Last Updated on January 3, 2023
Studying and working abroad is a big dream for most people across the World. Quality education, luxurious living standards, an abundance of jobs, superior pay packages, high-class working environments, are a few of the many reasons most people choose to study and work abroad in their chosen countries.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a world-renowned English language proficiency examination. Most countries rely heavily on the IELTS scorecard of a candidate to judge his/her English language capabilities before approving his/her application for study, work, or permanent residency.
Students usually ask this question, is it possible to study abroad without an IELTS test score? Yes, you can. Actually, students have the option to study abroad without IELTS scores. This list contains the countries you can study in without an IELTS score. In which countries are IELTS not required? Find out below.
The truth is that it is the universities and not basically the countries that do not require an IELTS test result. And before you start the visa application, you must have applied to the University of your choice for admission. You must check their eligibility criteria.
However, there are some countries where IELTS is not part of their general student or job requirements. Below are some countries you can attend and be sure not to need either IELTS, TOEFL, or any other language test.
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Why do Schools Require IELTS?
An IELTS certificate is evidence of proficiency in English which is used by more than 10,000 education and training providers worldwide. Schools and countries need IELTS scores to show that students have learned English and they will be able to cope in a university that teaches in English.
What Is The Alternative to IELTS?
The alternative to English language proficiency tests is Pathway programs. This pathway program is a preparatory course that helps international students build the skills, knowledge, and qualifications that they will need to enter a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. The programs generally last one academic year, and they do not end with a degree.
A pathway program allows international students who want to study abroad to take English as a second language (ESL) courses while also taking courses that will count as credits toward their degree.
Many universities in various countries, such as, Germany, the USA, and Australia provide pathway programs for students who wish to pursue a course in their desired university.
List of IELTS Not Required Countries
1. India
Because of the technological advancement in India, a growing number of students are choosing to study in India. There are thousands of universities to attend in India and they do not accept students without an IELTS score.
Amongst the thousand universities, the University of Delhi, the University of Mumbai, the University of Calcutta, and Banaras Hindu University and the IIT schools are universities you can study in without an IELTS score.
2. Canada
Many universities in Canada do not require students to have IELTS scores. Well, this is especially for students who hail from countries where English as a primary language.
Alongside this, Canada follows a strict admission process for students who do not have an IELTS score. For instance, if you attended a school or lived for the last four years where English is considered as the primary language of instruction then also you are not bound to give language proficiency proof.
Some top universities in Canada that accept students without IELTS are; Brock University, Carleton University, University of Winnipeg, University of Regina, Memorial University, University of Saskatchewan, and Concordia University.
3. Germany
Usually, students who apply to study in Germany do not need IELTS or TOEFL if they have a bachelor’s degree which was taught in the English language or if English is their native language.
In addition, some universities just require letter from the student’s college to verify English Language Proficiency.
However, for instance, in Freie Universität Berlin, there are specific language requirements for different programs. A program like English Philology, you must have passed a language test. Asides this, many universities in Germany are places you can study without an IELTS score.
4. Australia
Many universities in Australia accept students without IELTS score for both undergraduate and graduate programs.
Some of them are The University of Queensland, Swinburne University of Technology, University of Adelaide, University of New South Wales, Macquarie University, etc.
5. Malaysia
Malaysia is the 11th most preferred study destination and a top country in Asia after Singapore to study in and one of the countries IELTS is not required.
There are excellent Government Universities like the University of Malaya, University Sans Malaysia, etc. It also has campuses of many top Universities across the globe like Monash and Swinburne (Australia), Nottingham and Lancaster Campus (UK), etc. At these universities, you can study without having an IELTS test score.
Here, IELTS is not a compulsory requirement to study both undergraduates and post graduate courses.
6. United States of America
A few schools in the US are exempted from presenting their IELTS scores. Actually, international students that have a national language as English do not need to submit language proficiency score.
In addition, this is one of the countries and schools which do not require IELTS/TOEFL but on some conditions. They are; University of Colorado, California State University, Drexel University, State University of New York, University of Iowa, University of Arkansas, University of Dayton, University of New Orleans.
Lastly, this is one of the countries that do not require IELTS.
7. United Kingdom
For example, the University of Bristol, The University of Bolton, London Southbank University, Robert Gordon University accepts students without IELTS. They basically grant Nigerian, Ghanaian, and South African students admission without IELTS. This is another country in our list of countries that do not require IELTS
8. Norway
At the University of Oslo, only students from South Africa from African countries do not have to provide their IELTS scores. Other students from Africa and other countries whose English is not their first language may have to submit it.
However, international students are to check the requirements of their courses in the desired university before they apply as they may be lucky to find some courses that are free from TOEFL/IELTS requirements.
This is one of the countries IELTS is not required.
We have listed some of the countries where you can attend your university education without fear of IELTS. However, it is important to note that some departments in these countries actually require an IELT score from students. So, to be on the safe side, check the admission requirement and eligibility criteria before obtaining your visa as an international student. Asides from this, these countries are safe for your studies without an IELTS score.