What is IELTS?

Expanding to the International English Language Testing System, the IELTS is created to assist you in working, studying, or migrating to a nation where English is the native language like the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

It's a type of test that evaluates the English levels of people who wish to work or study in English-speaking nations. You should know that this four band (writing, reading, speaking, and listening) test is conducted per universal standards. You require scoring at least the minimum score for acceptance in the state/private industry or institutions.

Is IELTS Required for UK?

It would be best to give the IELTS to study or work in native English countries, including the United Kingdom. So, after setting yourself up to study in the UK. We advise you to ensure that you are fully prepared.

Firstly you need to prove a specific English proficiency in speaking and writing. You can successfully do it by passing the IELTS test. Remember that it varies according to your university & course. You will require a Tier 4 Visa to study in the UK, for which you require to score the minimum set by your institute. 

Study in UK Without IELTS for Indian Students 2022

Usually, it would help get a minimum IELTS score to go along with your visa application. However, if you have failed the IELTS after countless efforts or could not achieve the minimum score, there is a workaround. 

Here are the TOP 4 ways to Study in UK Without IELTS:

Class XII English Marks: Most universities will accept you based on your XII marks, except for HSC. (Some universities require IELTS), for a minimum 6.5 score, you need to have 70% or more if you scored under 6.0 and at least 80% if you scored 5.5. Please also note that some universities offer IELTS waivers only if your school board is ICSE or CBSE.

Previous Education in English: Some UK universities offer IELTS waivers. If you have completed your schooling from English medium, in such cases, you need a Medium of Instruction (MoI) certificate from your school, stating the same.

Online interview: If you don't match the above criteria, your university can also conduct an online interview to check your English language level. Some universities work on their Self English Language Test (SELT) to evaluate your English skills.

A Pre-Sessional English Course: If your IELTS score is below the university's minimum standard, you can also take a pre-sessional English course. Depending upon your score, you will require to attend English classes for at least six weeks up to 12 weeks, after which you can progress with your degree program. First, however, you will have to check your university's website to learn more about its test.

UK Universities without IELTS

Many universities in the UK offer excellent courses for International students without the IELTS. For such universities, the students may either give another test such as PTE or TOEFL or use a workaround method suitable for them.

Keeping it in mind, here is a list of the top 20 UK universities that don't require IELTS.

  • The University of Bristol.
  • The University of Strathclyde.
  • The University of York.
  • The University of Dundee.
  • The University of Birmingham.
  • Coventry University.
  • Northumbria University.
  • The University of Stirling.
  • Royal Holloway University.
  • Nottingham Trent University.
  • Kingston University.
  • Oxford Brookes University.
  • Queen's University Belfast.
  • The University of Surrey.
  • Staffordshire University.
  • The University of Liverpool.
  • The University of Huddersfield.
  • The University of Portsmouth.
  • Glasgow Caledonian University.
  • Liverpool Hope University.

Quick Read: TOP Universities in UK for Indian Students

UK Universities without IELTS Requirement

Now, if you are sure that you wish to study in the UK without IELTS. You need to fulfil some requirements.

Below we have given all the requirements you must fulfil to study in the UK without IELTS.

  • You need to have evidence stating that you have scored at least 70% in English in class XI and class XII or a transcript of a short-term English course.
  • You need to prove that the English language was the medium of instruction in your school.
  • You can take an online interview conducted by a university in the United Kingdom.
  • You can have an undergraduate degree in English.
  • You can pursue a pre-sessional English course offered by the university before commencing your degree in the United Kingdom. 

Alternative English Proficiency Test Accepted by UK Universities except for IELTS

Universities that accept students without the IELTS need to give alternative tests to prove their English proficiency. Each university may accept another alternative test depending on their standards.

Below is a table stating the university name, alternative exams & minimum scores for your reference.

