Preparing to study oversea can be quite overwhelming. Especially when you are not sure of how to go about the processes involved. A lot of students preparing to study in UK tend to ask questions like how to get a student visa in UK without IELTS? Do I need IELTS to study in UK?
So many English-speaking countries make use of IELTS as of the basic requirements needed to study in the country. The UK is not an exception, although there are prestigious universities in the UK that offer student visa in UK without IELTS. But you will need to meet up with the basic requirements.
A lot of students ask if it is possible to study in UK without IELTS and if they offer student visa in UK without IELTS. The simple answer to that is ‘yes.’ unlike other English-speaking countries, most universities offer student visa in UK without IELTS.
Regardless of whether or not you have IELTS, you can get a student visa in UK without the IELTS. It is normal to believe that the IELTS is compulsory, but it is not, IELTS is not compulsory in the UK, because there are other ways you can get a student visa in UK without IELTS.
International students looking forward to studying in the UK can rest assured because there are other means by which you study and even work without IELTS. You can study in the UK and even earn a master’s, bachelor’s, Ph.D., and associate degree without IELTS in UK.
As an international student looking forward to studying in the UK. You should know that there are scholarship programs in the UK that will cover most of your expenses. This overview will cover everything on how to get a student visa in UK without IELTS.
What Is IELTS?
The International English language testing system(IELTS) is an assessment test that is used to assess a candidate’s language skills and abilities.
It is usually focused on four sections such as writing, reading, speaking, and listening. the IELTS is commonly used by top universities in the world today, usually to test international students’ language skills.
The IELTS is a three-hour test that covers the writing, reading, speaking, and listening section. Most universities make use of the IELTS exam as a means to evaluate a student’s language skills.
With the fact that the UK is an English-speaking country, there are more than 20 prestigious universities that offer student visa in UK without IELTS. Most of these universities have English academic requirements that must be met. This could be in any form, but it will be different from the IELTS.
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Types of IELTS
The four parts of an IELTS:
#1. Writing Section:
This is one of the sections in an IELTS examination, the writing aspect entails two separate tasks. Task one usually entails the interpretation and description of some graphic or visual data, which could be information on charts, tables, diagrams, maps, or graphs. While the second task is an argumentative essay on a topic. The writing section will take one hour.
#2. Reading Section:
In an IELTS test, the reading section of the test compromises 40 questions. These questions are created to evaluate your reading abilities and skills. The reading section will take one hour to complete.
#3. Speaking Section:
In an IELTS exam, the speaking section is a test that requires a direct interview with an examiner. There are three parts to the test; one of which tests your pronunciation, your grammar, vocabulary, and your fluency.
#4. Listening section:
There is a listening section in the IELTS, in this section, you have to answer 40 questions on four recording tasks.
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Is IELTS difficult to pass?
No. the IELTS assessment examination is not difficult to pass. One of the most effective ways in passing the IELTS is to understand every section of the test.
Understanding the format of each section will give you an insight into how to answer the questions and also prepare you for every aspect of the test.
As a student looking forward to writing the IELTS exam, you should endeavor to get familiar with the kind of questions that will be asked. You should also find out what you lack and how to strengthen your weaknesses in the general sections of the test.
The IELTS exam is not created to be difficult, but it is designed to test your English speaking abilities in various ways. You should always remain calm during the test and always give your best.
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Can I apply for a University without IELTS?
Absolutely yes. A lot of students wonder if they can study abroad without IELTS or how to go about it.
But you should know that there are a lot of prestigious universities that offer student visa to international students without the need for an IELTS or TOEFL.
So many universities in the UK, us, and Canada don’t request an IELTS, but instead, you have to meet up with their basic requirements which usually include:
A document/proof of your previous education in an English institution. The most university will request that you provide a document that could be used instead of an IELTS.
Instead of an IELTS exam, the university will probably offer an assessment test which might be through a telephone call or a video interview.
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Can I study in the UK without IELTS?
Yes. You can study in the UK without an IELTS. Most international students can study in the UK without IELTS because not all universities in the UK require IELTS.
You can study in the UK if you have the requirements requested by the university. To study in the UK, the desired university has to give you a letter of acceptance; this letter of acceptance will be the one to be given to the immigration authorities.
The letter of acceptance from the university will be proof that you have met the necessary conditions required by the school with no IELTS.
If you’re wondering if it is possible to you can study in the UK without an IELTS. The answer is yes. As long as you meet the alternative requirements like proof that you’ve once taken a course in English, a degree, etc. Any of these can be an alternative for the IELTS.
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Reasons to Study in UK without IELTS
Several alternative requirements will let you study in the UK without IELTS. The main reason most universities request an IELTS test is to assess the English language skills of the student. And since the student will have to study the English language, they must know how well the student can understand what is being taught in the classroom.
The good news is that not all universities in the UK request an IELTS from international students, here are a few reasons to study in UK without IELTS:
#1. Medium of instruction(MOI):
The medium of instruction letter is one of the reasons to study in the UK without IELTS. Instead of the IELTS, some universities in the UK accept MOI.
