We are almost stepping into 2026, and as the environment has evolved, so have the generations. In the fast-paced world, survival depends on the smart choices that lead to success, providing the same silver spoon with ease by your own hands, rather than by your parents’ hard work.
To earn the same privilege, people choose to pursue their higher education at prestigious universities worldwide. There is a vast list of colleges, ranging from the Ivy League to top-tier institutions. Studying with the best resources possible, from the highly qualified individuals actually working in the desired industries, and being educated with real-life solutions, feels like already being at the doors of success.
Aren’t you manifesting the same? And who would even deny such an opportunity?
When it comes to education and employment, everyone’s first thought shifts to the USA.
From providing Ivy League Universities to high paychecks, the U.S. stands as one of the elite countries to choose from. But there’s always a catch to everything. Pursuing education in the USA is like a hard nut to crack; the first and most basic requirement is the Language. You need to ace English from entry to admission and survival in the USA There are standard English exam qualifications required for a visa and admission process in the U.S set by the U.S Department of Education to be eligible for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. And by the USA government mandates English proficiency for Visa purposes. No need to worry, that’s the reason Stubard.com is here.
There are different exams that you can opt for according to your college preferences, as different colleges require particular English test scores for admission.
Mainly in the USA, there are two popular tests named the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Any student who wants to study abroad needs to acquire the required scores in one of the above-mentioned tests to get admission in the desired colleges or university. This provides them with insights into your proficiency in English.
The IELTS and TOEFL are not the regular ones to be aced by beginners or intermediates; they require fluency, proficiency, satisfactory vocabulary, and confidence with comprehensible communication skills. From writing to speaking, you need to meet the standard bars set by the conductors. But not only is it hard, but it also has around 15000 Indian rupees as the test fees for a single appearance.
YES, you are right, it’s a big amount to be paid, which lessens your chances of reappearance. But can we study in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL?
Definitely, there’s always a loophole to everything, which makes it possible to study in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL in 2026.
Now it is possible to study without test score requirements at most universities and colleges in the USA. Although not all colleges and universities offer admissions without these examinations, there are many colleges with different niches and subjects to choose from, and you can choose accordingly.
Ways to get admissions without IELTS OR TOEFL:
Certain requirements you need:
- The Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate:
This is an official letter provided by your previous institute or university stating that you have completed your earlier education in the English language, proving that you had attended an English-medium school or college.
- Alternative English Tests:
Many colleges and universities accept the scores of other tests that are conducted at the international level. This includes tests like the Duolingo English Test, which is conducted via online mode, offering quick results.
The Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based test that reviews real-world English skills. Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC).
SAT and ACT English / reading, writing sub scores are also considered by some of the universities.
- Intensive English Language Program :
This is an English learning program/course curated for students from other countries who want to pursue education in the USA.
The course is available across the USA, and you can enroll at many universities for this program. Mostly, the duration of these programs lasts between a few weeks and a few months.
- Summer Programs :
The students who have attended any Summer courses or programs related to any niche are eligible to apply for admission in the USA without submission of any test scores, although not all, but most universities accept this.
- American Language and Culture Program:
This program is an excellent choice for international students who do not have an MOI certificate. The program offers to study and learn about American culture while improving your social, academic, and linguistic skills. The program provides you with realistic opportunities, such as living with an American host family and being a part of different cultural activities. It usually leads to admissions into undergraduate and graduate degrees. The duration of this program is typically one academic year alongside your college studies. Many colleges and universities provide this course, which will help you learn the English language along with the culture of the USA.
- Bridging Courses
This is a course specially designed for international students who have low English proficiency or GPA scores. You learn about research skills, English speaking, and academic writing skills through this program. Some universities and colleges in the USA offer bridging courses. One should choose such a course that particularly meets their needs, and bridging courses are often expensive, which adds to the overall budget of your academics.
Here are the top Universities offering admissions without IELTS OR TOEFL
1. University of Arkansas
The Alternate Exam : PTE, iTEP, C1 Advanced, SAT evidence-based reading and writing sub score, ACT English Sub score, Intensive English Language Program (IELP)
2. California University
The alternate exam: PTE
3. University of Colorado
The alternate exam: The Duolingo
4. University of Dayton
The alternate exam: PTE / Duolingo
5. University of Delaware
The alternate exam: English Language for Internationals (ELI)
6. Drexel University
The alternate exam: Joining the University Preparation Summer Program or the FCBP Program.
7. University of Iowa
The alternate exam: On-campus English Proficiency Evaluation (EPE)
8. National Louis University
The alternate exam: PTE
9. University of New Orleans (UNO)
The alternate exam: English Language for Internationals (ELI)
10. University of North Alabama
The alternate exam: TOEIC
11. Northwood University
The alternate exam: EIKEN / IB/ Cambridge English Test / ELS / PTE Academic
12. Rice University
The alternate exam: The Duolingo
13. State University of New York
The alternate exam: PTE / Duolingo / Cambridge English Scale
NOTE: Universities have different criteria (e.g., age groups) for various niches/ subjects. Some universities might also require their own tests or an interview session for English language proficiency, depending on your subjects or field of study.
Everything seems a work of ages and confusing right to find, choose, and know what actually perfectly fits you, that’s where stubard.com got you covered! Visit our website to know more, so we take care of your admissions, and you just focus on getting your window seat.
Are you worried about the budget? Don’t worry, here’s a list of universities in the USA that are budget-friendly to study at:
The curated list contains a list of Affordable colleges that require NO IELTS and whose FEES are LESS THAN 10 lakhs
- Saint Louis University
- Auburn University
- Georgia State University
- Texas Tech University
- San Diego State University
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of South Florida
- University of Kansas
- University of Buffalo
- Arizona State University
Everything’s sorted, what’s left? THE VISA, don’t worry, STUBARD.COM here:
The USA Study Visa without IELTS:
Well, you definitely need a proof document that defines your English proficiency to get your study visa. The visa process is a make-it-or-break-it situation, which is why you must get your ENGLISH SORTED. If you don’t own an IELTS score card, YOU SHOULD HAVE ENOUGH PROFICIENCY IN ENGLISH TO ANSWER EVERY QUESTION ASKED BY OFFICIALS.
Make sure to carry an MOI certificate with you, as well as documentation regarding appearing for any programs or any document that proves you are an intermediate-level English speaker.
Make sure you reflect magnificent communication skills in the visa interview that will convince them to accept you as a splendid English speaker.
A SUGGESTION FROM STUBARD COUNTER TO YOU:
Tests like IELTS and TOEFL are recognized on the international stage, which helps you highlight your profile and prove your commitment towards learning, showcasing the importance of the field of study to you, so we suggest that one should opt for these tests if you hold absolutely no considerable problems. These score cards, showcasing a good background in English, will prepare you for further life interactions and help in your important events.
Also, it’s completely okay to not opt for IELTS or TOEFL if you are not willing to. Some Universities will welcome you the same way without IELTS or TOEFL as one with them. Tests like Duolingo English Test (DET) and Pearson Test of English (PTE) are increasingly recognized and play a vital role in assessing English language proficiency.
Whatever you choose, with or without IELTS, stubard.com is here to help you find a way to study abroad!