Top universities without IELTS | Canada, UK, US, and more!

Universities without IELTS | An overview

As a matter of fact, most universities expect their applicants to be proficient in English as the courses are taught in English. This is why universities ask students to submit their scores on tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE. However, a few colleges understand that not all students need to take these exams. Most universities just need to know that you’ve received an education with English as your primary language. So to make the application process easier, they also admit students who haven’t submitted their English test scores. Here’s a compiled list of universities without IELTS requirements that you can apply to!

List of universities in Canada without IELTS 

When it comes to Canada, there are a bunch of universities that don’t ask for IELTS scores. But they do need students to submit other proofs of their proficiency in English. These include-

1. Proof that you have studied in an English medium school for at least four years.
2. Documents to show that you are a native of an English-speaking nation.
3. You will sign up for the university’s language school for a semester or a year.

Let’s take a look at the list of universities in Canada without IELTS requirements and see what they ask for, instead-

1. University of Saskatchewan CanTEST scores, English Training Program at the university, over three years of full-time study at a school with a Canadian curriculum.
2.  Cambrian College- English Training Program at the university.
3. The University of Winnipeg – English Language Program at the university.
4. Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador – English Language Program at the university, CanTEST or CAEL scores.
5. Brock University – Study the Intensive English Language Program at the university.
6. Carleton University – Transcripts for the last three years of study.
7. University of Regina– Accepts tests scores of CAEL, TOEFL, iBT, PTE, CanTEST, MeLAB, and Duolingo
8. Okanagan College– Duolingo test scores for those who have English as their second language, 10+2 marks for international students graduating from British Columbia Colleges. Students from India and Pakistan are required to give the Academic IELTS.
9. Concordia University –  English Language Program at the university.
10. Seneca College– Accepts CAEL, Duolingo, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT test scores.

When it comes to taking the English Language Program at the university, it’s important to know that the course length will depend on how good your English is. As a matter of fact, if you’re really good already, you might not have to take it at all!

List of universities in the UK without IELTS

Similar to other countries, the universities in the UK also allow students to apply without submitting their IELTS scores. Instead, they ask for other proofs of English proficiency, like-

1. The medium of instruction in your previous university/school was English.
2. Interviews in English.
3. Other language tests.
4. Attend an English language course at the university.

If you satisfy any of the above requirements, you might not have to take the IELTS at all!

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the universities in the UK without IELTS requirements-

1. The University of Warwick – Accepts tests scores of TOEFL, PTE, CAE, and CPE. 
2. Birmingham City University– An overall score of 80 in TOEFL iBT, and 64 in PTE with no less than 59 in all individual tests.
3. The University of Bristol– TOEFL iBT, CAE, CPE, PTE, NCUK, ISE, Language CERT SELT, or Language CERT International ESOL scores are acceptable. 
4. London Southbank University– TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English test, Language Cert SELT or International ESOL exam, Trinity ISC, and Cambridge School Grades from IGCSE and GCSE boards.
5. Northumbria University– PTE Academic and Trinity test scores on the basis of course chosen.
6. The University of Bolton– TOEFL, Cambridge Advanced English grade, IGCSE English grade C, Irish Leaving Certificate Ordinary and Higher level English grade, and International Baccalaureate grades are accepted besides IELTS Academic scores.
7. Portsmouth University– TOEFL iBT, PTE, Duolingo, C1 Advanced, Language Cert SELT version, Skills for English UKVI English Language Level Test, ECPE, and tests from Trinity College London.
8. Aston University– TOEFL, PTE, KITE, CAE, CPE, Language Cert International ESOL SELT, and Password test scores taken at NCUK centers only. 

Even though quite a few universities accept students without IELTS scores, you might need to take the test if you want a UK student visa. So, unless the visa officer exempts you from submitting IELTS scores, you will have to prepare for the IELTS test and score well.

List of universities in the USA without IELTS 

All in all, there are many universities in the USA without any IELTS or TOEFL requirements. While some of them ask for a degree from an English-medium institute; on the other hand, some interview in English or offer English language courses to students who are not from English-speaking nations.

Let’s take a look at these institutes-

1. University of Delaware– TOEFL, GRE, GMAT and iTEP Academic plus test scores are accepted. 
2. Rice University– TOEFL iBT, minimum 115 on Duolingo, and proof of completion of education from an English-speaking institution.
3. State University of New York– TOEFL scores are accepted. 
4. Drexel University– TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, Cambridge English C1 or C2, or proof of having studied at an English -speaking institution. They also consider work experience of for 5 years in the US. 
5. University of Colorado– TOEFL, and Duolingo scores are accepted. 
6. University of Missouri– Duolingo, TOEFL iBT, PTE, Cambridge C1 or C2 test scores.
7. University of Wisconsin– TOEFL iBT score of 80-91.
8. Notre Dame De Namur University– TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo test scores are accepted. 
9. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences– TOEFL iBT, TOEFL ITP, iTEP, SAT, ACT, PTE, Duolingo, Proof of completion of 4 years of High School in the US. 
10. Georgia State University– TOEFL, or Intensive English Program test scores. 
11. University of Central Florida– TOEFL test scores are accepted besides IELTS.

To find out the exact details about which alternate documents these universities require, visit the undergraduate/graduate pages of the respective websites.

