Study in UK without IELTS 2025: Requirements, Top Universities & Study Visa

The UK remains a top destination for international students, with over 111,329 enrolled in 2023-2024. While IELTS stands as one of the primary English proficiency tests, many UK universities offer alternative pathways. Yes! You can study in UK without IELTS. Other options include attempting other standardized tests (TOEFL, PTE, CAE), recognizing prior education in English, pre-sessional English courses, university-specific tests, and country-specific exemptions. Research your chosen universities' requirements to find the best option for you. 

Continue to read to know the requirements to study in UK without IELTS, top UK universities without IELTS, and how to get an UK study visa without an IELTS score.

Table of Contents

• What is IELTS?
• What are the Requirements to Study in the UK without IELTS?
• What are the Top UK Universities Without IELTS?
• Can I get a UK Study Visa without IELTS?
• Conclusion
• FAQ

What is IELTS?

Understanding what IELTS entails is crucial before exploring how you can study in the UK without it. IELTS, or the International English Language Testing System, is a standardized test administered by IDP IELTS to assess English language proficiency. Utilized by universities in over 160 countries, including the UK, IELTS evaluates individuals across four sections: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Lasting three hours, the test can be taken either online or at designated centers. Following the examination, responses are assessed, and scores ranging from 0 to 9 are assigned. These scores are instrumental in English-speaking countries for measuring one's ability to read, write, comprehend, and converse in English, essential for adaptation in their environment. Given its significance, some UK universities offer alternatives for pursuing courses without requiring IELTS scores.

What are the Requirements to Study in the UK without IELTS?

The requirements to study in UK without IELTS are showing proof that English was your primary medium of instruction, Having good scores in 10th and 12th English subjects, Proving your English proficiency to the universities in interviews, and taking pre-sessional English courses with the universities. We have briefed the requirements to get admission without IELTS in UK universities and how to get a UK study visa without IELTS.

1. Showing proof that you studied in a school with English as the primary medium of instruction
If you have studied at an English medium school till your 12th standard you can use it to get into some UK universities without IELTS. The universities will ask you to show proof of the medium of previous education of the applicant. The universities may accept your application if you have studied in a school with English as the primary language of communication. If you are applying for a master's course, you must prove that you completed graduation in English medium.

2. Having good marks in English in your 10th and 12th standards
Some universities in the UK consider the class X and XII English marks as proof of English language proficiency for enrollments. You need to have a minimum of 70% marks in English to apply to such Universities in UK without IELTS. Your marks from high school or senior year can be given as proof of English proficiency.
 
3. Attending the interview of the university conducted to evaluate your language skills
Some colleges in this north-western European nation conduct video interviews to evaluate your English language skills. If they are satisfied with your language, you may not need to submit your IELTS score. So you have to perform well in the video interview for admission to a UK university without IELTS.

4. Taking other English language tests
IELTS is one of the English language tests accepted by British universities. There are a few other English tests that you need to know if you are planning to seek admission to a UK university without IELTS. TOEFL, Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE), PTE Academic, Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE), Secure English Language Test (SELT), and Duolingo can also be taken to show your English language skills. If your desired university accepts these tests you can plan to study in UK without IELTS. Check the admission requirement of your university and apply accordingly. 

5. Opting for Pre-sessional English Course
If your English language skills are not strong enough, some universities provide pre-sessional English courses as a part of UK pathway programs. These courses will be taught at the beginning of your studies which will help you adapt to their language and be able to understand the classes well. You can get more information about these on the university websites. The overseas education advisors will help you with more information. This is a good option for those who lack confidence in the English language.

Documents Required to Study in UK without IELTS

Below are the documents that should be included in your checklist if you are applying for studying in UK without IELTS

• A valid passport
• Birth Certificate
• More than 75% marks in Class 10th and 12th (CBSC or ISCE)
• UG Completion certificates if applicable.
• Internship Certificates
• Work experience letters (if any)
• ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
• A valid document from a medical clinic authorised by the UKVI certifying the medical condition of the candidate.
• Financial proof, including Bank Balance Certificate accompanied by most recent 3 months' bank statements, a Loan Approval Letter, and Fixed Deposit (FD) Certificates (if required).
• Movable and immovable funds, assets held in parents account, a sponsorship affidavit from the parents (if required).

What are the Top UK Universities Without IELTS?

UK has the world’s best highly ranked and globally famous universities, that admit international students without IELTS Score.  

Below we have given the list of UK universities that do not require IELTS for admissions and the alternate requirements to get admissions.

