Studying in UK without IELTS is possible at many universities that accept alternatives like MOI (Medium of Instruction), PTE, Duolingo or interviews. Top UK universities without IELTS include the University of Bristol, Birmingham City University and University of Greenwich. International students can also secure a UK study visa without IELTS by providing proof of English proficiency through other tests or previous education. This makes the UK a popular choice for global students in 2026.
Studying in UK has always been a dream for many international students, but for some, IELTS (International English Language Testing System) becomes a barrier. The good news? Many UK universities without IELTS offer admission through alternative English assessments like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, Duolingo, PTE, or internal university tests. You can even apply for a UK study visa without IELTS if you meet the right conditions.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to study in the UK without IELTS, list the top universities accepting students without IELTS, and break down their admission process, fees, and entry requirements.
How to Study in UK Without IELTS?
You can apply to UK universities without IELTS if you meet one of these conditions:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI): If your previous education was in English, an MOI letter from your school/college can replace IELTS.
- Other English Tests: Universities accept alternatives like Duolingo English Test, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or Cambridge English Test.
- University Interviews/Tests: Some universities conduct their own internal English tests or interviews via Skype or Zoom.
- High English Marks in 12th Grade: Scoring 65-70%+ in English (CBSE/ICSE/state boards) is often enough for IELTS exemption.
Top UK Universities Without IELTS
Here are some of the best UK universities without IELTS where international students can apply in 2026:
1. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is a Russell Group university ranked among the top 60 worldwide (QS 2025). It accepts international students without IELTS if they provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or pass the university’s pre-sessional English program.
- Location: Bristol, England
- Popular Courses: Computer Science, Business Management, Law, Engineering
- Tuition Fees: £20,000–£24,000 per year
- Alternative to IELTS: MOI certificate or internal English test
- Highlight: Known for its high research output and employability rate.
2. University of Bolton
The University of Bolton is highly popular among Indian students because of its affordable fees and simple admission process. Students with 70% or above in English in Class 12 can apply without IELTS.
- Location: Bolton, Greater Manchester
- Popular Courses: MBA, Computer Engineering, Health & Social Care, Business Studies
- Tuition Fees: £11,250–£15,000 per year
- Alternative to IELTS: Class 12 English marks or university interview
- Highlight: Focuses on practical learning and small class sizes.
3. University of Greenwich
The University of Greenwich allows admission without IELTS if students present an MOI certificate. It also accepts Duolingo and TOEFL as IELTS alternatives.
- Location: London, England
- Popular Courses: Data Science, Accounting & Finance, Civil Engineering, Architecture
- Tuition Fees: £13,000–£17,000 per year
- Alternative to IELTS: MOI certificate or Duolingo (105+)
- Highlight: Affordable London-based university with excellent campus facilities.
4. Robert Gordon University (RGU)
Located in Scotland, Robert Gordon University is well-regarded for professional courses. Students can apply without IELTS if they provide proof of English as MOI or complete the university’s online English assessment.
- Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
- Popular Courses: Nursing, Business, Engineering, Architecture
- Tuition Fees: £12,000–£16,500 per year
- Alternative to IELTS: MOI or university English test
- Highlight: High graduate employability with industry-linked programs.
5. University of Northampton
The University of Northampton accepts international students without IELTS if they scored above 65% in English in Class 12 or provide an MOI certificate.
- Location: Northampton, England
- Popular Courses: Business Management, Marketing, Accounting, Fashion Design
- Tuition Fees: £12,900–£15,500 per year
- Alternative to IELTS: MOI certificate or Class 12 English marks
- Highlight: One of the most affordable UK universities with strong student support.
6. Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University is one of the largest UK universities and admits international students without IELTS through English proficiency proof from Class 12 or its pre-sessional English course.
- Location: Sheffield, England
- Popular Courses: MBA, Finance, Computer Science, Art & Design
- Tuition Fees: £14,000–£17,000 per year
- Alternative to IELTS: High school English marks or internal English test
- Highlight: Known for strong placement opportunities.
7. University of Warwick
A prestigious Russell Group university, Warwick allows students to apply without IELTS if they present MOI proof or qualify through its English Language Programs.
- Location: Coventry, England
- Popular Courses: Economics, Engineering, International Relations, Business Studies
- Tuition Fees: £20,000–£25,000 per year
- Alternative to IELTS: MOI or internal assessment
- Highlight: Ranked among the top 70 globally, with high research impact.
