Study in USA Without IELTS and TOEFL in 2026

Many international students want to study in the USA, but the IELTS and TOEFL requirements can be challenging. Numerous US universities also acept PTE and Duolingo tests as an alternative to IELTS and TOEFL.

Many international students choose to study in the USA to complete their higher education. One of the major hurdles to overcome for admission to a good American university is the TOEFL examination or the IELTS examination. Both of these standardized tests determine students’ English level by assessing their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills. A satisfactory score on these tests is critically needed for the minimum entry requirement for admission into most universities in the US. 

As the education system differs across geographical boundaries, many international students come from non-English speaking backgrounds and have little training in the language, and do not possess the level of proficiency in English to qualify for these tests. As a TOEFL/IELTS score is a mandatory requirement, many of these students find it tough to gain admission to an American university. So the moot question that international students struggle with is whether an IELTS/TOEFL score is necessary for admission to any university in the US.

Can I Study in USA Without IELTS or TOEFL? 

You may study in the USA without holding an IELTS or TOEFL score but in such cases, the universities you're applying to may have alternative criteria that would serve as proof of your English language proficiency. It may be required that you possess a set percentage in English (subject) in your higher secondary examination or hold a different English proficiency exam score. You may also be considered if the medium of instruction in your last education was English and you completed your studies in a country having English as the main language. You may also obtain an English language test waiver if you fit the following criteria:

• Intensive English Programme: Many institutions offer an Intensive English Programme or IEP to international students who do not hold proficiency in English or haven't appeared for any English language proficiency test before applying for admission. This programme helps students enhance and brush up on their language skills before they begin their university courses.
• ACT or SAT English Scores: Students may also obtain an English language test score waiver provided they've obtained good scores in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing part in SAT or ACT's English part.
• Formal Evaluation: Some institutions in the USA may carry out interviews in order to evaluate or judge the level of expertise students hold in the English language. 
• Other English Proficiency Tests: Students can also be offered admission if they hold the scores of English proficiency tests such as the Duolingo English Test (DET) or Pearson Test of English (Academic)

Proven Ways to Apply to US Universities Without IELTS

If there is a problem there are solutions too for those asking if IELTS is needed for the USA or in that case even for TOEFL. Check out the possible ways to be exempted from submitting an IELTS or TOEFL score for US university admissions as international students:

• There are several universities in the USA that have relaxed the minimum English language requirement, and such test scores are not compulsory so that eligible international students may enrol.
• In addition, some universities allow students to enrol even without good TOEFL/IELTS results on the condition; they attended secondary school or/and graduate school with English as their medium of instruction, or if they completed a few years of studies in an English-speaking country.
• Further, some US universities also grant admission to non-English speaking international students conditionally, i.e., only if they undertake the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) which is a university preparatory program that trains international students and equips them with essential English skills.
• In some cases, students may have to appear for examinations or interviews set by the institution, which will determine if they're fit for a particular course of admission or not. 

Check: Cost of Studying in the US

List of US Universities That Accept Students Without IELTS/TOEFL

Some of these universities that can help students get admission without requiring an IELTS or TOEFL score are below: 

Rice University

Exemptions are possible at Rice University if a student has received a degree from a university or college in which English is the official language of communication; TOEFL and IELTS are not necessary. Waiver of such examinations may be requested by the admitting department if the department deems the student has sufficient English communication skills to be successful in their program. International first-year students can complete a minimum of two years of full-time study in an English language curriculum before the submission of the application.

Other accepted tests: Duolingo

California State University

CSU is a public university in California and may exempt international students from submitting TOEFL/IELTS scores if they have attended secondary school or/and graduate school with English as their medium of instruction. Further, there are also a few countries whose students have waived the minimum English requirement. 

Other accepted tests: Duolingo and PTE

Drexel University

Drexel University is a private research university with campuses in Philadelphia and California. The University has two conditional admission programs i.e. University Preparation Summer Program (UPREP) and Bridge Program for international students who don't meet the language requirement. 

