Study in USA Without IELTS and TOEFL in 2024
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Many international students want to study in the USA, but the IELTS and TOEFL requirements can be challenging. Several US universities offer admissions without these tests, accepting alternative proof of English proficiency, such as previous education in English or other standardized tests like Duolingo or PTE.
Many international students choose to study in the USA to complete their higher education. One of the major hurdles to overcome for admission to a good American university is the TOEFL examination or the IELTS examination. Both of these standardized tests determine students’ English level by assessing their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. A satisfactory score on these tests is critically needed for the minimum entry requirement for admission into most universities in the US.
As the education system differs across geographical boundaries, many international students come from non-English speaking backgrounds and have little training in the language and do not possess the level of proficiency in English to qualify for these tests. As TOEFL/IELTS score is a mandatory requirement, many of these students find it tough to gain admission to an American university. So the moot question that international students struggle with is whether an IELTS/TOEFL score is necessary for admission to any university in the US.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Altough IELTS, TOEFL are the popular exams which are important for demonstrating the English language proficiency of a student. However, these are not the only English proficiency tests from which you get admission in US universities. Fortunately, there are several universities in the USA that offer admission without IELTS and TOEFL. One can opt for alternative English proficiency tests and study in USA without IELTS and TOEFL.
Related reads: International Student Guide to USA
Can I Study in USA Without IELTS or TOEFL?
You may study in the USA without holding an IELTS or TOEFL score but in such cases, the universities you're applying to may have alternative criteria that would serve as proof of your English language proficiency. It may be required that you possess a set percentage in English (subject) in your higher secondary examination or hold a different English proficiency exam score. You may also be considered if the medium of instruction in your last education was English and you completed your studies in a country having English as the main language. You may also obtain an English language test waiver if you fit the below-mentioned criteria:
- Intensive English Programme: Many institutions offer an Intensive English Programme or IEP to international students who do not hold proficiency in English or haven't appeared for any English language proficiency test before applying for admission. This programme helps students enhance and brush up on their language skills before they begin their university courses.
- ACT or SAT English Scores: Students may also obtain an English language test score waiver provided they've obtained good scores in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing part in SAT or ACT's English part.
- Formal Evaluation: Some institutions in the USA may carry out interviews in order to evaluate or judge the level of expertise students hold in the English language.
- Other English Proficiency Tests: Students can also be offered admission if they hold the scores of English proficiency tests such as the Duolingo English Test (DET) or Pearson Test of English (Academic)
Exemption from IELTS or TOEFL in the USA
If there is a problem there are solutions too for those asking if IELTS is needed for the USA or in that case even for TOEFL. Check out the possible ways for being exempted from submitting an IELTS or TOEFL score for US university admissions as international students:
- There are several universities in the USA that have relaxed the minimum English language requirement and such test scores are not compulsory so that eligible international students may enrol.
- In addition, there are some universities that allow students to enrol even without good TOEFL/IELTS results on the condition; they attended secondary school or/and graduate school with English as their medium of instruction, or if they completed a few years of studies in an English-speaking country.
- Further, some US universities also grant admission to non-English speaking international students 'conditionally' i.e. only if they undertake the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) which is a university preparatory program that trains international students and equips them with essential English skills.
- In some cases, students may have to appear for examinations or interviews set by the institution which will determine if they're fit for a particular course of admission or not.
Check: Cost of Studying in the US
US Universities Exempting IELTS or TOEFL
Some of these universities that can help students get admission without requiring an IELTS or TOEFL score are below:
Rice University
Exemptions are possible at Rice University if a student has received a degree from a university or college in which English is the official language of communication, TOEFL and IELTS are not necessary. Waiver of such examinations may be requested by the admitting department if the department deems the student has sufficient English communication skills to be successful in their program. International first-year students can complete a minimum of two years of full-time study in an English language curriculum before the submission of the application.
