17 Universities in UK without IELTS 2024 - 2025

Are you searching for UK universities that do not require IELTS? This article has a list of 17 Universities in the UK without IELTS.

IELTS is an English language exam used by organisations to test the English proficiency level of non native English speakers.

Apart from a series of requirements set by organisations for procurement of admission into any University in the UK, another challenge that presents itself to you when planning to study in the UK is to show excellent English language communication skills.

For a lot of international students, the IELTS test may be a tad bit expensive to write. So, studying without ielts in uk universities 2024 is a good option.

However, you don't need to be worried, there are many universities without ielts in uk that do not require international students to write the IELTS test.

In this article, we have put together a list of 20 Universities in the UK without IELTS and their average tuition fee.

 

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language test set for non English speakers who want to live, study or work in an English speaking country or organisation.

The exam was established in 1999 and is managed by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge English.

 

Types of IELTS

There are two types of IELTS tests to choose from: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

The IELTS Academic helps students prove their English proficiency to universities, and certain professional organisations.

The IELTS General Testing measures the English proficiency of a candidate applying for a position in an English speaking organisation.

The IELTS tests assess four key English skills which include: Listening, Reading, Speaking, and Writing. It can be written on paper or computer.

 

Alternative English Tests for International Students

In the UK, proof of English Language proficiency is a requirement for the Tier 4 student visa. If you find a university that waives of IELTS exam, you may still be required to write one of the following English exams:

1. TOEFL iBT

The Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language( TOEFL iBT) measures your ability to use and understand the English language. 

It is required and accepted by many universities in the UK as part of their general admission requirements. The TOEFL iBT exam tests your ability to write, listen, speak and understand the English Language.

The TOEFL iBT test costs $100 - $120 depending on your location.

 

2. Duolingo

The Duolingo English Test is an Internet based test of the English language for non English speakers applying to study in an English speaking country.

Duolingo test is accepted as a proof of English proficiency by over 5000 universities across the world. It is easily accessible and one of the most convenient English tests to write. 

As of 2024, the Duolingo English Test costs $59 for a single test and $98 for a double test.

 

3. Pearson (PTE Academic)

PTE Academic is a computer-based English test accepted by UK universities to assess the academic-level speaking, writing, reading and listening skills. The PTE test results are valid for two years and accepted across many universities in the UK. 

The PTE test costs $460 AUD.

 

Table showing Universities in UK without IELTS and their average tuition fees

S/N	University	Tuition Fee
1.	The University of Essex	£12,950
2.	De Montfort University	£9,250
3.	University of Central Lancashire	£20,300
4.	The University of Greenwich	£11,500
5.	University of Northampton	£18,880
6.	University of Plymouth	£16,950
7.	Portsmouth University	£15,500-17,600
8.	Northumbria University	£19,000
9.	Robert Gordon University	£19,030
10.	University of Bolton	£13,550
11.	London South Bank University	£13,550
12.	Swansea University	£9000
13.	University of Bristol	£15,850
14.	Birmingham City University	£16,085
15.	University of Warwick	£10,950
16.	Sheffield Hallam University	£15,860
17.	Aston University	£14,500 - £23,500

 

Universities in UK without IELTS

1. The University of Essex

The University of Essex is one of the top places without ielts universities in uk located in Colchester, UK.

It is one of the original seven 'plate glass universities' founded between 1961 to 1965 and is home to 16 academic departments. 

The University of Essex has a sizable number of international students from different parts of the world. Depending on the course you choose, an IELTS test may not be required.

Location: Colchester, UK

Average Tuition Fee: £12,950

Best Courses to study at the University of Essex

• Accounting 

• Computer Science

• Business

• Economics

• Law

 

Check Out the University of Essex Admission Requirements

 

2. De Montfort University

De Montfort is a public university in Leicester city, England. It was founded in 1870 and is ranked among the Top 10 of most popular universities in the UK for international students by the UCAS.

De Montfort University accepts PTE and TOEFL as alternative English Tests. So, you can study a masters in public health in uk without ielts

Location: Leicester, UK

Average Tuition Fee: £9,250

Best Courses to study at the De Montfort University

• Business and Management 

• Engineering and Technology Programs

• Law and Criminology

• Art and Design

• Media and Communication Studies

 

Check Out De Montfort University Admission Requirements 

 

3. University of Central Lancashire

The University Of Central Lancashire is a public university based in the city of Preston, Lancashire, England that doesn't require IELTS as part of international students requirements. 

It was founded in 1828 and in 1992, it was granted university status. The university has one of the largest student numbers in the UK.

