE |
| Accommodation expenditure | 1 Sharing UG for 7684 Pound / 1 Sharing PG for 7684 Pound |
| Ranking | 601-800 in 2023 and 801-1000 as per QS World University 2024 |
| Application Deadline | For UG, the deadline is July 5, 2024 / PG application deadline is July 5, 2024 |
6) University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich ranks in the middle of the 671-680 as per the QS World University Rankings 2024 awarded for the Best Global Universities. Greenwich has a 41% acceptance rate for the class until 2027.
It has almost 18,943 students whereas 2642 students are nearly about 14% of the population of students at Greenwich University, which makes it one of the best UK Universities without IELTS.
| Official website | https://www.gre.ac.uk/ |
| Address | Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, London SE10 9LS, United Kingdom |
| Contact No | +44 20 8331 8000 |
| Reviews | 4/5 |
| Total International Students | 2642 |
| Exams Required | IELTS/ PTE |
| Accommodation expenditure | 1 Sharing UG for 5054 Pound / 1 Sharing PG for 5054 Pound |
| Ranking | 801-1000 in 2023 and 651-700 as per QS World University 2024 |
| Application Deadline | For UCAS courses will start from Jan End 2024 |
7) University of Central Lancashire
The University of Central Lancashire, also known as UCLan, is one of the cheapest universities in the UK, offering education and accommodation at a very low price when it comes to affordability.
Preston campus students at UCLan get guaranteed housing and free access to the gymnasium facilities, such as membership and fitness classes. It has almost 42000 staff and a student community, which is why it is considered to be the best UK Universities without IELTS.
It has a 23% acceptance rate, which means it is very competitive to get admission here. It has almost 38,000 students at the University of Central Lancashire.
| Official website | https://www.uclan.ac.uk/ |
| Address | Fylde Rd, Preston PR1 2HE, United Kingdom |
| Contact No | +44 1772 201201 |
| Reviews | 3/4 |
| Total International Students | 2000 |
| Exams Required | IELTS/ PTE |
| Accommodation expenditure | 1 Sharing UG for 3524 Pound |
| Ranking | 1239 in 2023 as per World University Ranking |
| Application Deadline | For the September intake, mid-July 2024, and November End 2024 for the January Intake. |
8) Aston University
Aston University offers admission that has almost 3000 international students from almost 120 countries. It ranks at 446 in Best Global Universities.
At Aston University, students must take an English proficiency test and other requirements to enter the university. It has a 55% acceptance rate, making it less competitive, which is why Aston University is considered as one of the best UK Universities without IELTS.
| Official website | https://www.aston.ac.uk/ |
| Address | Aston St, Birmingham B4 7ET, United Kingdom |
| Contact No | +44 121 204 3000 |
| Reviews | 4.1/5 |
| Total International Students | 3000 |
| Exams Required | IELTS/ PTE |
| Accommodation expenditure | 1 Sharing UG for 6677 Pound/ 1 Sharing PG for 7940 |
| Ranking | 485 in 2022 / 401-500 in 2023/ 446 in 2024 |
| Application Deadline | The deadline for the UG application is Oct 16, 2024. For graduate application, it is Dec1,2024 |
9) Northumbria University
Northumbria University comes under the top 10 universities in the UK, ranking 548th on the list of best global universities. It has a 63 to 85.5 % acceptance rate, which makes it less competitive, and it is considerably one of the best UK universities without IELTS.
| Official website | https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/ |
| Address | Ellison Pl, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom |
| Contact No | +44 191 232 6002 |
| Reviews | 4.0/5 |
| Total International Students | 8500 |
| Exams Required | IELTS/ PTE |
| Accommodation expenditure | 1 Sharing UG for 5422 Pound/ 1 Sharing PG for 6807 |
| Ranking | 708 in 2023 |
| Application Deadline | Jan End, 2024 Late application deadline: Jun-End 2024 |
10) Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University has a ranking of 801-1000 as per QS World Ranking 2024; It has a 22% acceptance rate. Robert Gorden University charges INR 14 Lakhs to 17 Lakhs for the UG course and INR 15 Lakhs for the PG course, considered as one of the best UK Universities without IELTS.
