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How to Study in the UK Without IELTS?

When considering international education, the United Kingdom is one of the first countries that comes to mind.

The United Kingdom ranks second among the world’s most desirable and leading higher education destinations, with four of its universities ranking among the top ten best globally.

With world-class research and innovation, including numerous scholarships and grants, the United Kingdom holds a reputation to attract global talent for higher education.

There are also excellent employment opportunities in internships, research, and teaching assistantships, including the opportunity to work part-time to help with expenses.

As you’ll be aware, one of the most significant aspects of obtaining an education in the United Kingdom is taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (IELTS).

There are, however, ways to gain admission to some of the UK’s top universities without taking the IELTS exam.

This article discusses some of the conditions under which you can get admission without taking IELTS, including a list of universities that do so.

While IELTS is often considered a requirement for your application, and a good IELTS score enhances your UK university application, IELTS can waive off, allowing international students to study in the UK without having to take the exam.

When applying to UK universities without IELTS, students must be notified of the requirements and conditions.

What is IELTS?

The IELTS(International English Language Testing System) is a standardized language assessment test used by universities worldwide to assess the language skills of prospective international students.

This exam is divided into four sections: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

Students will receive an overall score for all of their basic English language skills after completing the three-hour test.

During the application process, English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom assess language skills through such exams.

That, however, is not always the case.

You can study in the UK without having to take IELTS!

Eligibility Requirements for Studying in the UK without IELTS

A review of your English language scores from classes X and XII

Some UK universities will consider an applicant’s proficiency in the language based on enrollment and senior secondary English scores.

Some UK universities will admit students with a grade point average of 70% or higher in the 10th and 12th grades.

Because it is the latter of the two scores, your class 12th score is sometimes only considered.

If you attended an English-medium school

An admission committee may waive the IELTS requirement if the students have used English as their medium of instruction throughout their academic careers and have overall good grades.

Conducting an interview over the phone or via Skype

Some universities prefer to speak with applicants before making final decisions on applications.

Typically, they are interviewed over the phone, which may take place at your local testing centre.

This interview will assess their English language proficiency, and if they impress the interviewer sufficiently, the university may waive IELTS.

Taking other language tests:

ELTS is unquestionably the most popular and widely accepted English assessment test in the UK.

However, many others are gaining weight these days.

You can also take the TOEFL, Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE), PTE Academic, Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), and the Duolingo English test instead.

If you have high scores on one of the other standard language tests, you can study in the UK without taking the IELTS.

Point to remember:

The tests that universities accept will be listed in the requirements section of their website.

Before taking any test, check the website of your intended university.

Taking a pre-sessional English course:

All of the above options require good English communication skills; otherwise, you will be rejected.

There is no need to be disheartened because you can study in the UK without taking IELTS even if you are not fluent in English.

Pre-sessional courses are available.

Most universities in the UK offer pre-sessional courses without IELTS to assist international students in adjusting to the new educational system.

You will learn the necessary language skills as well as classroom skills in these courses.

You will also have an easy transition into the foreign educational system. Check the website of your university to see if they offer foundational or pre-sessional courses.

For more information, you can also contact overseas education advisors. If you are unsure of your English language abilities, this is your best bet.

Let us look at the universities that provide an IELTS waiver, along with their best features.

University of Bristol

According to the rankings, the University of Bristol is ranked 9th in the United Kingdom and 11th in Europe, placing it among its top 50 universities.

For the fifth year in a row, PwC, Goldman Sachs, BP, HSBC, Rolls-Royce, Unilever, the BBC, Jaguar Land Rover, and the NHS have consistently ranked the university as one of the top five universities in the world for hiring its graduates.

Bristol has partnerships with over 40 countries worldwide in fields such as health, poverty alleviation, natural disaster preparedness, uncovering the impact of wars and migration, driving technical progress, and much more.

You will be pleased to learn that the UK-Irish collaboration recently awarded £1.6 million to promote work in quantum thermodynamics.

The university has a Global Transfer Program with partner universities around the world.

Indian universities that participate in this program include the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, the University of Hyderabad, and Jadavpur University.

The university was the first in the United Kingdom to admit men and women on an equal footing.

The university touts sustainability as a component of everything they do, including research, curricula, buildings, and student experiences.

