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Top Universities Without IELTS Requirement

Dhruvin Jain

Dhruvin Jain

Nov 25, 2022

9 mins read

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The most important criterion for beginning your application process for universities abroad is said to be proficiency in the English language. It can be difficult to achieve the ideal score on an English proficiency test, such as the IELTS or TOEFL, depending on the university or program you choose. Because of this, colleges all around the world have made it very simple to enroll in courses without passing an English competency test. You did read that correctly. Now you can study abroad without taking the IELTS or TOEFL as long as you meet the other conditions. So read further to find out about universities in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia that don’t have a TOEFL requirement.

The United States

Being an English-speaking country, universities in the United States (US) usually expect you to provide IELTS or TOEFL scores for admission of students who come from non-English speaking countries. But there are a few universities that may waive this requirement if you fulfill some other prerequisite of theirs. 

College/UniversityRequirement
University Of Arkansas- You will be required to take the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) before the course begins
University Of Colorado- Show that English is your native language 
OR
- Pursue at least 1 year of education at any educational institute in the US 
State University of New YorkYou will be required to take the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) before the course begins
Drexel University - University Preparation Summer Program (UPREP) 
- Bridge Program 
These are two conditional admission programs offered by Drexel University for international students who do not meet the language requirement
University of IowaStudents who are qualified but don’t meet the English language criteria are nonetheless admitted to the university
California State UniversityThe applicant must have completed a degree program lasting at least three years in an institution where English is the primary language of teaching.

The United Kingdom

While most colleges in the UK need an English proficiency test for admission, there are some you can get admission into without a TOEFL.

College/UniversityRequirements
University Of Bristol English requirements depend on the course
Robert Gordon UniversityAccepts if you have scored 65% or above in Indian state board’s, ICSE, and CISCE 12th standard English 
University Of BoltonEnglish requirements depend on the course
University of WarwickSubstitute tests such as CAE, PTE, and Trinity Integrated Skills in English
London Southbank UniversityEnglish requirements depend on the course

Canada

Canada is a very common choice for students looking to study abroad. And if you also have similar plans in mind, here are some universities you can consider which don’t have a TOEFL requirement

College/UniversityRequirements
University of SaskatchewanBefore beginning the study of the desired specialization, enroll in a university’s intensive English language program
Memorial University of Newfoundland and LabradorCandidates who don’t get the required proficiency exam scores can enroll in the university’s St. John’s or Grenfell campuses’ intensive English programs. Additionally approved are candidates who have passed an e-proctored English exam or an interview.
Memorial University- Duolingo – An English proficiency test that uses computer adaptive technology to analyze your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
- CanTest – A standardized English proficiency test that is used to determine whether you can satisfy the language criteria for professional licensing organizations or the admission standards of Canadian post-secondary institutions
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) – More than 3000 universities and colleges in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK recognize the PTE exam as proof of English language proficiency
The University of Winnipeg- English Language Program (IELP) – a language course created to assist people who wish to advance their proficiency in the English language.
- Duolingo – An English proficiency test that uses computer adaptive technology to analyze your reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) – More than 3000 universities and colleges in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK recognize the PTE exam as proof of English language proficiency
Seneca College- You must complete an English language training course at a facility like the English Language Institute.
- You must complete two academic years at an English-speaking university.

Suggested: Mistakes to Avoid in Toefl

Australia

Australia is an excellent choice for one to study and gain exposure. Here are some universities to check out that don’t have TOEFL requirements.

College/UniversityRequirements
University of QueenslandTake on a full-time English course
University of Adelaide
If an international student successfully completes a Pre-enrolment English Program (PEP), this university will accept them.
University of South Australia- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) – A certificate of language proficiency known which is accepted all over the world. The test is meant to be used in both academic and professional settings
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) – More than 3000 universities and colleges in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK recognize the PTE exam as proof of English language proficiency
Macquarie UniversityDo an English program before your studies start

Suggested: How To Score 110+ In TOEFL

Things To Keep In Mind While Requesting TOEFL Waiver

Each university has a set of standards that you must adhere to prove your proficiency in the English language. Based on this, you need to decide whether to write a TOEFL waiver letter. So, start by looking at their criteria. Students from non-English-speaking countries are the target demographic for the TOEFL test requirement. However, if you’re from one of these countries but hold a degree from a native English-speaking country, you might be exempt right away. Institutions typically accept a letter of pardon from someone who attended an English-speaking university or worked for a multinational corporation with operations or ownership in an English-speaking country. Here are some things to be mindful of when drafting your waiver letter.

1. Use A Comprehensible Format

A letter of waiver is formal in nature. Make it clear and simple to read. Sort through your content. Do not over-format the document. It might mislead the reader. Pick a legible font. It should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion, just like any other letter.

Suggested: Everything To Know About TOEFL

2. Make The Purpose Of Your Letter Clear

The purpose of the letter ought to be clear from the start to the reader. This means that the opening few phrases should clearly state the purpose. Make sure that the requests’ justifications are clear as well. The requirements vary between colleges. Explain how you satisfy the criteria for granting the waiver.

3. Concise Writing

If a few sentences can adequately support your argument, then use them. You don’t need a lengthy letter to persuade the reviewer. Don’t forget to share information that is pertinent to your cause. 

Conclusion

There are many universities across the world that have alternatives to IELTS or TOEFL scores for international admissions which makes studying abroad an achievable dream. You don’t need to stop yourself because of a low IELTS or TOEFL score and can go to these universities for a waiver

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Dhruvin Jain
Dhruvin Jain

Dhruvin Jain is the co-founder of MastersBuddy, a tech-first platform that has helped over 2500 students find and apply to top master’s programs globally. He is a master’s graduate from IE Business School, and is passionate about education, technology, and entrepreneurship.

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