Want to study internationally for your education but can’t because English language test may limit your options? It is becoming increasingly common to study abroad without IELTS exam.

Reputable and respected universities in the UK, New Zealand, Europe and the UAE are increasingly providing alternative ways of demonstrating English proficiency to their students. These universities are unlocking their doors wider than ever before by providing students with opportunities based on previous English medium education completed, or an internal assessment and/or interview to demonstrate English proficiency.

Let’s explore some of the best countries and universities that now provide students the opportunity to study abroad without IELTS exam.

Why Are Universities Accepting Students Without IELTS?

In today’s world, universities are becoming more and more inclusive in their approach to assessing your language skills. Here’s why:

• Many international students have already attended schools that use English as the medium of instruction.
• Many countries will accept alternatives such as Duolingo English Test, TOEFL or PTE.
• Universities may run their own English assessments, or may even conduct interviews.
• Some students with previous qualifications taught in English are often able to be waived from assessment altogether.
• This increasing flexibility means that your academic journey no longer has to be dependent on IELTS prior to the academic journey.

Countries That Permit to Study Abroad without IELTS (and Where to Apply)

Here is a country-by-country guide of universities you will be eligible to apply to without an IELTS.

Study Abroad Without IELTS in United Kingdom (UK)

There are many universities in the UK, known for their academic reputation that offer conditional admission or do not require the IELTS, ie their admission criteria is not based on it – If…. 

• Your prior education was conducted in English; 
• You complete an internal language test; or 
• You submit alternative test scores, such as Duolingo, or TOEFL. 

If you want to study in the UK later, here are some top universities that allow applications without IELTS. 

University of Bristol	Queen Mary University of London
University of Birmingham	University of Liverpool
University of Sheffield	Queen’s University, Belfast
University of Nottingham	University of Strathclyde

Always check to see if your board (CBSE/ICSE/IB) and schooling in English meet the waiver requirements and criteria.

You Might Like: Study Abroad in the UK: Indian Student Guide

New Zealand (NZ)

These universities are generally accepting applicants with: 

• Evidence of prior English-language mediated education 
• Internal language evaluations after you have applied  

Top New Zealand universities that accept without the IELTS: 

University of Canterbury	University of Waikato
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)	Massey University

Some unis may still even require at least a virtual interview or proof from your transcript. 

Study Abroad Without IELTS in United Arab Emirates

Having most of these universities located in Dubai, the educational ecosystem resides on the campuses of many international universities. Some of them have: 

• Direct admission without IELTS if you had English in high school. 
• Internal English assessments.

UAE universities that accept without IELTS: 

University of Birmingham – Dubai	S P Jain School of Global Management – Dubai
Heriot-Watt University – Dubai	Murdoch University – Dubai
BITS Pilani – Dubai	Middlesex University – Dubai
Hult International Business School – Dubai

English is used broadly throughout the UAE, and the universities changed their admission rules to reflect that there is no longer a need for it in the admissions process, or at least not as part of the larger method of evaluation. 

You Might Also Like: Scholarships to Study in Dubai For Indian & International Students

France

The country has a number of English-taught business and design programs, particularly at the Masters level. Many of the institutions allow admission based on:

• Medium of Instruction (letter)
• Bachelor’s degree (in English)
• Interview (or Duolingo)

French universities that don’t require IELTS:

NEOMA Business School	Rennes School of Business
Skema Business School	INSEEC Business School
Montpellier Business School	EM Normandie
KEDGE Business School

Italy

Creative Schools and Business Schools with Waiver Pathways. Italy is an up-and-coming destination for design, fashion, and business. Most top schools will consider:

• English proficiency letter
• Internal testing

For example, you can apply without an IELTS in:

University of Padua	NABA – Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
LUISS Guido Carli	DOMUS Academy
Polimi Graduate School of Management	Istituto Marangoni

Some programs may still ask for an interview or some other proof if your last degree was not in English.

Spain

Many private universities for their Business and Technology Schools offer IELTS waivers based on:

• Previous English-speaking Education
• Interviews or short tests

Our top picks for studying in Spain without IELTS are:

Barcelona Technology School	Geneva Business School (Barcelona Campus)
Universidad Europea	ENAE Business School
LCI Barcelona	IED – Instituto Europeo di Design

You Might Also Like: Study Abroad in Spain: Indian Student Guide

Summary Table: Universities That Accept You Without IELTS

Country	Universities Offering IELTS Waivers or Alternatives
United Kingdoms	Bristol, Birmingham, Sheffield, Nottingham, Queen Mary, Liverpool, Queen’s Belfast, University of Strathclyde
New Zealand	Canterbury, AUT, Waikato, Massey
United Arab Emirates	Birmingham Dubai, Heriot-Watt Dubai, BITS, Hult, S P Jain, Murdoch, Middlesex
France	NEOMA, Skema, Montpellier, KEDGE, Rennes, INSEEC, EM Normandie
Italy	Padua, LUISS, Polimi, NABA, DOMUS, Marangoni
Spain	Barcelona Tech, Universidad Europea, LCI, Geneva (Barcelona), ENAE, IED

Need Personalized Help?

Not having IELTS doesn’t mean your dream of studying abroad has to end. There are many universities waiting to accept you and all it takes is a bit of help to navigate the application.

Need help shortlisting the best options for you, based on your profile?

Check out Admitix and get started on the application process – IELTS or not!

Commonly asked Questions

Q. Can I study abroad without IELTS if I have studied at an English medium school?

A. Yes. Many universities allow English medium schools to send a letter to them indicating that you learned in English (not IELTS required).

Q. What is the best country to study abroad without IELTS?

 A. The best countries are the UK, New Zealand, UAE, France, Italy, and Spain with regards to flexibility and the willingness to provide quality education.

Q. Can I use Duolingo instead of IELTS?

 A. Yes, many universities have started to accept the Duolingo English Test, especially post-COVID, in place of IELTS or TOEFL.

Q. If I don’t do IELTS will this effect my visa subsequently?

 A. No, provided your university allows you onto a course without IELTS (other proof of English), most embassies you are applying to will accept that.

Q. Can I apply for scholarships without IELTS?
A. Yes, you can still apply for merit-based or need-based scholarships as long as you meet other eligibility criteria.