IELTS is one of the most widely recognised English tests in the world, and for many international students, it feels like a mandatory hurdle before studying abroad. But the good news is that if the UK is your dream study destination, IELTS is not the only way in. 

Several UK universities now offer clear, reliable alternatives that let you begin your undergraduate or postgraduate degree without taking the IELTS test, provided you meet their specific conditions. From WAEC and in-house university English tests to pre-sessional language programmes, Duolingo and PTE acceptance, or proof that your previous degree was taught in English, the options are more than you realise. What this means for you is fewer roadblocks, less stress, and more focus on choosing the right course and university for your future.  

This guide highlights five UK universities where you can study without IELTS and breaks down the alternative options they accept. 

What is IELTS? 

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It’s a world-recognised exam that assesses your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. The test is jointly organised by the British Council, IDP Education, and Cambridge Assessment English. 

If English isn’t your first language, the IELTS exam is one of the main ways to show you’re ready to study in an English-speaking country. For the UK, it’s also a common requirement when applying for a student visa. 

However, some universities may not insist on IELTS for admission, except for courses like Nursing, Social Work, Medicine, or PGCE Education. 
When it comes to WAEC, validity periods vary: some UK universities accept results that are 5 to 10 years old, while others do not place restrictions on how recent your WAEC result must be. 

Also, remember the visa process is different. You’ll still need approved proof of English ability, so if you’re using an alternative test, make sure it’s officially accepted for your visa as well. 

 

5 UK universities where you can study without IELTS 

1) University of Hertfordshire 

Hertfordshire recognises a variety of test qualifications other than IELTS for direct entry, which include: 

Test / Qualification	Minimum Requirement
GCSE / IGCSE	Grade C or above ( IGCSE English as a Second Language not accepted)
Cambridge English (B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency)	Minimum 162 in each band
PTE Academic	59 overall, no band lower than 59
TOEFL iBT	Undergraduate: 72   Postgraduate: 79   (with the required minimum in each skill)
LanguageCert / Skills for English / OIETC	B2 level or higher (equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5)
Duolingo English Test	105–120 overall (depending on course level)
Foundation Providers & Country-specific	Accepted (e.g., Kaplan, WAEC, Indian Standard XII English)

 

If you don’t qualify this way, Hertfordshire International College (HIC) provides pre-sessional English and pathway programmes that combine language and academic preparation. HIC is a strong backup if you need English support while progressing directly into your degree. 

IELTS, PTE, and TOEFL are only valid for 2 years and must still be valid when your CAS is issued. Also note that this is not a complete list. Always check UKVI’s approved English tests and confirm with your chosen university, as requirements may differ. 
 

2) Middlesex University London 

If English is not your first language, Middlesex University requires you to prove your English ability. Your test or qualification must still be valid when you start your course. 

You can meet the English requirement by: 

 

• Achieving the required score in an approved English test (see Middlesex University’s approved list below). 
  Completing a bachelor’s or master’s degree taught and assessed in English at an approved university (with a NARIC certificate and proof that the degree was taught in English). 
  Holding nationality from a majority English-speaking country (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Jamaica, Nigeria, etc.). 
  Completing a Middlesex-approved Pre-Sessional Academic English course. 

Approved universities include: 

• 
  Universities accredited by the government of a majority English-speaking country. 
  Universities and community colleges in Hong Kong and Singapore. 
  The University of Malta. 

Middlesex University accepts a wide range of English qualifications for international applicants. Most test results are valid for two years. 

Accepted options other than IELTS include: 

Test / Qualification	Minimum Requirement
GCSE / IGCSE / O-Level	Grade C / 4 or above
PTE Academic	59+ in all skills
TOEFL iBT	UG: 72+   PG: 79+
Cambridge English (FCE, CAE, CPE)	B2/C1 (minimum 160–175 depending on course)
LanguageCert / Skills for English / OIETC / Oxford ELLT	Equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5
Duolingo / MET / Trinity / TEEP / ESOL	Accepted (minimum score depends on the course)
Pre-sessional English	Middlesex-approved / BALEAP-accredited

 

Country-specific qualifications also accepted include: 

Country / Qualification	Requirement
WAEC / NECO (West Africa)	Minimum C6
India – Standard XII	65–70% depending on the course
Kenya KCSE	C or above
US High School Diploma	Accepted if studied in the US
Others	Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Germany, France (course-specific requirements apply)

 

 

You should note that Nursing, Medicine, Healthcare, and some postgraduate programmes require higher English levels. 

If you have a disability and are exempt from parts of an English test, your application may still be considered for admission.

 
Always check the exact requirement for your course and confirm your test is valid when you apply. 

 

3) London South Bank University (LSBU) 

If English is not your first language, you’ll need to show proof of English ability to study at LSBU. Your test must be valid when you apply. 