Other accepted tests: Duolingo
California State University
CSU is a public university in California and may exempt international students to submit TOEFL/IELTS scores if they have attended secondary school or/and graduate school with English as their medium of instruction. Further, there are also a few countries whose students have waived the minimum English requirement.
Other accepted tests: Duolingo and PTE
Drexel University
Drexel University is a private research university with campuses in Philadelphia and California. The University has two conditional admission programs i.e. University Preparation Summer Program (UPREP) and Bridge Program for international students who don't meet the language requirement.
Other accepted tests: Duolingo and PTE
State University of New York
The State University of New York is a public university system in Albany, New York. The admission to international students is conditional i.e. the students must undertake the Intensive English Language Program (IELP).
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a public research university based in Iowa City, Iowa. The University grants admission to international students who do not meet the English proficiency requirement but are eligible otherwise. So unless they submit a TOEFL or IELTS score, students will have to undergo an on-campus English Proficiency Evaluation (EPE).
Other accepted tests: Duolingo
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is a public research university located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Although TOEFL/IELTS scores are not needed for international students, those who meet all the requirements except for the English parameters will be offered conditional admission and will have to undertake the Intensive English Language Program (IELP).
Other accepted tests: PTE, iTEP, C1 Advanced, SAT evidence-based reading and writing subscore, ACT English Subscore
University of Dayton
The University of Dayton is a private Roman Catholic National research university based in Dayton, Ohio. The admission of eligible international students in the university is conditional; those who do not meet the university's language requirements are required to undertake the Intensive English Language Program (IELP).
Other accepted tests: ITEP (International Test of English Proficiency), PTE (Pearson Test of English Academic), DET (Duolingo English Test)
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware is a public university located in Delaware. The university grants admission to international students who are eligible except for English proficiency but such admissions is limited to only some graduate programs. Otherwise, the university follows Conditional Admission based on achieving English Proficiency (ELI-CAP).
Other accepted tests: Cambridge English Assessment, DET, EIKEN
University of New Orleans (UNO)
The University of New Orleans is a research-intensive public urban university located in New Orleans, Louisiana, US. The University conditionally admits international students pending successful completion of the UNO Intensive English Language Program (IELP).
Other accepted tests: Duolingo
TOEFL and IELTS are important not only for admissions to US universities but also for getting a US Student Visa. It is, therefore recommended that aspiring students take these language tests as it will help to get a student visa.
Northwood University
A private institution in Midland, Michigan, Northwood University was established in 1959. International students who wish to pursue their education at the university are required to prove English proficiency. The proficiency exam requirement can be waivered if the student can prove that he/she has successfully completed the high school or baccalaureate degree in English at a foreign institution or American school. The waiver can also be given to those graduate applicants who completed their undergraduate coursework completely in English.
Other accepted tests: EIKEN, IB, Cambridge English Tests, ELS, PTE Academic, GTEC, ACT/SAT
Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students without IELTS
Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, but the cost to study in USA can be daunting. Additionally, the requirement to submit IELTS and TOEFL score can further complicate the admissions process. We have listed some of the affordable universities in the USA accept students without IELTS scores, which can be checked from the table below.
| University |
Fees (INR) |
|---|---|
| 9.51 Lakhs |
|
| 7.11 Lakhs |
|
| 8.08 Lakhs - 9.69 Lakhs |
|
| 9.67 Lakhs |
|
| 8.83 Lakhs - 9.72 Lakhs |
|
| 5.46 Lakhs - 8.97 Lakhs |
|
| 7.28 Lakhs - 9.88 Lakhs |
|
| 8.6 Lakhs |
|
| 9.62 Lakhs - 9.96 Lakhs |
|
| 5.98 Lakhs |
Also read:
- Exams needed to study in Australia
- Eligibility requirement and application procedure - Australia
- Study in New Zealand without IELTS
Study in USA without IELTS and TOEFL FAQs
Q. Can I Study in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL?
A. Yes, you can study in the USA without an IELTS or TOEFL score. But in order to be considered for admission you will have to show your English language proficiency through other language proficiency test scores such as Duolingo or PTE Academic. You may also be considered if you possess a set percentage in English (subject) in your higher secondary examination. You may also get admission to US universities if the medium of instruction in your last education was English and you completed your studies in a country having English as the main language. Students may also get themselves enrolled into an Intensive English Programme or IEP which would allow them to improve their language skills.
