Studying abroad is a dream for many international students seeking high-quality education, global exposure, and better career opportunities. However, one common obstacle in the application process is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirement. While IELTS is widely accepted as proof of English proficiency, it can be expensive and stressful for many students.
Fortunately, several countries and universities offer study opportunities without requiring an IELTS score, provided you meet alternative language requirements or come from an English-speaking background. Below is a curated list of the top 10 countries where you can study abroad without IELTS, along with details on their alternative admission criteria.
1. Germany
Germany is one of the most popular destinations for international students, particularly those pursuing degrees in engineering, technology, and business. Many German universities allow international students to apply without IELTS if:
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You have completed previous education in English
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You can submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from your previous institution
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You pass a university-conducted English proficiency interview
Notable Universities:
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University of Siegen
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University of Kaiserslautern
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Braunschweig University of Technology
Bonus: Many public universities in Germany charge low or no tuition fees, even for international students.
2. Norway
Norway offers high-quality education with no tuition fees at public universities—even for international students. Several Norwegian institutions waive the IELTS requirement if:
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You come from an English-speaking country
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You have a bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English
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You provide a language proficiency letter from your previous institution
Notable Universities:
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University of Oslo
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Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
Note: While tuition is free, Norway has a high cost of living, which students should prepare for.
3. Netherlands
The Netherlands is known for its innovative education system and a wide range of programs offered in English. While many universities accept IELTS, some offer alternative pathways such as:
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Accepting TOEFL, Cambridge English tests, or an MOI certificate
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Offering internal language tests or interviews
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Exempting students from countries where English is the official language
Notable Universities:
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Wageningen University
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University of Amsterdam (conditional)
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Leiden University
Check with the specific university for their English language exemption policies.
4. France
France has a growing number of English-taught programs, especially in business, science, and engineering. Some French universities waive IELTS if:
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You have studied in English previously
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You can provide an MOI certificate
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You pass the university’s language interview
Notable Universities:
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American Business School Paris
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EBS Paris
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EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science
Tip: Public universities in France offer some of the lowest tuition fees in Europe, even for non-EU students.
5. Italy
Italy offers many English-taught degree programs at both public and private universities. Many institutions do not require IELTS if:
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You provide proof of English as the medium of instruction in your previous education
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You are from an English-speaking country
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You clear the university’s internal language test or interview
Notable Universities:
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University of Bologna
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University of Padua
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Politecnico di Milano
Scholarships and low tuition fees make Italy an affordable option.
6. Malaysia
Malaysia is fast emerging as an education hub in Asia, offering degrees at a lower cost than Western countries. Many Malaysian universities waive the IELTS requirement if:
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You studied in English at a previous level
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You submit an MOI certificate
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You come from a country where English is the primary language
Notable Universities:
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University of Malaya
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Sunway University
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Taylor’s University
Additionally, some institutions offer UK or Australian degrees through branch campuses in Malaysia.
7. India
India offers high-quality education in English across various disciplines at a very affordable cost. Most Indian universities do not require IELTS from international students, as courses are conducted in English.
Admission Requirements:
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Academic transcripts
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MOI certificate (if required)
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Valid passport and student visa
Notable Universities:
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University of Delhi
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Jawaharlal Nehru University
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University of Hyderabad
India’s diverse culture and low cost of living make it a great destination for international students.
8. Poland
Poland is known for its high-quality education system and low tuition fees. Several Polish universities offer programs in English and waive the IELTS requirement if:
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You previously studied in English
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You submit an MOI certificate
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You pass an English language interview conducted by the university
Notable Universities:
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Jagiellonian University
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University of Warsaw
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Warsaw University of Technology
Poland also offers a relatively low cost of living compared to Western Europe.
9. Hungary
Hungary is a budget-friendly European destination with a growing number of international students. Many universities offer English-taught programs and do not require IELTS if:
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You have a prior English-medium education
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You pass a university-specific language test or interview
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You come from an English-speaking country
Notable Universities:
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University of Debrecen
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Eötvös Loránd University
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Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Hungary also offers various scholarships, including the Stipendium Hungaricum.
10. China
China has significantly increased its intake of international students and now offers many degree programs in English. Several universities waive IELTS if:
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You can show previous education in English
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You pass a university-conducted language test
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You provide a proficiency certificate from your past institution
Notable Universities:
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Zhejiang University
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Shanghai Jiao Tong University
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Peking University (for select English-taught programs)
China also offers fully and partially funded scholarships for international students.
Alternative Proofs of English Proficiency
If you’re applying to a university that doesn’t require IELTS, you may need to submit one of the following instead:
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Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: A letter from your previous institution stating that your education was in English.
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Internal English Tests: Some universities conduct their own English exams or interviews.
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Other Tests: Some institutions accept alternatives like TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English exams.
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Nationality-Based Exemptions: Applicants from native English-speaking countries are often exempted entirely.