How to Study in UK without IELTS in 2026?

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Dec 16, 2025 16:47 IST
Many students who wish to take admission to universities situated in the UK think that IELTS is mandatory. But, many universities allow students in the UK without IELTS. Appearing for IELTS is one of the most important things that a student needs to consider before starting the application procedure to study in the UK.
The UK is one of the top places to study abroad for Indian and other students. Now with the UK post-study work visa back, many students want to study in the UK without IELTS. Usually you need IELTS to show your English skills, but many UK universities now give other ways too.
How to Study in UK without IELTS

Many Indian students have a big dream to go abroad and study in famous colleges. But the biggest problem for them is the strict English test. Most students get scare of the IELTS exam or they dont have enough time to prepare for it. The good news is that you can Study in UK without IELTS 2026 very easily. Yes, it is 100% possible to get admission in top universities without this hard test.

You do not need to worry about low band scores anymore. Many UK universities are now very flexible. They use other ways to check your English level. For example, if you got good marks in your Class 12th English subject (usually more than 70%), then the university will give you admission. Also, if your school or college study was fully in English, you can show a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate to them. You can study in the UK without IELTS in few ways. One way is to give other English tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo instead of IELTS. This is a great chance for students planning for the UK January 2026 intake or September intake. 

Table of contents
  • Can You Get UK Student Visa Without IELTS?
  • List of UK universities without IELTS
  • Courses to Study in UK without IELTS
  • Documents Required to Study in UK Without IELTS
  • UK Study Visa without IELTS 2026

Can You Get UK Student Visa Without IELTS?

Yes, you can get UK student visa without IELTS if your university confirms your English skills in other way and gives you Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (UK CAS Letter).

Other ways to show English proficiency is having degree taught in English, showing Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, getting good English marks in school, or passing university own English test. You can also take another English test like TOEFL or PTE instead of IELTS.

Is IELTS completely waived in UK?

No, IELTS exam is not completely waived off in UK. There are almsot all universities in UK accept IELTS scores but this is just a general English test requirement. However, many UK universities and visa applications accepts alternative methods to prove English proficiency. This makes possibilty of study in UK without an IELTS score. 

Common Alternatives to IELTS to study in UK

  • Other English tests: There are lots of UK universities accept other English tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo. You can take these tests instead of IELTS.
  • Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate: You can show letter from your school or college saying English was language used in teaching.
  • Good marks in school: Some universities also take if you got good English marks in your 10+2 exams like CBSE or ISC, example 70% or more.
  • University test or interview: Some UK universities do their own English test online or offline or short interview to check your English.
  • Pre-sessional English course: If your English not strong, you can do pre-sessional course at university before degree. This help you start your UK studies without IELTS.

List of UK universities without IELTS

We have listed most of the UK universities without IELTS for Indian students. Each of these without IELTS universities in UK accepts the alternatives of English proficiency requirements. Candidates willing to apply to UK universities to check the table. 

Courses to Study in UK without IELTS

There are many courses in UK without IELTS. You can study any of the popular courses at top universities in UK, showing high scores in 12th English, taking other tests (TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo). Some UK universities offer their own interview for English courses also, one can opt for that to take admission. Some of the best courses to study in UK without IELTS are Business, Engineering, Arts, Health, and more at universities like Greenwich, Northumbria, Birmingham City, and Sheffield Hallam. 

UG Courses in UK Without IELTS

If you just finished your Class 12th, you can apply for Bachelors degree. For these courses in UK after class 12, universities usually check your 12th English marks.

  • Business Management (BBA): This is the top choice. Courses like International Business or Marketing are very famous.

  • Computer Science (BSc): If you like coding, you can go for CS or IT courses. UK has great demand for this.

  • Engineering (B.Tech/BEng): Mechanical, Civil or Electrical engineering admissions are possible without IELTS if your PCM marks are also good.

  • Hospitality and Tourism: UK is a tourist place, so studying Hotel Management is a very good career option there.

  • Law (LLB): You can even study Law.

