Study Abroad Without IELTS: Check Alternatives in 2025

Study Abroad Without IELTS: Check Alternatives in 2025

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Veda Burman Study Abroad Content Specialist

Study Abroad Content Specialist

Studying abroad without IELTS is now a feasible option for students coming from non-English speaking backgrounds. Currently, many universities across the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia accept alternative English proficiency tests. Scores from exams like TOEFL iBT, PTE, Duolingo English Test (DET) are widely accepted by the universities. However, minimum test score requirements might widely vary depending on the level of study, chosen program, and institute.

Your university might also consider high school English results, depending on the country and program. Minimum high school English scores between 60-80% is considered competitive worldwide. This flexibility opens doors for all types of international students who are unable to take or achieve a high score in IELTS. Postgraduate students from India with a degree in English are generally exempt from submitting IELTS scores. Similarly, individuals who completed their schooling or graduation in English-speaking countries like the USA, UK, or others are also eligible for an IELTS waiver.

Also Check: Eligibility to Study Abroad


Study in USA Without IELTS

A majority of the universities in USA prefer TOEFL iBT scores over IELTS. Studying in the USA without IELTS is possible with alternatives, including TOEFL iBT, PTE, Duolingo, and other English proficiency tests. Some US universities offering admission without IELTS are as follows:

University IELTS Alternatives
University of Dayton TOEFL iBT: 80 | PTE: 60 | DET: 110 or equivalent
University of Delaware TOEFL iBT: 79 | DET: 110+ | PTE Academic: 53 or equivalent
University at Buffalo TOEFL iBT: 79-80
University of New Orleans TOEFL iBT: 79 | DET: 100 | SAT: 500 | ACT: 18
University of Colorado Boulder TOEFL iBT: 75-100 | DET: 120-125
Drexel University TOEFL IBT: 79 or equivalent
California State University Los Angeles UG: TOEFL iBT: 61 | PTE: 44 | DET: 95
PG: TOEFL iBT: 61 | PTE: 44 | DET: 95
Rice University TOEFL iBT: 90 | DET: 115
University of Iowa TOEFL iBT: 81 | DET: 120 | PTE: 68
Northwood University UG: TOEFL iBT: 61 | PTE Academic: 48 | Duolingo: 110 | SAT: 940 overall, 460 for Evidence-based Reading and Writing | ACT: 18 for both composite and English sub-score
PG: TOEFL iBT: 80 | PTE Academic: 55 | Duolingo: 120 or equivalent

Also Explore: Exams to Study in USA


Study in UK Without IELTS

UK universities offer several pathways for students to demonstrate English proficiency without IELTS. Along with alternative tests, high school English scores might also be considered for admission. Some universities in UK with English proficiency test score requirements are as follows:

University IELTS Alternatives
University of Warwick DET: 110-130 | PTE: 60-75 | TOEFL iBT: 87-100
University of Bristol TOEFL iBT: 88-95 | PTE: 67-71
University of Plymouth PTE: 59 | TOEFL iBT: 79 (UG), 90 (PG)
University of Northampton CBSE and CISCE Standard 12 English: 60-70% | PTE: 65-70 | TOEFL iBT: 70-88
Birmingham City University PTE: 43-76 | TOEFL iBT: 48-95
Aston University TOEFL iBT: 101 (UG), 93 (Business school), 78 (Engineering and Physical Sciences), 93 (Masters)

Check Out: Exams to Study in UK


Study in Canada Without IELTS

Canadian universities provide flexible options for students to prove their English language skills. Some undergraduate courses at the universities in Canada might require French language proficiency. However, for admission to the graduate programs, Indian students need to provide proof of English proficiency. The university-specific admission requirements are as follows:

University Alternative of IELTS
Brock University PG: TOEFL iBT: 88 | PTE: 60 or equivalent
UG: TOEFL iBT: 88 | PTE: 58 | Duolingo: 110 or equivalent
University of Winnipeg TOEFL iBT: 86 | DET: 120 | PTE: 58 or equivalent
University of Saskatchewan TOEFL iBT: 86 | DET: 110 | PTE: 63 or equivalent
University of Regina TOEFL iBT: 83 | PTE: 59 | Duolingo Online English test (Except Faculty of Nursing): 120
Cambrian College TOEFL iBT: 88 | PTE: 58
Seneca College UG: Duolingo: 115-120 | TOEFL iBT: 84 | PTE: 60
PG: Duolingo: 120-125 | TOEFL iBT: 86 | PTE: 60

Know More: Exams to Study in Canada


Study in Australia Without IELTS

Australian universities have established multiple alternatives to IELTS, including TOEFL iBT, PTE, and DET among others. Some of the top-ranked universities in Australia like University of Queensland and the University of Adelaide offer admission to international students without an IELTS score. Check out some renowned universities in Australia that offer admission without IELTS score:

University Alternative of IELTS
University of Queensland TOEFL iBT: 87 | PTE: 64 or equivalent
University of Adelaide TOEFL iBT: 79 | PTE: 58 or equivalent
University of New South Wales TOEFL iBT: 90-96 | PTE: 64-65 or equivalent
University of Southern Australia TOEFL iBT: 79-94 | PTE: 58-65
Australian National University TOEFL iBT: 80 | PTE: 64
Victoria University UG: TOEFL iBT: 67 | PTE: 50-57 or equivalent
PG: TOEFL iBT: 79 | PTE: 58-64 or equivalent
Macquarie University TOEFL iBT: 66-94 | PTE: 45-66 | DET: 95-120

Check Out: Exams to Study in Australia


Studying abroad without IELTS is a realistic and accessible option for international students. Availability of numerous English proficiency tests like TOEFL iBT, PTE, and Duolingo has increased the alternative options for Indian students. Each destination country has unique policies and alternative test requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate admissions. Exploring these alternatives is recommended to ensure a flexible and smooth path for higher education.


FAQs

Ques: Can Indian students study abroad without IELTS?

Ans: Yes, Indian students can study abroad without IELTS in many countries, including the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia. Universities in these countries accept alternative English proficiency tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo, or waive the requirement for students with prior education in English. This provides flexibility for those seeking to study abroad without IELTS.

Ques: Which countries allow MBA abroad without IELTS for Indian students?

Ans: Countries like the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia allow Indian students to pursue an MBA without IELTS by accepting other English proficiency tests. Universities may also grant waivers if students have completed their previous education in English or meet specific work experience requirements. Alternative tests like PTE and Duolingo are widely accepted for MBA programs.

Ques: What are the alternatives to study abroad without IELTS for Indian students?

Ans: Indian students can provide TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo scores as alternatives to IELTS. Additionally, some universities waive English proficiency requirements for students who have completed prior education in English-speaking countries or programs. Joining preparatory English programs at universities is another viable option.

Ques: Which country can I go to for affordable education without IELTS?

Ans: Countries like Germany, Norway, and Malaysia offer affordable education and accept applications without IELTS. Universities in these nations consider other language proficiency tests or previous English-medium education as proof of eligibility. These options make studying abroad without IELTS cost-effective and accessible.

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