1. United States, English-taught Programs
Many American institutions offer alternatives to IELTS, such as TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, PTE, or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. Over 4,000 institutions offer such options and keep barriers low.
Applicants can access waivers by meeting specific criteria, such as maintaining a strong academic record or completing English pathway programs (ESL courses) that lead to complete degrees.
This flexibility reaches scholarships, too. There are options from non-English-speaking countries or international agreements that skip IELTS entirely. They evaluate alternative proofs of language skills.
Traditional benchmarks like IELTS or TOEFL persist, yet US policies favor holistic reviews. These choices open doors wider for international students.
If you are looking for the lowest-cost courses to study in the US, check out the Studying English in the USA article here.
2. Canada, Countries without IELTS
Many Canadian universities accept alternatives to IELTS, such as TOEFL, Duolingo, and CAEL, to confirm English proficiency.
Applicants also qualify via proof of education in English-medium schools, especially after four or more years of study, or by passing internal language assessments.
Some Canadian programs offer conditional admission. Students enter with a commitment to complete English language training first. These preparatory courses build skills and lead directly to complete degrees.
While proof of proficiency remains essential at most places, waivers are available for those who meet these criteria for study abroad without IELTS.
3. United Kingdom, No IELTS Visa
Some Institutions in the UK accept an MOI certificate to confirm English proficiency from education in English settings.
Many programs offer pre-sessional courses that students complete before their primary studies. This approach helps them build their language skills.
Universities often grant conditional admission, paired with preparatory options or internal assessments, and ongoing English support, such as workshops and writing labs, further aids integration.
Of course, proficiency proof stays relevant, yet these waivers and alternatives broaden access for international applicants. This system eases global mobility for attendees.
You may read about the latest UK Visa policies for international students here.
4. Australia, English-taught Programs
Australian institutions accept alternatives like TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge exams. The point is to prove that knowing the English language well is necessary to live and study there.
Applicants may be accepted by providing evidence of education in English-language schools or by completing ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students).
Many pathways include pre-sessional programs, intensive courses that prepare students for academic entry, or university partnerships that mix language training with core studies.
For Australian student visas, applicants meet the requirements through means such as English courses or school proof, without needing to take IELTS.
5. Germany, Study Abroad Without IELTS
Institutions in Germany accept alternatives to the TOEFL, such as the Duolingo English Test, to confirm proficiency.
They can qualify by submitting proof of English education or a previous degree taught in English, aligning with the many bachelor’s and master’s programs delivered in English.
There is a way to streamline the admission process. Students apply directly, then handle the German university visa with these proofs in place.
Research opportunities abound in this robust system, and attract global talent without language-test barriers.
Waivers for those with the right background make the process easier. They make sure more qualified applicants can move forward without unnecessary language barriers.
Check out the top 10 PhD scholarships in Germany for international students here.
6. France, No IELTS Visa
Applicants to French universities can demonstrate their proficiency in French by submitting a MOI certificate from an English-language education program.
Many of them prove their skills through university-specific exams, interviews, or alternative assessments.
This system allows applicants with documented English-medium backgrounds to be exempted from language tests. This approach makes it easier to study abroad without IELTS and gain entry into bachelor’s and master’s programs.
7. Ireland, English-taught Programs
Applicants show their skills through alternatives such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge exams. They also qualify with an MOI certificate.
Pre-sessional English courses or conditional admission provide further entry points. Students should complete targeted training before full programs.
Internal assessments or interviews directly evaluate readiness. These also satisfy visa requirements, streamlining international access.
If you are looking for the top free universities in Europe for international students, read this guide on the Abroadin blog.
8. Netherlands, Study Abroad Without IELTS
Many universities in the Netherlands accept TOEFL or Duolingo English Test scores to verify proficiency.
Applicants can provide proof of English-language education, as the country offers a wide range of bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs in English.
Scholarships flow freely without IELTS demands. Students apply directly for funding that supports these degrees.
Studying in the Netherlands offers official guidance on pathways, including exemptions for English language backgrounds.
9. Malaysia, No IELTS Visa
Malaysia is often among the most popular countries for international students to study abroad without IELTS.
Many Malaysian universities administer English placement tests or accept alternatives such as TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo to assess language proficiency directly.
To strengthen applications, students highlight strong academic records, high grades, honors, and awards, and create compelling personal statements that showcase unique perspectives.
Having relevant work experience or internships shows you are prepared for the role. These experiences help prove your abilities, build confidence, and make you stand out from other applicants during the selection process.
10. China, Countries without IELTS
Chinese institutions accept TOEFL or Duolingo English Test scores to verify English proficiency. Native English speakers qualify for exemptions, as do those with a previous degree completed in English.
This approach streamlines applications for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD programs, where English instruction dominates many fields such as business, engineering, and the sciences.
Applicants submit documentation of English education to secure waivers, ensuring smooth visa processes alongside admissions.
Top 10 Universities to Study Abroad Without IELTS
Now, let’s review some popular universities worldwide that offer English-taught programs without requiring IELTS. They are selected for reputation, global rankings, and confirmed waivers.
1. Northwestern University, English-taught Programs
At Northwestern University, international applicants whose first language isn’t English or whose secondary education wasn’t in English must submit official results of English proficiency exams.
