IELTS Exam Eligibility: Who Can Give IELTS Exams?

Does the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) requirement by the UK universities act as a hurdle between you and your dream education in the UK?

Then hold on for 5 minutes and read this guide before giving up your dream!

Yes! You can study in the UK without IELTS. Too good to be true, right?

Of course, IELTS is a standard examination for a student to take whose mother tongue is not English.

But there are UK universities that make an exemption by making the study in the UK possible without IELTS.

Is the Quality of Education Good in UK Universities without IELTS?

Absolutely, Yes!

Whether with or without IELTS, academic excellence is the primary reason UK universities are popular.

According to HESA (Higher Education Statistics Agency) data for 2023-24, approximately 758,000 international students are enrolled in UK higher education institutions — making the UK one of the world’s top destinations for international students.

Only the institutes with Higher Education Institute (HEI) status have the privilege not to demand IELTS.

It gives them the liberty to do the assessment based on other specific criteria to guarantee the student’s proficiency in English.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria to Study in the UK without IELTS?

• High school English marks in classes X and XII: If you score 60% or above in 10th and 12th classes, you will get admission without IELTS.
• English as the medium of communication in school: If you have studied in an English medium school, submitting the Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate to the UK admission board will prove your English proficiency.
• Online interview: If you cannot complete the above language proficiency requirements, the university will set a Skype interview to assess your English language proficiency.
• Pre-sessional English course: Some UK universities offer pre-sessional courses if you have low IELTS scores. You will progress to your degrees after successfully completing the 6 to 12 weeks course.
• An undergraduate degree in English: IELTS is not mandatory if English is your main specialization for completing your undergraduate degree.

Also Read: IELTS Exam Eligibility 2026: Age Limit, Passport Rule and Who Can Apply

UK Student Visa without IELTS: What You Need to Know

This is the section most ‘study in UK without IELTS’ guides skip – and it matters most for Indian students.

Getting university admission without IELTS is one thing. Getting the UK Student Visa is another. For the visa, UKVI requires a SELT. Here is what is accepted:

Source: UKVI Student Route guidance (gov.uk)

UK Student Visa maintenance funds (updated November 2025): You must show £13,761 if studying in London, or £10,539 if studying outside London, held in your bank account for 28 consecutive days. This is in addition to your first year’s tuition fees. Source: UKVI official, November 2025.

Also Read: UKVI IELTS: UK Student Visa English Requirement Guide

Which UK Universities Offer Admissions without IELTS?

Based on the QS World University Rankings 2026, we have listed below the best ten universities that offer admissions without IELTS. Take a look:

University of Bristol

The University of Bristol is one of the best universities to apply for admissions without IELTS. Here are the criteria for admission:

• Must have completed 12th from a recognized board and institute.
• 75% in English with 60% of the average score in the 12th.

Some of the courses offered include Social Policy, Veterinary Science, Philosophy, Earth and Marine Science, and Geology.

University of Warwick

Ranking in the top 15 in the UK, the University of Warwick is a world-class university with 269 undergraduate and 345 postgraduate programs.

If you have not attended IELTS, you must appear for the Pre-sessional English language course for admission to the university.

Best study programs include Arts and Humanities, Business Management, Engineering and Technology, Life Science and Medicine, and Social Science.

Swansea University

Swansea University is a research-led university in South Wales. If you don’t have English scores that meet the university requirements, you can complete English Language Pre-sessional Programme at the university’s English Language Training Services (ELTS).

Aston University

Welcoming international students from over 120 countries, Aston University is home to career-focused students. It has a history of passing out graduates who are the highest-paid after five years of graduation.

For those who don’t have the English score to meet the university’s minimum entry requirements, a range of Pre-sessional English Language programs is available.

University of Plymouth

Being in the top 25 for teaching quality, the University of Plymouth is famous for its research work and climate action. Students can join a pre-sessional English language course conducted by the university’s English Language Centre if they don’t have the required IELTS score.

University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth holds a 5-star rating from QS Stars University Ratings. The qualification criteria for Indian students who don’t meet the IELTS criteria is Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) / Standard 12 at 75% or above in English.

London South Bank University

LSBU has remained in the education industry for over 125 years, with its real-world courses, first-class facilities, and personalized student support. If Indian students have low IELTS scores, your XIIth class English grades will be considered for Bachelor’s or Taught Master’s level entry.

University of Greenwich

The University of Greenwich has taken the name of a top-notch education provider with inspirational learning, placements, and research works.

• Without IELTS: take the online entry test, the University of Greenwich English Language Test (OIETC), in place of an IELTS.
• With a low IELTS score: you can take the pre-sessional English program.

Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University provides merit-based scholarships and student employment opportunities. Indian students with 65%, 70%, and 80% in the English language for standard XII get qualified to study without IELTS.

Northumbria University

Northumbria University is recognized as one of the top 25 in the UK for graduates in highly skilled employment. It offers a Pre-sessional English language program at the Newcastle campus for students who have not met the IELTS or similar English language test requirements.

Also Read: IELTS Score for Ireland 2026: Minimum Cut-Off for Top Universities

When to Start Applying to Study in the UK without IELTS?

Some universities demand the Pre-sessional English Course, which lasts from 6 to 12 weeks, as the admission criteria for students without IELTS.

Hence, identify the right course based on your interest and start finding a qualified university minimum of six months early.

Identifying the right university might not be easy, with 100+ universities providing study opportunities in the UK without IELTS.

Using SelectRight, you get to access 8 million+ data points across 40,000+ study programs. This will give you unbiased suggestions on the best programs and universities that meet your requirements.

What Is the Possibility of Getting a Scholarship in the UK without IELTS?

Scholarships are available for students to study in the UK without IELTS.

Yes, you heard it right. 3,200+ fully funded scholarships are available for doctoral degrees, masters, and undergraduate programs.

Here goes the list of five scholarships to study in the UK without IELTS in 2026:

• Clarendon Scholarship (approximately 150 scholarships)
• Commonwealth UK Scholarship (approximately 200 scholarships)
• British Chevening Scholarship (approximately 1,800 scholarships)
• Rhodes Scholarship (approximately 100 scholarships)
• Gates Cambridge Scholarship (approximately 90 scholarships)

Also Read: Study in USA Without IELTS: Universities, Alternatives and Visa Guide

Conclusion: Studying in the UK without IELTS

Getting higher education in the UK without IELTS is not daunting, provided you get the proper guidance. SelectRight has experts and is equipped with the right tools to make your education process not only possible but easy.

IELTS: Complete Resource Guide (GradRight)