Standard test requirements  

Undergraduate: 

Test	Minimum Requirement
TOEFL iBT	80 overall (R18, L17, W17, S20)
PTE Academic	59 in all skills
Cambridge English (FCE, CAE, CPE)	169 overall (no band below 162)
LanguageCert SELT / IESOL	B2 Communicator (High Pass, min 33/50 per skill); C2 Mastery (Listening min 25)
Trinity ISE	ISE II with Distinction in all 4 skills
Oxford Test of English	130 overall (no band below 111)
LanguageCert Academic	65 overall (min 60 per skill)
ELLT Global (not Digital)	6.0 overall (no band below 5.0)
Duolingo	120 overall (min 105 per skill)
Kaplan Test of English	470 overall (no band below 425)

Postgraduate: 

Test	Minimum Requirement
TOEFL iBT	90 overall (R18, L17, W17, S20)
PTE Academic	60 overall (min 59 per skill)
Cambridge English (FCE, CAE, CPE)	180 overall (no band below 162)
LanguageCert SELT / IESOL	C1/C2 (High Pass; same band rules as UG)
Trinity ISE	ISE III with a Pass in all 4 skills
Oxford Test of English	140 overall (no band below 111)
LanguageCert Academic	70 overall (min 60 per skill)
ELLT Global	7.0 overall (no band below 5.0)
Duolingo	120 overall (min 105 per skill)
Kaplan Test of English	500 overall (no band below 425)

Alternative accepted qualifications 

Qualification	Requirement
GCSE/IGCSE/O-Level English (Edexcel/Cambridge)	Grade C / 4 or above
A-Level / AS-Level English	Grade C or above
Cambridge Overseas School Certificate (COSC)	Grade C or above
Scottish Advanced Higher / Higher / National 5	Grade C or above
International Baccalaureate (IB)	English A: HL 4 / SL 5   English B: HL 5
AIC (Arman International College)	6.0 (UG) / 6.5 (PG)

 

Country-specific waivers 

Some countries’ qualifications can replace IELTS/TOEFL. Examples: 

Country	Requirement
India (Standard XII English)	65% (ICSE, CBSE, Maharashtra) or 70% (other boards). Valid 10 years.
WAEC / NECO (West Africa, incl. Nigeria & Ghana)	C6 or above. No expiry.
Kenya KCSE	Grade C or above
Canada (Ontario Grade 10 English)	60%+
Germany (Abitur)	DAAD Level C1 or English grade 11 (intensive)
France (Baccalaureate)	14/20 in English
Hong Kong (HKDSE)	Score 4 overall, min 3 per skill
Malaysia (SPM – 1119 syllabus only)	Grade 6C or above
USA (High School Diploma, US schools only)	English C or above, studied to Grade 12

 

(Each country has its own rules; validity is usually 5 years unless otherwise noted.) 

Important notes 

• 
  Health, Medicine, Nursing, and some PG programmes may need higher English scores. 
  Most country waivers and test results are valid for 5 years (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL valid for 2 years). 
  Always check your exact course for specific entry criteria. 

 

4) Edge Hill University 

To study at Edge Hill University, you must demonstrate a good standard of English. This is required both for admission and for your UK Student Route visa (which requires CEFR B2 level or higher). Some courses may ask for higher scores; always check your specific programme. 

How to meet the requirement 

You can prove your English proficiency in several ways apart from IELTS: 

• Being a national of a majority English-speaking country (e.g., UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, etc.). 
  Holding a Canadian passport. 
  Completing a degree taught and assessed in English (accepted if the degree was finished within the last 10 years). 
  Providing an approved high school qualification (see country list below). 
  Taking an accepted English test ( TOEFL, PTE, etc.). 
  Completing a pre-sessional English course at Edge Hill. 
   

Accepted English Tests (Undergraduate) 

Test	Minimum Requirement
TOEFL iBT	78 overall (L19, R18, S19, W21)
Duolingo	105 overall, no skill below 100
Cambridge Advanced/Proficiency	169 overall, no skill below 162
PTE Academic	59 overall, no skill below 59
Trinity ISE (UK only)	90 overall, 90 in each skill
Euroexam Academic	75% overall, min 60% each skill
LanguageCert SELT	B2, 33/50 in each skill
Oxford Test of English	120 overall, no skill below 111
Oxford ELLT Digital	6.0 overall, no component below 5

 

Accepted English Tests (Postgraduate Taught) 

Test	Minimum Requirement
TOEFL iBT	90 overall (L23, R23, S22, W26)
Duolingo	120 overall, no skill below 110
Cambridge Advanced/Proficiency	176 overall, no skill below 169
PTE Academic	61 overall, no skill below 59
Trinity ISE (UK only)	96–105 overall, 96+ each skill
Euroexam Academic	60% overall, min 40% each skill
LanguageCert SELT	B2: 33/50 each OR Academic SELT: 60+
Oxford Test of English	130 overall, no skill below 111
Oxford ELLT Digital	7.0 overall, no skill below 6.0