Other accepted tests: Duolingo and PTE

State University of New York

The State University of New York is a public university system in Albany, New York. The admission to international students is conditional i.e. the students must undertake the Intensive English Language Program (IELP). 

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is a public research university. It requires an ELP test to admit international students. Candidates who do not submit a TOEFL or IELTS score are required to appear for an on-campus English Proficiency Evaluation (EPE). The University grants admission to international students based on this requirement.

Other accepted tests: Duolingo 

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is a public research university. Although TOEFL/IELTS scores are not needed for international students, those who meet all the requirements except for the English parameters will be offered conditional admission and will have to undertake the Intensive English Language Program (IELP). 

Other accepted tests: PTE, iTEP, C1 Advanced, SAT evidence-based reading and writing subscore, ACT English Subscore

University of Delaware

The University of Delaware is a public university located in Delaware. The university grants admission to international students who are eligible except for English proficiency but such admissions is limited to only some graduate programs. Otherwise, the university follows Conditional Admission based on achieving English Proficiency (ELI-CAP).

Other accepted tests: Cambridge English Assessment, DET, EIKEN

University of New Orleans (UNO)

The University of New Orleans is a research-intensive public urban university. It is located in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The University conditionally admits international students pending successful completion of the UNO Intensive English Language Program (IELP).

Other accepted tests: Duolingo

TOEFL and IELTS are important not only for admissions to US universities but also for getting a US Student Visa. It is, therefore recommended that aspiring students take these language tests as it will help to get a student visa. 

Northwood University

Northwood University was established in 1959, Michigan. International students who wish to pursue their education at NU are required to prove English proficiency. The proficiency exam requirement can be waived if the student can prove that he/she has successfully completed the high school or baccalaureate degree in English at a foreign institution or American school. The waiver can also be given to those graduate applicants who completed their undergraduate coursework completely in English.

Other accepted tests: EIKEN, IB, Cambridge English Tests, ELS, PTE Academic, GTEC, ACT/SAT

Cheapest Universities in USA for International Students without IELTS 

Studying in the United States is a dream for many international students, but the cost to study in USA can be daunting. Additionally, the requirement to submit IELTS and TOEFL score can further complicate the admissions process. We have listed some of the affordable universities in the USA accept students without IELTS scores, which can be checked from the table below.

Can You Get a US Student Visa (F-1) Without IELTS/TOEFL?

Yes, you can definitely get a US student visa (F-1) without IELTS, but there is a trick. The US Embassy does not have a strict rule that says "No IELTS = No Visa." The most important paper for them is your I-20 Form. If a US university accepts you and gives you the I-20, the Visa Officer usually assumes your English is good enough. However, you must speak fluently during the visa interview.

Here is how you can manage without IELTS in 2026:

1. Use Alternatives (Easy & Cheap)

Many students think IELTS is the only way, but it is not.

• Duolingo English Test (DET): This is very popular for US spring 2026 intake because it is cheaper ($59) and you can take it from home. Result comes in 2 days.

• PTE: This is also accepted everywhere if you don't like IELTS/TOEFL format.

2. English Proficiency Waiver (MOI)

Some universities offer an IELTS waiver if you show proof that your previous education (Bachelor's or School) was fully in English. You need to get a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your school/college.

• Universities accept MOI or Waiver: University of Dayton, Rice University, University of New Orleans, Drexel University, California State University (Los Angeles).

3. Conditional Admission (Pathway Programs)

If your English is weak, some universities give conditional admission. This means you go to US, study an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for few months, and then start your main degree. But be careful; the visa rejection chance is slightly higher here because it looks like you are not fully prepared.

Important Note for Visa Interview: Even if you get admission without IELTS, the Visa Officer can still ask, "How will you manage classes in English?" You must answer confidently. If you struggle to speak English during the interview, they will reject you immediately, even if you have admission.

(Source: usa.gov & University websites)

Also read:

• Exams needed to study in Australia
• Eligibility requirement and application procedure - Australia
• Study in New Zealand without IELTS