Study in UK Without IELTS 2025 [Full Guide]

Many international students dream of pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom, but one of the biggest challenges they face is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirement. This is why thousands of students are now searching how to Study in UK Without IELTS 2025.

Whether you want to study a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD program, the UK offers plenty of opportunities to achieve your academic dreams without the IELTS hurdle.

For years, IELTS has been seen as the traditional admission standard but in recent times, it’s no longer the only option. Many top universities in the UK are now offering students the chance to study without IELTS in 2025 and beyond.

Instead of IELTS, universities are accepting alternative English language tests such as TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge English Test.

In some cases, you can even apply with a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or by attending a simple university interview, or by enrolling in a pre-sessional English course before your degree program.

This flexibility makes it much easier for talented students worldwide to study in UK without IELTS in 2025.

The UK is also offering various fully funded and partially funded scholarships than ever for international students. Whether you are applying for an undergraduate degree, a master’s program, or a PhD, you can find scholarships that cover tuition fees, living costs, and even travel expenses. So it is very beneficial for students to carry the education effortlessly.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about study in the UK without IELTS in 2025.

Top 10 Reasons to Study in UK in 2025

If you’re still wondering why the UK is one of the most popular study destinations in the world, here are the top 10 reasons why thousands of international students choose the UK every year:

World-Class Education System: The UK education system is known for its high academic standards and innovative teaching methods. All these universities focuses on developing critical thinking, research skills, and practical knowledge to the students to prepare students for global careers.

Globally Ranked Universities: The UK is home to some of the top-ranked universities in the world, including the:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• University College London (UCL)

These institutions are recognized for their academic excellence, cutting-edge research, and global reputation.

Global Student Community: More than 600,000 international students from 150+ countries study in the UK every year. This gives you a chance to build friendships, networks, and cultural understanding that last a lifetime.

High qualified faculties: UK universities attract leading professors, researchers, and industry experts. Students benefit from world-class teaching staff who bring real-world knowledge and the latest academic research into the classroom.

Wide Range of Programs: The programs under the UK universities provides various courses from STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) to arts, humanities, business, and social sciences.

ALSO READ: Scholarship To Study in Canada Without IELTS 2025–2026

Top UK Universities Without IELTS in 2025

Here’s a list of UK universities accepting students without IELTS along with alternatives:

Apart from these, universities like University of Bristol, University of Greenwich, London South Bank University, Sheffield Hallam University, and Robert Gordon University also allow applications without IELTS.

How to Study in the UK Without IELTS in 2025

IELTS is one of the most widely recognized English language tests but it’s not the only option to study in the UK. Many UK universities now accepting alternative proofs of English proficiency like TOEFL, Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test etc.

These actually making it easier for international students to pursue their studies without taking the IELTS exam. Here are the most common alternatives:

Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate

If your previous education whether high school (Class 10th/12th), bachelor’s, or even master’s was taught entirely in English then your institution can provide an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate.

Many UK universities accept this certificate as valid proof of your English skills. It’s a simple and cost-effective alternative, especially for students from English-speaking or English-instruction countries like India, Nigeria, Pakistan, etc.

Class 12th English Marks

Some UK universities waive the IELTS requirement if you scored 70% or above in English during your Class 10th or Class 12th board examinations.

For CBSE, ICSE, or equivalent boards, a strong score in English is often sufficient. This option is particularly helpful for Indian students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs.

Online Interviews

Instead of IELTS, universities may test your communication skills through an online interview on Skype, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.

• This evaluates your speaking, listening, and comprehension abilities directly.
• It’s usually conducted after you submit your application.

Other Accepted English Proficiency Tests

Many universities in the UK also accept alternative standardized tests, such as:

• TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
• PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
• Duolingo English Test (popular because it’s affordable and online-based)
• Cambridge English qualifications

These tests are often cheaper, faster, or more flexible compared to IELTS.

Scholarships to Study in UK Without IELTS 2025

The UK offers several prestigious scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs. The good news is that many of these opportunities are open even without IELTS, provided you meet alternative English requirements.

Below are some of the top scholarships you can apply for in 2025.

Chevening Scholarships (UK Government Scholarship)

Chevening Scholarship is a prestigious, fully funded UK government program for outstanding international students pursuing a master’s degree at any UK university.

• Eligibility: Students from Chevening-eligible countries with leadership potential.
• Coverage: Tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, and other costs.
• Host Institution: Any UK university.
• Level of Study: Master’s.
• Amount: Fully funded.
• 👉 Apply Now: Chevening Scholarships

Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships (Oxford University)

Fully funded scholarship for outstanding students from developing and emerging countries, with leadership training at Oxford.

• Eligibility: Students from eligible countries applying for a full-time Master’s program at Oxford; strong leadership and commitment to return home.
• Coverage: Full tuition fees, living allowance (£20,780), mentorship, leadership program.
• Host Institution: University of Oxford.
• Level of Study: Master’s.
• Amount: Fully funded (tuition + £20,780 stipend).
• 👉 Apply Now: Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships

Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship (QECS) 2025

Fully funded Master’s scholarship for students from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries to study abroad and contribute to sustainable development.

• Eligibility: Citizens, refugees, or permanent residents of eligible Commonwealth countries with a completed Bachelor’s degree; must meet university admission criteria. No age limit.
• Coverage: Tuition fees, living allowance, return airfare, arrival grant, and research/thesis support.
• Host Institutions: Universities in Fiji, Mauritius, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, and Sri Lanka (e.g., University of Mauritius, University of Pretoria, University of Colombo, USP).
• Level of Study: Master’s (2 years, full-time).
• Fields of Study: Varies by host university (e.g., Agriculture, Health, Engineering, Human Rights, Environmental Science, MBA).
• 👉 Apply Now: Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship

Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship (University of Oxford)

Fully funded scholarship for exceptional students worldwide to pursue a Master’s + Oxford MBA (1+1 program), with leadership training, mentorship, and global networking.