Official website https://www.rgu.ac.uk/
Address Garthdee House, Garthdee Rd, Garthdee, Aberdeen AB10 7AQ
Contact No +44 191 232 6002
Reviews 4.0/5
Total International Students 8500
Exams Required IELTS/ PTE
Accommodation expenditure 1 Sharing UG for 3939 Pound/ 1 Sharing PG for 8036
Ranking 801-1000 as per QS World University Ranking
Application Deadline For undergraduates, its Dec 15, 2024 / For PG’s its Jan12, 2025
11) University of Bolton
The University of Bolton has 2179 students and a country ranking of 122. It has students from 120 countries. It was ranked No. 1 in the North West during the year of 2022. Studying in the University of Bolton is considered as one of the best UK Universities without IELTS.
| Official website | https://www.rgu.ac.uk/ |
| Address | University of Bolton, A676 Deane Rd, Bolton |
| Contact No: | +44 1204 900600 |
| Reviews | 4.4/5 |
| Total International Students | 9,251(2009) |
| Exams Required | IELTS/ PTE/ Duolingo |
| Accommodation expenditure | 1 Sharing UG for 6345 pounds/ 1 Sharing PG for 6345 |
| Ranking | 120-130 ranking 2017 to 2021 |
| Application Deadline | The UC to PG courses deadline is Dec 15, 2024 / and the UCAS (UG) deadline is Jan 31, 2024 |
Documents required to study in the UK without IELTS
- 10th and 12th Marksheet /Bachelor’s Marksheet / Provisional Certificate MOI
- Passport/Letter of Recommendations / Resume
- Statement of Purpose/Offer Letter / Experience Letter (if any)
How can I apply for UK universities without IELTS?
- Research and Choose Programs for UK Universities without IELTS.
Research for the lists of UK Universities or arrange a free consultation with Transglobal Overseas so that you can get detailed information related to the Application Process for students who are applying for UK Universities without IELTS. There are different other programs and Universities/Colleges to select from UK Universities, Look at your options, that fit right for you. - Check eligibility & application details for UK Universities without IELTS.
After researching and selecting the Program/ Course and University/College. You must fulfill eligibility criteria that involves English proficiency, academic, financial and other requirements. - Gather documents that fulfill the eligibility Criteria.
By Selecting Documents that fulfill the eligibility criteria involves an academic transcript, CV/Resume, SOP, LOR, and other Exams/Tests that are related to the English Proficiency test such as IELTS/TOEFL/PTE (if any) - Apply to UK Universities without IELTS
Apply to the University/ College that fulfills the eligibility criteria.
By making the payment online through credit card or debit card, it can be easily done, sometimes the application process may get complicated, to avoid that situation you can connect with Transglobal Overseas Education Consultants. - Wait for Offer Letter
Till the time being, you’ve applied for the offer letter, The University will send you an offer letter, that is the formal document sent to those students whose application have been approved by the faculty of UK University into their respective program/course.
- Apply for a student visa.
After being accepted by a particular university/ college, you need to apply for a study permit from UKVI i.e. UK Visas and Immigration.
The UK visa application process can be a bit complex, in that case you can connect with our counselors, they will help you to complete the study process of UK Universities without IELTS. - Visa Approval.
The moment your Visa gets approved, you will receive your UK Student Visa via email. Visa is valid until your studies are over or the course of completion is done. - Booking Tickets, Arrangements for travel and accommodation.
The moment you’ve received your study permit, look for the prerequisites i.e. the travel and accommodation needs to be done at foremost, make sure you’ve booked your flights and proper arrangements for the accommodation are done in advance, especially when you’re planning to study in a popular city or town. - Land in the UK and start your college journey.
Once you’ve reached there in the UK, you must Inform/ Report to the authority of School/college/University before you are going to join the class, make sure that you get familiarized with the policies and procedures to participate in the student community or course curriculum.provided by the specific university or college.
Get in touch with us and take the first step today to achieve your dream of studying in UK!
Conclusion:
It’s easy to study in UK without IELTS as you can choose other alternative options like MOI, a high score in English, and other English proficiency tests like TOEFL and PTE. Keep in mind that you have all other necessary documents like an academic transcript, MOI, passport, and recommendation letter.
FAQ’s
Which is the cheapest university in the UK without IELTS?
UCLan is one of the cheapest universities in the UK which offers education and accommodation at a very low price. It offers guaranteed housing and other facilities like free access/membership to the Gym.
Can I get a student visa without IELTS?
Yes, you can get a UK student visa without IELTS. IELTS is required for university admission only. Once you have the offer letter/confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) from the university, you can easily apply for your student Visa.
Can I study for a PG diploma/ MBA in the UK without IELTS?
Yes, you can study for the PG Diploma/ MBA in the UK without IELTS. The eligibility score is 70% in English studies as per the 12th standard exams, plus the undergraduate score or GPA should be above 6.0. Some universities conduct online interviews such as Skype (interviews) to evaluate English proficiency tests.
What are the short-term courses in the UK without IELTS?
Courses like Business administration, Journalism, Marketing, BA Psychology, Graphic Media Design, Hospitality Management, International Law, and Business Analytics are some of the short-term courses in the UK without IELTS.
How long does it take to get a student visa for the UK in 2024?
It generally takes 5-10 working days to get a student visa for the UK in 2024
Where can I find scholarships and financial support to study in the UK?
To study Abroad with a financial Aid scholarship! Redirect to our Scholarship to study in the UK in 2024
