Many people have questions like "Is it possible to study in the UK without IELTS?" Is it possible to obtain a UK visa to study without IELTS? You can study for masters with or without IELTS. You heard it right is possible to save time and money while still studying without IELTS. Many students who want to study at UK universities believe that IELTS is mandatory. It's not. There are many options available to UK universities for admission, including those that do not require IELTS. Below is a list of alternative universities and UK universities that accept international students. Let's first understand what IELTS is and how to study in the UK without it
What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. The IELTS exam is designed to test one's English language skills in writing, reading, speaking, and listening. Most universities in English-speaking countries such as the USA, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand require IELTS. IELTS is required for most Indian students considering studying abroad. Many universities in the UK and Malta accept international students. You must meet the university's English proficiency requirements to be eligible for study in the UK without IELTS.
Eligibility to study in the UK without IELTS
Depending on where the student is from, there are many options for IELTS. To get admitted to institutions without IELTS, students must demonstrate basic English language abilities.
Based on Class XII English Scores
Many universities in the UK admit Indian candidates who do not have IELTS. This is determined by your 12th English Language score. Depending on the Board student who has completed his HSC, Universities may require IELTS.
The requirements for IELTS vary from one university to the next. English-speaking applicants do not need IELTS.
- Students must have 70 or more in high school English Language if their IELTS score is 6.5.
- Students must have 80 or more in high school English language if the IELTS score requirement is 6.5.
- Some universities only offer IELTS waivers to students who are from CBSE/ICSE boards.
If your previous education was in English
Many UK Universities allow international students to study at UK universities without IELTS. This is if their previous education was in English Medium Schools. To prove your English proficiency, you will need to have a certificate from an institution that has a medium of instruction (MOI). It should mention that you studied English Medium.
- University of Stirling: MOI is accepted only for PG students who have completed their 12th within the last 6-10 years and received 80+ English marks. They will need to send an official letter from the College or University stating that English was the medium of instruction and that the student graduated within five years.
- Heriot-Watt University: MOI is acceptable if English marks are less than 70% Only if the applicant has graduated in 2019 or 2020, then is the Medium of Instruction (MOI) acceptable. The University will also accept English proficiency documents from the current employer. This will be done on an individual basis.
- University of Strathclyde: University accepts only MOI for IELTS requirements for PG (Must be from University. Degree must have been completed in the last 5 years).
- University of Essex: MOI The maximum eligibility years are passed out in the last 5 years and only from a class 1 university.
- Glasgow Caledonian University: If the UG was completed in the last 2 years, and there is evidence of MOI at UG, the student may request a waiver.
Any student who submits a medium of instruction letter from recognized colleges/universities/educational institutions of the above-given states will be given an English language waiver. MOI from other states will not be accepted.
- BPP University: Minimum 70% in CBSE English Standard XII. Also, MOI is acceptable.
- University for the Creative Arts: Students can get the IELTS waiver by providing MOI if they have completed their graduation within the last two years.
Online interviews
If the student cannot meet the language proficiency requirements, the University will conduct an online interview and assess their English language proficiency. A few universities will offer an online Self-English Language Test (SELT), which is an online test that assesses applicants' English Language proficiency.
Pre-sessional English Course
Universities in the UK offer Presessional courses for students with low IELTS scores. Students must take an English class for 6-12 weeks, depending on their IELTS score. Students will receive their degrees upon successful completion of this program.
IELTS-free Universities in the UK
There are more than 100 UK universities that offer admission to study abroad in the UK. However, applicants must prove their English proficiency. Below is a list of some of the most highly rated UK universities that Indian students prefer.
S.No |
Name of the University |
University Ranking 2021 |
1 |
University of Bristol |
11 |
2 |
University of Strathclyde |
15 |
3 |
University of York |
16 |
4 |
University of Dundee |
19 |
5 |
University of Birmingham |
21 |
6 |
Coventry University |
26 |
7 |
Northumbria University |
27 |
8 |
University of Stirling |
28 |
9 |
Royal Holloway University |
32 |
10 |
Nottingham Trent University |
38 |
11 |
Kingston University |
40 |
12 |
Oxford Brookes University |
43 |
13 |
Queen's University Belfast |
46 |
14 |
University of Surrey |
54 |
15 |
Staffordshire University |
55 |
16 |
University of Liverpool |
59 |
17 |
University of Huddersfield |
64 |
18 |
University of Portsmouth |
66 |
19 |
Glasgow Caledonian University |
77 |
20 |
Liverpool Hope University |
84 |
What qualifications are needed to study in the UK?