Another institution that provides an IELTS waiver to international students is the University of Northampton.

Northampton is one of only a few universities to be rated Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which assesses the quality of education provided by colleges and private providers.

Northampton, one of the UK’s youngest universities, is bringing value to society through its social effects, which is why the university was the first in the UK to be called the Changemaker Campus in 2013.

The university’s Waterside campus is brand new.

In 2015, the university spent over £800,000 on extracurricular students who volunteered in the city.

The university was shortlisted for the third year in a row in the Times Higher Education (THE) Awards category of ‘Business School of the Year’ in 2015. The university also placed first in the Midlands Business Awards Most Enterprising University of the Year-2014.

University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is a leading university in the work and research of marine and maritime ecosystems and cultures. It has been named one of World Ocean Week 2020’s Innovators for a Sustainable Ocean.

The Queen’s Anniversary Prize was awarded to the university for groundbreaking studies on marine microplastic contamination and its effect on the environment and evolving behaviour.

Professor Richard Thompson leads the university’s study on the impact of marine plastics on our environment.

OBE has a significant impact on national and international legislation.

There is a dedicated staff to supervise students, whether you want a taught master’s program or a study degree, which gives you an advantage in your preparation and future.

The Arts Institute (formerly Peninsula Arts) at the university works to support current, new, and emerging artists worldwide.

University Of Warwick

Warwick University has been rated as the ninth-best university in the United Kingdom and is currently ranked 62nd in the world’s best universities.

Engineering, science, medicine, language, finance, law, arts, business, and theatre are among the undergraduate and postgraduate study programs available at the University of Warwick

Though the university needs proof of English language proficiency through assessments such as IELTS, you can still apply for their pre-sessional English course program and study there.

The total cost of study programs in this country is on the higher side, and we anticipate that you can pay more than £20,000 for the courses.

Swansea University

Swansea University, established in 1920, is a public university.

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2020 have consistently ranked it as Wales’ best university.

Swansea is well-known for its research-driven climate, and it has earned accreditation from many reputable organizations.

To apply for this university, you must demonstrate your command of the English language, just like the other universities on the list.

Fortunately, the presentation does not stop at standardized tests.

Apply for their pre-sessional English Language program and achieve the minimum proficiency level.

The costs for their many research programs vary from £15,000 to £35,000.

London Southbank University

The origins of London Southbank University can be traced back to the city’s rich English culture. It was established in 1892, but it only received university status in 1992.

LSBU provides a wide range of study programs in virtually every central region.

This university may be an excellent option for students who want to study in the UK without taking the IELTS exam.

You may apply to the university based on your senior year of high school or undergraduate scores and then complete their pre-sessional English course.

The majority of their courses cost between £13,000 and £15,000.

Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University, one of Aberdeen’s leading universities, was established in 1992 and is internationally renowned for courses in Technology, Architecture, and Engineering.

It is one of the top institutions to study in the UK without IELTS since it offers students the ability to participate in an 8-week pre-sessional English program to improve their language skills.

The university provides a wide variety of courses in almost every area of research, with some of the most notable disciplines being:

  • Life Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Pharmacy
  • Nursing
  • Social Work and Law
  • Business Administration
  • Accountancy
  • Social Sciences

For those who want to study in the UK without taking IELTS, Robert Gordon University offers its own RGU English Proficiency Test.

This test can be taken in your home country or take at the university before starting your program.

Other universities in the UK that grant IELTS waivers for admission are:

  • University of Greenwich
  • Birmingham City University
  • Audencia Nantes School of Management
  • Aston University, Birmingham
  • Riga Technical University
  • University of Geneva
  • Sheffield Hallam University
  • University of Central Lancashire
  • Northumbria University
  • The University of Bolton
  • Portsmouth University
  • University of Basel

Why study in the UK?

The United Kingdom has risen to prominence as one of the world’s most prominent study destinations.

The United Kingdom has plenty to give international students that other English-speaking countries cannot, with traditions of excellence stretching back hundreds of years, high-class universities on every corner, and much more versatility than many other countries.

There are many examples of why studying in the United Kingdom is an excellent option for overseas students, ranging from the tremendous academic atmosphere to the historic colleges and more!

Here are some compelling reasons to study in the United Kingdom.

