If you have decided that you want to study in a British university you must know that you need to show impeccable skills in the English language. You definitely should…because international students can now study without IELTS in the UK!
There are standard examination tests that measure the level of your English skills and suitability in the duration of British university. The most common test in the UK is the IELTS. The IELTS is the standard test a student whose first language is not English is required to take in order to show his proficiency in English.
The IELTS test is the first thing you need to pass when you start the application procedure for a British university. Taking the IELTS is important because your stay in the UK, as well as your studies, will depend entirely on this. This English proficiency is a student visa immigration requirement that universities have no effect on. But did you know that there are some universities where you can study in the UK without IELTS or even an alternative admission test?
In some specific circumstances, some British universities may not assess your English proficiency through the standard tests but can assess in a different way.
You must check or enquire if your university estimates your English level through various assessments so you can avoid taking an IELTS and save time or heartbreak for yourself. For example, one of these methods can be by looking at the different mediums your prior education was done.
If you have studied in a school where your tutor was giving instructions in English in your classes, the admission board in the UK may take this into account as evidence that your English proficiency is convincing.
Here are just three situations below at which a university may waive the IELTS for you in order to be considered for admission:
- They can only take into consideration your English score that you achieved in high school. More so, they may only focus on the scores you achieved in senior year. If your score in English during your 10th and 12th was above 60% some particular universities can accept your application or put it into consideration without IELTS.
- The second opportunity is what we already mentioned. Your prior education in English that was taught in your school. Nowadays there are many schools elsewhere that offer higher education in the English language. If you have attended your high school and your scores were excellent, the British university may not request an IELTS for instance.
- Another way the IELTS can be avoided is by having an online interview with the university’s admissions team. Some universities may ask you to give an online interview through Skype or Zoom so they can assess your English level in person without having to take the IELTS.
An important note to add: Your English proficiency is one of the main requirements to get a Tier 4 (General) student visa… So if you happen to find a university that waives off the IELTS test for you, you must ask them to hand you a document that you’re eligible to take this visa.
However, please note that some universities may not ask you to prove your English proficiency if you had been attending a course prior for 1 or 2 years and your grades have been higher. In addition, there are universities that may not specifically ask for the IELTS, but they may ask you to prove your English level and proficiency through other examination tests.
Whether you like it or not, exams are an integral part of the beginning of your study abroad.
Wish to study in the UK?
Take the IELTS, TOEFL or GMAT. How about studying in the US? Take the SAT, ACT or GRE. International students find it very difficult to escape the clutches of these competitive exams to enter university.
But what if we told you that you can study in the UK without IELTS, would you believe that this is true?
It is more common nowadays that international students all over the world are displaying high levels of English language proficiency, many universities in the UK are forgoing the procedure of putting international students through IELTS. So put all your preconceived notions of “Is IELTS required to study in the UK?” out the door. Read on to find out how you can study in the UK without IELTS.
What is IELTS?
How Do I Study In The UK Without IELTS?
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a language assessment test that is used by British universities to assess the language skills of international students wishing to study in the UK. The International English Language Testing System has 4 sections to complete during 2 hours and 45 minutes:
- Reading
- Writing
- Listening
- Speaking
Many English speaking countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand take into account the IELTS scores of international students while in the admission process. However, as stated earlier, this may not always be the case, and you can possibly get a UK study visa without being restricted by an IELTS.
How To Obtain A Study Visa In The UK Without IELTS
A high English language proficiency level is one of the requirements for your study visa application. The Immigration Office may ask you to submit your IELTS so that they can assess your english language proficiency. However, you can avoid this process if you choose to study at a university that waives IELTS for admission. So, instead of submitting your IELTS scores for admission, all you need to do is submit a document from your university stating that you are eligible to apply for a student visa in the UK. This proves that you can not only study in the UK without IELTS but also get a UK study visa without IELTS to start studying.
Are there Universities You Can Study In the UK without the IELTS Requirement?
Some of the leading universities in the UK have now made it possible for international students to study in the UK without the IELTS requirement. Here is a list of UK universities without IELTS you can apply to if you don’t want to take the 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