List of universities in Germany without IELTS

As a matter of fact, several German universities exempt students from submitting their IELTS scores. However, they allow students to share other documents instead-

1. A document stating that their previous course was entirely in English.
2.  A Medium of Instruction (MoI) certificate.
3. Proof that you are a native of an English-speaking nation.
4. Give an interview in English.

Here is a list of universities in Germany without IELTS requirements-

1. University of Siegen– Preparatory German Language Course required. 
2. University of Giessen– TOEFL test scores required.
3. Braunschweig University of Technology (TU Braunschweig)– TOEFL score of 80 and a basic German Language course.
4. Ruhr University Bochum– German and English language proficiency proof.
5. Freiburg University– TOEFL, PTE, and German language proficiency proof. 
6. University of Bayreuth– TOEFL, Cambridge Advanced or Proficient, and German language proficiency proof. 
7. University of Bonn– German language proficiency 2nd level in DSH, and level C1 in CEFR. 
8. University of Kiel– TOEFL ITP, TOEFL iBT, or a Cambridge certificate of Advanced or Proficient English.
9. University of Kassel– Proof of proficiency in the English language to a B2 level in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages CERF must be shown while applying. 
10. University of Passau– TOEFL, German language proficiency test scores of DSH, TestDaf or CERF.

One major reason why Germany has so many colleges that don’t require GRE is that it also offers German Pathway Programs. Through these courses, students can learn German during their course and eventually switch from studying in English to learning the same program in German.

List of universities in Australia without IELTS

Universities in Australia usually require students to submit their IELTS or TOEFL scores. However, exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. 

For example, if your previous course had been in English or if you’re willing to attend a language preparatory course at the university, you might not have to take the IELTS exam.

 

Here’s a list of universities in Australia without IELTS requirements-

1. The University of Queensland – If your previous course was in English, or if you have work experience in a professional English-speaking environment.
2. The University of Adelaide – If your previous course was taught in English or if you are ready to enroll in a language preparatory course.
3. Bond University – a PTE certificate or C1 Advanced certificate.
4. Swinburne University of Technology – The previous course was in English; attend an English language course, or provide a PTE or Common European Framework certificate.
5. Macquarie University – PTE, CAE, CPE, OET scores, or an English language course.
6. University of New South Wales – PTE, CAE, CPE scores, or work experience in a professional English-speaking environment.
7. Victoria University – PTE, CAE, or FCE scores.
8. University of South Australia – PTE, CAE, or CPE scores, or an English program at the university.
9. The University of Southern Queensland – English language proficiency program.

Even though quite a few universities accept students without IELTS scores, you might need to take the test if you want an Australian student visa. So, unless the visa officer exempts you from submitting IELTS scores, you will have to prepare for the IELTS test and score well.

Should I apply to these universities?

My only suggestion to you is this – shortlist your colleges wisely.

Don’t just pick universities because they are waiving IELTS and TOEFL scores. Choose them because you like the course, find the curriculum fascinating, and love the faculty. And if that means you have to take the IELTS exam, do it.

Also, many countries require you to have taken IELTS or TOEFL. So, before applying to these colleges, make sure that not taking IELTS doesn’t affect your chances of getting a student visa. 

If you face any difficulties and can’t take the test, email the university. If they say you will have to submit IELTS scores, return to this blog. Shortlist universities that you like, and apply! You might end up at a place better than you had dreamed of.

Help me prepare for IELTS!

Since not all courses and universities are waiving IELTS, you might have a few on your shortlist that are still asking students to submit IELTS scores.

In that case, it’s best to start preparing for the test as soon as you can. To begin with, check out this blog on ‘All about IELTS‘ and then head over to the article I have written on ‘IELTS at-home.’ You will learn about IELTS test dates, exam patterns, registration, and scoring. The first blog also has a sample paper for you to practice.

Moreover, the second blog will help you set up your room and your PC (among other things) to help you take the test at home.

So, what are you waiting for? Head over and start preparing!

And in case you get stuck or have any questions (or if you’re still not sure about giving the IELTS exam), feel free to reach out or drop a comment below.

We would be very happy to help!

Liked this blog? Then read US English vs. UK English | Top Differences to Understand!

Key takeaways

• Universities demand that students undertake English proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, and PRE, but few are willing to make an exception.
• You may need to give an English proficiency test in the UK for visa applications. 
• Universities in the USA interview students in English to test their language proficiency or ask for degree proof from an English-medium institution. They can also ask them to take on an extra course to learn the language. 
• German universities have the German Pathways Program to make German language learning available for all students. 
• Universities in Australia exempt students from English proficiency tests if they are willing to take up a language course or if they show proof of English language proficiency. It might be needed for visa applications.

FAQs

Question 1: Is the IELTS test score absolutely necessary?

Answer: Not really. As a matter of fact, many universities exempt students from submitting IELTS test scores. While some universities may have it mandatorily, you can check out the universities without IELTS if you are not willing to take the test.

Question 2: In addition to the countries mentioned here, which other countries don’t need an IELTS score?

Answer: In addition to the countries mentioned in this blog, South Africa, Sweden, Uganda, and Belgium are some of the other countries that don’t need an IELTS score.

Question 3: Why is IELTS mandatory in some universities?

Answer: As has been noted, the courses are taught in English, which makes IELTS mandatory in some universities. However, some universities do exempt the test.