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15 Universities in UK without IELTS 2024

15 Universities in UK without IELTS 2024

Are  tired of being held back by the conditions of IELTS admission requirements? Worry no more. This article contains a list of 15 Universities in UK without IELTS. There are a number of schools in UK without IELTS requirement, and this article will guide you through. Apart from a series of admission procedures and protocols required by the UTAS and individual universities for procurement of admission into any University in UK for international students, another hurdle that presents itself to you when you have made up your mind to study in any of the Universities in UK is the need to show excellent skills in the English language. This article contains a list of Universities in UK without IELTS.   

One way to show your excellent skills and proficiency in English language is by passing the IELTS. Many prospective students have lost out on their admission because of not meeting this requirement. However, you don’t need to fear, as there are many universities in UK without IELTS or even alternative admission tests. In this article we have outlined 15 Universities in UK without IELTS, some of them for your consideration as you plan to make or take your academic sojourn to UK.

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration. IELTS set the standard for English language testing today. Governments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom use IELTS to process immigration applications.

IELTS has been developed by some of the world’s leading language assessment experts and will test the full range of English skills needed for success in your new job or study placement abroad.

  • Listening
  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Speaking

Things to Know or check when looking for Admission to Universities in UK without IELTS.

As a basic rule, all British/UK Universities require IELTS. However, many British/UK universities may not assess your English proficiency through standard tests like IELTS but in different ways like:

  1. You must always check if your university estimates your English level through different methods so you can avoid taking an IELTS.
  2. Check if you have studied in a school where all instructions were in English, the admission board in the UK may take this into account as a proof your English proficiency.

Situations in which a University may waive the IELTS for you in order to be admitted:

  1. They can only take into consideration your English score in your high school.
  2. When your prior education was in English taught school. If you have attended your high school at this kind of institution and your scores were excellent, the British university may not request an IELTS.
  3. IELTS can be avoided is by having an online interview. Some universities may ask you to give an online interview through Skype so they can assess your English level of English Proficiency.

How to get Admission to Universities in UK without IELTS.

  • Proof of over 70% in English in High School or transcript of a short term English course
  • Proof that English as the medium of instruction in your school
  • Take an online interview conducted by the university
  • An undergraduate degree in English
  • Pursue a Pre-session English course offered by the university before starting your program in the UK

Alternative English Tests for International Students

Pearson (PTE Academic)

The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) is the leading computer-based, high stakes English language proficiency test used for study abroad and immigration.

The Pearson PTE Academic Test is widely accepted across the world and assesses your English ability through English tasks which echo real life scenarios. The PTE is marked using Artificial Intelligence (AI), the use of AI provides accurate and objective results  as well as delivering the fastest result – usually within 48 hours. Some Universities in UK without IELTS would accept the Pearson PTE Academic English Test.

Duolingo (DET)

An increasing number of UK universities are now accepting the Duolingo test, including SOAS and the University of Sussex. The test does not need to be booked in advance, simply complete it in an hour and then submit. Tests are certified within 48 hours. Universities in UK without IELTS may accept this as an alternative.

TOEFL (IBT) 

TOEFL, or the Test of English as a Foreign Language, is a long established form of English language proficiency, already accepted by many UK universities. Higher scores are generally around the 95 mark, and standard scores around 88. Once you take the test online, it is valid for two years. This test is very popularly accepted in Universities in UK without IELTS.

To learn more about the different English Proficiency test, read https://degreesandcareers.info/resources/english-proficiency-tests/

General Admission Requirements for Universities in UK  

Basically, entry requirements and admission process for all Universities and Colleges in UK are set by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service in the UK (UCAS) Https://www.ucas.com.

As a basic rule all British/UK Universities require IELTS and follow admission procedures as stipulated by the UCAS. But the under listed universities accepts alternative Competence test English Language.    

