| Updated On - May 13, 2026
CBSE Class 12 English instead of IELTS is an option many Indian students consider, as board results are about to be announced. In some cases, a strong English score can be used in place of IELTS, but only if you meet specific university requirements.
In the UK, universities such as the University of Dundee, the University of Stirling, and the University of Sheffield accept CBSE English scores (typically 70%- 80%+) for select courses, often with conditions such as a recent qualification or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter. In Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, some universities have similar policies, but required scores, accepted boards, and eligibility rules vary by institution and program.
What is an IELTS Waiver Based on CBSE Scores?
An IELTS waiver policy is an English language exemption or an alternative English qualification policy. Instead of submitting an IELTS score, you submit your Class 12 English marks.
Key things to know before you read further:
- Not all courses qualify; health, law, medicine, and education often still need IELTS.
- Most universities require the qualification to be within 2-5 years of your course start date.
- Some universities also ask for a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your school.
- A university waiver does not automatically satisfy visa requirements; check separately.
United Kingdom
| University | Board Accepted | Minimum % | Extra Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Dundee | CBSE or CISCE only | 70% | Verification via roll number/scratch card |
| University of Stirling | CBSE / ISC / ICSE / Metro State Boards | 70% | MOI letter (within 5 years) |
| University of Stirling | Other Indian state boards | 80% | MOI letter (within 5 years) |
| University of Sheffield | CBSE or CISCE | 75% | Verification with the school or board |
| University of Sheffield | Maharashtra / WB / Metro State Boards | 80% | Verification with the school or board |
Note: University of Stirling's waiver is for postgraduate applicants only. Courses requiring IELTS 7.0+ are excluded. These include MS TESOL, MS HRM, and MRes Educational Research.
Canada
| University | Board Accepted | Minimum Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New Brunswick (UNB) | CBSE & CISCE Year 12 English | 75% | No IELTS needed if this condition is met |
Important: UNB officially lists CBSE & CISCE Year 12 English with 75% as an accepted English language exemption, alongside GCE A Levels and IB English. UNB reserves the right to still ask for proof of language proficiency before allowing registration.
Australia
| University | Board Accepted | Minimum Requirement | Excluded Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of New South Wales, Sydney | CBSE (All India Senior School Certificate) | Grade C1 in English Core | Education, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy |
| UNSW Sydney | CBSE – Business programs | Grade B2 in English Core | None excluded |
| UNSW Sydney | ICSE (Indian School Certificate) | 70% in English | Education, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy |
| UNSW Sydney | ICSE – Business programs | 80% in English | None excluded |
Note: UNSW recognises CBSE and ICSE under its "Other Senior Secondary Qualifications" category. The qualification must be completed no more than 2 years before your intended start date.
CBSE grading reference: C1 = roughly 61-70%; B2 = roughly 71-80%
New Zealand
| University | Board Accepted | Minimum % | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Otago | CBSE, CISCE, or specified Higher Secondary State Boards* | 70% in English | For undergraduate study only |
| University of Otago | All other Higher Secondary State Boards | 85% in English | For undergraduate study only |
*Specified state boards: Maharashtra State Board, Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board, and West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education.
The qualification must have been completed no more than 2 years before your study start date. This can be extended to 5 years if you can show continued immersion in an English-speaking environment.
Note: This applies to undergraduate study only at Otago. Postgraduate applicants from India may still be asked to provide English language proficiency evidence.
What Is an MOI Letter?
An MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter is an official document from your school confirming that your classes were taught and assessed in English.
- Must be stamped and signed by the school.
- University of Stirling requires it to be dated within the last 5 years.
- Always check your offer letter; some universities ask for it even if it is not listed upfront.
Quick Checklist Before You Apply
- Is your board CBSE or CISCE? (Most widely accepted)
- Did you score the minimum percentage required by that university?
- Is your Class 12 result within 2-5 years of your course start date?
- Is your course eligible? (Avoid assuming; check the course page)
- Do you have an MOI letter ready if needed?
- Have you checked the visa English requirements separately?
For Indian students with strong Class 12 English scores, an IELTS waiver can reduce both cost and application timelines, but eligibility depends heavily on the university, course, board, and how recently the qualification was completed. Since visa rules and course-specific requirements may still demand IELTS, students should treat these waivers as conditional alternatives rather than guaranteed exemptions.
FAQs
Ques. Does the IELTS waiver work for both UG and PG?
Ans. It depends on the university. The University of Stirling's policy applies only to postgraduates. UNB and UNSW apply it to undergraduates. University of Otago's CBSE exemption is for undergraduate study only. Always check the specific course page.
Ques. My state board is not CBSE or CISCE. Can I still apply?
Ans. Some universities accept Metro or specified state boards with a higher score, usually 80-85%. Other state boards may not be accepted at all. University of Otago, for example, requires 85% for non-specified boards.
Ques. What is Grade C1 or B2 in CBSE that UNSW mentions?
Ans. CBSE uses a grading scale. C1 is roughly 61-70%, and B2 is roughly 71-80%. UNSW uses these grade bands, not raw percentages, to assess CBSE English scores.
Ques. Do I still need IELTS for a UK Student Visa even if the university waives it?
Ans. Possibly yes. The UK Home Office has its own English language requirements for Student Visa applicants. A university waiver does not automatically satisfy visa rules. Check the UK government's official Student Visa guidance separately.
Ques. Will the university verify my Class 12 marks with my board?
Ans. Yes. Universities like Sheffield, Dundee, and UNSW explicitly state they will verify your scores with your school or examination board. Submitting incorrect information can get your application cancelled.
Ques. What if my Class 12 result is more than 5 years old?
Ans. Most universities will not accept it. The University of Dundee allows up to 10 years. University of Otago may extend to 5 years if you show continued use of English. For most others, you will need to take IELTS.
Ques. Is an IELTS waiver available for all courses at these universities?
Ans. No. Courses in medicine, law, health sciences, education, and social work almost always require a formal IELTS score, even at universities that otherwise accept CBSE marks.
Ques. What is the safest way to confirm if I qualify for an IELTS waiver?
Ans. Go to the official English language requirements page of your target university, find the India CBSE section, and check the minimum score and conditions. If unsure, email the admissions team directly with your board name and percentage.
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