Study in Singapore without IELTS
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
Talk to ExpertEnglish Language Proficiency proof is a prerequisite for admission at many higher academic institutes in Singapore. Wondering if your candidature will be considered or not without an IELTS score? Read through the article to learn about the alternatives to IELTS for studying in Singapore and the minimum scores required. Also, get an idea about the documents required for admission without IELTS.
Studying in Singapore has become an attractive option for many international students, especially those seeking high-quality education in a vibrant multicultural environment. Just like other international study-abroad locations, Singapore also needs students to provide evidence of English language proficiency. As the majority of the courses in the country are taught in English, universities would like the students to hold the basic language skills, which include both written and oral.
One of the most common concerns for students is the requirement of English language proficiency tests like IELTS. However, the good news is that you can study in Singapore without IELTS exam. The score of IELTS are recommended but it is not mandatory to study in Singapore. Several universities in Singapore offer admission without IELTS. Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Nanyang Technological University are some of the top Singapre universities where wyou can apply without IELTS.
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Candidates also note that, the Singapore student visa does not necessarily require an IELTS score; instead, students must provide other documentation to prove their eligibility. One can even take IELTS alternatives tests like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic).
Is IELTS Required for Singapore?
Every institution has different admission requirements and not all of them would need you to be holding an IELTS score. There are various higher education institutions which will accept alternative exam scores for admission to their undergraduate or graduate courses. At times students may also be exempt from handing over evidence of their English language proficiency, provided they meet some of the other conditions.
You may either submit your TOEFL score or may not have to submit any proof if your tertiary education has been in English only.
Students should note that norms related to admission keep on changing from time to time and may depend from institution to institution. They are therefore recommended to keep themselves updated with the latest information available which they will find on the official website of the universities. A frequent visit to these pages would keep your planning on track. Candidates can also reach out to the university administration in order to get firsthand information regarding any doubt.
Singapore Universities Admission Without IELTS
As mentioned above, Singapore has a set of universities/institutions which accept alternatives to IELTS and may also exempt one from submitting any language score. So if a student has completed his previous qualification from an English medium institute, he/she won’t need an IELTS score at some universities. For this purpose, he/she can obtain a letter or certificate from his/her old institute which must state that they have completed all their courses in English. This will act as an alternative to the IELTS score certificate.
We present below a list of higher academic institutions in Singapore which do not need IELTS for their programmes. Next to the institution's name, you will also find their alternative requirement to IELTS and the scores expected.
| Institute Name | Alternative to IELTS |
|---|---|
| Singapore Management University |
|
| Singapore University of Technology and Design |
|
| Nanyang Technological University |
|
| Singapore University of Social Sciences |
|
| Nanyang Polytechnic |
|
Documents Required for Studying in Singapore Without IELTS
Common to all the universities which do not need an IELTS score for admission to their courses, there are some basic documents which students need to submit in order to obtain admission into a Singapore university or college. The list below will give you an idea of all the relevant documents which you may need to keep ready while applying abroad to Singapore for studies.
- Passport-sized photographs
- Resume
- Birth certificate
- Letters of Reference
- Statement of Purpose
- A valid passport copy
- Academic references
- Standardised test certificates, if required
- Class 10, 12 and Bachelor’s degree certificate (if required) and other academic transcripts
- Copies of Form 16, V395, V36
Study in Singapore without IELTS FAQs
Q. Does a Singapore visa require IELTS?
A. No, a Singapore student visa does not specifically require an IELTS score. However, if your chosen university mandates an English language proficiency test like IELTS for admission, you will need to meet those requirements to obtain your acceptance letter, which is necessary for the visa application.
Q. What is the minimum IELTS score required for Singapore?
A. The minimum IELTS score required for studying in Singapore typically ranges from 6.0 to 7.5, depending on the university and the specific program.
Q. Does Singapore prefer IELTS or TOEFL?
A. Singaporean universities accept both IELTS and TOEFL as valid English language proficiency tests. However, many institutions generally prefer IELTS. However, the choice between IELTS and TOEFL may depend on the specific requirements of the institution you are applying to.
Q: What is the IELTS exam passing score?
There is no pass or fail in the IELTS exam. Students taking the IELTS exam are graded on their performance in the IELTS test using Bands from 1 – 9 for each skill of the test: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. Candidates would also receive an overall band score which would be the average of all the individual scores received by the candidate and rounded to the nearest half band. The IELTS exam does not have a passing score. Universities abroad would have an IELTS minimum score requirement which is often referred to as the IELTS cut-off. This is the minimum score that candidates need to achieve to apply to the university. Candidates should note that getting the minimum IELTS score does not guarantee admission to the university. Candidates are required to score higher than the expected IELTS cut-off.
Q: What is a good IELTS score?
A good IELTS score can vary depending on your specific goals, such as study abroad requirements, visa applications, or employment opportunities. Different institutions and organizations may have different score requirements, so it is essential to research and understand the specific score expectations for your intended purpose. In general, a score of 6.5 or higher is considered a good IELTS score. However, this may differ based on the individual's needs and the requirements of the institution or organisation they are applying to.
Some universities and programs may have higher score requirements, especially for competitive programs or fields of study. It is crucial to review the score requirements of the institutions or organizations you are interested in and aim to achieve a score that meets their criteria. Additionally, consider your own personal goals and requirements when determining what constitutes a good IELTS score for you. Get more details at What is a good IELTS score?
Q: How can I prepare for IELTS exam?
Shiksha Study Abroad has introduced a new, 1-month free online IELTS course to help students prepare for their IELTS Exam. Students associated with Shiksha get complementary free IELTS training for a month. This programme aims to help students prepare for studying abroad without any additional costs.
Starting in early February 2024, the course has already attracted over 1,000+ participants. Shiksha Study Abroad reports impressive results: 80% of students have succeeded in their goals, with the average participant achieving an IELTS score of 7.0.
Key Features of Free IELTS Training
Some of the key features of the Shiksha Study Abroad Free IELTS Training programme typically include:
- Live online classes are accessible from anywhere and on any device
- 1 Month Free Training - Option to choose from Weekend and Weekday Batches
- Learn from experienced British Council and Cambridge-certified trainers
- Coverage of all IELTS modules: Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking
- Option for students to retake classes if needed at 0 cost
- Mock Tests for the students to practice before the exam
Q: Is 5.5 a pass mark in IELTS?
While there is no formal pass mark, a score of 5.5 may be acceptable for some institutions or programs, particularly those with lower English proficiency requirements. However, many universities and immigration programs typically require higher scores, often around 6.0 or above.
Q: How can I know my IELTS test centre?
One can check their IELTS test centre details on the IELTS login account. Candidates ave to visit the official IDP IELTS website, enter the login credentials and check the details of test centres.
Q: Which is the best book for IELTS preparation?
Q: Is IELTS exam hard to crack?
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: How can I practice for IELTS exam on my own?
Practicing for the IELTS exam independently can be effective with the right resources. Here are some tips:
- Use Official Practice Materials: Utilize books and online resources that provide sample questions and practice tests.
- Set a Study Schedule: Allocate specific times for each section of the exam to ensure balanced preparation.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify which sections you find most challenging and dedicate more time to practicing those.
- Engage with English Content: Read English newspapers, watch movies or shows in English, and listen to podcasts to improve your language skills.
- Take Mock Tests: Simulate exam conditions by taking full-length practice tests to build familiarity with the test format.
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
Abhineet is armed with varied experiences ranging from teaching in a university and research to counselling students. Working for some time in Germany, and having a passion for travelling, he has gained much interna... Read Full Bio
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