Low IELTS Score? These UK Universities Still Accept You (2025 Update)

Students who wish to study in the UK often worry about their IELTS score. While a high IELTS band score increases your chances of admission, students with a low IELTS score still have options. In fact, many UK universities accept students with lower IELTS scores for certain courses or offer alternatives like pre-sessional English programs.

Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students, especially from India. Since the medium of instruction in UK universities is English, students are required to prove their English language skills. The IELTS exam is one of the most widely accepted English language tests by UK universities.

However, not all students are able to score 6.5 or higher in IELTS. For such students, some UK universities offer admission even with a low IELTS score. A low IELTS score is usually considered anything below 6.0, but this can vary depending on the course and university. For example, some UK universities may accept an overall IELTS score of 5.5 with no band less than 5.0, especially for foundation or pathway programs. This gives students a chance to prove their English skills in other ways.

In this article, we’ll explore UK universities that accept low IELTS scores in 2025, and guide you on how to still get into a good university even if your IELTS band score is not very high. Read on to learn how to improve your chances of admission, what alternative options are available, and how some students get accepted with just a 5.5 IELTS score.

Minimum IELTS Scores for UK Universities

The minimum IELTS score required by UK universities depends on the level of the course and the university itself. While top universities usually ask for higher scores, there are many universities in the UK that accept lower IELTS scores as well.

For undergraduate courses, the minimum IELTS requirement is usually between 6.0 to 6.5. For postgraduate (master's) courses, most UK universities also ask for a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 to 6.5. Considering this, a general list of minimum IELTS scores accepted by UK universities at both UG and PG levels is given below. An IELTS score of 6.0 to 7 is generally accepted by most UK universities. 

As the IELTS requirement may differ from course to course within the same university, students are advised to check the official university website for exact score requirements. The table below provides an overview of the typical minimum IELTS scores needed for UK universities.

Top Universities in UK Accepting Low IELTS Score

Several top universities in the UK accept students with low IELTS scores. A low IELTS score is usually considered anything between 5.5 to 6.0. However, many well-ranked UK universities still accept this range depending on the course and faculty.

Considering this, a list of top universities in the UK that accept low IELTS scores for admission is given below.

As the IELTS requirement may vary depending on the department or course, only the general minimum IELTS scores are mentioned in the table below. Students are advised to check the official university page before applying.

IELTS 5.5 Band Universities in UK

There are many UK universities that accept international students with an overall IELTS score of 5.5 for admission into foundation, pre-sessional English, or selected degree programs. However, the IELTS requirement can change depending on the type of entry and course selected.

To help students, a list of top universities in the UK that accept IELTS 5.5 band scores is given below.

What If IELTS Score is Less for Studying in UK?

With a low IELTS score, students may feel limited in their chances of studying in the UK. However, there are still many options available for international students to study in UK even with an IELTS score below the required band. Some of the best solutions are mentioned below:

• Apply for foundation or diploma programs that accept IELTS scores like 5.5 or 5.0 depending on the university.
• Choose universities offering pre-sessional English courses. These programs are designed to improve the English skills of students before they begin their main course. Students with IELTS scores of 5.5 or lower can apply for such courses.
• Look for universities that offer in-sessional English support. These courses run along with your main degree program and help improve your academic English skills.
• Search for UK universities that do not require IELTS. Some universities offer admission based on your English marks in 12th or your previous degree if it was taught in English.

Study in UK Without IELTS

Yes, it is possible to study in UK without IELTS. Many universities in the UK offer admission to international students without the need for IELTS scores, especially if they meet alternative English language requirements.

In recent years, UK universities have introduced flexible admission options for students from non-English speaking countries. For Indian students, some universities accept alternative proofs such as English marks in Class 12, a Medium of Instruction certificate, or other approved English tests.

List of UK Universities Without IELTS

Given below is the list of the universities that grant admission to Indian students without IELTS.

• University of Plymouth
• University of Portsmouth
• Swansea University
• University of Warwick
• London Southbank University
• University of Greenwich
• University of Central Lancashire
• Aston University
• Northumbria University
• Robert Gordon University
• University of Bolton
• Birmingham City University
• Riga Technical University
• University of Northampton
• Sheffield Hallam University 
• University of Basel
• University of Bristol
• University of Geneva
• Birmingham City University
• University of Central Lancashire

IELTS Alternative Options to Study in UK If IELTS Score is Low

If your IELTS score is low, several alternative English language tests and options are accepted by UK universities. These alternatives are equally valid and widely accepted for both undergraduate and postgraduate admissions.

To help students, a list of IELTS alternative options for studying in the UK is given below:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): Accepted by most UK universities. It is a computer-based test and includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking sections.
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English): Many UK universities accept the PTE exam as an alternative to IELTS. The minimum score required varies by course and university.
• Duolingo English Test: This is a new and popular alternative accepted by many UK universities due to its convenience and lower cost. It can be taken from home.
• Cambridge English Qualifications: Tests like C1 Advanced (CAE) or C2 Proficiency (CPE) are accepted by several universities in the UK as proof of English proficiency.
• Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI): Some UK universities accept a letter from your previous institution stating that your education was in English. This is mostly accepted for Indian students and may help bypass IELTS completely.