Study Abroad Without IELTS 2025: Top Countries, Requirements

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Jan 9, 2025 17:18 IST

Wish to study abroad but do not have an IELTS score? Do not worry, you can get into several reputated universities even without an IELTS score. In this article, we will talk about how to study abroad without IELTS, universities in USA/UK/Canada/Europe/Australia that do not require an IELTS score, and more.

Study Abroad Without IELTS

Studying at top universities in the world comes with a long list of conditions that students have to fulfil before admission. The first thing that comes to mind for studying abroad is the English Language Proficiency test scores. To get into foreign universities IELTS or TOEFL are one of the mandatory reuqirement. Some are other tests to measure an international student's ability to read, write, and speak. 

Some popular universities in the UK and Europe grant admission based on student English scores at the school level and their proficiency in the English language. If students want to study abroad without IELTS, they should thoroughly check the requirements of the universities located in different English speaking countries, this makes the process less complicated. Apart from this, students can also choose their desired university from countries like Australia, the UK, Canada, Germany, and Norway, as many universities in these countries also grant admission without IELTS or TOEFL. For this, students must attend a Pathway program, which usually lasts nine to fifteen months. Through this program, students get admission to universities that do not accept high school results as criteria for direct admissions. Read: Hardest Language in the World

In addition, many universities in Canada also do away with the English language proficiency test, if the candidate has lived and studied for four or more years where English is the primary language. This article will help students who desire to study abroad without clearing the IELTS exam. Many students are not able to qualify for it because they are non-native English speakers. Despite the IELTS being a significant credential to get into top universities in the world, there are still colleges that offer high-class and quality education to students without clearing the IELTS exam. 

Score Predictor

Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!

Share 12th Board, Percentage, english score
Get estimated scores or IELTS, TOEFL & PTE


Free IELTS Class by Shiksha - Registration 

Study in UK without IELTS

Are you looking to study in UK? Then you must be aware of the standard examination tests that measure the level of your skills in English. IELTS is one of the most common and standard tests in the UK. Students whose mother tongue is not English are required to take it to show their English proficiency. However, there are some universities where students can study without considering the results of IELTS. Check the list of below universities in the UK to study without the IELTS exam. Also, check out How to study in the UK without IELTS.

Study in Canada without IELTS

Canada is another country on the list of studying abroad without IELTS. Canada follows specific rules for admitting international students without IELTS. For instance, if you have attended a school or lived for the last four years where English is considered the primary language of instruction, you are also not bound to give language proficiency proof. Some universities accept students who have not appeared for IELTS or TOEFL examinations, however, aspirants should meet certain criteria specified by the universities.

Study in US without IELTS

The United States is the world’s most demanding destination for international students to study abroad. Few of the popular universities in US grant admission to international students without asking for English proficiency tests. Students who have completed one year of full-time study at any US institution are exempt from meeting the criteria of applying through IELTS or TOEFL. Universities give admission to students who have cleared the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) and offer the Pathways Program to students who do not meet the English language requirements. Also Read: Study in the USA without IELTS

Study in Europe without IELTS

Apart from this, many European countries like GermanyHolland, and Norway also allow international students to apply to their universities without taking IELTS. If the candidate possesses excellent communication skills and can prove that their prior education was conducted entirely in English, then they can avail the privilege of not applying through IELTS. If you belong to a non-English speaking country then you need to prove your efficiency in the English language. The first and foremost step is to go to the university’s website and check the entire process of applying without an IELTS score. Also Read: Study in Europe without IELTS

Summary of key factors to consider before applying to universities without qualifying for any language proficiency tests:

  • Candidates should be able to submit supporting proof that they pursued their education in an English medium institution.
  • Candidates should submit proof that they have studied English as a subject between eighth to twelfth standards.
  • Students should undergo the institution’s assessment; they would be required to give telephonic or video interviews, as per the specific requirements of the university.

Study in Australia without IELTS

Suppose you wish to study in Australia without taking the IELTS test. In that case, it is completely possible with the only condition that the students must have pursued their education from institutes that are recognised by the Australian Education System. Indian students seeking an exemption from the IELTS test must present their AISSCE certificate issued by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Along with this, students who have completed their UG/PG degrees from recognised institutions where the medium of instruction was English can also be exempted from presenting their English test scores. Check out the Australian universities that exempt students from taking the IELTS test below.

The biggest challenge to overcome while applying to foreign universities is to qualify for the requirements of IELTS and TOEFL. This was all about without IELTS study visa countries list. We are hopeful that our research on Studying abroad without IELTS will help you understand this complex procedure and will guide you further while you apply to different universities. All the best!

Related Articles

Q:   Which country is the best for studying without IELTS?