Location: Preston, UK

Average Tuition Fees: £20,300

Best Courses to study at the University of Central Lancashire

• Accounting and Finance

• Civil Engineering 

• Criminology and Criminal Justice

• Counselling and Psychotherapy Studies

• Clinical Dental Technology

 

Check Out the University of Central Lancashire Admission Requirements 

 

4. The University of Greenwich

The University of Greenwich is a public university in London city, England. It is ranked among the Top 10 of most popular universities in the UK for international students.

The University also offers admission to international students who seek admission in the UK without IELTS.

Location: London, UK

Tuition Fees: £11,500 

Best Courses to study at the The University of Greenwich

• Computer Science 

• Engineering 

• Business Administration 

• Financial Accounting 

• Agriculture

 

Check Out the University of Greenwich Admission Requirements 

 

5. University of Northampton

University of Northampton is a higher education institution in Northampton which offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses to international students without IELTS.

Students are not required to submit English proficiency test results if they studied in a majority English first speaking country.

Location: Northampton, UK

Tuition Fees: £18,880

Best Courses to study at the University of Northampton

• Accounting and Finance

• Nursing 

• Biochemistry 

• Education

• Art & Design

 

Check Out the University of Northampton Admission Requirements 

 

6. University of Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is a public research institution in Plymouth, UK. The University has over 23,000 students with around 2000 international students. 

The University of Plymouth is one University that does not require IELTS from non native English speakers in the UK.

Location: Plymouth, UK

Average Tuition Fees: £16,950

Best Courses to study at the University of Plymouth

• Computer Science

• Civil Engineering

• Geography and Environmental Science

• Art and Design

 

Check Out the University of Plymouth Admission Requirements 

 

7. Portsmouth University

Portsmouth University is a public university in the UK which has five academic facilities offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It is among the Best uk universities for masters without ielts.

The University accepts English language tests such as TOEFL, Pearson, Oxford ELLT, Duolingo, C1 Advanced.

Location: Portsmouth, UK

Tuition Fees: £15,500-17,600

Best Courses to study at the Portsmouth University

• Accountancy and Financial Management

• Art & Design 

• Biomedical Sciences  

• Business & Management

 

Check out the University of Portsmouth Admission requirements 

 

8. Northumbria University

Northumbria University is a public University  in Newcastle upon Tyne in the UK that usually requires non native English speakers to write an English language test such as IELTS. It is one of the best uk universities for international students.

However, the university also accepts PTE Academic or equivalent for admission into any of the Foundation, Undergraduate or Postgraduate programmes.

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Average Tuition Fees: £19,000

Best Courses to study at the Northumbria University

• Computer Science 

• Digital Marketing 

• Business Administration 

• Financial Accounting 

• Project Management 

 

Check Out Northumbria University Admission Requirements 

 

9. Robert Gordon University

The Robert Gordon University (RGU) is a public University in the UK founded in 1992. The University offers her own English Language Proficiency Test so the IELTS test is not compulsory. 

RGU's English tests can be taken online under secure exam conditions or at the RGU campus at scheduled times. You can study nursing in uk without ielts in this university. 

Location: Aberdeen, UK

Average Tuition Fees: £19,030

Best Courses to study at the Robert Gordon University

• Computing 

• Electronic Engineering 

• Civil Engineering 

• Game Design

• Law

 

Check out Robert Gordon University Admission Requirements 

 

10. University of Bolton

The University of Bolton is among the best universities in uk without ielts in England. According to online sources, the University ranks 2179 in the university world ranking. It is one of the best universities to study Msc nursing in uk without ielts.

For non native English speakers, proof of English Language proficiency is required.  The following are used to test the English language skills for aspiring undergraduates or postgraduates: 

1. GCSE/O-Level in English from a UK awarding body grade C

2. Ordinary Level English grade C/C3 or above

3. Irish Leaving Certificate

4. Higher Level English grade D/D2 or above

5. GCSE English as a First Language grade 

6. TOEFL iBT

7. Cambridge Advanced English grade C 

8. WAEC/NECO grade C6 or above (Taught entirely in English) 

Location: Greater Manchester, England

Tuition Fees: £13,550 

Best Courses to study at the University of Bolton

• Computing 

• Electronic Engineering 

• Civil Engineering 

• Game Design

• Law

 

Check out the University of Bolton Admission Requirements 

 

11. London South Bank University

London South Bank University(LSBU) one of the universities without ielts in london with over 15,000 students, 2000 of which are international students. It is one of the universities that do not require IELTS tests from non native English speakers.

Depending on the academic programme you choose, the London South Bank University is one of the UK universities without IELTS. 

