If you aspire to study abroad, you will probably know that it isn’t a mean feat. The hunt for a university and programme in the country of your choice can be daunting. Financial planning for the years ahead can also have you stumped. The admission processes are long and complicated, and you will need to collect multiple documents. Further, international students also have to handle visa woes and logistical challenges.
Clearing entrance exams and interviews is another major concern for students. As if these challenges aren’t enough, you also need to clear English language exams like the IELTS or TOEFL to validate your proficiency at reading, writing, and speaking English as a non-native speaker. Many aspiring international students experience delays and additional expenses in their study abroad plans only because they are unable to reach the desired scores in these exams.
At times, it may seem unjust because you may be academically brighter than the others in the race and only lose out due to linguistic shortcomings. Fortunately, there are universities around the world that accept international students without IELTS or TOEFL. If you aren’t confident about making it in these exams, you must explore these options to go ahead with your study abroad plans. Here is a list that can help.
UK
Students who wish to get into these non-IELTS universities in the UK must have excellent English communication skills. They must validate that they studied in English medium in their last educational institution. The universities that give you the option to bypass English language tests include:
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Birmingham City University
- University of Warwick
- Brunel University
- The University of Lincoln
- Bangor University
- Robert Gordon University
- University of Bristol
- The University of Bolton
- London Southbank University
EUROPEAN UNION
Apart from the UK, many EU countries such as Germany, Holland, and Norway allow international students without IELTS or TOEFL. Once again, they have to show that they completed their prior education entirely in English and they possess excellent communication skills. Here are the universities you can explore in the EU countries.
GERMANY- Most universities in Germany do not require international students to appear for IELTS or TOEFL for many courses, as long as they fulfil the aforementioned requirements. You may require it for specialised courses such as English Philology.
HOLLAND- Inholland University of Applied Sciences
NORWAY- University of Oslo
AUSTRALIA
When it comes to studying abroad in Australia without getting through language tests, you have options with some leading names on the list. You only have to prove that you received your previous education in English. Check out the names:
- The University of Adelaide
- Bond University
- Macquarie University
- The University of New South Wales
- Victoria University
- The Swinburne University of Technology
- The University of South Australia
- The University of Southern Queensland
- The University of Queensland
CANADA
If you want to study abroad in Canada without IELTS and TOEFL, you have some good options here. You may get through if you have lived and attended school for the last four years in a country with English as the primary language. The universities that allow students to seek admission without language exams include:
- The Concordia University
- Brock University
- Memorial University
- Carleton University
- University of Regina
- University of Winnipeg
USA
Some US universities also offer the opportunity for international students who want to get in without English proficiency tests. Students can be eligible by completing one year of full-time study at any US institution. Others allow you through special criteria such as Pathways Programme and Intensive English Language Program (IELP). You should check the individual website of these universities to learn more about the criteria. Here is a list you can check:
- State University of New York
- Pace University
- New York Institute of Technology
- University of Colorado
- Drexel University
- University of Arkansas
- University of Dayton
- California State University
- University of New Orleans
- University of Delaware
- University of Iowa
PLAN B- PATHWAYS PROGRAMMES
International students looking to study abroad without IELTS and TOEFL have another alternative to seeking admissions to the aforementioned universities. Pathway programmes are preparatory programs that empower international students with certain qualifications, skills, and knowledge so that they can qualify for desired bachelor’s or master’s courses.
Canada, US, and Australia offer Pathway programmes to international students who struggle to meet the course requirements. The length of these programmes is one academic year, but you do not get a degree on completion. Rather, you have the opportunity to learn English so that you can get into your target country without appearing for a language test. The programme emphasises academic language to help students in the future.
NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand is a destination that brings a unique offering for international students, when it comes to English language test requirements. You will be surprised to know that many top universities in the country provide alternatives for IELTS, though you will have to clear TOEFL, PTE, and other language proficiency tests for getting admission to them. These include:
- University of Canterbury
- University of Auckland
- Lincoln University
- University of Otago
- Unitec Institute of Technology
If clearing language proficiency tests or getting high scores have you struggling, you need not worry. Explore these options and get a step ahead towards the realisation of your study abroad dreams.
If you are considering studying abroad why don’t you discuss your prospects and opportunities with experts at Lurnable’s dedicated study abroad counselling division LurnPathways?