World-renowned universities

Degrees from UK higher education providers are highly regarded worldwide, and there is a wide range of subjects available for students.

A degree from any British university looks impressive on a CV. Holding qualifications from the UK will be a great selling point when looking for work in the future, regardless of the industry or location.

Internationally, British higher education institutions are known for their innovative and challenging environments that encourage students to achieve their full potential.

Their standards are high, and they have experts on a wide range of academic subjects. They also rank high in international university rankings.

Excellent employment opportunities

In general, an international student can work up to 20 hours a week during the school year and ten hours when school is not in session.

It enables students to work part-time or intern, learn new skills, and raise money while studying.

Your university may also assist you in obtaining an internship as part of your course, which will undoubtedly offer you a competitive advantage when you graduate.

The UK Government has also proposed a new post-study visa, which will enable international students who graduate in the summer of 2021 to stay and work in the UK for an additional two years.

Financial benefits

When selecting the UK as a study destination, international students will benefit financially.

To begin with, a degree in the United Kingdom takes less time to complete than in other countries.

A four-year degree plus two or three extra years is needed to complete a postgraduate degree in several countries.

In the United Kingdom, an undergraduate degree takes three years to complete, and a postgraduate diploma takes an additional year (unless you are a medical or research student).

Scholarships, grants, and financial aid are available to international students studying in the United Kingdom.

Furthermore, living costs in the UK are fair, especially outside of major cities such as London.

Before applying to universities, research the region to understand the costs better, but in general, entertainment, food, and rent are less expensive than in the United States.

Unique culture

If you choose to study in the United Kingdom, you will not be bored; there is always something to do, regardless of your interests.

The United Kingdom is a one-of-a-kind country with many families with roots from all over the world.

As a result, the United Kingdom has a one-of-a-kind blend of different cultures, foods, and interests.

You will not only learn about British culture but also about other countries and cultures.

Whatever part of the UK you move to, there will be various restaurants, nightlife, shops, and sporting activities to keep you entertained.

The British enjoy visiting art galleries, bars, concerts, and open-air markets, so you’ll never be bored outside of class.

UK Study Visa without IELTS 2021

It is possible to obtain a UK study visa without IELTS if you can show the immigration authorities a document from the university where you have been admitted stating that you are qualified for a study visa.

The following are the essential requirements for obtaining a UK study visa without IELTS:

  • A document attested by your university confirming that you are qualified to apply for a UK study visa without taking IELTS.
  • Letter of acceptance from a UK university.

Aspirants may also take the Secure English Language Test (SELT), required by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), as a legitimate proof of English proficiency instead of IELTS.

UK Work Visa without IELTS

If you want to apply for a UK work visa without taking IELTS, you should include your bachelor’s or master’s level academic records to show that you scored higher than 60% in school or college.

Furthermore, applicants for the UK work visa without IELTS should apply for IELTS UKVI with four bands (all), which is easier to score.

In Conclusion

The United Kingdom one of the most prominent destinations for international students seeking to further their education. There are almost 400 universities in the United Kingdom, with over 450,000 foreign students studying there.

However, if you want to apply to a university in the UK without taking IELTS, you have just a few choices. So, keep in mind that to study in the UK without IELTS, you must have excellent written and verbal English language skills.

Throughout your academic years, make sure to maintain good grades in your English subject.

Otherwise, you could face rejection from those universities.

Scholarships to Study in the UK

British Chevening Scholarships

UK scholarships for international students funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and partner organizations. The scholarships provide full or part funding for full-time graduate programs in any subject.

Apply Now

Commonwealth Scholarships for Developing Commonwealth Countries

Scholarships for international students from developing countries in the Commonwealth, for studies at master’s and PhD level. The full list of eligible countries is available here.

Apply Now

Marshall Scholarships 

Postgraduate scholarships for US students showing academic merit, leadership potential and ambassadorial potential to study in the UK. Excludes MBAs and certain courses.

Apply Now

Amit Kumar

FreeEducator.com blog is managed by Amit Kumar. He and his team come from the Oxford, Stanford and Harvard. At FreeEducator, we strive to create the best admission platform so that international students can go to the best universities - regardless of financial circumstances. By applying with us, international students get unlimited support and unbiased advice to secure the best college offers overseas.

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