It allows various English proficiency test alternatives to IELTS such as TOEFL, PTE, and others

Location: London, England

Tuition Fees: £13,550 

Best Courses to study at the London South Bank University

• Accounting and Finance

• Architecture 

• Computer Science

• Information Technology

• Mechanical Engineering 

 

Check Out London South Bank University Admission Requirements 

 

12. Swansea University

Swansea University is a research-led universities in uk without ielts founded in 1920. The University is one of the best in the UK and currently has around 20,000 students enrolled across its two campuses. 

International students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of English to a certain level. Most departments in the university require an IELTS 6.5 for post graduate degrees but there are other English language exceptions such as PTE, TOEFL etc.

If you want to study in uk without ielts, this is the best University for you.

Location: Swansea, United Kingdom 

Average Tuition Fees: £9000

Best Courses to study at Swansea University 

• Chemical Engineering 

• Mechanical Engineering 

• Computer Science

• Criminology

• Psychology

 

Check Out Swansea University Admission Requirements 

 

13. University of Bristol

University of Bristol is one of the top universities in uk without ielts for masters in Bristol, United Kingdom. It has around 30,000 students enrolled, some of which are international students who require English language proficiency tests to secure admission into the uk universities without ielts for masters.

To qualify for admission in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, you will need to show certain levels of English skills depending on your program of choice.

You can apply for Masters in the UK without IELTS in this university.

Location: Bristol, UK

Average Tuition Fees: £15,850

Best Courses to study at the University of Bristol

• Aeronautical And Aerospace Engineering

• General Engineering 

• Civil Engineering

• Dentistry 

• Mechanical Engineering

 

Check Out the University of Bristol Admission Requirements 

 

14. Birmingham City University

Birmingham City University (BCU) is a practice-based university without ielts in uk. The university has one of the most diverse student bodies in the United Kingdom.

The University accepts a range of English language qualifications as proof of proficiency in English from its non native English speaking students. You can study a masters in uk without ielts in this university.

These qualifications are all checked by the University’s International Centre for English to ensure they meet requirements. Some of the accepted English language tests are PTE, TOEFL etc.

Location: Birmingham, UK

Average Tuition Fees: £16,085

Best Courses to study at the Birmingham City University

• Accounting and Finance

• Computer Science

• Business & Management Studies

• Civil Engineering 

• International Business

 

Check Out Birmingham City University Admission Requirements 

 

15. University of Warwick

University of Warwick is a public research institute founded in 1965. It is one of the universities in the UK that accepts international students without ielts universities list 2024

The University is located on the outskirts of Coventry between the West Midlands and Warwickshire, England.

The University of Warwick includes over 400+ courses for international students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Some of the accepted English language tests in University of Warwick include PTE and TOEFL iBT.

Location: Coventry, UK

Average Tuition Fees: £10,950

Best Courses to study at the University of Warwick

• English Language & Literature

• Business and Management

• Chemistry

• International Business

• Mathematics

 

Check Out the University of Warwick Admission Requirements 

 

16. Sheffield Hallam University

Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) is a public research university in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. It was founded in 1843 and has two campuses in the UK: City Campus located in the city centre near Sheffield railway station, and Collegiate Crescent Campus located about two miles away in the Broomhall Estate off Ecclesall Road in south-west Sheffield. 

It is one of the largest university without ielts 2024 in the UK  with 30,960 students, of whom 4,400 are international students.

Location: Sheffield, UK

Average Tuition Fees: £15,860

Best Courses to study at the Sheffield Hallam University 

• Building

• Physiotherapy

• Social Policy

• Hospitality

• Tourism and Events

 

Check Out the Admission Requirements for Sheffield Hallam University 

 

17. Aston University 

Aston University is among the university list without ielts located in Birmingham, England. It is ranked 423 in QS World University Rankings 2025.

The University requires international students to meet their English Language requirements in order to be accepted. The level of proficiency depends on the programme being applied for. Study without IELTS in the UK at Aston University, Birmingham. 

Location: Birmingham, UK

Average Tuition Fees: £14,500 - £23,500

Best Courses to study at the Aston University

• Business and Management

• Computer Science and Information

• Life and Health Science

• Social Sciences

• Engineering

 

Check out the Admission Requirements for Aston University 

 

Conclusion

We have come to the end of this very informative article. It is important to note that proof of English proficiency is one of the criteria to get a uk visa without ielts in the UK so if the university you're applying does not require you to take an IELTS test, you must confirm with the UK immigration or ask your universities without ielts requirement for a document you can submit to the immigration office to prove that English the English test has been waived off.