Study In UK Without IELTS Guide 2023

If you didn't take the IELTS, do you feel like you missed out on a chance? Do not fret! We have a detailed guide to studying in the UK without IELTS for you! Many students who want to study abroad find it difficult to navigate the various alternative cities and universities worldwide. Many universities in the UK will accept your application and take your admittance into account to study in UK without IELTS. We have listed them for you to sort your options out and plan your entrance accordingly. 

What is IELTS?

The acronym IELTS denotes International English Language Testing System. It is also an internationally accepted and recognised English Proficiency test which establishes a standard for education and job-related immigration worldwide. There are two renditions of this test -

Academic 

This one is for students who want to study at universities, schools, and other academic institutions in other countries.

General 

This is to assess your English proficiency if you wish to migrate to an English-speaking country through non-academic means.

IELTS is recognised in most English-speaking countries, including all institutions from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa. The majority of universities in countries such as the United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand require IELTS. However, in a few countries, such as the United Kingdom, you can be accepted into universities for your preferred course to study in UK without IELTS.

UK Universities without IELTS 2023

Numerous UK universities admit students to study in UK without IELTS. However, applicants are still expected to demonstrate their English proficiency through some medium. Here is a list of such universities for you!

1. University of Birmingham 

As proof of your abilities, the University of Birmingham accepts a variety of English proficiency tests. The university arranges an online presessional course for direct entry into the September intake. They also take your high school score as an alternative to IELTS bands. 60% and above is accepted to study in UK without IELTS, depending on your chosen course and program.

2. Swansea University

While choosing a variety of English proficiency tests, Aston University can also accept your high school score as an alternative to IELTS. 60% and above is accepted to study in UK without IELTS, and even if your English scores do not exactly meet their requirements, you could still be accepted if you successfully complete an English Language Pre-sessional Programme at Swansea’s English Language Training Services (ELTS) at the required level before starting your academic programme.

3. University of Essex

To study in UK without IELTS, the university requires you to take a presessional English course, which improves your English skills and allows you to meet the institution's requirements. These courses can be availed by both UG and PG applicants. 60% and above are accepted to study in UK without IELTS at the University of Essex.

4. Coventry University

Coventry University is known for its expertise in the health and automotive fields and is ranked 57 in the QS world ranking 2023. An equivalent score of 60% is accepted to study in UK without IELTS at Coventry University. 

5. Sheffield Hallam University

As one of the most prestigious UK universities, the institute is known for offering the majority of courses in both full-time and part-time formats. You can study in UK without IELTS at Sheffield Hallam University by enrolling in an alternative English Language course at the University's TESOL centre, where you will be trained in the language to achieve the desired score.

6. University of Warwick

To study in UK without IELTS, the University of Warwick also provides pre-sessional English courses for those who wish to enrol without IELTS. A course like this can hone one's overall ability in the English language. 60% and above are accepted to study in UK without IELTS at the University of Warwick.

Want to get into the hardest universities in the UK? We have 25 proven tips to help you study effectively!

7. University of Bristol

To be admitted to the University of Bristol, students must meet the required English level for their chosen course. This can vary depending on the language skill necessary for that course. To study in UK without IELTS, the University of Bristol provides you with a pre-sessional language course that enhances your language proficiency. It is known to provide part-time and full-time courses in diverse streams. 

8. Robert Gordon University

It is one of the top universities for students who want to study in UK without IELTS exam since it gives applicants a chance to enrol in an 8-week pre-sessional English programme to improve their language skills. For students wishing to enrol at this UK university without IELTS, the university also administers its own RGU English Proficiency Test.

UK Study Visa Without IELTS 2023

Documents Required for UK study visa without IELTS 

1. Academic Documents
2. Passport.
3. Experience Letters (If any)
4. ATAS Certificate (if Applicable)
5. CAS Letter.
6. Acceptable Financial documents: Bank Balance Certificate along with the last 3 month’s bank statement, Loan Approval Letter from Bank, and Fixed deposit Certificates, if any.
7. Medical Certificate from a clinic approved by UKVI.
8. Birth Certificate.
9. Affidavit of Sponsorship from Parents if funds are held in parent account.

Learn more about UK student visa from our detailed blog.

How to apply for a UK study visa without IELTS?

1. Check and see if you are eligible for a student visa.
2. Go to the home office website and apply for a student visa.
3. Fill in the application and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS)
4. Pay the Visa Application Fees
5. At the Visa Application Centre, provide your biometrics.
6. Apply along with the required documents

Eligibility Criteria to Study in UK without IELTS

IELTS is not the only alternative to demonstrate your English proficiency and eligibility for admission to a UK university. This is only required for citizens from non-English speaking backgrounds. To study in UK without IELTS, the student is expected to have basic English language skills, both spoken and written, to gain admission to UK universities. This can be accomplished by meeting any of the requirements listed below. 

Having Completed Previous Education in English

Various UK universities without IELTS give weightage to your previous education being completed in an English Medium Institution. They allow students who have met this requirement to enrol in university without taking IELTS. To study in UK without IELTS, you must obtain a Medium Of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your previous institution, indicating that your education was completed in English.

‍70 & Above in High School English

During high school, one must obtain a total of 70-grade points or higher in English. This is an alternative to study in UK without IELTS. Suppose your overall English score in high school is above 70%. In that case, the UK universities might accept your application based on that instead of IELTS. This may vary from university to the courses you choose. 

Online Interviews 

The UK colleges without IELTS schedule an online interview round if a student fails to fulfil all the above-listed language proficiency requirements. This enables them to assess an individual's English-speaking ability by conversing with them. Some universities administer their English proficiency tests to evaluate the applicants. 

Degree in English Specialization 

You may be exempt from taking IELTS if you have completed a bachelor's degree in English specialisation. You're considered proficient in English and evaluated on the same criteria. It can be an excellent option for students pursuing English Literature as their primary field of study.

Special English Courses by University

Some universities also arrange English courses for students enrolled in their respective institutions. This option is provided to students who have not taken IELTS but have been accepted into a specific program or degree in a UK university.

Documents required to study in UK without IELTS

1. All your academic records - 10th result,12th result, Final Graduation result (IA).
2. Passport.
3. Documents from previous work experience: Offer Letter, Presently Working, Pay Slips.
4. If necessary, the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS).
5. Financial Documents - Bank Balance Certificate, Bank Statements, and Loan Approval Letter.
6. Fixed Deposit papers (if any).
7. Written Parental/ Guardian Consent if you're under 18.
8. Proof of relationship with parent or guardian if you're under 18.
9. Medical Tests/ Medical Certificates from UKVI-certified clinics.
10. Birth Certificate.
11. Written consent of your financial sponsors (including parents).

So there you have it! We hope our guide to study in UK without IELTS helped you get a clear idea of the requirements and eligibility if you are planning to study in the UK. So what are you waiting for? Start applying!