When applying for universities overseas, it is very common for them to ask applicants to meet a certain set of criteria, specifically language proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL. However, it can be any other standardized test that measures the student’s ability to communicate, read, and write in English well. For students that are not able to pass the test with the ideal scores, may need to re-sit them which proves to be very costly and time-consuming for most. Moreover,  performing well on these English proficiency tests may come off difficult for non-native English speakers.

Although most universities abroad require their students to pass language proficiency tests or 3 hours essay writing in order to get accepted into their programs, there are a couple of notable universities that grant admission to students without needing a language proficiency certificate for their applicants. However, in that case, applicants have to prove they can communicate and comprehend the English language by providing evidence of taking on English as a language in school previously. Students are advised to always thoroughly check the university of their choice’s requirements before the application process to avoid complications later.

There are a number of prominent universities in the UK, Europe, USA, Canada, and Australia that grant admission to applicants without requiring English proficiency certificates like IELTS and TOEFL. Students must apply for pathway programs, which may take an extra year if they choose this route.

1. Study in UK without IELTS

In order for students to be eligible to study in the UK without an IELTS, they must score 70% or higher in their GCE A Level or equivalent. Additionally, students must have fluent English speaking and writing skills.

Some universities that do not require IELTS or TOEFL for their programs:

1. Sheffield Hallam University,
2. Birmingham City University and
3. University of Warwick
4. Brunel University,
5. The University of Lincoln,
6. Bangor University and
7. Robert Gordon University

These universities listed above offer both undergraduate and graduate courses in numerous fields of study. Furthermore, a few universities accept and admit candidates on the basis that the medium of study at their previous educational institution was English entirely.

2. Study in Europe without IELTS

Germany, Holland, and Norway are some European countries that have a couple of universities that present the opportunity to international students to apply without writing IELTS. If the candidate can prove to have fluent and communication skills and provide evidence stating their prior education was conducted entirely in English, then they can easily apply without sitting for the IELTS or TOEFL proficiency exam.

3. Study in US without IELTS

There are a few universities in the USA grant admission to international students without requiring them to pass English proficiency tests.

Students who have completed one year of full-time study at any US institution are exempt from meeting the criteria of applying through IELTS or TOEFL. The State University of New York gives admission to students who have passed the Intensive English Language Program (IELP). Additionally, Pace University offers pathway programs to students who are not able to meet their English language requirements. Apart from this, students can also apply to the New York Institute of Technology without sitting for the IELTS. However, they should meet the criteria set by the university separately.

4. Study in Canada without IELTS

A number of universities in Canada do not require TOEFL/IELTS for student admission if they meet certain criteria like if you have lived and attended school, for at least four years, where the main language of instruction was English, then you do not need documents to prove your English proficiency.

Some universities in Canada that do not require IELTS or TOEFL for admission are:

1. Brock University
2. Carleton University
3. University of Winnipeg
4. University of Regina
5. Memorial University
6. Concordia University

Overall, candidates should be able to prove they pursued their education in an English medium institution. Moreover, they should also provide evidence of studying English as a subject in high-school. Students should undergo the institution’s own assessment; they may be required to give interviews over the phone or through video conference, as per the specific requirements of the university.