Many UK universities allow international students to apply without IELTS by accepting alternative English language proof such as Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE, Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates, internal English tests, interviews, or pre-sessional English courses.
Below is a list of UK universities that may accept students without IELTS, depending on the program and country of study background.
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol accepts alternative English qualifications such as MOI certificates and other approved English tests instead of IELTS for eligible students.
University of Greenwich
Greenwich University allows alternatives like Duolingo, MOI, or strong English grades from previous education.
University of Bolton
The University of Bolton may waive IELTS if your previous education was taught in English or if you pass an internal English assessment.
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam accepts MOI certificates and may conduct interviews or internal tests instead of requiring IELTS.
University of Portsmouth
Portsmouth University accepts various English language qualifications and may waive IELTS depending on academic background.
Swansea University
Swansea University accepts alternative English proof including MOI and other recognized tests.
Northumbria University
Northumbria accepts Duolingo, PTE, TOEFL, and other English language tests as alternatives to IELTS.
London South Bank University
LSBU may conduct an online interview or accept MOI instead of IELTS for certain programs.
University of Northampton
Northampton University accepts English-medium education proof and alternative tests.
University of Plymouth
The University of Plymouth allows students to submit MOI certificates or other approved English tests.
Robert Gordon University
Robert Gordon University offers its own English language assessment, which may replace IELTS.
De Montfort University
De Montfort accepts PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo, and other recognized English tests instead of IELTS.
Common IELTS Alternatives Accepted in the UK
Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
Duolingo English Test
PTE Academic
TOEFL iBT
Internal University English Test
Pre-sessional English Course
High English Marks in Previous Studies
Important Things to Remember
Always check the specific course page because English requirements can vary by program.
For a UK student visa, the CAS letter must clearly mention the accepted English qualification.
Some universities may waive IELTS for admission but still require a UKVI-approved Secure English Language Test for visa purposes.
Applying without IELTS is possible in the UK, but you must carefully confirm both university and visa requirements before submitting your application.