Accepted tests include the TOEFL iBT, the IELTS Academic, and the Michigan English Test (MET). The self-reported scores don’t qualify!
Northwestern does not apply superscoring or use TOEFL MyBest Scores, so applicants should aim for consistently strong section scores.
Waivers based on English instruction are rare and depend on program approval. Ensure you check the admissions page for the latest policy updates.
2. University of Chicago, English-taught Programs
At the University of Chicago, all applicants to graduate schools and divisions must either submit proof of English language proficiency or meet one of two waiver criteria.
The only accepted tests for proving proficiency at this institution are the TOEFL iBT and the IELTS Academic.
A waiver may be granted if English has been your primary language since childhood or if you have completed at least one full academic year of full-time study at an accredited English language institution.
The minimum required scores vary by program and division; for example, many programs require at least 7.0 in each IELTS section or an equivalent TOEFL score.
Prospective students should check the admissions page for the specific division for the most up-to-date requirements.
3. University of Warwick, Study Abroad Without IELTS
The University of Warwick offers an alternative route for students who want to apply without an IELTS score.
Applicants can qualify through an MOI certificate or by completing one of Warwick’s approved English language programs.
For those who choose to submit IELTS, Warwick typically expects a strong overall performance, with the test taken in one sitting and no one-skill retakes allowed.
Although exact score requirements vary by course, competitive applicants usually demonstrate high proficiency across all components.
This approach allows Warwick to maintain its solid academic standards while providing international students with alternative routes to meet language requirements.
4. University of Bristol, English-taught Programs
The University of Bristol requires most students to present an IELTS for UKVI certificate from an approved test centre.
However, students who fall slightly short of the required score can take advantage of Bristol’s pre-sessional English courses.
Depending on the length of the course, ten, five, or two weeks, eligible applicants may receive a joint CAS. This way, they can cover both the pre-sessional program and their primary degree under one visa.
This pathway provides additional flexibility for international students who need extra support before beginning their academic studies.
5. Technical University of Munich, English-taught Programs
The Technical University of Munich allows applicants to study abroad without IELTS if they can prove English proficiency through other accepted means.
Students whose Bachelor’s degree was not entirely taught in English must submit a valid TOEFL score of at least 88 on the Internet-based test or an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.
Having related work experience or internships shows you are ready for the role and have already developed the skills the program or employer is looking for.
These experiences make you more competitive by highlighting your abilities, building confidence, and helping you stand out from others with similar academic backgrounds.
6. University of Queensland, Study Abroad Without IELTS
The University of Queensland (UQ), a top research university in Australia, allows applicants to meet English requirements without IELTS by submitting alternative test scores such as TOEFL or PTE.
Students who have completed their secondary education at an English-language institution may also be exempt from providing an IELTS score.
English proficiency requirements vary by program, but most courses require applicants to achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each sub-band, or an equivalent score on other accepted tests.
UQ even accepts the IELTS One-Skill Retake and offers students greater flexibility to meet specific section requirements.
7. Tsinghua University, English-taught Programs
Tsinghua University, one of China’s most prestigious institutions, allows non-native English speakers to study abroad without IELTS.
Prospective students of Tsinghua University can submit a TOEFL score of at least 85 or an IELTS score of 6.5.
Many Chinese universities set slightly lower benchmarks, with IELTS 6.0 or Duolingo 100 often accepted, while more competitive programs may ask for IELTS 6.5 or Duolingo 110.
Since requirements can vary by faculty or program, applicants should always double-check the details on the university’s official website to ensure they meet the language criteria.
8. Peking University, English-taught Programs
At Peking University, applicants who aren’t native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency with a TOEFL score of 90 or higher or an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher.
Students who have completed their previous studies in English or are native speakers can bypass this requirement.
It ensures that all students are prepared to engage fully in academic life while providing flexibility for those with strong English backgrounds.
9. University of New South Wales, Study Abroad Without IELTS
At the University of New South Wales, international applicants whose first language isn’t English must show they meet the university’s language standards.
While IELTS is widely recognized, alternatives like PTE Academic, PTE Academic UKVI, or the LanguageCert Academic tests are also accepted.
Minimum scores vary by test. IELTS requires an overall score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each component; PTE Academic requires 64 overall with 59 in each section; and LanguageCert Academic requires 65 overall with a minimum of 60 in each element.
10. University of Delaware, Study Abroad Without IELTS
At the University of Delaware, students applying to the Academic Transitions (AT) program don’t need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to be admitted.
That said, the English Language Institute strongly encourages applicants to provide test results. Submitting a score can offer many advantages to international students.
This approach gives students more flexibility while still supporting their success in the program, making AT a convenient option for applicants looking to strengthen their English skills.
Conclusion
Language should never stand in the way of your global ambitions. Around the world, universities are opening doors for international students through alternatives to IELTS, such as TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, and the Medium of Instruction certificates.
Whether you’re aiming for undergraduate or graduate studies, these flexible pathways make it easier to pursue your dreams abroad.
So, don’t let testing requirements hold you back. Explore the programs to study abroad without IELTS, use the Abroadin admission package, and start your international journey today.
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