Universities where International Students can study in UK without IELTS

 

S/N

UNIVERSITY

WEBSITE

1

SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

https://www.shu.ac.uk/

2

UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

https://www.warwick.ac.uk/

3

UNIVERSITY OF BASEL

https://www.unibas.ch/de

4

BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY

https://www.bcu.ac.uk/

5

UNIVERSIY OF BRISTOL

https://www.bristol.ac.uk/

6

LONDON SOUTHBANK UNIVERSITY

https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/

7

NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY

northumbria.ac.uk/

8

ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY

https://www.rgu.ac.uk/

9

UNIVERSITY OF BOLTON

https://www.bolton.ac.uk/

10

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

https://www.uclan.ac.uk/

11

ASTON UNIVERSITY, BIRMINGHAM

https://www.aston.ac.uk/

12

UNIVERSITY OF GENEVA

https://www.unige.ch/

13

RIGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

https://www.rtu.lv/en/

14

SWANSEA UNIVERSITY

swansea.ac.uk/

15

UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON

northampton.ac.uk/

1. SHEFFIELD HALLAM UNIVERSITY

Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) is a public research university in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. It is the 14th largest university in the UK (out of 169) with 30,960 students (of whom 4,400 are international students), 4,494 staff and 708 courses.

Alternatives for IELTS Scores:

Like all UK universities, you are recommended that you apply directly to the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). But you can preferably apply to the Sheffield Hallam University directly, by contacting [email protected] for an application form.

Sheffield Hallam University accepts the following English proficiency tests apart IELTS

  • TOEFL Internet based (including TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition)
  • Pearson
  • Cambridge IGCSE English as a First Language
  • Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language
  • Cambridge English C1 Advanced (Formerly: Certificate in Advanced English)
  • City and Guilds International ESOL Diploma
  • Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB)
  • Michigan Test: Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE)
  • IGSE English as a Second Language
  • Completion of Sheffield Hallam University pre-session English course

Putting all these into consideration, Sheffield Hallam Universities is one of the Universities in UK without IELTS.

 

2. UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

Founded in 1965, the University of Warwick is a public research university on the outskirts of Coventry between the West Midlands and Warwickshire, England.

The University has now approved some additional online English language tests to meet English language conditions offer, apart from IELTS namely;

  • TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition,
  • PTE Academic online,
  • Language Cert (for entry into postgraduate courses)
  • Duolingo . Therefore, it can be classified as one of the Universities in UK without IELTS. 

 

 

3. UNIVERSITY OF BASEL

The University of Basel is one of the Universities in UK for International students without IELTS. It  has an international reputation of outstanding achievements in research and teaching. Founded in 1460, the University of Basel is the oldest university in Switzerland and has a history of success going back over 550 years.

Asides from IELTS, The University of Basel accepts the following proof of proficiency in English:

  • Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
  • Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
  • Cambridge Business English Certificate Higher (BEC higher)
  • Cambridge First Certificate in English (FCE)
  • TOEFL paper based
  • TOEFL computer based
  • TOEFL internet based

 

 

4. BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY

The University accepts a range of English language qualifications as evidence of proficiency in English. These qualifications are all checked by the University’s International Centre for English to ensure they meet requirements.

English tests accepted apart from the IELTS are:

  • BCU English Proficiency Test
  • Pearson test of English (PTE) - Academic 
  • Pearson test of English (PTE) - Academic ONLINE
  • TOEFL iBT (if taken at test centre outside the UK)
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition 
  • Language Cert International ESOL SELT B2
  • Euro exam Academic English C1
  • Cambridge C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English: Advanced/CAE)
  • Cambridge C2 Proficiency (formerly Cambridge English: Proficiency/CPE)
  • PSI Skills for English – SELT (Levels B1, B2, C1 and C2)

https://www.bcu.ac.uk/international/your-application/english-language-and-english-tests/accepted-qualifications

 

 

5. UNIVERSITY OF BRISTOL

You need to achieve required levels of English to qualify for a place on your chosen course/programme. Different courses/programmes need different levels of language skills. You can apply for Masters in UK without IELTS in this university. The tests and levels you need to achieve to meet the requirements can be viewed on http://www.bristol.ac.uk/study/language-requirements.

English language proficiency tests should have been obtained within two years of the start date of your programme/course.

For the University of Bristol, the list of tests below are valid alternatives for admission and visa where they are taken no more than two years before the start date of your chosen programme of study.

Qualification

Grade required

TOEFL iBT:

103 overall with R24, L22, S25, W24

Pearson PTE Academic (Online or Test Centre):

78 overall with 71 in all skills

C1 Advanced, formerly known as Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE):

184 in all skills

C2 Proficiency, formerly known as Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE):

184 in all skills

Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level IV:

pass in all skills

Trinity Integrated Skills in English (ISE) Level III:

merit in all skills

NCUK EAP

A* overall with A in all skills

NCUK English Test

7.0 or above overall, with 7.0 in all skills

IELTS Indicator

7.5 overall with 7.0 in all skills

Heriot-Watt Pre-Sessional English

Grade B in both courses

Strathclyde ELT

7.5 in two skills, no skill below 7.0

TOEFL at Home

103 overall with R24, L22, S25, W24

Pearson Versant

Versant 70 overall with 69 in all skills

University of Portsmouth Pre-Sessional English

70+ in all skills

                                          

 

 

6. LONDON SOUTHBANK UNIVERSITY

Depending on the nature and level of your programme, the London South Bank University is one of the UK universities without IELTS. It stipulates the following alternative English proficiency test to IELTS and accepts a wide range of international qualifications.

