Is it possible to study at UK universities without IELTS? It certainly is possible. Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students. It provides foreign students with valuable access to recent technologies, research facilities, and industry connections. It can enhance their education and career prospects and help them excel in their chosen fields.
However, one of the major obstacles that often stand in the way of this dream is taking an English language proficiency test like IELTS. IELTS, called the International English Language Testing System, is mandatory for almost all UK universities as proof of language proficiency. However, some UK universities offer admission without IELTS.
Are you a Pakistani student and want to study in the UK?
If so, you will need to obtain a UK student visa from Pakistan to study there.
The process of applying for a student visa might be complicated, but we’ve made it simpler with our guide. With this in mind, we will look at the basic requirements and steps you need to take to get a UK student visa from Pakistan.
The good thing is that we’ll also provide tips and resources to help you through the process.
Requirements to get a UK Study Visa from Pakistan without IELTS
Your knowledge of English is the basic requirement to study in the UK, if you have a record of your previous education and have an excellent score in an English subject, you are allowed to study at your favorable university. If your previous education is in English, then you are in luck because the accountability of your previous education is an essential element. Here are some points of the eligible requirements to study in the UK without IELTS:
- English language skills, comparable to CLB B2 level or above, you can also try to improve your spoken English skills for a better impression
70% above marks in Higher Education, English Language and this is the requirement if the university’s IELTS condition is 6.5, no band below 5.5. - If the university requires an IELTS score of 6.5 with no band below 6.0, then you will need 80% marks in high school, in English.
- Some universities also accept you with 60% marks from 10th to 12th standard, English subject.
- Some short courses in English to demonstrate that English was the medium in your previous education.
- It may be useful to take a pre-sessional English course, which is a course offered by the university.
- If you prepare eloquently for your online interview, studying in the UK without IELTS can have an effective impact.
- If you have graduated with a major in English, this can also create a smooth space for you, but it is not mandatory as you can apply for other subjective degrees as well.
List the only UK university without IELTS
The list of UK universities and colleges without IELTS requirements in 2023 is of interest to potential foreign students planning to study in the UK. It means a shift towards higher education being more accessible to everyone around the world. This new path to higher education offers unprecedented opportunities and opens possibilities to people who previously thought they could never qualify for a college degree. The list of UK universities without IELTS where you can study.
Swansea University
If your scores in your high school English course are not good enough, you still have a chance of being accepted into your desired course at Swansea University if you enroll in their pre-sessional English program and complete it before the course starts .
University of Essex
To help you realize your dream of studying in the UK without IELTS, the university allows you to take a pre-sessional English language course, which helps you improve your English skills to meet the institution’s requirements. Both undergraduate and postgraduate candidates can avail of these courses.
Coventry University
Coventry University is ranked 57th in the 2023 QS World Rankings and is known for its expertise in the healthcare and automotive sectors. An equivalent score of 60% is accepted at Coventry University to study without IELTS.
Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University offers an 8-week English program to improve your English skills before starting the course. It gives the opportunity to study in the UK without IELTS and also runs its own English language proficiency test, which you can take to get admitted to this university.
University of Bristol
Getting admitted to the University of Bristol is known for offering multiple courses, part-time and full-time, in different fields. It is a good option to pursue higher education without taking the IELTS.
Birmingham City University
Birmingham City University accepts several English proficiency tests other than the IELTS. The university offers an online pre-sessional course to meet the admission criteria. They also accept your high school English scores to study in the UK without IELTS, depending on the course and program you select.
Sheffield Hall University
Sheffield Hall University can offer an alternative English language course at the University’s TESOL center, where you will be trained in the language to achieve your desired score.
University of Warwick
The University of Warwick does not require IELTS and a score of 60% or above in high school English subjects is accepted to meet the eligibility criteria. It is also advisable to take a pre-sessional English course to gain admission into the UK without IELTS.
Aston University
Aston University also accepts your high school scores to meet admission requirements; they accept marks of 60% or above in English subjects. You can also follow the pre-session program to improve your English skills.
Other universities offering student visas without IELTS
• University of Central Lancashire
• The University of Greenwich
• University of Northampton
• University of Plymouth
• University of Portsmouth
• North Umbria University
• University of Bolton
• Southbank University of London
• University of Geneva
• Riga Technical University
• Audience Nantes School of Management
• Bangor University
• Brunel University
• University of Basel
Alternative ways to demonstrate English proficiency
The IELTS test is the most used option to prove your English proficiency to gain admission to the UK. To study in the UK the student is expected to have basic English language skills, in both spoken and written areas, and there are several options beyond IELTS to demonstrate English proficiency. The options listed below are the alternatives to secure admission to UK universities without IELTS.
English as a prior medium of instruction
If the medium of instruction for your previous education was English, many universities consider this an eligibility criterion and allow students to enroll in university without taking the IELTS. If subjects were taught in English, universities may ask you to show your transcript and subject names as proof. However, you must carry a Medium Of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your previous institution, indicating that your education was completed in English.
70 points above in high school English
If you scored more than 60-70% in English subjects in high school, some universities will consider your highest score rather than your IELTS score. Based on your score, they may accept your application. This criterion varies between different universities and the courses offered by those universities.
Online interviews by universities
UK colleges and universities, without IELTS requirements, can schedule an online interview to assess your English skills.
Master’s degree in English
Some universities may waive the IELTS requirement if you have studied English as a major in your degree. If you have a degree in any English-related subject, you will be considered proficient in English and assessed according to the same criteria. It is an incredible option for students pursuing their education in English literature.
