In order to study in the UK, you must know that you need to have excellent English language skills. For this, the college will ask for proof of proficiency in the English language which is done through standard language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, or C1 Advanced. Out of these, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most preferred test by UK Universities. Here, we will discuss what are the conditions required to study in the UK without IELTS.

A student whose mother tongue is not English would generally be asked to take one of these tests in order to get admission to a UK university where English language is a prerequisite.

The IELTS is the first and most important hurdle you have to cross if you want admission in a UK university. Based on this only, the Universities will give you admission and based on this you will get your student visa as well. It is also a immigration requirement unless the University you will study in allows admission without IELTS. Yes, you read it right. There are several Universities in the UK where you can study without taking an IELTS or even an alternative English language test.

Only in specific circumstances, some UK Universities will not assess your English proficiency based on IELTS score but through a different method

If you are planning to study in UK without IELTS, then you should check which Universities will estimate your English level through the other methods. This way you will save time as well. For instance- One of the methods can be your prior education and English proficiency attained back then.

If you have studied from an English medium school, then the admission board in the UK can consider this into account as proof of your English proficiency.

So what are these conditions under which you can study in UK without IELTS:

Assessment of class X and XII English language scores

If you have studied in an English medium school then your competence in the language will be considered by the University. For instance- A student from India who is applying for admission in the UK- his/her score in matriculation and senior secondary in English will be considered. For admission in UK universities, a score of 60% or above in 10th and 12th class is needed. In some cases, the UK universities will consider only the 12th score as it’s the latter of the two scores.

If you studied in an English medium school

If a student had English as the medium of instruction throughout their academic life with overall good scores, then this can be an advantage. The admission committee of the University can waive off the IELTS requirement.

Conducting a telephone/Skype interview

The Universities before coming up with the final list of admitted students prefer speaking to the applicants themselves. This is done through a telephone or a Skype interview which will be arranged at the nearest test centre. This test will be crucial in deciding whether there is a good chance that the University will waive of the IELTS criteria or not. The interviewer will determine your English proficiency and based on that will take a decision.

Here is a list of Universities where International students can study in the UK without IELTS:

Sheffield Hallam University.

University of Warwick.

University of Basel.

Birmingham City University.

University of Bristol.

Audencia Nantes School of Management.

Riga Technical University.

University of Geneva.

London Southbank University.

Northumbria University.

Robert Gordon University.

The University of Bolton.

University of Northampton.

University of Plymouth.

Portsmouth University.

Swansea University.

University of Greenwich.

University of Central Lancashire.

Aston University, Birmingham.

An important note for all students interested in study in the UK without IELTS

In the United Kingdom, giving proof of English proficiency is one of the key requirements of getting a Tier 4 (General) student visa. As we mentioned above, there are many Universities that let you study in the UK without IELTS, then you should ask them for a written confirmation of the same and that’s how you will be eligible for the visa.

Some UK Universities will not ask for any proof of English proficiency if you had attended a English course in prior for 1 or 2 years. Also, your grades have been higher consistently. On the other hand, there are universities in UK which will not ask for IELTS but may ask you to prove your skills through another English language test.

There is another option which is nowadays offered by UK Universities which is a Pre-sessional English Course. Under this option, you can enroll yourself for these courses once you get accepted for your chosen course. You can complete the course along with your studies. This way you will not have to give IELTS and can study in the UK as well.

If you are confused about which courses are the best for you in the UK based on your interests and which university is right for you, Get2uni expert counselors are here to help you in landing the perfect course at the best university and will make study in the UK dream come true.