Universities in the UK Without IELTS for Indian Students

The UK’s Home Office data reveals that Indian nationals accounted for the second-highest shares of issued student visas in 2024. It’s a preferred study-abroad destination. UK Universities, like the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford and more have consistently ranked amongst the top educational institutions globally.

However, many Indian aspirants wonder, “Can I go to the UK without IELTS for studying?” The answer is “Yes”, they can, and many students qualify without realizing it. Several UK universities offer admissions through English-medium education proof, alternative English language proficiency tests, or university-specific assessments.

This blog shares why IELTS is required, lists 10 UK universities without IELTS for Indian students, and explains which alternative English proficiency test scores are accepted. 

Key Highlights 

1. IELTS is not mandatory in many UK universities and colleges.
2. Most UK universities accept IELTS alternatives like Duolingo, TOEFL, Pearson Test, and Kaplan Test of English. 
3. UK universities, like the University of Northampton, grant a provisional seat to Indian students via the pre-sessional courses.
4. Some universities, like the London South Bank University, also grant admission if you’ve scored well in English in grade 12 from an English medium school depending on percentage.

Why is IELTS Required to Study in the UK?

The IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is an English Language Proficiency Test for higher education and global migration. It is developed and administered by the British Council in collaboration with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English. 

4 million+ people appear for IELTS every year. While IELTS Academic helps you secure college and university acceptances, IELTS General Training proves your linguistic skills in an organizational setup.

Here’s why the UK requires IELTS exam:

• Access to new opportunities: It’s a test trusted by 12,000 organizations worldwide. As a result, it opens doors to your preferred institutions abroad.
• Helps with student visa requirements: Immigration authorities require you to submit proof of English language proficiency to ensure your survival in this English-speaking country. The United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) accepts scores on IELTS for UKVI. The score or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) level depends on the visa type. 

As for colleges and universities, below are some key reasons why IELTS is required:

• Academic comprehension: Ensures that students understand lectures, research papers, and coursework and can write essays, dissertations etc.
• Class participation: Helps students contribute to discussions, presentations, and group projects equally.

Despite its importance, IELTS is not mandatory for all universities. You can still study in UK colleges without IELTS if you meet alternative criteria for proving English proficiency. 

Top 10 Universities in the UK without IELTS for Indian Students

Many top UK universities and colleges grant admission to Indian and international students without an IELTS test score, provided you meet alternative criteria. These criteria usually include English-medium education, alternative tests, special entrance exams set by the university, or a certificate of medium of instruction (MOI). These apply to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. 

Here’s a list of IELTS waiver universities in the UK:

• University of Bristol: Accepts completion of a pre-sessional language course and alternative test scores for Trinity Integrated Skills in English, PTE, and Cambridge C1/C2 exams. 

• University of Greenwich: Accepts scores on Cambridge English Assessment, Duolingo, PTE Academic (in person), and TOEFL IBT (in person). You can also explore Euroexam General English C1, and GCSE/IGCSE/O Level English. They also consider scores on the Oxford ELLT as an IELTS waiver. 

• University of Portsmouth: Considers scores on TOEFL iBT, Pearson Test of English, C1 Advanced by Cambridge, Duolingo, Oxford ELLT, and Kaplan Test of English (KTE). Alternatively, Portsmouth University accepts Indian HSC certificates with 75% or more in English, except for the states of Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat or Uttarakhand. 

• Sheffield Hallam University: The Sheffield Hallam University accepts IELTS-equivalent scores on TOEFL iBT, Cambridge IGCSE English or C1 Advanced. You can also sign up for the Sheffield Hallam pre-study English course based on your preferred programmes. 

• UGM Manchester: Requires proof of English proficiency via scores on IGCSE English as First or Second Language, Internet-based TOEFL, C1 Advanced, or Duolingo.

• University of Essex: Accepts TOEFL, PET, Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) and Cambridge Proficiency English (CPE), or Kaplan Test of English. The scores vary as per your level in the course and field. 

• Bangor University: Considers scores on Bangor University English Language Test (BUELT), Password Skills Plus, TOEFL iBT, Pearson Test (Academic), ISE II/ISE III Language Tests, International English Language Competency Assessment (IELCA), and more.

• Birmingham City University: It accepts qualifications on its own English test, like the BCU English Proficiency Test. Alternatively, you can submit scores on Pearson test of English (PTE) – Academic, TOEFL iBT, and LanguageCert Academic (SELT only). They also accept HSC 12th English (more than 65%) and Cambridge C1/C2 scores. 

• University of Northampton: Allows for scores on Cambridge Assessment English, European Baccalaureate English, LanguageCert Academic SELT (B2), Michigan English Test (MET), CBSE and CISCE Standard 12 English (with at least 60%) and more for degree courses. In case you do not meet any of these requirements, they grant you a spot on the premise that you pass the required PEP or pre-sessional English course as mentioned on your offer letter. 

• London South Bank University: Considers TOEFL iBT, Pearson Test of English Academic, LanguageCert Academic, Oxford Test of English Advanced, Trinity ISE, Duolingo, Kaplan Test of English, and more for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. It also accepts ICSE, CBSE and Maharashtra exam boards with a minimum 65%. 

Alternative English Proficiency Tests Instead of IELTS for the UK

An IELTS score is not the only way to prove English ability. You can pursue a bachelor’s or master’s in the UK without IELTS with scores on other English proficiency tests. 

Each university or college decides the tests it accepts and sets a minimum score required on these tests for every programme or level. That being said, these tests serve the same purpose as IELTS. They’re here to ensure that students can keep up with the courses in English and excel in them.  

Here are some popular alternative English tests that allow you to study in UK without IELTS:

• Duolingo English Test: It’s online, fast, and widely accepted for admissions. The test takes an hour and you can expect results in 2 days. Popular UK universities like the Imperial College London, University of Southampton, and the University of Leeds use it in their admission process. 
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): PTE is a computer-based 2-hour test with 3 parts. Most UK universities accept it. The results are typically available within 48 hours. It is also accepted by the UK Home Office for all visa categories.
• TOEFL iBT: Another widely recognized internet-based test that measures your ability to use and understand English in academic settings. You can take it at a test center or at home. It takes less than 2 hours and the total score ranges from 0-120. Moreover, the score is valid for 2 years. Many universities are particular about the choice of exam mode. Hence, it’s best to go through the requirements carefully. 
• Kaplan Test of English: Kaplan Test of English (KTE) is an online, adaptive test that tests 4 English skills. The questions in the listening and reading tests are adapted to your level based on previous answers. 

Study in the UK Without IELTS with GS Global’s Help

Understanding IELTS requirements and the alternative pathways can get confusing. Every institution has unique requirements in terms of minimum thresholds and academic documents. These requirements further vary across their programmes and levels. 

GS Global evaluates your academic history, English scores, and career goals to assist you in university and course selection, SOPs and visa filing too. Our personalised counseling and test coaching ensure that your application process is hassle-free, meeting all the necessary university and authority requirements. 

Reach out to us and book a counseling session with our study abroad experts to study in the UK without IELTS!