Study in the UK Without IELTS — What Are Your Options?

IELTS is the most widely accepted English test for UK universities — but it is not the only option. Whether you cannot afford the €250 test fee, there is no test centre nearby, or you simply perform better on other formats, several pathways exist to study in the UK without IELTS.

Option 1: Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter

If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, many UK universities accept a Medium of Instruction letter from your institution confirming this. This is the simplest IELTS alternative — it costs nothing and most universities accept it.

Who this works for: Students from Nigeria, Ghana, Philippines, India, Pakistan, and other countries where degrees are commonly taught in English. Your university's registrar issues the letter.

Which UK universities accept MOI: Most Russell Group universities accept MOI letters, including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Sheffield, and Nottingham. Some top-tier universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial) do not — they require a standardised test.

Option 2: Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test costs just $65, can be taken from home in under an hour, and results arrive within 48 hours. Acceptance has grown rapidly — over 4,500 institutions worldwide now accept it.

UK acceptance: UCL, King's College London, University of Birmingham, University of Bristol, University of Glasgow, Queen's University Belfast, and many more accept DET. Typical requirement: score of 120–130+ (equivalent to IELTS 6.5–7.0).

Who this is best for: Students in areas without IELTS test centres, budget-conscious students, or those who prefer computer-based testing.

Option 3: PTE Academic

Pearson's PTE Academic is accepted by most UK universities and UKVI for visa purposes. It is computer-based, results come in 2 days, and test dates are more frequently available than IELTS.

Typical UK requirement: Overall 62–65 (equivalent to IELTS 6.5). Cost: approximately €175–210 depending on location.

Option 4: Cambridge English qualifications

Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) and C2 Proficiency (CPE) are widely accepted across UK universities. If you already hold one of these, you typically do not need IELTS. A score of 176+ on C1 Advanced equals IELTS 7.0.

Option 5: Foundation programmes

Some UK universities offer foundation year programmes with lower or no English test requirements. These are designed for international students who need additional preparation. The foundation year leads directly into the degree programme at the same university.

Universities like Coventry, Hertfordshire, and De Montfort offer foundation pathways with English requirements below standard IELTS thresholds, sometimes accepting school-leaving English grades.

Which option should you choose?