Your Guide to UK Universities without IELTS
The IELTS Conundrum
For many, the idea of going overseas to study is too expensive and painstaking. You’ll need to shortlist the university offering the programs you want, arrange your documents, find accommodation, manage finances, and apply for a visa. All this already sounds daunting. So, they never bother to consider it.
A major thorn in their journey abroad is IELTS. To those uninitiated, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a test. It is designed to gauge the student’s ability to listen, read, and speak in English. It is conducted by the British Council in Pakistan. Subsequently, the students are scored on a band ranging from 0 to 9. It is a prerequisite for many universities. Its expense and difficulty have made many students anxious.
IELTS Requirement For UK
Though many universities require IELTS, the respective band scores they demand vary. While Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge) requires a score of at least 7, the University of Birmingham requires only 6. The more selective a university is, the higher its IELTS requirement tends to be. Also, it is wise to remember that IELTS requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees differ. Usually, the latter requires a higher band score.
If you want to apply to the UK, you’d need to take the IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas And Immigration). It is the same as IELTS in terms of format, content, scoring, and level of difficulty. The difference lies in the Test Report Form, which contains your result. It is altered to show that you have taken IELTS for UKVI which is approved by the UK Home Office.
UK Universities Without IELTS
All is not lost for those who want to steer clear of IELTS. There are universities that don’t require you to take IELTS. Some universities are willing to accept O Level/IGCSE certificates instead. A 70%+ score on your class XI or XII is also accepted by some. A few universities conduct online interviews to assess your English skills. This serves as a substitute for IELTS.
Now, the visa is a slightly different story. Even if you get into a university, without a visa it’ll all be for nothing. If your university is willing, they could attest to a document enabling you to apply for a UK visa without IELTS. A letter of acceptance from a UK university is also adequate. Other options include taking the Secure English Language Test (SELT). It is testing mandated by UKVI as proof of English proficiency.
UK Universities
At the top of the university chain in the UK are the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. While the latter doesn’t require IELTS, the former recommends it. There are a few other universities that don’t require IELTS. University of Essex, Greenwich, Bristol, Plymouth, etc. are just a few more examples. University of the West of England and London South Bank University are universities in London that don’t require IELTS.
Many universities have a flexible system. They are willing to accept both IELTS or any other equivalent certification. Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is also accepted as an alternative to IELTS in said universities.
Why the UK?
Students usually draw a list of the pros and cons of a country before moving there. Especially if you’re going to stay at that university for 3 years. It is wise to do your homework. So, the question everyone asks is: “Why the UK?”
– Academics
Well, there are multiple ways to answer this question. Firstly, the UK has some of the oldest and highest-ranked universities. Oxbridge along with King’s College London and London School Of Economics are just a few universities that top the charts every year. The academic output and exposure in these universities are unparalleled. It’ll provide you with ample opportunities to learn and grow.
– Life In UK
The multiculturalism of the UK is well known. The universities here are populated by students from across the globe. It is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, values, and personalities. Living with such a diverse group of people enriches you personally. It will help you expand your horizons by looking at things from different perspectives. The knowledge and values from these countries may also shape you as a person forever.
– Career
The career options in the UK are abundant. From academia to entrepreneurship, in the UK you can choose any field you want. The varied career options are complemented by their plentiful earnings. It all depends on the skills and commitment that you have and are willing to enhance.
Conclusion
All in all, studying in the UK is a viable option with or without IELTS. Aspire Educational Consulting is here to help you every step of the way. We aim to regularly brief and provide complete information to our clients. It enables you to make the best decision and allows us to provide our incomparable services.