Updated On: 02 December 2024

Study in the UK without IELTS | Apply now with SIEC

Want to Study in UK without IELTS? Here's how. Are you looking for a way to study in the UK without taking the English language proficiency test, IELTS? If so, you have landed on the right page. If you didn't know this earlier, you might be awestruck to find out that it is possible for you to study in UK without IELTS. While there are several universities that offer this option, your options will still be limited if you don't take the test.

So let's have a look at how you can get into a university in the UK without IELTS and the universities that offer this benefit.

IELTS - What is it?

IELTS or International English Language Testing System is a language test utilized by universities across the world to examine the English language skills of a potential oversea student. The test comprises four sections, namely speaking, reading, listening, and writing. After taking the three-hour test, the students get an overall score for the basic language in skills.

Exams like IELTS are utilized by universities in the UK as well to assess the English language skills of their students. Nonetheless, there are some ways in which one can study in the UK without requiring to take IELTS.

Why Should You Study in UK?

Before we get to the how of the question, let's understand the why. If you are wondering why should you look forward to studying in the UK at all, the following are your answers:

Incredible scholarship programs for students from India
Stable economy for beginning a career
Diverse culture
Highly-recognized degrees globally
Developed nation
Study in one of the world's oldest universities
Rich in culture
Free health services across the nation

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Criteria for Studying in UK Universities without IELTS

If you are looking for an alternative to IELTS, the following are the criteria for studying in the UK without taking the exam. It is noteworthy that English language proficiency is among the requirements for obtaining a Tier 4 visa (the most popular student visa). So if your university waives IELTS, you may ask them to issue a document stating your eligibility for obtaining a UK student visa.

Previously educated in an English Medium School

If your previous education was done in an English medium school, some universities may allow you to study without the need for IELTS. In order to prove so, you will require an MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate from a prior educational institute.

Online Interview

Some universities ask students for online interviews, usually held through Skype. During these, they examine their English language proficiency.

Class 12th English Scores

Some universities require class 12 English language scores in order to waive off the IELTS test. In extreme cases, they may even ask for class 10 marks as well. If you have over 70 percent marks, you will be considered eligible.

Major in English

If you studied the language as a major during your undergraduate degree, you will not be required to appear for the IELTS exam.

Apart from the above-mentioned, the university may ask you to write a separate university test to assess your English language proficiency.

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Documents Necessary for Studying in the UK without IELTS

Given below are the essential documents required to study in the UK without IELTS. Remember to keep them handy while applying for your desired university.

Offer letter
Statement of purpose
Resume
Letter of recommendations
Experience letter
Passport
Medium of instruction certificate
Consolidated marks memo
Provisional certificate
SSC mark sheet
HSC mark sheet
Bachelor's semester mark sheet

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Top Universities in UK without IELTS

The following are the best without IELTS universities in the UK:

University of Central Lancashire
Birmingham City University
University of Geneva
University of Bristol
University of Basel
University of Northampton
Sheffield Hallam University
Riga Technical University
Birmingham City University
University of Bolton
Robert Gordon University
Northumbria University
Aston University
University of Central Lancashire
University of Greenwich
London Southbank University
University of Warwick
Swansea University
University of Portsmouth
University of Plymouth

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How to Get a UK Study Visa Without IELTS?

In order to get a study visa in the UK without taking IELTS, you need to provide a document from the university to the immigration authorities stating that you're eligible to obtain a study visa without IELTS. For the same, you'll need the following:

Acceptance letter from a UK university
Document attested by the university stating you are eligible for a UK Study Visa application

You can alternatively take SELT or Secure English Language Test instead of IELTS, which is mandatory according to UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) for proving English proficiency.

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Conclusion

Whether you wish to study in England or Scotland, getting into a university in the UK is a challenging task. However, it's worth the hassle, considering all the benefits that come along with it.

While taking IELTS is a requirement for several universities, some waive it off under certain circumstances. If you fall in any of the categories, you won't be required to take the test and will simply be eligible for obtaining a UK study visa, provided that your university gives the immigration a document stating your eligibility.

So which universities do you plan to apply to? Reach out to SIEC for Application inquiries and assistance.

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