For many students of Trivandrum, studying in the UK is their ambition. However, meeting English language needs is one of the most common barriers in your journey. It is usually determined by taking standard exams like the IELTS. But did you know that you might still study in UK colleges without taking the IELTS exam? Yes, various colleges provide other ways to show your English language skills. In this article, you will explore the options on how to start your study career in the UK without IELTS. The expert study abroad consultants in Trivandrum lists these options for your success. However, before beginning, perceive the purpose of this language proficiency test.
Know the Role of IELTS in UK Admissions
Non-native English speakers must take a standard exam such as the IELTS to show their language capabilities. However, it is an essential requirement for getting admitted to colleges in foreign nations, which includes the UK. Also, 6.0 to 7.0 in the IELTS test is demanded by many universities in the UK. It depends on the degree you have and at what level of study you belong to.
Although IELTS is often asked, but it’s not the only method to show your skills in English. Many UK colleges realize that it is difficult for overseas students to face the issues of standard tests. That’s why they started providing alternative options to these students. Let’s explore these options in the next section!
IELTS Alternate for UK Colleges
Many colleges in the UK offer alternate ways to study in UK without the IELTS exam. Yet, while IELTS has wide recognition as proof of English language skills, there are options to show that you can express yourself as well in written form without recourse to the test itself. These options are as follows:
1. Medium of Instruction Certificates
A Medium of Instruction Certificate is one of the most popular alternatives for the IELTS exam. However, many UK colleges will accept this certificate as proof of your English skills if you have previous studies in this language. The document attests to the fact that your previous studies were completed in English. In this way, it qualifies you for relief of the IELTS needs. If you want to receive your MOI, you must request it from your former institute. Thus, it shows that your medium of instruction was English in your studies.
2. English Language Skills Test by the College
Some colleges in the UK provide tests of English language skills on their own. As compared to IELTS, these internal tests are in a less formal way to assess your skills. Moreover, if you pass the exam, you will get admission to the college without showing your IELTS score. These college-specific tests are free of cost or much less expensive than the IELTS exam.
3. A-Levels or GCSEs
It is easy for students who have GCSE or A-level diplomas in the UK or other English-speaking nations. Yet, it helps you to start your study in UK without taking the IELTS exam. Further, these courses and exams are in English, which shows a high degree of English competence.
4. Interview with the Admission Officers
As per the details of study abroad consultants in Trivandrum, many colleges ask you to come for an interview instead of taking the IELTS exam. However, it is most common in more specialized courses or smaller colleges where effective communication is crucial. In short, with the help of an interview, the admission officer can check your English language skills. Thus, it helps them to find out whether you may pursue your studies there or not.
5. Previous Studies in an English-Speaking Nation
Many UK colleges remove the IELTS needs if you have already studied abroad in an English-speaking nation. Thus, you will be excluded from the IELTS in various nations where English is an official language. These nations are the US, UK, Australia, and even some countries of Africa.
6. Other English Skills Tests
The study abroad consultants in Trivandrum say that many colleges accept some other exams in place of the IELTS. These tests are as follows:
- PTE
- TOEFL
- CPE/CAE
Moreover, exam score criteria may vary by college. So before applying, make sure to check the specific policies of the colleges about these options. But the main point is which colleges provide these alternate options? Check the next part to learn about it!
List of UK Colleges Offering IELTS Alternates
The following colleges provide you with alternate options for the IELTS exam if you want to study in the UK without IELTS:
- University of Bolton
- University of Central Lancashire
- University of Greenwich
- University of Warwick
- University of Essex
- University of Bristol
- Sheffield Hallam University
- Birmingham City University
These universities accept MOIs, offer internal exams, or have other language skills exams that they consider equal to the IELTS.
Conclusion
To sum up, students from non-English speaking nations can now easily study in UK without taking the IELTS exam. However, you can meet the language needs without sitting for the IELTS by using alternatives. These are college-specific language exams, Medium of Instruction certificates, and previous studies in English-speaking nations.
Further, make sure that you read the policies of each college. Also, prepare all the required documents with your application. With the help of reliable study abroad consultants for UK, like gradding.com, your dream of studying here is well within reach!
