These Universities Just Dropped IELTS as a Requirement!
Study Guru · Published 2025-07-01T14:19:02.220Z
Discover how top universities in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe now allow international students to study without IELTS. Learn the exact steps, documents, and alternatives you need to apply successfully.
Many students dream of studying in countries like Canada , the UK , the USA , Australia , and Europe . But one big challenge is the English language test called IELTS . For years, most universities have asked for IELTS scores to accept international students. But now, good news is coming for many students: some top universities have removed IELTS as a requirement .
Yes, you read that right. You can now study abroad without IELTS in many well-known universities. This article will guide you step-by-step. You’ll learn which universities dropped IELTS, what are the new rules, and how you can apply without this exam. Everything is written in simple, easy English . Let’s get started.
What Is IELTS and Why Students Had to Take It?
What is IELTS?
IELTS means International English Language Testing System . It is an English exam for people who want to study, work, or move to English-speaking countries. It checks your skills in:
Listening
Reading
Writing
Speaking
The test gives you a band score from 0 to 9. Most universities ask for a score between 6.0 and 7.5.
Why Do Universities Ask for IELTS?
Universities want to make sure that you understand English well enough to study in their country. If you can’t understand classes or assignments, it will be hard for you to pass.
But for many students, IELTS is expensive, stressful, and not easy to pass . One mistake and your score drops. You may have to take it again and spend more money.
Why Are Universities Removing IELTS Now?
1. Many Students Already Know English
Many students from countries like India , Nigeria , the Philippines , Kenya , and Pakistan study in English from school to college . So they already speak and understand English well. Universities now trust their school or college education as proof.
2. COVID Changed the Rules
During the pandemic, many students couldn’t go to test centers. So, universities started accepting other proofs like:
Online interviews
School results
Medium of Instruction (MOI) letters
These new methods worked well. So now, some universities have decided to permanently drop IELTS .
3. More International Students
By removing IELTS, universities attract more international students . This means more cultures, ideas, and money. It’s a win-win situation.
List of Universities That Don’t Require IELTS Anymore
Below is a list of top universities in different countries that have removed IELTS for certain students.
Canada
University Name
IELTS Required?
Alternative Option
University of Winnipeg
No
MOI or online interview
Brock University
No
Proof of English-medium education
University of Saskatchewan
No
MOI + 12th English score
Memorial University of Newfoundland
No
English scores in previous studies
Concordia University
No
Letter from school/university
United Kingdom
University Name
IELTS Required?
Alternative Option
University of Bolton
No
MOI + interview
London South Bank University
No
Medium of Instruction certificate
University of Portsmouth
No
12th English score, MOI
Northumbria University
No
Based on previous education
University of Plymouth
No
12th grade marks, MOI
United States
University Name
IELTS Required?
Alternative Option
University of Colorado
No
MOI and academic scores
State University of New York (SUNY)
No
School certificate + interview
California State University
No
Proof of English study
Drexel University
No
Online English assessment
University of Dayton
No
MOI or Duolingo test
Australia
University Name
IELTS Required?
Alternative Option
University of Adelaide
No
MOI or interview
Bond University
No
English medium proof
Macquarie University
No
School education certificate
Swinburne University of Technology
No
Alternative English tests accepted
University of Queensland
No
High school English marks
Germany & Europe
University Name
IELTS Required?
Alternative Option
University of Applied Sciences (Germany)
No
Proof of English-medium schooling
Technical University of Munich
No
MOI accepted
Riga Technical University (Latvia)
No
English mark sheet
Ghent University (Belgium)
No
Interview or document check
Polytechnic University of Milan (Italy)
No
Based on English subject scores
What Is MOI and How to Get It?
What is MOI?
MOI means Medium of Instruction . It is a letter from your school or college that says:
“The student has studied all subjects in English.”
If you studied in English from Class 8 to 12 or your whole degree was in English, you can get this letter.
How to Get MOI?
Go to your school or college office.
Request them to give you an official letter.
The letter must be on school/college letterhead.
It must be signed and stamped.
Here’s a sample format:
To Whom It May Concern
This is to certify that [Your Name] has completed [Course/Degree] from [School/College Name] during [Year-Year]. The medium of instruction for all subjects was English.
Date:
Principal/Headmaster Signature
(Stamp)
Other Ways to Study Without IELTS
1. Duolingo English Test
Some universities now accept Duolingo , an online English test. It’s cheaper and easier than IELTS.
Test Name
Cost
Duration
Results In
Duolingo English Test
$59
1 Hour
2 Days
You can take this test from home using a laptop.
2. TOEFL or PTE
If not IELTS, some universities allow:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
PTE (Pearson Test of English)
These are accepted in the USA, UK, Australia, and Canada.
3. Pre-sessional English Courses
Some universities offer short English courses before your main program. If you pass this course, no need for IELTS.
Who Can Apply Without IELTS?
You may be eligible to apply without IELTS if:
You studied in English for 3–4 years
Your English marks are above 60–70%
You can get an MOI letter
You pass an online university interview
Your school is in an English-speaking region
How to Apply Without IELTS? Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose the Right University
Pick a university from the list above or search for others that accept MOI.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
You will need:
10th and 12th mark sheets
Passport
MOI letter
Resume or CV
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Recommendation Letters
Step 3: Submit Online Application
Go to the university website, fill the application form, and upload documents.
Step 4: Attend Interview (If Needed)
Some universities will call you for an online English interview.
Step 5: Receive Offer Letter
If everything goes well, you’ll get an admission offer.
Tips for Students Without IELTS
Focus on SOP : A good Statement of Purpose can help you stand out.
Improve Speaking : Practice English speaking for your interview.
Double-check : Always confirm with the university about the IELTS waiver.
Apply early : Seats without IELTS are limited. Don’t wait too long.
Conclusion
Studying abroad without IELTS is no longer a dream. Many top universities in Canada, the UK, USA, Australia, and Europe have now removed this exam for students who already know English. All you need is the right documents, good academic records, and confidence.
Now that you have all the information, it’s time to take action. Make your dream of studying abroad come true — without worrying about IELTS.