Pre-sessional English courses for the University
Many UK universities run pre-sessional courses to improve students’ English skills. This option is for students enrolled on a specific degree or program at a UK university without IELTS. These courses last between 6 and 12 weeks, and once completed, students will be moved to their respective courses.
These are the alternative options that a student can avail to get a UK study visa without IELTS scores. You need to carefully look for universities that offer one or more of these options and see which option suits you best to apply without IELTS. However, universities have set their requirements for different courses. You can get the relevant information from our experts at HSA Consultants.
How to acquire a study visa without IELTS:
If the university accepts you because it has no IELTS criteria, you can get a document stating that you can acquire a visa without an IELTS score.
The general acceptance letter was acquired from the University.
You can also take the Secure English Language Test (SELT), considered mandatory by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as valid proof of English proficiency without IELTS.
Advantages of studying in the UK
UK educational qualifications are well recognized across the world, Asian countries offer high salaries to candidates who have acquired higher education qualification from UK
Multicultural values will make it easy for you to blend in and create possible apprehension about fitting in.
The UK is a developed and economically stable country, so studying in the UK has economic advantages.
The stable economy can start your career with some preferences and your earnings will be quite efficient.
Some universities have been found in the UK which have a great history and are known to be the oldest institutions.
People belonging to different countries can acquire scholarships in UK-based universities.
You can also acquire free healthcare services with the eligibility criteria.
Documents required for UK study visa without IELTS
Academic Documents (Mark Sheet XI AND XII)
• Valid passport.
• Letters of experience (if any)
• Letter of Admission Approval (CAS)
• Proof of funds documents (bank statement).
• Medical certificate from an authorized UK visa and immigration clinic
• Parental consent if you are under 18.
• Proof of relationship with a parent or guardian if you are under 18.
• Birth certificate.
Affidavit of sponsorship from parents if funds are held in parents’ account.
How to study in the UK without IELTS?
Start the application process by researching and selecting courses and universities based on your preferences.
Generate a list of universities offering study visas without IELTS, then choose the most suitable option and start the application process.
Check the eligibility requirements of the university and the selected course.
Apply online for your selected course and university.
Meet their requirements, including English language proficiency tests (as mentioned in this article), and secure college admission.
Then apply for a UK student visa on their home office website.
- Fill out the application and pay the immigration health fee and visa application fee.
- Visit the visa application center and provide your biometric data and a digital photograph.
- Fill out and submit all required documents.
So that’s it! Our guide to gaining admission to UK universities without IELTS helps you understand the requirements and eligibility if you plan to study in the UK. So, what are you waiting for? Start applying!
Is it possible to study in the UK without IELTS?
There is no need to get discouraged because you can study in the UK without IELTS even if you do not have sufficient knowledge of the English language. You can opt for pre-sessional courses. Most universities offer pre-sessional courses in the UK without IELTS to help international students adapt to the new education system.
UK admission process
Here are the steps students need to follow if applying to a university or college in the UK.
Step 1: Selecting courses and universities
If you meet all the eligibility criteria, the first step to start the admission process is to select a field of study and then select your desired university, which offers admission without IELTS. To choose the university and the field of study, rely on our advice by booking a meeting with our professional consultants or consult the university websites and find the one best suited to you.
Step 2: Know your deadlines
The next step is to know the exact dates of the UK universities or institutions you want to apply to. As an international student, you must start the application process as soon as possible, at least a year or 6 months before the application deadline. This will allow you to complete all requirements, including the Statement of Purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation, English language proficiency certificate, scholarship, and accommodation.
Step 3: Take the admission tests
During the above process, you may have already known which test or exam to take, as different universities and colleges require different tests for admission such as GRE, GMAT, LNAT, BMAT or MAT for universities and SAT or ACT for colleges or courses for non-graduates. Get the required text well in advance – 6 months in advance.
Step 4: Fill out your paperwork
Fill out all the required documents like test scores required by the university, SOP, letters of recommendation, financial statements COVID-19 vaccination certificates, and other documents required by the universities.
Step 5: Start with your application
Now that you have all the documents ready and know the university where you want to apply. The next step is to formally start the application process by applying via the university’s website or admissions portal. Complete the application form, pay the application fees, and then submit the application form to the university.
FAQ
How much money is required for a UK student visa from Pakistan?
Pakistani students must apply for a UK student visa 3 months before the start of the course. Applicants will receive a decision within 3 weeks of submitting their application. The cost for a visa application are PKR 80,882. For more dependents, it will cost an extra PKR 80,882.
How much bank balance is required for a UK student visa?
The student is required to demonstrate funds equal to 1 year of tuition and 9 months of living expenses. If the student has already paid semester fees or the university deposit, this amount will be deducted from the total amount.
What is the cheapest university in the UK without IELTS?
North Umbria University is the cheapest university in the UK without IELTS. They offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees and research opportunities.
Is the UK expensive for Pakistani students?
The cost of studying in the UK for international students can vary significantly. In the 2021/22 academic year, tuition fees started at around £11,400 (PKR 3,852,996) for lecture-based courses, with top medical undergraduate degrees costing £67,892 (PKR 22,961,664) or more.
Is IELTS easy or difficult?
Many candidates wonder whether the exam is easy or difficult. Well, the answer to this question is only one: it depends. If you take the exam without any preparation and do not yet have a good command of English, you will most likely face many difficulties in obtaining a high score in the IELTS