Although IELTS/TOEFL scores are the main criteria for admission, there are many universities in various parts of the world that allow students to study abroad without IELTS or TOEFL.
Studying at a university abroad usually requires students to take language proficiency tests to assess their ability to read, write, speak and understand English.
These tests are an important parameter for admission to a foreign university, where a satisfactory score is the minimum requirement. Each school or university has its own predetermined set of satisfactory grades that must be submitted with the application.
Some non-native English students find it difficult to get satisfactory grades. Repeated passing of these tests not only affects the student’s motivation, but also becomes an additional asset in the study abroad list.
Spending $180 every time you take the test only to get a low score will definitely discourage you from applying any further.
Can You Study Abroad Without IELTS?
It is possible to get a student visa without IELTS. A student can study abroad with MOI – Medium of instruction, ELLT, Duolingo, PTE, TOEFL, CanTEST, Internal Test and many more.
In addition, if a student has a score of more than 70%, he or she can apply to some foreign universities without an English language test.
IELTS is not required for a student visa. A student visa also has some other requirements. And the International English Language Testing System is one of the tests for English language level only.
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Can You Study Abroad In Canada Without IELTS?
Some Canadian institutions accept students without this test. Also, if you have studied for four years or more in an English medium school, a Canadian higher education institution will accept you without it.
However, you can get into some Canadian universities with TOEFL, Duolingo, ELP, CanTEST, CAEL, PTE, etc.
How To Study Abroad Without IELTS
There are standardized tests that measure a student’s ability to read, write and speak English. Getting the desired score on one of these tests can be difficult for non-native English speakers.
Although IELTS/TOEFL scores are the main criteria for admission, there are many universities in various parts of the world that allow students to study abroad without IELTS or TOEFL.
Many universities in different countries such as Germany, USA, and Australia provide advanced programs for students who wish to pursue a course at their desired university.
Pathway programs help students who do not meet course requirements to prepare for subjects ranging from English to academic subjects and these courses usually last 9-15 months.
Pathway programs help you get into a university where your high school education is not accepted for direct entry into a bachelor’s/master’s program.
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Schools In USA That Do Not Require TOEFL/IELTS
University of Colorado
International students applying to the University of Colorado must meet a minimum standard of English language proficiency, except: a) the student’s native language is English; b) the applying student has completed at least one year of full-time academic study at a US institution.
However, countries such as Botswana, Ghana, South Africa and Nigeria are exempt from this arrangement. Students from these countries are NOT required to have TOEFL OR IELTS scores.
California State University
California State University is the public university system of California. International students are not required to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores for admission to this university if they attended high school and/or graduate school with English as the medium of instruction.
There are also a few countries where they have removed the minimum English language requirement for students.
Drexel University
Drexel University is a private research university with campuses in Philadelphia and California.
Drexel University has two conditional admission programs, namely the University Preparatory Summer Program (UPREP) and the Bridge Program for international students who do not meet the language requirements.
State University of New York
The State University of New York is a public university system in Albany, New York. The university accepts international students on the condition that they pass the Intensive English Language Proficiency Test (IELP).
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public research university in Iowa City, Iowa. The university accepts students who meet the requirements but do not meet the English language proficiency requirements.
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is a public research university located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Eligible international students are not required to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores; instead, they must complete an Intensive English Language Learner Program (IELP).
University of Dayton
The University of Dayton is a private Roman Catholic national research university in Dayton, Ohio.
The University grants conditional admission to international students who meet the requirements but do not meet the University’s language requirements. They must complete an Intensive English Language Program (IELP).
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware is a public university located in Delaware. The University will accept international students who are eligible, except for English language proficiency.
University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans is a public urban university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The university offers conditional admission for international students with secondary education or diplomas from certain countries.
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List Of Countries You Can Study Without IELTS
Canada
If you don’t want to take IELTS to study abroad, then Canada is the place for you. There are many universities in Canada where you can study without IELTS.
Students are not required to take IELTS scores if they have lived in and attended a school where English is the primary language for at least four years. Some of the Canadian universities where you can study without IELTS are:-
- University of Winnipeg
- University of Regina
- Brock University
- Concordia University
- Carleton University
Australia
Many Australian universities offer international students the opportunity to study in Australia without IELTS. If your previous education was in English, the language requirements are waived.
However, the previous institution will need to provide some evidence to support your application. Some universities where you can study without IELTS:
- University of Queensland
- University of Adelaide
- Bond University
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Macquarie University
- University of New South Wales
- University of Victoria
United Kingdom
If you plan to study in the UK, then knowledge of the English language is mandatory. However, there are a few universities where the IELTS requirement does not apply, meaning you can study in the UK without an IELTS. Some of these universities are
- University of Warwick
- Swansea University
- University of Greenwich
- University of Bristol
- University of Bolton
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Can You Study Abroad In Germany Without IELTS?
Students can study abroad without IELTS and Germany is one of the best countries to do so. German universities offer many courses where the IELTS/TOEFL requirement is waived.
However, the university will require a certificate of language/medium of instruction (MOI) that you need to obtain from your previous university.
Students who can prove that English was the medium of instruction in their previous education are also exempt from IELTS. Certain courses, such as the BA in English Literature, also exempt students from language proficiency.
Some universities may conduct a video interview to assess a student’s language and communication skills.
ALSO CHECK: How to Study Abroad in Canada | Programs
Can You Study Abroad In USA Without IELTS?
You can study abroad without TOEFL or IELTS if you meet certain criteria of US universities. There are very few universities in the US that offer admission to international students without an IELTS or TOEFL requirement.
Students should check the website of each university they wish to apply to for language requirements. Many universities do not explicitly list the requirements or the option of not specifying test results.
You can directly contact the university or department to check the same. IELTS or TOEFL requirements also vary by course, so it would be wise to check with the university before submitting your application.
ALSO CHECK: How to Study Abroad in the USA | Programs and Best Steps
Conclusion
This article will help students who want to study abroad without taking IELTS. Many students struggle to pass language proficiency exams because they are not native speakers of English. In addition, such tests can be expensive, and repeating them multiple times can be a serious problem, not to mention a financial burden.
Although IELTS is the main qualification for major universities in most countries, there are still colleges that offer high-quality education to students who, for whatever reason, may not be able to pass the exam.
References
- afterschoolafrica.com – List of Countries (Universities) to Study Abroad Without TOEFL/IELTS for International
- gyandhan.com – Study Abroad Without IELTS/TOEFL – USA, Canada, UK, and more
