Aspiring to Study Abroad without IELTS or TOEFL: Here is a List of Best Colleges

Do you want to study abroad but do not have a good IELTS or TOEFL score? There are many students who struggle with these tests. People of all ages, from children to adults, desire to travel abroad in order to pursue either higher education or better employment opportunities. It definitely helps if one has a decent IELTS or TOEFL score to go overseas for career-related matters, but if you want to study abroad without an IELTS or TOEFL score, this blog can help you.

Read along to find out more.

IELTS: What is This?

The International English Language Testing System, popularly known as IELTS, is an international standardized test of English language proficiency. This test is designed for non-native English speakers to gauge their command of the language. This is one of the most popular English language exams and is jointly administered by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

There are two kinds of tests:

Academic test: This is for people who want to migrate overseas for higher education or professional reasons.

General test: This is for people who wish to migrate to a foreign nation.

Who Needs to Take IELTS?

For people who wish to immigrate to English-speaking countries like Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Ireland for work or higher education, it is a must to be able to demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency. A good IELTS score is presented as proof of the communication skills of a candidate.

There are several advantages to being able to speak the national language of the country you want to work or study in. Additionally, it is necessary for community integration and job prospects.

Registration For IELTS 2022

Different institutes and workplaces require different levels of the IELTS band. If you are willing to move to a foreign country for higher education, you must have a good score in order to be eligible to get admission to the university of your dreams.

It is necessary to prepare well before appearing for the test. IELTS is held almost every week. You can opt for a date from the official website of IELTS based on your convenience. Anyone over the age of 16 can take the test. The registration fee for IELTS for a candidate from India is INR 15,500 – 15,750 in 2022. You can also reschedule your test by paying a rescheduling fee.

IELTS Exam Segments Duration and Sections

There are four major segments of the IELTS Exam:

Listening – Duration – 30 minutes, 4 sections with 40 questions.

Reading – Duration – 60 minutes, 3 sections with 40 questions.

Writing – Duration – 60 minutes, 3 Tasks.

Speaking – Duration 15 minutes, One-on-one Conversation.

Score Validity

IELTS score is valid for a period of 2 years.

Exam Frequency and Results Timeline

IELTS exams are conducted 48 times a year. You can check the results approximately 13 days after the test.

Does Every Foreign University Require IELTS?

It is a common misconception that every foreign university requires an IELTS score. The reality is that IELTS is a standardized test which tests the eligibility requirement for admissions to many universities but not all. In most countries where English is not an official language, IELTS is not mandatory. Also, in English-speaking countries like the USA or the UK, many universities do not require an IELTS scorecard.

TOEFL: What is This?

A standardized test called TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) evaluates a candidate’s command of the English language. Universities primarily employ TOEFL scores as part of the admissions procedure. ETS administers TOEFL, a computerized exam that gauges a candidate’s proficiency in the English language required to study, work, or immigrate overseas.

Who Should Take TOEFL?

Most Universities demand TOEFL exams from international students who wish to pursue any course of study in the US. TOEFL is one of the most crucial prerequisites for foreign students who want to study in the US, amongst many.

Types of TOEFL

TOEFL is usually of 2 types:

TOEFL PBT: TOEFL PBT is a Paper-based test and is conducted in offline mode. It comprises three sections namely Reading, Listening, and Writing. It is usually less common and is offered for those locations where internet facility is not available or poor.

TOEFL iBT: TOEFL iBT is an Internet based test. This test can now be taken as the TOEFL iBT home edition test. It consists of four sections namely Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. It is one of the most preferred types of TOEFL exam.

Registration For TOEFL 2022

The registration process for TOEFL is always open and pretty simple. A candidate can register for TOEFL by visiting the official website. You can pick a date of your choice, and test centre, and fill out the application for registration. The fee for the application is USD 190 for candidates registering from India. It is advised to take a printout or save your TOEFL confirmation page for future use.

Prepare well before appearing in the test. A good TOEFL score is required for admission to a good college or university in the USA.

TOEFL Exam Segments Duration and Assessment Pattern

Like IELTS, there are four major segments in the TOEFL Exam:

Listening – Duration – 41-57 minutes, Lectures and Conversation with 39 questions

Reading – Duration – 54-72 minutes, 3 – 4 passages with 30-40 questions.

Writing – Duration – 50 minutes, 2 Tasks.

Speaking – Duration – 17 minutes, One independent speaking and 3 integrated speaking tasks.

Score Validity

TOEFL score is valid for a period of 2 years.

Exam Frequency and Results Timeline

These exams are conducted more than 50 times a year. You can check the results approximately 10 days after the test.

Does Every Foreign University Require TOEFL?

No! It is not required by every foreign university. It is primarily an eligibility test for admissions to universities in the USA. Other than that, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland are a few of the top nations that also ask for TOEFL scores. Numerous European educational institutions, notably those in Germany and France, accept TOEFL scores.

IELTS V/S TOEFL: Which One to Choose?

If you are confused about which test to take – whether IELTS or TOEFL – consider factors such as the exam pattern, types of questions, and your level of comfort and performance in securing good scores in mock tests. It may also be helpful to consider the fact that IELTS is generally more popular and preferred among applicants to the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, whereas TOEFL is preferred for applications to universities in the USA and Canada.

