Universities offering a TOEFL waiver | US, UK, Canada, and more!

Since most university courses are taught in English, universities usually expect their applicants to be proficient in the language. This is why universities ask students to submit their scores from tests like TOEFL,  IELTS, and PTE. However, a few colleges understand that not all students need to take these exams. So to make the application process easier, they also admit students who haven’t submitted their English test scores. Here, I have compiled a list of universities offering a TOEFL waiver to international applicants!

Universities giving a TOEFL waiver

Several universities around the world waive their TOEFL and IELTS requirements for international students. But they do so for applicants who fulfill certain criteria set by these colleges. An IELTS or TOEFL waiver is given to students who-

1. Have attended a school where English is the medium of instruction
2. Students willing to attend an English Language Program at the university during their course of study
3. Worked in an English speaking environment for a certain period of time

So if you fulfill any of the conditions mentioned above, you can apply to the following universities without taking TOEFL-

US

Most of the following universities either expect students to have attended an English-medium school or partake in the English Language course at the university.

1. Rice University
2. University of Arkansas
3. California State University
4. University of Dayton
5. Drexel State University
6. University of Delaware
7. State University of New York
8. University of Iowa
9. Western Washington University
10. University of New Orleans
11. Drew University
12. University of Wisconsin
13. Sonoma State University
14. National Louis University
15. Illinois State University
16. Schiller International University
17. Kendall College
18. Southeast Missouri State University
19. Park University
20. Westcliff University
21. Georgia State University
22. Marymount California University
23. Rider University
24. University of Central Florida
25. Baylor University
26. University of North Alabama
27. Northwood University
28. University of Houston
29. Lewis University
30. University of Regina

UK

The list of universities in UK without TOEFL requirements include-

1. University of Bristol
2. University of Bolton
3. London Southbank University
4. Robert Gordon University
5. University of Warwick
6. Aston University, Birmingham
7. Sheffield Hallam University
8. University of Central Lancashire

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

Canada

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

1. Brock University – Study the Intensive English Language Program at the university
2. Carleton University – Transcripts for the last 3 years of study
3. University of Winnipeg – English Language Program at the university
4. Memorial University – English Language Program at the university
5. Concordia University – English Language Program at the university
6. University of Regina

Australia

There are a few universities in Australia that offer TOEFL waivers, including-

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

Not all universities offering a TOEFL waiver are listed above

If there’s a university or a course that you are interested in and you can’t find it on this list, don’t fret!

Go to the university website and check their Admissions page. Or look at the program page itself. If the application requirements on these pages do not mention TOEFL or say that submitting TOEFL scores is optional, you might not need to take the test after all! Unless you end up shortlisting a college that does require you to share your TOEFL scores.

So should I take TOEFL or not?

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

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

In case you are facing any technical difficulties at home or if ETS does not offer the TOEFL at-home version in your country or your region, email the university. If they say you will definitely have to submit the 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.

How can I prepare for TOEFL?

Since not all courses and universities are waiving TOEFL, you might have a few on your shortlist that are still asking students to submit TOEFL 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 TOEFL‘ and then head over to the article I have written on ‘TOEFL at-home.’ You will find out about TOEFL test dates, exam pattern, 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 TOEFL exam), feel free to reach out or drop a comment below.

We would be very happy to help!