- Successful completion of a High School or Undergraduate degree in the UK or abroad, which is equivalent to a UK qualification in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 55%.
- English language skills equivalent to CLB Level B2 or higher
Documents are required
- SSC Marks Sheet.
- HSC Marksheet.
- Semester-wise marks sheets for bachelor, Provisional Certificate & consolidated Marks memo (Not required to apply for UG).
- If your last Bachelor's degree was less than two years ago (Not required for UG applicants).
- Based on senior year English scores, IELTS Score Card/Medium Of Instructions
- Passport.
- Letter of Recommendations-2(Date should be typed and not handwritten and not more than one month old at the time of application).
- Resume.
- Statement of purpose
- If you have experience letters, please let us know.
- Offer Letter
- Currently working letter
- Last 3 months' payslips
UK Student Visa Process with or without IELTS
- After you have been accepted by the UK University, you can apply for a UK study visa online at the Home Office.
- You must ensure that you apply for the correct visa type, such as a Student visa, at the time you submit your application.
- After filling out an application and paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, (IHS), you will need to pay visa application fee fees. The applicant must make an appointment with the nearest VFS in order to receive Biometrics. They also need to submit an application and any supporting documents.
- It can take between 2 and 15 working days depending on the type of service requested at the time of the application to receive a decision about a visa.
UK Student Visa Requirements Without IELTS
- Academic documents
- Passport.
- Experience letters (if any): Offer letter, Currently working letter, Last 3 months' payslips.
- ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
- CAS Letter.
- Acceptable financial documents: Bank balance certificate, Last 3 months' bank statement, Loan approval letter from Bank, Fixed deposit certificates if applicable.
- A UKVI-approved clinic will issue a medical certificate.
- Birth Certificate
- If funds are in a parent account, an Affidavit Of Sponsorship from Parents.
List of universities in the UK that are preferred by IELTS
1. London Southbank University
London South Bank University, a Public University, was established in London, England in 1982. It is located near the River Thames, hence its name London Southbank University. LSBU offers more than 140 Bachelor's Degrees as well as 53 Master's Degrees in full-time and part-time programs in over 33 fields. London South Bank University was named Entrepreneurial University in the Year by Times Higher Education Awards 2016. London Southbank University offers IELTS waivers for international students who score 75% or more in their 12th English language from a recognized higher secondary Board of Education. For Internships, IELTS is required min 5.5 in Reading and Listening, and min 6.0 in Speaking and Writing.
2. Robert University
Robert Gordon University is located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is a Public University that was granted University status in 1992. The university's history goes back to 1881. RGU has 11 departments that offer various programs. It offers 87 undergraduate and 86 post-graduate programs. Times Higher Education named Robert Gordon University’s Aberdeen Business School the Business School of Year in 2020. Many of the programs were ranked No 1 in Scotland.RGU offers an English Language Test for International Students to Study in the UK. It is conducted online and costs 75GBP. Pre-sessional courses are required for applicants who don't meet the entry requirements.
3. Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University was founded in 1843 and is one of the UK's best public research universities. SHU offers 128 undergraduate and 129 postgraduate courses in more than 38 subjects. University was awarded the Guardian Award for Student Experience and the Times Higher Education Sunday Times for 2020's Year of Teaching Quality. International students can study in the UK with or without IELTS Sheffield Hallam University is a great option. Students who completed their High School English Language required at least 75% English proficiency. Students may also choose to take a Pre-Sessional course in Distinction.
4. University of Central Lancashire
The University of Central Lancashire, a public university in Preston, England, has its roots back in 1828. This university is an affordable option for international students who want to study in the UK. UCLAN offers a variety of UG & PG programs in more than 45 subjects. Higher Education Statistics Agency reports that 95.5% of students find work within six months of finishing their education. You must have attained 70% or more in English subjects during high school. To be eligible for an IELTS waiver at UCLAN, the last qualification must have been awarded in the past 2 years.
5. University of Greenwich
London is home to the University of Greenwich. It is a Public University. The University of Greenwich has its main campus at Old Royal Naval College. This university is renowned for offering top-notch instruction. It was established in 1890 as a Polytechnic and moved to University status in 1992. The University of Greenwich has 308 undergraduate and graduate programs in 35 fields. The Times and Sunday Times have ranked it the No1 Modern University in London. Good university guide 2021. If you meet the minimum entry requirements, the University of Greenwich will allow you to study in the UK without IELTS. The entry requirements for admission are 70% or more in 12th English, and a minimum academic percentage of 55% in an undergraduate degree.