How to Study in UK without IELTS in 2025?

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

Raushan
Raushan Kumar
Assistant Manager Content
Updated on Oct 17, 2025 10:07 IST
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

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. Another way is show that you studied in English-medium school or college with Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. Some UK universities also do their own English test or short interview to check your English. You can also do pre-sessional English course before your degree. If you finish it well, you can start your UK studies without giving IELTS.

Table of content
  • What is IELTS exam?
  • Common Alternatives to IELTS to study in UK
  • List of UK Universities Without IELTS
  • Documents Required to Study in UK Without IELTS
  • Can You Get UK Student Visa Without IELTS?

What is IELTS exam?

IELTS means  International English Language Testing System. The test analyses one’s English language skills to read, write, speak and listen. It is a standardised test for a student who wants to show his/her proficiency in English, whose mother tongue is not English.  Taking the IELTS exam is important as your stay depends on it. English language proficiency is a student visa requirement, and getting into a university has no impact because of this. 

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

Documents Required to Study in UK Without IELTS

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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 (CAS).

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.

Q:   What is the fee for IELTS exam at my nearest test centre?
A:

The IELTS exam fess will remain INR 18,000 for any of the test centres near you. 

Q:   Is the IELTS fee refundable?
A:

Yes, the IELTS exam fees in refundable but only if you cancel more than 5 weeks before your test date. Cancellation of IELTS exam dates after this period will not be refunded unless due to serious reasons with supporting documents.

 

Q:   What is Sattfordshire University ranked in the UK?
A:

The University of Staffordshire UK, ranks in and around the top 100 British Universities. According to the latest Shiksha Popularity Rankings, the University of Staffordshire ranks #107 in the UK.

When it comes to global rankings, Staffordshire University Global Ranking is #638 in the world. 

About the Author
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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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Reviewed by
Neha
UK Expertise
Neha Nain Kuntal, a highly qualified professional, holds an MBA in International Business and Marketing, a Master’s in Commerce, a PG Diploma in International Business Operations, and a Bachelor’s in Education. With 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

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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

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