Brunel University is one of the universities that accept the letters, then the University of Portsmouth, the University of Strathclyde, Ulster University; etc.
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#2. Secure English language test (SELT):
The SELT is one of the requirements for a student visa. Most international students looking forward to studying in the UK can sit for the SELT test. This test is generally accepted without the need for IELTS.
#3. Previous studies:
Some universities in UK accept a previous undergraduate degree or high school English score that is over 60% in English languages. Depending on the program you wish to study, there might be different requirements for that.
International students with a previous degree in English or a related course may not need to sit for an IELTS. These will be regarded as assessments based on qualifications, the university might as well provide their assessment test without the IELTS.
#4. English course:
Most universities provide English courses for international students who want to study in the UK. The English course will last for a few months before the start of an academic section without the IELTS.
#5. Online interview:
Instead of an IELTS, most universities might request you to be available for an online interview so they can easily evaluate your English language skills and abilities.
Is IELTS mandatory for UK student visa in 2024?
Generally, IELTS is mandatory for students who want to work, relocate or study in the UK. But the good news is that most universities in the UK offer other means of an English language test for students who wish to study in their school.
International students who want to study in the UK can opt for the secure English language test (SELT) instead of the IELTS. The secure English language test (SELT) is authorized by the UK visas and immigration (UKVI) as one of the prerequisites for English skills and abilities without IELTS.
Can I get a UK student visa without IELTS?
Yes, it is very possible to get a UK student visa without IELTS. Even if you don’t have IELTS or you have IELTS, you can get a UK student visa without IELTS. You may be wondering how is that possible.
You can obtain a UK student visa on the ground of confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS). When the desired university offers you a letter of acceptance, it will be documented that you’re qualified for the student visa.
The letter of acceptance will most likely state the fact that you have passed an English test regardless of the nature of the test.
What are the eligibility requirements to get a UK student visa without IELTS?
As an international student, you have been hearing about how mandatory it is for you to pass the IELTS exam so you can study abroad. Tests like TOEFL, PTE, IELTS, and others must have been made mentioned. The truth is not all universities in the UK made those tests mandatory for international students.
There are alternative ways to get a UK student visa without IELTS and some of them will be mentioned below. Here is a list of eligibility requirements to get a UK student visa without IELTS:
#1. Acceptance letter:
An alternative way to acquire a UK student visa without IELTS is to get a direct acceptance letter from the university. The letter of acceptance is proof that you are eligible for the UK student visa.
So whether you have a low IELTS score or you don’t haven’t sat for one, an acceptance letter from the university will be accepted by the UK immigration authority to process your student visa.
In the document, the desired university will certify that you can apply for UK student visa without IELTS.
#2. Online interviews:
Online interviews are alternative ways an international student can get a student visa without IELTS. A lot of universities in UK offer international students the opportunity to appear for an online interview.
Attending the interview will enable the university to assess and evaluate the applicant’s English skills and abilities. Some of these interviews can take place on the platform the university requested and it doesn’t take long to finish. The online interview will be based on you and familiar questions.
#3. Pre-sessional English course:
Some universities offer pre-sessional English courses as an alternative to IELTS. Most international students with low IELTS scores are offered the opportunity to attend an English course and if they perform well enough they’ll be asked to begin their study journey for their degree.
These pre-sessional English courses usually take 6 to 12-weeks, and you should know that not all universities in UK offer these English courses. And that is why you should endeavor to make proper research on their website.
#4. Proof of English as a medium of instruction:
One of the eligibility requirements to get a UK student visa without IELTS is proof of English as a medium of instruction. The medium of the letter is an alternative for the IELTS, most universities in the UK accept the medium of instruction letter as proof that an applicant’s school makes use of English as a medium of instruction.
#5. Undergraduate degree in English:
If your previous degree was in English or an English program, you can apply to universities in the UK that accepts proof of previous academic score in English.
This is also an alternative for the IELTS test, since your undergraduate degree is in English, some universities in UK can waive the IELTS and accept proof of study instead.
#6. Secure English language test (SELT):
The secure English language test (SELT) is a test authorized by the UK visas and immigration (UKVI). As an international student with a low IELTS score, you can sit for the secure English language test (SELT).
This test is fully accepted as proof of your English skills and abilities without the need for an IELTS.
How to study in UK without IELTS?
To study in UK without IELTS, you need to be proficient in the English language, both in writing, listening, speaking, and reading. Each eligibility requirement for a foreign student may vary, usually depending on the country. If you are not coming from an English-speaking country, you may need to meet up with the university’s requirements.
The IELTS is one requirement to study in UK, but the good news is that you can study in the UK without an IELTS if your high school English score is higher than 70%.
You can also appear for an online interview requested by the university, or attend a pre-sessional English course provided by the university to international students who want to study in the school. If your undergraduate degree is in the English language, you can apply for a UK student visa without IELTS.