English language qualifications needed to study at LSBU apart from the IELTS are

  • TOEFL iBT which requires an overall score of 80 aggregates from reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking Skills
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) requires an overall score of 56 in all skill area
  • Language Cert SELT or International ESOL (IESOL) Exam requires a minimum score in each skill
  • Trinity ISE pass with distinction in all 4 components
  • GCSE/O-Level/IGCSE English Language (Edexcel/Cambridge Overseas Exams) with Grade C
  • A Level/AS Level English Language

https://www.lsbu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/entry-requirements

 

 

7. NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY

The University of Northumbria’s English language requirements for most academic courses are contained in https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/study-at-northumbria/admissions/english-language-requirements.  

Northumbria usually requires that you to have a University recognized English language test such as IELTS. The university also accepts PTE Academic or equivalent for admission into any of her Foundation, first Degree or Postgraduate programmes.

For undergraduate and post graduate programmes, various grades are required for different course of study.   

                                      

 

 8. ROBERT GORDON UNIVERSITY

The RGU offers her own English Language Proficiency Test. This test can be taken online under secure exam conditions or at the RGU campus at scheduled times. https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-language-requirements/rgu-english-language-proficiency-test.

This test assesses the English language level of candidates in the four skills of listening, speaking, writing and reading.

This is not an IELTS test, but is written and scored in order to provide the University with an equivalency score; both overall and in each of the four components. Robert Gordon University is one of the top Universities in UK for International Students without IELTS.

RGU also accepts other English proficiency test like TOFEL iBT, PTE, West African Senior School Certificate (WAEC) – English at C6 level and above as well as the Nigerian Examinations Council (NECO) – English at C6 level and above. See https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/international-students/english-language-requirements/english-requirements-for-our-courses/undergraduate-study-accepted-english-qualifications

 

 

9. THE UNIVERSITY OF BOLTON

Where evidence of English Language proficiency is required, the University of Bolton currently accepts the following qualifications for admission into courses at degree level or above:

  • GCSE/O-Level in English from a UK awarding body grade C
  • Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary Level English grade C/C3 or above
  • Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level English grade D/D2 or above
  • IGCSE English as a First Language grade C
  • IGCSE English as a Second Language grade C
  • Internet based TOEFL with an overall score of 72 for Undergraduate, 79 for Postgraduate including 17 in Listening, 20 in Writing, 18 in Reading and 18 in Speaking
  • International Baccalaureate (Standard Level grade 5/Higher Level grade 4 in English)
  • Cambridge Advanced English grade C (minimum of “weak” in all four components (listening, reading, speaking and writing)
  • WAEC/NECO grade C6 or above (Taught entirely in English) may be considered. The University easily sits on the lists of Universities in UK that do not require IELTS.

https://www.bolton.ac.uk/international/international-general-entry-requirements

 

 

10. UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL LANCASHIRE

The University Of Central Lancashire, also a University in UK without IELTS, is a public university based in the city of Preston, Lancashire, England. Founded in 1828, it has been known as Harris Art College and Preston Polytechnic. In 1992, the Lancashire Polytechnic was granted university status. The university is the 19th largest in the UK in terms of student numbers.

Alternative English Proficiency Tests

Cambridge IGCSE English As A First Language (Syllabus 0500 And 0522)

Grade C
Minimum scores:
Reading - Grade E
Writing - Grade E
Speaking - Grade D (0522) or 2 (0500)
Listening - Grade D (0522) or 2 (0500)

Cambridge IGCSE English As A Second Language (Syllabus 0510 And 0511)

Grade C
Minimum scores:
Reading - Grade D
Writing - Grade D
Speaking - Grade C (0511) or 2 (0510)
Listening - Grade A

A Level English Language

Grade C

IELTS

6.0 (with no component score lower than 5.5)
SELT from UKVI approved centres. We vouch for tests taken at other centres. Validity is two years of course commencement date*