• Eligibility: Open to all nationalities; strong academics, leadership potential, commitment to solving global challenges, and clear vision for impact.
• Coverage: Full tuition fees + £20,780 living stipend per year (2 years) + mentorship + conferences.
• Host Institution: University of Oxford.
• Level of Study: Master’s + MBA (1+1 Program).
• Scholarships Awarded: Up to 5 per year.
• Deadline: January 7, 2026.
• 👉 Apply Now: Oxford Pershing Square Graduate Scholarship

Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships (University of West London – 2026)

Fully funded PhD scholarship for international and home students to pursue doctoral research in diverse fields at UWL, with teaching and research opportunities.

• Eligibility: Open to all nationalities; strong academic record (Bachelor’s + Master’s), IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent), research proposal, and willingness to contribute teaching/research hours.
• Coverage: Full tuition fees + generous stipend (£22,000/year full-time or £11,000/year part-time) + teaching/research experience + training and supervision.
• Host Institution: University of West London (UWL).
• Level of Study: PhD / Doctoral.
• Duration: Full-time: 3–4 years | Part-time: 5–6 years.
• Deadline: 21 September 2025.
• 👉 Apply Now: Vice Chancellor’s PhD Scholarships

GREAT Scholarships UK

Joint initiative by the UK Government and UK universities.

• Eligibility: Students from specific partner countries.
• Coverage: Contribution towards tuition fees.
• Host Institution: 25+ UK universities.
• Level of Study: Master’s.
• Amount: £10,000.
• 👉 Apply Now: Great Scholarship UK

Fully funded scholarship for outstanding international graduate students.

• Eligibility: Students applying for master’s or PhD at Oxford.
• Coverage: Tuition fees + generous living stipend.
• Host Institution: University of Oxford.
• Level of Study: Master’s, PhD.
• Amount: Fully funded.
• 👉 Apply Now: Clarendon scholarship

Ellison Scholars Program 2026 (Oxford University – UK)

Fully funded undergraduate scholarship for exceptional students worldwide to study at Oxford University, focusing on solving global challenges with innovation and technology.

• Eligibility: Open to all nationalities; high school graduates with outstanding academic records; must meet Oxford entry & English proficiency requirements; strong leadership and motivation.
• Coverage: Full tuition fees + annual stipend (accommodation, meals, living expenses, travel, tech setup) + mentorship + paid internships + access to world-class labs.
• Host Institution: University of Oxford (Ellison Institute of Technology – EIT).
• Level of Study: Undergraduate.
• Number of Awards: ~20 students annually.
• Program Start Date: October 2026.
• 👉 Apply Now: Ellison Scholars Program 2026

Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Prestigious fully funded award for international students at Cambridge.

Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford University)

One of the world’s oldest and most prestigious scholarships.

• Eligibility: Outstanding students with leadership qualities from eligible countries.
• Coverage: Tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, and more.
• Host Institution: University of Oxford.
• Level of Study: Postgraduate.
• Amount: Fully funded.
• 👉 Apply Now: Rhodes Scholarship

University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships

Merit-based scholarships for ambitious international students.

• Eligibility: Non-UK students applying for UG/PG programs.
• Coverage: Tuition fee discount.
• Host Institution: University of Bristol.
• Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s.
• Amount: Up to £20,000.
• 👉 APPLY NOW: University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship (Master’s)
• 👉 APPLY NOW: University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship (Bachelor)

University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships

Highly competitive merit-based scholarships.

• Eligibility: International students with excellent academic records.
• Coverage: 50% reduction in tuition fees.
• Host Institution: University of Sussex.
• Level of Study: Master’s.
• Amount: 50% tuition fee waiver.
• 👉 Apply Now: University of Sussex Chancellor’s scholarship

Documents Required to Study in UK Without IELTS

• SSC (10th) mark sheet
• HSC (12th) mark sheet
• Bachelor’s transcripts (if PG)
• Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
• Valid passport
• Offer letter from university
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs)
• Resume/CV
• Work experience certificate (if applicable)

How to Apply for International Scholarships

• Explore the Opportunity
  Visit the official scholarship portal and review the program details, eligibility, and deadlines carefully.
• Prepare Your Profile
  Gather key documents such as your CV, transcripts, reference letters, and a strong personal statement highlighting your goals and achievements.
• Submit the Application
  Complete the online form with accurate details and upload all required documents. Some scholarships may also ask you to apply separately to the host university.
• Selection Stage
  Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview, test, or additional assessments depending on the program.
• Receive the Award
  Successful applicants will get an official confirmation letter, after which you can start your visa process and prepare for studies abroad.

Final Thought

In this article, we have shared how you can Study in UK Without IELTS 2025 and the list of scholarships you can apply while studying in the UK.

Now a days IELTS is not a barrier which can stop you to study in UK, there are various other alternative as well. Many universities, including oxford offering flexible alternatives like MOI certificates, English subject marks, online interviews, or other language tests.

Add to this the availability of fully funded scholarships, world-class universities, and global career opportunities, and the UK stands out as one of the best destinations for higher education.

If you’re a motivated student with big ambitions, don’t let IELTS hold you back. The UK education system is ready to welcome you with open arms—what matters most is your passion, talent, and drive to succeed.