For students contemplating pursuing their higher studies degree abroad, a common question is “Which country does not require IELTS for masters?” or even “Which country doesn't need IELTS to study?”

These tests, which assess a student’s ability to read, write, and speak English, can pose a significant challenge for non-native English speakers. Despite IELTS/TOEFL scores being a major admission criterion, there are universities across the globe that offer admissions without these scores.

This article will provide a list of 8 countries to study in without IELTS or TOEFL in 2024, which allows you to pursue your dream of studying abroad without the burden of qualifying for a language proficiency test.

Study in the USA without IELTS

Studying in the USA is a dream for many students around the world. However, the requirement of IELTS (International English Language Testing System) often poses a challenge. But what if we told you that it’s possible to study in the USA without IELTS? Yes, there are numerous universities and colleges in the USA that offer admissions to international students without the IELTS score. 

Following are some of the universities in the US that you can get into without IELTS or TOEFL scores.

University of Colorado Boulder: If the following conditions are met then you need not submit the English language proficiency proof

  • The student’s native language is English
  • The applying student has completed at least one year of full-time academic study at a U.S. institution. However, countries like Botswana, Ghana, South Africa, and Nigeria are not subjected to this arrangement.

Drexel University: You need to complete two programs- the University Preparation Summer Program (UPREP) and the Bridge Program for international students if you don’t meet the language requirement.

The following universities grant admission to international students provided that they undertake the Intensive English Language Program (IELP).

You are exempted from showing language proficiency proof if you attended secondary school or/and graduate school where you were taught in English. California State University waives the minimum English requirement for a few countries.

Other universities where you can pursue your studies without bothering about IELTS/TOEFL scores are:

Which is your preferred university in the USA? Does it require an IELTS test score or not? comment below

Study in Australia without IELTS

Many universities in Australia accept students without an IELTS/TOEFL score.

  1. The University of Queensland
  2. The University of Adelaide
  3. The University of New South Wales
  4. Macquarie University
  5. Bond University
  6. The University of South Australia
  7. The University of Southern Queensland
  8. Swinburne University of Technology

The University of Queensland gives you admission if you have completed a full-time course where English was the medium of your instruction, or if you have worked in an English-speaking work environment for at least five years. 

The University of Adelaide and Macquarie University allow students only if they accept an English program before the commencement of the course.

Bond University and The University of South Australia offer alternative tests, such as CAE, and PTE. The University of Southern Queensland, Bond University, and the Swinburne University of Technology also accept students whose secondary education’s medium of instruction was English.

The University of Southern Queensland also suggests undertaking USQ pathway programs for admission to the university.

Study in Canada without IELTS 

If you want to study abroad without IELTS or TOEFL, then Canada could be the right place for you! Several universities in Canada do not require TOEFL/IELTS for admission. 

Essentially, if you have lived and attended school, for at least four years, where English was the primary language then you are not required to submit proof of language proficiency. Following are some of the universities that accept students without an IELTS or TOEFL score.

  1. Brock University
  2. Carleton University
  3. University of Winnipeg
  4. University of Regina
  5. Memorial University
  6. Concordia University

See More: How to apply for a Canada Student Visa 

Study in the UK without IELTS

Some of the universities in the UK that do not require an IELTS score are:

  1. University of Bristol
  2. The University of Bolton
  3. London Southbank University
  4. Robert Gordon University

Countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa enjoy attention from the above-listed universities and many other universities as well. However, different courses require different levels of language expertise.

Study in the EU Countries without IELTS

You can study abroad without IELTS or TOEFL in European countries if you can prove proficiency in the English language by providing:

  1. You have been educated in the English language during five recent years of study and English was the first language at the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) or O level (Ordinary Level).
  2. You have been able to prove that you have good communication skills and your prior education was entirely conducted in English.
  3. If you apply to study in the same institution where your first degree was awarded.
  4. If you have a degree that has been taught only in English.

Comment - What is your preferred higher education destination in Europe? Comment below. 

Study in Germany without IELTS

Usually, you won’t need a TOEFL or IELTS score if you hold a bachelor’s degree in English as the language of instruction or if your native language is English. Some universities just require a letter from the student’s previous educational institution to ascertain English Language Proficiency. 

However, some courses do not require English language proficiency while others do. The requirements for courses in English Philology, for instance, require you to qualify for the English language test.

Here is the list of top colleges in Germany where you can get admission without providing any IELTS score:

Study in Ireland without IELTS

In Ireland, you don't always need to take the IELTS test for university admission. Many Irish universities welcome international students who want to study in English without passing the IELTS. The Department of Education and Skills in Ireland recognizes over 90 organizations that teach English to international students.

If you're from a non-English speaking country and want to study in Ireland, proving your English skills is important, but taking the IELTS isn't always required. Some universities accept students who have finished high school or college in an English-speaking institution.

Here are some universities in Ireland that accept students without an IELTS score

Study in Italy without IELTS

Italy, renowned for its culinary delights, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, also boasts a plethora of esteemed universities that welcome international students without the need for IELTS.

Here’s a list of Italian universities where you can dive into your academic journey without fretting over IELTS scores:

Study in Malaysia without IELTS

If you want to study abroad without IELTS then you could go to Malaysia. Malaysia is one of the top-most countries in Asia after Singapore for studies. There is no compulsory need for English test proof for studying Bachelor’s, Master's, or Ph.D. courses here. The medium of instruction in more than 80 percent of Malaysian Universities is English.

Here is the list of a few universities in Malaysia that doesn’t require an IELTS score for admission:

Disclaimer: Most universities don’t explicitly state that they don’t require a language examination result(IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/CAE etc.). You are advised to personally contact the university, via email or phone and ask them whether you are eligible to be exempted from the language proficiency test requirement.