Q. What is an Intensive English Programme?
A. An Intensive English Programme is a language-specialised programme which has been designed for those hailing from non-native English-speaking nations. One can also pursue this if one is weak in English or wishes to enhance his/her reading, writing, and speaking skills. It also helps one improve his/her grammar. At the end of this programme, students will be able to communicate well in English and the same will enable them to attend their subject classes which are taught in English. In the USA, those enrolled on this programme usually need to complete an 18-hour of coursework every week. This is an F-1 student visa requirement.
Which university does not require IELTS or TOEFL?
University of Colorado Boulder, Arizona State University, The University at Buffalo, University of Kansas, University of South Florida, Auburn University are some of the top universities which do not require IELTS, or, TOEFL. You can get admission in these US universities with your PTE, Duolingo scores.
Q: When are the next TOEFL exam dates in India?
The TOEFL is offered year-round in major Indian cities, providing flexibility for your testing schedule. Currently, the TOEFL exam is available in the TOEFL Computer-based format (TOEFL iBT) and TOEFL Home Edition. Specific dates for both formats of the TOEFL exam depend on your chosen test center/ date. To discover upcoming dates for your preferred location, check out the official website od TOEFL.
Q: In which Indian cities are the TOEFL test centres located?
The TOEFL test centres are located in several major cities in India namely:
| Allahabad | Ahmedabad | Assam |
| Bhopal | Bangalore | Coimbatore |
| Delhi-NCR | Chennai | Chandigarh |
| Faridabad | Gurugram | Dehradun |
| Goa | Gwalior | Guwahati |
| Jammu | Kochi | Jamnagar |
| Kolkata | Ludhiana | Hyderabad |
| Jaipur | Ranchi | Mumbai |
| Jalandhar | Jamshedpur | Mangalore |
| Hubli Dhanbad | Kozikode | Mysore |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Indore | Patna |
| Pune | Raipur | Rajkot |
| Surat | Vadodara | Vijayawada |
| Visakhapatnam | Warangal | Srinagar |
Q: What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Q: What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: Is Texas A&M Commerce a good university?
Texas A&M Commerce is regarded as one of the top public universities across the United States. Moreover, the Texas A&M Commerce ranking 2024 under the category of Best Colleges is National Universities is #369. Also, the acceptance rate of this university is 42%. Additionally, the university offers the best academic programs, expert faculty, job & placement, and more. Besides, Texas A&M University-Commerce also offers over 130 academic degrees for its students.
Q: Can I take the IELTS exam without my passport?
No. All candidates are required to bring their original valid Indian passport at the IELTS center on the test date, a copy of which was submitted during the IELTS registration process. Candidates who fail to bring their valid passports to the test center will be refused entry to the test.
Q: Is MIT costly for Indians?
MIT is not costly for Indian students. Applicants can study BTech program at affordable tuition fees as compared to other BTech colleges in the USA. The MIT BTech fees is around INR 50 L to INR 52 L.
Q: How long does it take to get admission to Iowa State?
After submitting the application the Iowa State admission committee will review the application for admission on the basis of documents that applicants provide. A decision may require several weeks as it depends on the time of year the applicant submits the application (Applications submitted right before the deadline require a much longer processing time due to the volume of applications received then.). Applicants will receive an admission offer letter and the I-20 Form if admitted.
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
With 6 years of sound experience in abroad education industry, Nidhi has helped more than 250+ students to get the admission in their dream universities in USA, Canada and Australia. Before moving to the full time c... Read Full Bio
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