Name of university Alternative test (s) Minimum scores
University of Bristol
Depends on course Depends on profile
University of StrathclydeN/AN/A
University of YorkC1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, PTE Academic, TOEFL IBT, Trinity ISE III, Duolingo, Language Cert, GCSE, IGCSE, or O Level English Language with Grade C or Grade 4Depends on course
University of DundeePTE UKVI, ETS TOEFL iBT, Trinity ISE, or LanguageCert SELT59, 78, ISE II Merit, or B2 Communicator High Pass
University of BirminghamTOEFLDepends on course
Coventry UniversityPearson, Trinity College London, or LanguageCertDepends on course
Northumbria UniversityPTE Academic or equivalentDepends on course
University of StirlingCAE, CPE, PTE, iBT TOEFL, Trinity ISE, Aptis, or IELADepends on course
Royal Holloway UniversityPTE, Cambridge ESOL, TOEFL iBT, or OCTOE English TestDepends on course
Nottingham Trent UniversityPTE Academic, CPE, CAE, OTE, TOEFL iBT, KITE, GCSE, or IGCSE54, 180, 169, 120, 62, 426, Grade C, or Grade (or B)
Kingston UniversityN/AN/A
Oxford Brookes UniversityTrinity College LondonDepends on course
Queen's University BelfastTOEFL iBT, CPE, CAE, IESOL, IGCSE (0522, 500, 0510, 0511), Password English Language Test, DET, PTE Academic, Trinity (ISE III, ISE IV), IB Diploma (English A, English B), HKCEE, HKDSE, HKUEE, IQAET, IELA, IESOL, UCIEGCE O Level English Language, MELAB MTELP, NCUK IFY, or WAEC Senior School Certificate.Depends on course's English level
University of SurreyDET, or TOEFL iBT90 or 59
Staffordshire UniversityPassword English, Trinity College London ISE II, TOEFL iBT, PTE, International Baccalaureate, City & Guilds ESOL International, IGCSE English, Cambridge International English GCE O Level/GCSE, GCSE English Language Literature, NCUK International Foundation, Kaplan International Foundation, Study Group International Foundation, Cambridge Education Group International Foundation, or Oxford International English Test6.0, pass, (17, 20, 18, 17), 51, 5, pass, C, A-C, C, C, 60, 50, 50, or B2
University of LiverpoolSELT, Non-SELT, Partner University of Liverpool TestDepends on course
University of HuddersfieldCambridge English Advanced, PTE, GCSE/GCE O Level, or IBC, 51, C or must have completed the diploma at HL
University of PortsmouthTOEFL, TOEFL iBT, PTE, TCL, C1 Advanced, Duolingo, ECPE, LanguageCert, or OIETCDepends on course
Glasgow Caledonian UniversityTOEFL, PTE, CAE, or ISE78, 54, C, or Level III pass
Liverpool Hope UniversityTOEFL iBT, KITE, Pearson, CEE, Cambridge ESOL, OTE, or Trinity ISEDepends on course

UK Study Visa without IELTS

You need to get a Tier 4 UK Study Visa to study in the United Kingdom; to get the Visa without IELTS, you need to fulfil some other requirements, including your proof of finances, passport, academic documents, and more.

UK Student Visa requirements for Indian students without IELTS 

To Study in the United Kingdom, you need a Tier 4 UK Student VisaYou can apply for it without the IELTS.

To apply for the UK Student Visa without IELTS, you need to fulfil these criteria.

  • You must show your academic documents.
  • It would be best if you had a valid passport.
  • You can show offer letter, currently working letter, and last three months' payslips, if you have any work experience.
  • You need to submit an ATAS certificate. (If asked)
  • You must have a CAS certificate.
  • You need to give proof that you can financially support yourself and your dependents (if any) by showing acceptable financial documents. They include a bank balance certificate and the last three months' bank statement, loan approval letter from the bank, and fixed deposits certificate. (if any)
  • You need a medical certificate from a clinic approved by the United Kingdom Visa and Immigration. (UKVI)
  • You need an Affidavit of Sponsorship from your parents if your funds are held in their checking account. 

How to Work in the UK without IELTS?

To work in the UK, you need a Skilled Worker Visa. For this Visa, unless you are from an English-speaking country, have studied in a British school, or have a degree in English, you need to take the test from one of the providers to prove your language proficiency.

If you don't wish to give the IELTS, you can provide another test. But it would help if you were alright because you only need a B1 level English, which is very low. For example, in IELTS, it means scoring 4 out of 9 in each band. So see, it's deficient, and you won't have any issues passing the test. 

Quick Read: Intakes in the UK

FAQ

We conclude by saying that studying in the United Kingdom without the IELTS is possible and becomes much easier if you take the help of AECC. We can help you select the best institution & course in a foreign land, plus more services to help you realize your international education dreams.