Language Cert International ESOL Exam

High Pass with minimum 33/50
SELT

TOEFL iBT

80 with minimum subscores of 20

Michigan English Language Assessment Board

78 or above

Trinity College - Integrated Skills In English

ISEII or ISEIII - pass in all four components
SELT - only when taken at a UK centre. We vouch for tests taken at other centres. Validity is two years of course commencement date*

English Language Skills Assessment

Listening and Reading – 383+
Writing I – 77+  
Speaking

UCLan Test Of English Language Level (TELL)

Merit (65%) with no component below pass (50%)

Pearson Test Of English-Academic

60 with minimum of 51 in each component

Language Cert International ESOL Exam

High Pass with minimum 33/50
SELT

Trinity College – Integrated Skills In English

ISEIII - pass in all four components
SELT – only when taken at a UK centre. We vouch for tests taken at other centres. Validity is two years of course commencement date

TOEFL IBT

91 (with minimum grades of 21 in each component)

UCLan TELL test

Merit (75%) with no component below pass (65%)

Pearson Test Of English-Academic

67 with minimum of 60 in each component

 

 

 

11. ASTON UNIVERSITY, BIRMINGHAM

The University requires satisfaction of their English Language requirements in order to be accepted. The level of proficiency depends on the programme being applied for. Study without IELTS in UK at the Aston University, Birmingham. The University, however, accepts a wide range of English Language qualifications including:

  • TOEFL
  • PTE Academic
  • TOEFL iBT Home Edition
  • Password
  • Duolingo English Test (For entry into Pre-sessional English Programmes, and direct entry courses.
  • Language Cert International ESOL SELT
  • Kaplan International Tools for English (KITE)

For more info visit, https://www.aston.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements

 

 

12. UNIVERSITY OF GENEVA

The University, like many others has a basic requirement of English proficiency test for admission of international students. It is not so rigid with the IELTS requirement. It is a University for Masters in UK without IELTS. However, it also allows students to present either of the following English tests:

  • TOEFL iBT
  • TOEFL paper-based
  • PTE Academic
  • WAEC/O-Level results (minimum of 6 passes)

For more info, visit https://www.geneva.edu/admissions/international/international_application_instruction/

 

 

13. RIGA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

The University requires students who do not have English as their native language to provide a proof of English Language knowledge. However, the university accepts a wide range of English Language certificates. It classifies as a University in UK without IELTS.  The table below clearly describes the different certificates and their grade requirements.

TEST

SCORE

IELTS

Minimum overall grade of 5.5

TOEFL iBT

Minimum 61

TIEFL paper based

Minimum 530

TOEIC

Minimum 780

Cambridge exam

FCE

Pearson PTE

Minimum 47

Visit https://www.admissionsdirect.com/Lativa/universities/riga-technical-university/MTQ4Mg??/

 

 

14. SWANSEA UNIVERSITY

As a requirement, students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of English to a certain level. Most departments in the university require an IELTS 6.5 for post graduate degrees but there are other exceptions. There are also specific English language requirements for various courses.  There are some courses without IELTS in the University. However, they accept a wide range of other English Language tests. Therefore International Students can be admitted without IELTS.

To learn more on the English Language requirements for Swansea University, visit https://www.swansea.ac.uk/admissions/english-language-requirements/

 

 

15. UNIVERSITY OF NORTHAMPTON

University of Northampton requires English language certification for international students. For students who wish to study Nursing and Social Work, IELTS is a prerequisite. However, they allow other English certifications for acceptance into their degree courses. Study in London without IELTS. These alternative English certifications include;

  • A level
  • Cambridge Assessment English
  • European Baccalaureate English
  • GSCE
  • iGCSE
  • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT (B2)
  • LanguageCert International ESOL SELT (C1)
  • Michigan English Test (MET)
  • Pearson PTE Academic
  • TOEFL iBT

Visit https://www.northampton.ac.uk/international/english-language-requirements/ to learn more about the English requirements for University of Northampton.

 

CONCLUSION        

An important note, your English proficiency is one the requirements to get a Tier 4 (General) student visa so if you find a university that waives off the IELTS test, you must ask them to hand you a document that you are eligible to take a visa.

Please note that all tests including the IELTS tests are only valid for 2 years from the date of testing, any qualifications that exceed this will not be accepted. This is a UKVI requirement. Good luck!

 

 

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