Do you want to study in UK but are worried about the IELTS? Here is the good news: you can study in UK without IELTS in 2025. Many UK universities are now accepting alternative English proficiency tests like the Medium of Instruction (MOI) or other tests such as PTE, TOEFL, or ELLT.
The year 2025 has arrived and the doors of opportunities are opened. But it would be sad to miss those opportunities just for the English language requirements. In this article, we will discuss how to study in the UK without IELTS, a List of UK universities that accept students without IELTS, Steps to apply and secure your student visa, Tips to improve your chances of admission and so on.
Check Your Eligibility!
Why Study in the UK Without IELTS?
The UK is a globally recognized country for its world-class universities, diverse culture, and career opportunities. However, studying abroad always requires having a good command of English. But for many international students, the IELTS requirement is a major barrier. Fortunately, you can study in the UK without taking the IELTS test. Let’s explore several benefits of studying in UK without IELTS.
- Cost savings: To take the IELTS test, you have to register for it. The fees of IELTS is huge. However, avoiding IELTS saves money on test fees.
- Reduced stress: Every university in UK requires a minimum IELTS score. But if you don’t take the IELTS test you won’t have to achieve a high score.
- Streamlined process: If you don’t take the IELTS test, your application process becomes simple as you don’t have to wait for your IELTS result.
- Accessibility: Many UK universities accept alternative English proficiency proofs such as MOI, PTE, Duolingo, etc.
How Can You Study in the UK Without IELTS?
If you are a student from a non-English-speaking country, showing proficiency in English is a must. Even, if you check the Gov.UK, the mandatory requirement for a UK student visa is knowing how to read, write, speak and understand English properly. However, UK universities allow international students to prove their English proficiency using the following methods:
Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
If your previous education was conducted in English, you can collect a medium of instruction certificate from your university/school confirming English was the language of instruction. This document confirms that English was the primary language of instruction.
Alternative English Tests
IELTS is not the only English language proficiency test. Some universities accept alternative tests such as:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
- PTE (Pearson Test of English)
- Cambridge English Proficiency Test
- Oxford ELLT
- LanguageCert, etc.
Interview with University Officials
Certain universities assess your English proficiency through a video or in-person interview. This method evaluates your communication skills in real time.
High School English Scores
You can study in UK without IELTS if you have strong grades in English (e.g. 70% or higher) during 12th standard can qualify as proof for many universities.
Pre-Sessional English Courses
Many universities offer pre-sessional English courses for students who do not meet direct entry requirements. Completing these programs helps to improve your English proficiency.
IELTS Exemption for Different Countries
If you are applying from an English-speaking country like USA, Canada, Australia, etc. you don’t have to take the IELTS test. However, there are some exceptional criteria for different countries to get the exemption from the IELTS. Such as:
IELTS Exemption For Bangladeshi Students
In most of the cases Bangladeshi students need to take IELTS or other language tests, however, there are still some ways to get an exemption:
- If you scored GPA 5 (A+) in English in HSC (12th grade), you can apply without IELTS.
- Example: University of South Wales accepts students with A+ in HSC English.
- Many UK universities like University of South Wales, Birmingham City University. University of Hertfordshire, etc. also accept MOI from Bangladeshi students
IELTS Exemption For Indian Students
If you are an Indian student and have 70% in English in your XII standard you don’t have to take any kind of English language test to study Bachelor’s in UK.
IELTS Exemption For Nigerian Students
If you have an NECO certificate with an English score of C6 or higher is accepted as proof of proficiency.
IELTS Exemption for Ghananian and Kenyan Students
West African students can also study in UK without IELTS. If African students have WAEC certificates with C6 in English, they don’t need to take the IELTS or any other tests to study abroad, especially in the UK.
Top Universities in the UK That Accept Students Without IELTS
Do you want to know which UK universities accept international students without IELTS? University of Greenwich, Aston University, Swansea University, Northumbria University, etc. are some popular UK universities where you can study without IELTS.
London South Bank University
London South Bank is one of the most popular universities in London. LSBU ranked 3rd, in the world for reducing inequality. Also, this university ranked 4th as a leading modern London university in the Guardian rankings for 2025. London South Bank University accept other English language tests like PTE, TOEFL, LanguageCert Academic, etc.
University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich is more than a collection of individual students and staff, it is a community of people united by their passion for learning. The University of Greenwich also accepts Oxford ELLT. Also, this university takes pre-sessional English language courses for international students.
Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University is recognised for its graduate employability, industry connections and quality of teaching. RGU accepts ELLT, TOEFL iBT and many other English language tests for international students.
Aston University
Aston University offers hands-on learning, guaranteed placements, and industry connections. The University ranked 21st in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2025. Aston University accepts Oxford ELLT (Global and Digital), Pearson Academic (PTE), Password Test, etc. for international students
Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship opportunities for international students to help support you through your studies. Birmingham City University accepts the Pearson test of English (PTE), TOEFL iBT, LanguageCert Academic SELT, for international students
Northumbria University
Northumbria University was named Modern University of the Year 2025 by The Times and The Sunday Times. Northumbria University accepts PTE, also this university takes internal English language tests for international students.
Swansea University
Students of Swansea University will benefit from their multicultural dual-campus community that provides a global perspective and opportunities to gain skills that last a lifetime. Swansea University offers a waiver for students with strong English academic records. Pre-sessional English programs are also available.
How to Apply to UK Universities Without IELTS?: Step-by-Step
Do you want to know the process of applying for a UK university without an IELTS test? Let’s explore application process without submitting the English proficiency test.
Step 1: Research Universities
Look for the UK universities that accept alternative qualifications like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or other proficiency tests like PTE, Duolingo or the university’s internal English language test.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
To study in UK without IELTS you have to compile all the necessary documents for your application. These typically include:
- MOI Certificate (if applicable)
- Academic Transcripts
- Passport/ID
- English proficiency proof (grades or test results)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Submit your application through the university’s official website or the UCAS portal. Ensure that you fill out the application accurately and attach all required documents. Double-check for specific requirements unique to each university.
Step 4: Fulfill Additional Requirements
Some universities may require alternative English proficiency assessments or online interviews. Be prepared to participate in these as part of the application process. These steps help demonstrate your language skills and suitability for the program.
Step 5: Receive and Accept Admission Offer
Once your application is reviewed, you may receive an offer letter. If accepted, complete any required formalities such as paying tuition deposits or submitting additional documents to confirm your place.
Step 6: Apply for a UK Student Visa
After securing admission, proceed to apply for a UK student visa. Gather the necessary documents for your visa application, including:
- Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
- Financial documents
- Academic credentials
- Valid passport.
Complete the visa application online and schedule a biometric appointment to finalize the process. By following these steps, you can efficiently navigate the application process and begin your higher study in UK without IELTS.
Final Thoughts
Studying in the UK without IELTS in 2025 is more than possible, it’s now a main option. With alternative assessments, supportive universities, and flexible visa rules, you can turn your study abroad dreams into reality.
However, are you ready to study in UK without IELTS in 2025? Don’t just think, contact AIMS Education now, it’s just a fingertip away from you.
FAQs
Can I work in the UK without IELTS?
Ans: Yes, your ability to work in the UK depends on your visa type and employer requirements, not IELTS.
Will my visa be affected if I skip IELTS?
Ans: No, as long as you meet the university’s English proficiency criteria, your visa process remains unaffected.
Are scholarships available for students without IELTS?
Ans: Yes, many universities offer merit-based scholarships and need-based scholarships regardless of IELTS status.
Is it difficult to adapt to studying in the UK without IELTS?
Ans: Not at all. Universities offer support services and pre-sessional courses to help you succeed in your dream.
Can I study in UK without IELTS?
Ans: Yes, you can study in UK without IELTS, however, if you are a student from a non-English speaking country you have to prove you are proficient in English.
Which is the cheapest university in the UK without IELTS?
Ans: Birmingham City University, Northumbria University, Aston University, etc. are the affordable universities in UK without IELTS.
How to go abroad to study from Bangladesh without IELTS?
Ans: If you have an MOI certificate from Bangladesh or if you have an A+ in your 12 standard in English, you can study in UK without IELTS.
AIMS Education is the best study abroad consultancy firm guiding students in selecting courses, universities and help them apply and secure their student visas. Also, AIMS Education is a British Council-certified agent and is listed on the British Council global agent list. We provide student recruitment services in UK, USA, Australia, Canada, Hungary, Poland, Denmark, Malta, Finland, France, Austria, Spain, Sweden, Malaysia and UAE. Not only this but also AIMS Education is an ICEF Accredited Agent, UCAS Registered Centre, PTE and Language Cert Partner.