Masters Courses in UK Without IELTS

If you want to go for Masters (MSc) or MBA in UK, it is even easier. Universities check your MOI letter or take interview.

  • MBA: This is the No. 1 course for Indian students. Many universities give MBA admission in UK without IELTS easily.

  • Data Science and Analytics: This is a trending course. If you are from technical background, you must try this.

  • Project Management: Very useful course for getting jobs quickly in UK.

  • Public Health (MPH): After covid, this course has become very popular and many students go for it.

  • Digital Marketing: Short and good course for creative students.

Documents Required to Study in UK Without IELTS

Score Predictor

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UK Study Visa without IELTS 2026

Many students has a big confusion that the UK Embassy will reject the file if there is no IELTS score card. But this is totally wrong. You need to know the main rule of UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration).

The rule is very simple. The Visa Officer trust the university. If you are going for a Degree level course (like Bachelors or Masters), the visa officer do not ask for IELTS result separately. They only check one main document which is called the CAS Letter (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies).

Here is how the UK Study Visa process works for you:

  • First, the UK university checks your English level. They will see your Class 12th English marks or take a small video interview.

  • If the university is happy, they will give you admission and issue the CAS Letter.

  • On this letter, the university will write a special note. They write that "The University has assessed the English ability of the student".

  • Once this line is written on your CAS, the Visa Officer will not ask you any question about IELTS. They will accept it.

So, your main target is to impress the university, not the embassy. If you get the Unconditional Offer Letter without IELTS, then your visa path is clear. But be careful, this rule is only for main degree courses. If you are going for a Foundation course (which is below degree level), then you must give UKVI IELTS, there is no other option for that.

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Q:   Is IELTS required for UK student visa?
A:

No, IELTS is not mandatory for the visa if your university accepts you without it. The Visa Officer only checks your CAS Letter. If your university writes on the CAS that they have checked your English already, then the embassy will not ask for any IELTS score. You can get the UK Student Visa easily without the exam.

Q:   Is MOI accepted in UK?
A:

Yes, MOI is accepted by many UK universities. If you have done your graduation degree in English medium, you can get a letter from your college saying "Medium of Instruction was English". Many universities like University of Portsmouth or Birmingham City University accept this proof and give you admission without IELTS.

Q:   Can I study MBA in UK Without IELTS?
A:

Yes, you can study MBA in UK without IELTS. In fact, for MBA, it is easier. If you have some work experience, universities feel that you use English in your office daily. So, they waive off the exam condition. Also, if you give a good online interview, you can get seat in top MBA colleges for the 2026 intake easily.







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Written by
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Raushan Kumar is a skilled writer and a Study Abroad Expert in the Editorial Team at Shiksha. He oversees various aspects of studying abroad, including educational opportunities, entrance exams, colleges, latest new Read Full Bio
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Comments

(5)

A

AHZAssociates

a year ago

Studying in the UK without IELTS in 2024 is possible through alternative tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English exams. Universities may exempt those with English-medium education or native proficiency. Foundation programs, English courses in the UK, and assessments via work experience or interv

...Read more

Reply to AHZAssociates

I am a Doctor of Pharmacy student currently in my final year and I didn't appear for IELTS exam. I got 90% marks in my XI & XII standard. Can I apply for Masters in UK without IELTS test?

Reply to Mani Prabhandha Perugu 15

i scored 66 marks in 12th in english can I study without ielts?

Reply to Pranay Parwarkar

A

Aliza Rangara

2 years ago

I got 69 marks in English so can I apply for Visa without ielts?

Reply to Aliza Rangara

Hello Aliza, in which country do you want to pursue your higher education?

A

Ari Prasad

3 years ago

I have completed 10th after 3 years of diploma can I apply for uk any universities without ielts

Reply to Ari Prasad

Hello Ari. We request you to be more clear with your query and elaborate the same so that we can understand the same properly. In case you are urgently looking for a solution, please feel free to take free counselling offered by Shiksha counsellors at - https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/apply?utm_sou

...Read more