Study in UK With IELTS vs Without IELTS
| Factors | With IELTS | Without IELTS |
| Eligibility | Students must appear for IELTS (6.0–7.0 overall) | Class 12 English (65–70%), MOI certificate, Duolingo, PTE, or university test |
| Accepted by | All UK universities | Selected UK universities (Bristol, Bolton, Greenwich, RGU, Northampton, Warwick, etc.) |
| UK Study Visa | IELTS score required or CAS mentioning IELTS exemption | CAS letter from university confirming English proficiency |
| Cost | IELTS exam fee ~ ₹16,250 | MOI = Free, Duolingo ~ ₹4,000, PTE ~ ₹14,700 |
| Processing Time | Extra time for IELTS registration, preparation, and results | Faster process since English proof is already available |
| Flexibility | Standardized test score valid worldwide | University-specific approval, not always transferable |
| Best For | Students aiming for global recognition and top UK unis | Students with strong English in academics who want to save time and money |
UK Universities Without IELTS: Tuition Fees
| University | Courses Offered | Average Tuition Fee (per year) | IELTS Alternative Accepted |
| University of Bristol | Engineering, Business, Arts, Law | £18,000 – £24,500 | Class 12 English (70%+), MOI, Duolingo (115+) |
| University of Bolton | Business, Computing, Creative Arts | £12,500 – £16,000 | MOI, Interview, Internal English Test |
| University of Greenwich | Management, Architecture, IT, Nursing | £14,000 – £17,500 | Duolingo, MOI, Pearson Test of English (PTE) |
| Robert Gordon University (RGU) | Health, Energy, Business, Engineering | £13,500 – £16,500 | Class 12 English (65%+), MOI, University Test |
| University of Northampton | Design, Business, Education, Science | £12,000 – £15,000 | MOI, Duolingo (105+), Internal Test |
| University of Warwick | Economics, Business, Computer Science | £21,000 – £28,000 | Class 12 English (80%+), MOI, TOEFL iBT Home Edition |
| Sheffield Hallam University | Media, Sports, Engineering, Business | £14,500 – £17,000 | MOI, Duolingo (120+), Oxford ELLT |
| University of Portsmouth | Business, Law, Architecture, Creative Industries | £14,000 – £16,500 | MOI, Duolingo, PTE, TOEFL iBT |
| University of Swansea | Medicine, Engineering, Management | £15,500 – £19,000 | MOI, Duolingo (110+), Internal Interview |
| University of Bedfordshire | Hospitality, Business, Creative Arts | £12,000 – £14,000 | MOI, Duolingo (100+), Kaplan English Test |
How to Get a UK Study Visa Without IELTS in 2026?
Many students worry about whether they can apply for a UK study visa without IELTS, and the answer is Yes. The UK Home Office accepts alternatives if you can prove English language proficiency. Below is the process:
1. Apply to a UK University That Accepts Students Without IELTS
- Choose from UK universities without IELTS (like University of Bristol, Greenwich, Bolton, Swansea, Warwick, etc.).
- Submit proof of English proficiency:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous school/college.
- Class 12th English marks (usually 65–80% depending on university).
- Alternative English tests like Duolingo, PTE, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, or Oxford ELLT.
2. Receive Your Conditional/Unconditional Offer Letter
- Once you’re accepted, the university will issue you an offer letter.
- Some universities may conduct a virtual interview to assess your English skills instead of IELTS.
3. Obtain the CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies)
- After accepting the offer and paying the deposit, the university issues a CAS letter.
- The CAS is essential for applying for your Tier 4 (Student) Visa.
4. Provide Proof of Funds
UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requires proof that you can cover:
- Tuition Fees for the first year (varies by university).
- Living Expenses:
- £1,334 per month for up to 9 months (London).
- £1,023 per month for up to 9 months (outside London).
5. Apply for the UK Student Visa (Tier 4 Visa)
- Submit online visa application.
- Upload required documents:
- CAS letter.
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of funds.
- Valid passport.
- MOI/alternative test scores (instead of IELTS).
- Pay the Visa Fee (£490 approx.) and Immigration Health Surcharge (£776/year).
6. Attend Biometrics & Visa Interview (if required)
- Book an appointment at your nearest visa application centre.
- Some students may face a Credibility Interview (CEI), where basic English communication and study plan are checked.
7. Receive Your Visa Decision
- Visa results usually take 3–6 weeks.
- Once approved, you’ll receive a visa vignette to travel to the UK.
You can get a UK study visa without IELTS if you have an MOI letter, alternative English test, or meet university-specific requirements.
Conclusion
Studying in the UK without IELTS is possible in 2026. Many UK universities without IELTS accept international students based on MOI, Duolingo, PTE, or even English marks in high school. Plus, with a valid CAS letter, you can easily apply for a UK study visa without IELTS.If you’re planning to study in the UK, start preparing your documents early, choose the right university, and save money by avoiding IELTS if you’re eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I study in the UK without IELTS?
Yes, many UK universities accept students without IELTS if they provide MOI, Duolingo, PTE, or high English marks in Class 12.
2. Which UK universities accept international students without IELTS?
Top universities include University of Bristol, University of Greenwich, Robert Gordon University, University of Northampton, and Sheffield Hallam University.
3. Can I apply for a UK study visa without IELTS?
Yes. If your university issues a CAS letter confirming English proficiency through alternatives like MOI, you can apply for a UK visa without IELTS.
4. Is Duolingo accepted in the UK instead of IELTS?
Yes, many UK universities like Greenwich and Bolton accept Duolingo scores (usually 105+).
5. What is the minimum percentage in Class 12 English to avoid IELTS in UK universities?
Most universities accept 65–70% in English in Class 12 as proof of proficiency.
6. Are Russell Group universities in the UK available without IELTS?
Yes, some like University of Bristol and University of Warwick offer conditional admission without IELTS through MOI or English programs.
7. Which is better: IELTS or MOI for studying in the UK?
IELTS is globally recognized, but MOI or alternatives can save time and money if you’re confident in your English.
8. Do all UK universities waive IELTS?
No. Only specific universities provide admission without IELTS. Always check the entry requirements.
9. How much does IELTS cost compared to Duolingo?
IELTS costs around ₹16,250, while Duolingo is much cheaper (₹4,000 approx.).
10. What is CAS in UK student visa?
CAS is Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies, issued by your university to prove you meet English and admission requirements.