Top 10 Universities That Don’t Require IELTS and TOEFL

1.    University of Colorado

It is located in Denver, USA. The university is known for programmes like Business, Engineering, Public Affairs, Computer Science, Art, Digital Media, etc. They also offer a wide range of online courses and degrees. This University is ranked 414 as per QS World University rankings 2022. The alternative to IELTS and TOEFL is to show English as your native language OR pursue at least 1 year of academic study at any US Institution.

You can find out more by following the link – University of Colorado.

2.    University of Queensland (UQ)

It is located in Queensland, Australia. They offer courses like Engineering, Social Sciences, Life Sciences, etc. This University is ranked 47th as per QS World University rankings 2022. One alternative to IELTS and TOEFL is to have completed senior secondary schooling from a designated country where the medium of instruction is English, amongst other alternatives.

You can find out more by following the link – University of Queensland (UQ).

3.    State University of New York (SUNY)

It is located in New York, USA. They offer courses in Engineering, Business, Data Sciences, etc. The alternative to IELTS and TOEFL is to take the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) before starting of your course.

You can find out more by following the link – State University of New York.

4.    University of Winnipeg

It is located at Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. They offer courses in the Sciences, Arts, Literature, Applied Computer Sciences, etc. This University is ranked between 701-750 as per QS World University rankings 2022. The alternative to IELTS and TOEFL is to show English as a primary language in school (for at least 4 years).

You can find out more by following the link – University of Winnipeg.

5.    University of Siegen

It is located in Siegen, Germany. It is ranked #1001-1200 in QS World University Rankings 2023. Famous as an interdisciplinary research university, they offer courses in Business, Arts, Social Sciences, Sciences, Engineering, etc. As an alternative to IELTS and TOEFL, they accept Cambridge-level tests. They accept a minimum of B1 to C2 level proficiency.

You can find out more by following the link – University of Siegen.

Germany has a lot to offer, such as free education for all. Want to study in Germany? read this – Why Should you Select Germany for Your Higher Studies in 2022

6.    Drexel University

It is located in Philadelphia, USA. They offer courses like Biological Sciences, Accounting, Business, Management, Astrophysics, Arts, and Literature. This University is ranked between 651-700 as per QS World University rankings 2022. The alternative to IELTS and TOEFL is to pursue an English Program before the start of your course.

You can find out more by following the link – Drexel University.

7.    California State University

It is located in California, the United States of America. They offer international programmes, online courses, nursing sciences, etc. This University waives English requirements only for some specific countries.

You can find more by following the link – California State University.

8.    University of Dayton

It is located in Ohio, the United States of America. It is ranked 401-450 in QS Ranking in 2022. They offer a wide range of courses which include Arts and Sciences, Applied Sciences, Communication, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Business, etc. Candidates who are not willing to take IELTS or TOEFL can take iTEP, PTE or DET to get admission here.

You can find more by following the link here – University of Dayton.

9.    University of Adelaide

It is located in Australia. Along with basic Science and Arts subjects, they also offer Applied Science, Medicine, Engineering, Media Studies etc. This University is ranked at 108th position as per QS World University rankings 2022. The alternative to IELTS and TOEFL is to take up an English program before the start of your studies.

You can find more by following the link – University of Adelaide.

10. University of Regina

They are located in Regina, Canada. They offer various courses in different subjects such as Media, Film, Medicine, Engineering, Accounting, and Business, along with Arts and Science. The alternative to IELTS and TOEFL is to show English as a primary language in school (for at least 4 years).

You can find more by following the link – University of Regina.

Note:

It is true that you can study abroad without IELTS or TOEFL in many universities. There are many Universities that have come up with alternatives to English proficiency test scores. However, many universities require some form of reassurance to make sure that your command of English is good. Some of these universities accept Duolingo tests. Some also require a candidate to have English medium-high school education certification. Countries like Canada, Germany, Malaysia etc. are a few countries amongst others which have good and reputed Universities with no IELTS and TOEFL requirement.

Conclusion

So here it was, some important and interesting information about studying abroad without TOEFL or IELTS scores. I hope you find it helpful. It is necessary to remember that these tests serve a purpose. And the purpose is to make your stay in the foreign country comfortable so you can have the best learning experiences. So always work on your English and become proficient.

Education in a foreign nation is the dream of many but often students and parents find it challenging to figure out. EnrichMyCareer is determined to help them fulfil their dreams. Our dedicated team can take you closer to your dream university. Good Luck!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Go to Canada without IELTS to study?

Yes! There are many universities across Canada that allows admission without an IELTS score. However, they may check English proficiency in some other way. Also, it is important to understand that VISA requirements of a country may require you to have taken IELTS or similar test to prove your English proficiency.

2. Can I get a visa without IELTS?

Yes! It is possible to get a visa without IELTS. However, having a good IELTS score will make the whole process a little smoother. Also, it depends on your choice of country.

3. Can I get a job in the UK without IELTS?

Most companies ask for IELTS from employees to make it easy for the employee to adapt and adjust to an English-speaking nation. However, without an IELTS score too, you can secure a job in the UK. There are some companies that can ask for a Duolingo score or the medium of your college education.

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