	Top Universities without IELTS
Universities	QS Ranking 2025	Alternae Requirements
The University of Warwick	69	PTE or Duolingo Score Class XII - CBSC or ICSC English subject score. Pre Sessional English Course at Warwick.
The University of Bristol	54	70-80% in CBSE or CISCE English  Pre Sessional English course
London Southbank University	801	TOEFL/PTE Scores Above 65% in English in CBSE or ICSE boards. Pre Sessional English course.
Northumbria University	535	TEOFL/PTE/Duolingo scores Above 60% in English with CBSE/ICSE boards
The University of Bolton	-	-
The University of Northampton	1001	TOEFL or PTE Scores Pre- Sessional courses from the University of Northampton
University of Plymouth	661	State board grades above 80% may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 75% and above in English subjects in CBSE, ICSE boards. Pre Sessional English course by University of Plymouth.
Portsmouth University	631	75% in English subject in Higher Secondary board. (Not applicable for Punjab and Haryana).  TOEFL, PTE or other English exams.
Aston University	423	Good grades in GCSE or IB English
Swansea University	298	Above 70% score in English subject under State board, CBSE, ICSE boards. PTE or TOEFL Scores.
Robert Gordon University	901	60% above in the 12th English subject. They accept state board, CBSE, IB, ICSE standard marks. Or TOEFL iBT
Riga Technical University	721	70% and above in the 12th English subject with CBSE or ICSE boards.
Sheffield Hallam University	1001	TOEFL/Duolingo Pre-study English Language courses
University of Basel	131	PTE/TOEFL Score
University of Geneva	155	Pre-sessional English course

These universities either require a high grades in 12th standard English or they encourage to take up a pre-sessional language course offered by the university. These universities also accept a other standardized exams like TOEFL, PTE. So it is always advisable to check the university website and start preparing accordingly. 

Can I get a UK Study Visa without IELTS?

Yes, it is possible to get a UK Study Visa without IELTS, provided you have given alternate documents to support it. Here are the few conditions:

• A document from the university, mentioning that you are eligible to apply for a UK study visa without IELTS Score.
• An acceptance letter from the university in UK.
• As an replacement you can take the Secure English Language Test (SELT), which is required by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).
• If you are applying for a Master's degree in UK, then you can get your language profeciency evaluated through ECCTIS (Formerly known as UK NARIC). They evaluate your previous academic transcripts and check whether you meet the English Language profeciency requirements of UKVI. You can use the certificate issued by them instead of IELTS score. 

Conclusion

To conclude, it is possible to study in the UK without IELTS score, provided you have the other supporting documents as mentioned. But having an IELTS score is having its own advantages. You can have a smooth transition from school to university. Also you a higher IELTS score can open doors for scholarships and other opportunities. But if you are not having time to attempt IELTS exam, you still have the chance. It is always recommended to check the university website for knowing the language crieteria and prepare accordingly. Kanan International provide end-to-end support in your study abroad journey. We help you choose courses, universities, and with the UK visa process if you are struck !!

FAQ

1. Can I apply to UK universities without IELTS score?

Yes, you can study in UK without IELTS, provided you have over 70% in English in High School or should have taken an online interview by the university, or proof that you studied in an English medium school.

2. Is IELTS compulsory for UK visa?

No, if your university doesn't require IELTS for admission then you don't need IELTS for applying for a UK visa.

3. Can we work in UK without IELTS?

You need to have IELTS to get a UK work visa. You should submit your IELTS General score in order to apply for a UK work visa.

4. Is 5.5 bands eligible for UK?

Your admission to a UK university depends on its admission criteria. If you have scored 5.5 bands in IELTS, you should check with your university for their admission criteria.

5. What are the list of universities for Masters in UK without IELTS?

The list of top universities in UK without IELTS for masters are:

• Middlesex University
• Birmingham City University
• Lancaster University
• University of Lancashire
• University of Reading
• University of Bedfordshire
• University of Greenwich
• De Montfort University
• University of Sunderland
• University of East London

6. Which is the Cheapest University in UK without IELTS?

Northumbria University is the cheapest UK university without IELTS. They offer bachelor's and master's degrees and research opportunities. 

7. What are the Best Courses to Study in UK?

The best courses to study in UK are:

• Business Analytics 
• Computer Science 
• Data Science 
• Accounting and Finance 
• Management Programs (MBA and MIM)
• Medicine (MBBS) 
• Nursing Programs
• Law Programs
• Engineering
• Architecture and Construction Management
• Fashion & Interior Design
• Physiotherapy Programs

8. What are the best Universities in UK for MBA without IELTS?

The best Universities in UK that for pursuing MBA without IELTS are:

• University of East London
• De Montform University
• Tesside University
• University of Sunderland
• Middlesex University
• University of Bedfordshire
• University of Greenwich
• University of Warwick