UK admission process for without IELTS
For international students looking forward to study in UK, you should know that the admission process for UK universities may vary for various reasons. But here is a list of the admission process for international students without IELTS:
#1. High school or an undergraduate degree:
Your proficiency in the English language is the most criterion for studying in the UK. You need to finish your high school with a 70% or higher score in English language or an undergraduate degree in English. Your score will be requested if you have a low score in IELTS or when you don’t have any score in IELTS.
The university will accept other academic documents that are equivalent to IELTS.
#2. Necessary documents required:
As an international student, during your application process, you should avoid making mistakes that can hinder your study in the UK.
Ensure to apply for a student visa and not a work visa. Immediately after you get the letter of acceptance from the desired university in UK, proceed to apply for a UK student visa.
Other documents needed are your international passport; experience letters; birth certificate; financial documents such as loan approval letter, bank balance certificate, fixed deposit certificates, etc; affidavit of sponsorship from parents; academic technology approval scheme (ATAS); confirmation of acceptance for studies letter (CAS); medical certificate.
Which UK university does not require IELTS?
A lot of prestigious universities in the UK do not require IELTS. Although you have to meet up with their requirements which will serve as proof of your English skills. The good news is that you can now study in UK without IELTS
Here is a list of UK universities that does not require IELTS:
- Aston University, Birmingham.
- Audencia Nantes school of management.
- Birmingham city university.
- Coventry university
- Glasgow Caledonian university
- Kingston university
- Liverpool Hope University
- London Southbank university
- Northumbria University.
- Nottingham Trent university
- Oxford Brookes university
- Queen’s University Belfast
- Riga technical university.
- Royal Holloway university
- Sheffield Hallam university
- Swansea University.
- Ulster university
- The University of Basel.
- University of Birmingham
- The University of Bolton.
- University of Bristol
- The University of Central Lancashire.
- University of Dundee
- University of Essex
- The University of Geneva.
- University of Greenwich
- University of Huddersfield
- Staffordshire university
- University of Liverpool
- University of Northampton
- The University of Northampton.
- University of Plymouth
- University of Portsmouth
- Robert Gordon university
- University of south wales
- University of Stirling
- Portsmouth university
- University of Strathclyde
- The University of Warwick
- University of Surrey
- The University of York.
Work in UK without IELTS
A lot of international students wish to study and work in UK without understanding how to go about it. As a student in a UK university, once you complete your undergraduate or postgraduate program. You have the opportunity to legally work in UK without IELTS.
But first, the university of study will have to offer you a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS), the CAS is accepted by the British high.
When you complete your program at the university, you can apply for a post-study work permit which will last for two(2) years.
List of scholarships in the UK without IELTS
Most people find studying overseas very expensive. The cost of tuition, feeding, housing, and other fees can make it a lot more overwhelming for first-timer or old students.
But the good news is that you can study in apply for scholarships in the UK without IELTS. Some of these scholarships cover different levels of your programs, whether you want a scholarship for a master’s, Ph.D., bachelor’s, an associate’s degree.
Here is a list of scholarships in the UK without IELTS:
- Anne Marie Schimmel scholarship
- Bestway foundation postgraduate scholarship
- Chevening scholarship
- Clarendon scholarship
- Commonwealth UK scholarships
- Gates Cambridge university scholarships
- Great scholarships
- Hatfield Lioness scholarships
- India’s largest study abroad scholarship
- Islamic development scholarships
- Nottingham Trent university scholarships
- Reach Oxford scholarships
- Rhodes scholarship
- The University of Sussex international scholarships
- The university of west England chancellor scholarship
- Think big scholarships
- UK Bristol university scholarships
- University of Birmingham scholarship
- University of Plymouth UK scholarship
- Welcome (UK government) scholarship
- University of Strathclyde Scholarships
- University of Westminster scholarships
- Women in stem scholarships.
FAQs about Student Visa in UK without IELTS?
Yes. You can gain admission without an IELTS. All you need to do is meet up with other basic requirements of the school.
Yes. You can get a scholarship in the UK without IELTS.
Yes. You can work in UK without IELTS.
For some particular courses, yes the IELTS is necessary for a UK study visa, but an equivalent can work instead of the IELTS.
Some of the universities that do not require IELTS in the UK include Aston University, Birmingham, Audencia Nantes school of management, Birmingham city university, Coventry University, Glasgow Caledonian University, etc.
Conclusion
Studying in UK without IELTS is not impossible and it is quite achievable if you have the requirements. There are several scholarship programs available for you, without the need for an IELTS, all you need is to have proof of your English skills.
We hope this overview on how to get a student visa in UK without IELTS helps you in various ways.
References
- Ielts.Org- Sample Test Questions
- Studying-In-Uk.Org-Study In Uk Without Ielts
- Ardentoverseas.Com- Study In Uk Without Ielts
- Scholarship.Pw- Study In Uk Without Ielts
- Leverageedu.Com- Study In Uk Without Ielts
- Pyramideservices.Com- Study In Uk Without Ielts
- Ieltspodcast.Com- How Difficult Is The Ielts
- Mastersportal.Com-How To Get a Student Visa For The Uk
- Stsglobaleducation.Co.Uk- Study In Uk Without Ielts
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