Study in UK Without IELTS For Indian Students: Universities in UK Without IELTS

Hosting a massive number of students from all over the world, the United Kingdom is a widely popular international education hub. Residence of some of the most prestigious internationally esteemed education institutions and universities, opportunities offered by the UK education system are immense. Highly acclaimed universities, top-quality education, cultural diversity, quality research infrastructure, and vibrant cities are the reasons why a great number of international students flock to the country every year for pursuing higher education.

The first thing that comes to mind while thinking about studying in the UK is that the student needs to clear an English language proficiency test, i.e. IELTS. Candidates need to score 6.0 or higher to enrol in universities and apply for a visa. However, there are many options to study in UK without IELTS for Indian students. There are universities in the UK which allow international students to study in the UK without IELTS. However, it does not necessarily mean that applicants must sit for another test; a few universities accept applications without any test solely because maximum students scored high in their school or studied English as a major in intermediate, making them eligible. Also, some universities in the UK offer pre-sessional English courses for aspirants seeking education in the country without IELTS.  The only score these institutions require is a student’s matriculation or intermediate exam marks, so they need to check whether they qualify or not.

Due to the pandemic, the UK’s immigrant student count lowered, and the government announced the two-year post-study work visa for immigrant students. They can always opt to take IELTS or TOEFL, TCF, or TEF to increase their chances, but they also have an option to apply for a UK student visa without IELTS. 

Circumstances Under Which Students Can Study in UK Without IELTS

• If the students have completed their higher secondary education in an English-medium school, they can produce a document to prove their English proficiency. Many universities allow an exemption on this basis and permit to pursue higher education if they can furnish a transcript of a short-term English course. 
• Their class X and XII English scores - Since many students study English in their school, it’s common to assume the English proficiency level. To assess this, the university asks for the grade card of classes X and XII. If students have 70% or above, they will be eligible for admission in the UK. 
• Online Interviews - Few UK universities ask students to appear for online interviews to assess their skills in verbal and listening format. If the university authorities feel satisfied, the candidate will be allowed to skip IELTS and study directly in the United Kingdom.
• An undergraduate degree in English
• Taking a pre-sessional English course - Students with low IELTS scores can attend an English course for six to twelve months. They are progressed to a degree upon successful completion of the course. 
• Taking different language proficiency tests - Apart from IELTS, other language proficiency tests are gaining advantage and weightage in the UK. If students are keen to be exempt from IELTS, they can appear for a Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE), PTE Academic, Duolingo test, or ISE (Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English). If they qualify in any of these tests, Indian students can study in UK without IELTS after 12th. However, it is important for students to consult with the university they are applying to about which test scores they accept.

How to Get a UK Study Visa Without IELTS?

Candidates can get a UK student visa without IELTS if they provide the immigration authorities with a document from the university stating that they are eligible for the visa. The documents they need to submit to receive the student visa are listed below.

• Acceptance letter from a university in the UK (United Kingdom)
• A document attested by the university with the statement that they can apply for a UK study visa without IELTS scores
• The Secure English Language Test (SELT) mandated by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) can also serve as a valid proof of English proficiency without IELTS

Important Resources to Read About IELTS:

Top Universities in UK Without IELTS

Here’s the list of universities where students can seek admission without IELTS in UK.

• Swansea University
• London South Bank University
• University of Greenwich
• Robert Gordon University
• Birmingham City University
• Northumbria University
• University of Bolton
• University of Northampton
• Sheffield Hallam University
• University of Warwick
• University of Central Lancashire
• Riga Technical University
• University of Plymouth
• University of Portsmouth
• Aston University
• The University of Essex
• University of Bristol
• University of Basel
• Bangor University
• Brunel University

UK Student Visa Requirements For Indian Students without IELTS

On receiving an acceptance letter from UK University, candidates can start applying for a student visa. Upon successfully filling up the application and paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), students need to pay visa application fees of £348. After paying the fees, applicants need to book an appointment at the nearest VFS and provide biometrics along with the application and required supporting documents. Here is a list of the documents to fulfill the UK student visa requirements for Indian students without IELTS. 

1. Academic documents
2. A valid passport
3. ATAS Certificate (if applicable)
4. CAS letter
5. Experience Letters (If any) including offer letter and payslips of the last three months
6. Birth certificate
7. Medical Certificate from a clinic approved by UKVI
8. Acceptable Financial documents - Last three months’ bank statement, Loan Approval Letter from Bank, Fixed deposit Certificates (if any)
9. Birth Certificate
10. Affidavit of Sponsorship from Parents if funds are held in the parent account

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