There are multiple stipulations that must be met in order to study in the UK. For instance, when you begin the application phase, there are various documents that must be submitted, such as your financial statements and your passport. Also included in this list is your IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam certificate. It may be possible to do without the latter, though. There are options available to study in the UK without IELTS.
Do you worry about your IELTS exam or English test during this pandemic?
We all are suffering through the critical situation of COVID-19 and our day-to-day life is hugely impacted. Many students around the world are waiting for the news of opening the of English language test centers. They need English language proficiency certificates to study at a UK University. But are those typical English tests really matter to secure your place at the UK University? Let’s discuss some of the interesting options for you to study in the UK without IELTS, step by step.
It goes without saying that if you are considering the UK for your higher education, then you must have a good command of the English language to meet the entry requirements of the course. English language proficiency certificates are one of the multiple stipulations that must be met in order to study in the UK. Again, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a widely popular test for students that all UK universities accept. Also, as per the UKVI, Trinity College London provides Home Office-approved Secure English tests across the UK. Moreover, the Pearson English language test is also another newly approved UKVI English test. Let’s discuss more IELTS today.
First of all, we have to know about acceptable grades of English language proficiency for different levels of education in the UK.
Foundation course (level-5): To apply for a foundation degree or International year one or two separately, a B1 level of English language is necessary. It is equivalent to 4.5 – 5 in IELTS.
Bachelor Course (level-6): To apply for a bachelor course you should have a B2 level of English. This is equivalent to 5.5 – 6 in IELTS.
Masters Course (level-7): The UK master’s degree requires to have a B2 level of English.
What are the Exemptions to the English tests? And Why?
Yes, you can apply for a Tier-4 visa without English proficiency like IELTS. There are options available to study in the UK without IELTS. Generally, IELTS and Pearson’s tests ensure that a student has sufficient English language skills to pursue the proposed course. This is imperative because not only will the studies be in English, but residing and conversing in the language is equally critical.
However, as we alluded to earlier, not every institute requires students to take the examination. This is because they do not use IELTS as a way of assessing your English language skills, but instead focus on other aspects. Certain universities may choose to focus on the applicant’s prior education as a means of ascertaining if their repertoire is satisfactory.
This is because if a particular institute holds Higher Education Institute (HEI) status, they have its own right to do the assessment based on qualifications, internal tests, or any third party’s test to ensure the student has the right proficiency in English. For instance, if you have studied at a school where every subject was taught in English, then the admission board of the specific university may take this into account when making a decision. This is known as the MOI (Medium of Instruction). If they are convinced by MOI, students may get an exemption from IELTS.
Below are some universities that accept Medium of Instruction letters to assess students’ English proficiency
● University of Kent
● Brunel University
● University of Strathclyde
● Ulster University
● University of Portsmouth
Typically, the cases that arise where IELTS is waived are similar. Some institutions factor in the student’s English scores in high school or their marks in the years before they enroll at university. Therefore, if you are applying to the UK, it is advised to check through the requirements and see if it is a requirement or not.
Another case where it may be possible to study in the UK without IELTS is by arranging an interview online. Some universities believe in conducting an interview through video on Skype. We call it the Internal English Test. This allows them to assess the student’s ability and overall comprehension of English.
Below are some of the UK universities that run internal English tests.
● Northumbria University
● University of Dundee
● Coventry University
● Chester University
● Bangor University
So, the students with IELTS preparation who are not able to sit for an exam in this pandemic can also try for admission in the UK.
Good News for You Regarding OIETC
The good news is that AHZ Associates will pay for the internal test or third party’s test but accepted by the University, on behalf of the students if the particular university chooses to take any third party test like OIETC and Versant test. OIETC accepted the University list in the UK given below.
● Bangor University
● Bangor University International College
● Birmingham City University
● Cardiff Metropolitan University
● Coventry University
● De Montfort University International College
● International College Dundee
● Jacobs University International College
● London South Bank University
● NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
● Nottingham Trent University*
● Robert Gordon University Aberdeen
● Staffordshire University
● The University of Central Lancashire
● University for the Creative Arts
● University of Chester
● University of Greenwich
● University of Greenwich International College
● University of Hertfordshire
● University of Hull
● University of Leeds**
● University of Portsmouth
● University of Roehampton
● University of Strathclyde
● University of Sunderland
● University of Westminster
● University of the West of England
● University of the West of Scotland
● University of Worcester
What are the other important steps to follow?
There are several steps for a tier-4 visa. For instance, you will need to gain 30 points for CAS, and 10 points for maintenance requirements. Some important steps to apply include-
● Career Counselling
● Select the Right subject and University
● Submit Application
● Get an Offer letter and so many on.
So, to learn more details about admissions in top-ranking UK universities and the steps, reach out to AHZ Associates for admission assistance.
‒ FAQs
Can we go to the UK without IELTS?
Yes, you can study in the United Kingdom without taking the IELTS exam because there are many universities in the country that accept applications without language competency results. Swansea University, Birmingham City University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the University of Bristol are among these institutions.
Is IELTS mandatory for a UK visa?
Applicants who intend to work, study, or relocate in the UK will be required to take an English language competency exam as part of their visa application. UKVI recognizes the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as an acceptable English language test.
Is IELTS compulsory for the UK in 2022?
You can save time and money while still studying without taking the IELTS. Many students who want to study at UK universities believe that IELTS is required. However, this is not the case. There are a variety of options for admission to UK universities that do not require IELTS.