A:

Australia, Canada, the UK, Germany, the USA, Malaysia, etc. are some of the popular countries to study abroad without IELTS.

Q:   Can I get a study visa without IELTS?

A:

Yes, it is possible to get a study visa without IELTS. Many countries provide study visas without IELTS if you have sound educational grades and meet all other requirements. You have to submit your application for a study visa.

Q:   Is abroad study without IELTS possible?

A:

Yes, the abroad study without IELTS is possible. Candidates planning to study abroad must submit proof of school certificates stating that they have studied English as a subject from the 8th to 12th standard. Some universities require students to attain IELP (Intensive English Language Program) to get admission.

Q:   Can we go to London without IELTS?

A:

Yes, it is possible to study in UK without IELTS. Students have to fulfil English requirements such as having proof of over 70% in English in High School or taking an online interview conducted by the university or proof of English as your medium of instruction in your school.

Q:   Is IELTS exam hard to crack?

A:

The difficulty of the IELTS exam varies from person to person and largely depends on individual English proficiency levels and preparation strategies. Many candidates find certain sections, such as Writing and Speaking, to be challenging due to the need for well-structured responses and fluency.

However, with adequate preparation and practice, many test-takers find the exam manageable. Understanding the test format and focusing on weak areas can significantly improve performance, making it easier to achieve the desired band score.

Q:   Which country can I migrate to study abroad without taking the IELTS exam?

A:

The IELTS exam is required wherein the international students applying to study abroad are not from a English-speaking country. Applicants need to take this test to prove their proficiency in the language to the host institutions abroad. However, some universities in the top study-abroad destinations waive the IELTS exam requirement based on several factors such as the total years of education of the student in the English language and another condition being - the student has been staying and pursuing a course in a higher institute in any of the following top locations for a period of at least a year. The top countries where you can migrate to without taking the IELTS test are the UK, USA, France, Spain, Ireland, Sweden, Portugal, Canada, Australia, China and New Zealand.

Q:   Is there any country that provides free education without IELTS?

A:

Yes, there are many countries that may take you for free without requiring the IELTS test scores. There may be several programs in these locations that are free for international students given that they meet the English language requirement. It is best if you check the course requirements of the specific programme you have chosen. You may start your research from countries like France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and Finland. These countries may provide free education in certain cases without needing the IELTS exam for eligibility purposes. 

Q:   What is the fee for IELTS exam at my nearest test centre?

A:

The IELTS exam fess will remain INR 17,000 for any of the test centres near you. 

About the Author
author-image
Written by
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content

Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new... Read Full Bio

Explore popular study destinations
Resources for you
Understand the process step by step by referring to these guides curated just for you
qna

Comments

(52)

s

shivani Singh

a year ago

Hello, In year 2022 I have completed my MBA and now I want to get into PhD program abroad in some good university. It is possible to get admission into good university without ILETS ? From starting I am a CBSE student and enough good in English language as also I have some working experience with I

...Read more

Reply to shivani Singh

A

Aastha Khatri

a year ago

Hello i completed my BHM recently in 2022 in English medium securing 3.64 gpa .Currently, i'm looking for to pursue master's in event management abroad. Am i eligible to study masters in abroad without ilets and i'm from nepal.

Reply to Aastha Khatri

J

Jung Shah

a year ago

Dependend ma lanu hunx 75 ma halxu

K

Khaja Banu

2 years ago

Hello i completed my B.com in 2018 and i clear bipc in 2022 in English medium. Am i eligible to study MBBS in aboard without ielts.

Reply to Khaja Banu

43308123
Chandra Shekhar

2 years ago

Hi Khaja Banu, yes you can still be eligible to study MBBS in abroad without IELTS in Russia, China, Kazakhastan, the Philippines, or any other Non-English speaking countries. However, you must require an IELTS score for English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Australia, etc. You can also check

...Read more

F

Florentin

2 years ago

i live in Romania. I have some questions, I hope you can helo me, so i failed the bachelor degree in Romania, i finished the high school. I want to know if it possible to study or to do my bachelor degree in another country. Here in Romania I was in a profile called "Natural Sciences" focused more

...Read more

Reply to Florentin

A

Aprant Agarwal

2 years ago

You can pursue your bachelor's degree in other countries as well. You need to look at different eligibility criteria for different countries, different universities, and different courses.

S

Shilpee Saxena

2 years ago

Hi, I did my graduation from Hindi medium but MBA from English medium. Am I Eligible to study in abroad without IELTS. My English Laungage is average.

Reply to Shilpee Saxena

A

Aprant Agarwal

2 years ago

Hi. Every student, who belongs to a country where English is not the native language, is required to provide a proof of English language proficiency through IELTS/ TOEFL/ PTE, etc.