 

 

Accepted English Tests (Postgraduate Research) 

Test	Minimum Requirement
TOEFL iBT	100 overall (L26, R26, S23, W28)
Cambridge Advanced/Proficiency	185 overall, no skill below 176
PTE Academic	76 overall, no skill below 76
Trinity ISE (UK only)	115 overall, 115 in each skill
Euroexam Academic	75% overall, min 60% each skill
LanguageCert SELT	B2: 38/50 each OR Academic SELT: 75+

 

Accepted high school qualifications 

Country	Qualification	Requirement
Nigeria / Ghana / Gambia	WAEC / NECO	C6 or above
Kenya	KCSE	UG: C, PG: B
India	Standard XII	70% (CBSE/ICSE), 75% (other boards) – not accepted from Punjab, Haryana, UP, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Rajasthan
South Africa	NSC	Grade 5–7 in English (First/Home Language)
Zimbabwe	ZIMSEC O-Level	C or above
Hong Kong	HKDSE	UG: 4+, PG: 5+
Malaysia	SPM 1119	C or above
International Baccalaureate	English A: Grade 4+, English B: Grade 5+	NIL
GCSE/IGCSE/A-Level	English	Grade C / 4 or above
France	Baccalaureate OIB English	12+
Germany	Abitur English	12+
Netherlands	VWO English	7+

 

Always confirm the exact requirement for your chosen course, as some (like Medicine, Nursing, and Education) may need higher scores. 

 
5) University of Greenwich 

To join the University of Greenwich as an international student, you’ll need to show proof of English ability in addition to your academic qualifications. Your options include: 

• Holding a passport from a majority English-speaking country (as defined by UKVI). 
  Completing a full bachelor’s or master’s degree taught in English in a majority English-speaking country. 
  Completing a UK degree (full or top-up). 
  Meeting the required level through an English language test or a recognised school/college qualification. 
   

Standard test requirements 

 

Test	5.5 Equivalent	6.0 Equivalent	6.5 Equivalent	7.0 Equivalent
Cambridge English (FCE, CAE, CPE)	162	169	176	-
Duolingo (post–1 July 2024)	100	115	125	135
TOEFL iBT (in person only)	62	72	82	92
PTE Academic (in person only)	51	69	63	67
Trinity ISE	ISE II Pass	ISE II Merit	ISE II Distinction	ISE III Pass

 

Other accepted tests include: Euroexam C1, LanguageCert SELT/Academic, Kaplan Test of English (KTE), Oxford International English Language Test, Holmes Language Assessment, International English Language Competency Assessment, ELLT Global, and foundation/pre-master’s programmes from INTO, Kaplan, ONCAMPUS, Oxford International, and Study Group (with specified scores). 

Accepted school & college qualifications 

Qualification	Requirement
GCSE/IGCSE/O-Level English	Grade C/4+
Scottish National Grade 5 or Intermediate Grade 2	Grade C
International Baccalaureate (IB)	English A: Grade 4 / English B: Grade 5
European Baccalaureate	Grade 6.0–7.0 (depending on course)
Functional Skills English (Level 2)	Pass

 

Country-specific waivers 

If you completed secondary school or higher education in certain countries, you may be exempt from IELTS. Examples: 

Country/Region	Requirement
West Africa (WAEC/NECO: Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia)	C6 or above
India	Std XII English – 70% (valid 7–10 years, depending on board). Not accepted from Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, UP, Uttarakhand boards
Kenya	KCSE English A–D
Hong Kong	HKDSE English Grade 3+
Germany	Abitur English grade 12/2.0+
France	Baccalaureate English grade 14+
Malaysia	SPM English (1119) Grade C+
USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland	Nationals are exempt

 

(Each country has specific grade requirements; validity is usually 5 years unless otherwise noted.) 

Pre-sessional English courses 

If your test score is slightly below requirements, Greenwich offers Pre-Sessional English programmes to help you “top up” your score. 

Conclusion 

Studying in the UK without IELTS is more possible today than ever before. Universities like Hertfordshire, Middlesex, LSBU, Edge Hill, and Greenwich all recognise various alternatives that suit different student backgrounds. Whether you have WAEC, another recognised qualification, or prefer tests like Duolingo, PTE, or TOEFL, you have options that can match your strengths. 

The most important step is to confirm that your degree is accepted for your UK visa and to review the particular requirements for the course you have selected. Your dream to study in the UK doesn’t have to be held back by IELTS. With the right guidance, you can find a clear path forward and take the next step toward your academic and career goals.