Study in USA without IELTS: It is true that the IELTS exam is one of the most important eligibility criteria requirements to pursue higher studies abroad in countries like the USA. In order to prove your English language proficiency requirement, you will be asked to submit your IELTS band scores to the universities where you intend to study.
Having said that, IELTS can also be an impediment to many students' plans to study abroad. Many aspirants are not interested in taking IELTS again and again because it can be rather expensive to take this English proficiency exam multiple times. Also, countries have opened doors for international students to consider studying abroad without the IELTS exam.
If you wish to know more about the opportunity to study in USA without IELTS, then this article will help you clear all your doubts.
Check out other countries where you can study abroad with IELTS:
Know About the Eligibility Criteria to Study in the USA!
How to Study in USA without IELTS?
If you are aspiring to study in USA without taking IELTS, bear the following conditions in mind:
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You must have English as one of your core subjects in high school to be eligible for bachelors courses.
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You will require a letter from your prior university stating that the graduate programme you pursued was in English when applying for masters courses.
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IELTS may not be necessary if you graduated from a country where English is the official language.
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If you are unable to give IELTS scores, the institution may need you to participate in their own English language preparatory program known as the Intensive English Language Program (IELP), in which you will be schooled in the fundamentals of this language.
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If you have attended and completed any type of academic studies in the USA for at least one year, you could be enrolled in a university to study in USA without IELTS.
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Like IELP, there are some Summer Programs in the USA that you can attend to compensate for a lack of English Language Proficiency Proof and study in USA without IELTS.
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Some universities also provide bridge courses for students who do not achieve the minimum English Language Requirements for direct admission.
Steps to Study in USA without IELTS
Now that you have known that it is possible to study in USA without IELTS, here are some important steps that you must follow and keep in mind to opt for a course in a US university without IELTS.
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First and foremost, you must narrow down your choices of universities and check their eligibility criteria (whether they allow students without IELTS and/or if they require any other alternative to the IELTS exam).
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Apply to all of these universities online.
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You may be summoned for a personal interview after submitting your application and all accompanying documentation.
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You must pay the initial tuition fee after receiving your acceptance letter from the university.
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Following that, you must apply for a USA study visa. If you have good academic grades and complete all other requirements, you can apply for the USA without an IELTS study visa.
IELTS Alternatives to Study in USA
It is important to know what all alternatives are available and are being accepted by the universities if you are aspiring to study in USA without IELTS. These are as follows:
IELTS Alternatives to Study in USA without IELTS |
About the Exam |
TOEFL is one of the most widely used global exams for international students. Depending on your degree, universities often require scores ranging from 71 to 92. However, you will need even higher marks to get admitted to a PhD program in the USA. |
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It is currently recognised in the USA, with hundreds of universities accepting it. Depending on the university, the minimum score should be at least 54. |
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It is an English proficiency test that is recognised by institutions all over the world. The test is now officially recognised as a language test at many educational institutions, as well as a test for Indian students who want to study in USA without taking IELTS. |
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Cambridge Test (CAE / CPE) |
Cambridge English (part of Cambridge Assessment) is a Cambridge University department. Thousands of employers, colleges, and government departments around the world accept their English exams Proficiency (CPE or Certificate of Proficiency in English), Advanced (CAE or Certificate of Advanced English), First (FCE), Preliminary (PET), and Key (KET) as proof of competence to use English. |
iTEP or International Test of English Proficiency |
The International Test of English Proficiency, or iTEP, is a language assessment test that assesses non-native English speakers' English skills. More than 700 universities throughout the world support the test. It is a 90-minute internet-based English language test with five sections: Grammar, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. |
Top Universities to Study in USA without IELTS
After knowing about the different alternative entrance exams to study in USA without IELTS, here is a list of some of the best and most popular universities that are accepting international students without IELTS, along with their respective alternatives:
US Universities |
Alternate Exam to Study in USA without IELTS |
TOEIC |
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PTE |
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PTE/ iTEP/ Cambridge Assessment English/ Duolingo |
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Duolingo |
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PTE |
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English Language for Internationals (ELI) |
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PTE/ Duolingo/ Cambridge English Scale |
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Duolingo |
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Northwood University |
Cambridge English Test/ ELS/ PTE Academic |
English Language for Internationals (ELI) |
Study at One of the Top US Universities!
Visa Process to Study in USA without IELTS
The student visa process to study in USA without IELTS is not that challenging as it may seem. If you have already studied English or have the International Baccalaureate qualification, you can apply for your US student visa.
If you do not satisfy these requirements or are not from an English-speaking country, you will be asked a series of questions during your visa interview. The following documents must be provided on your behalf:
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A valid official passport issued by your country
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Recent passport size photograph
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Confirmation page of DS-160
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Form I -20
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Payment of application fees for SEVIS
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Letter of acceptance/confirmation from the University
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Proof of monetary funds
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Proof of accommodation in the USA
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CV
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Past official academic transcripts
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Healthcare cover
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additional requirements (if any) by the university
Study in USA without IELTS via ESL Course
English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are similar to IELP in a sense that they are designed for non-native English speakers. English grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and spelling are covered in these classes. These courses assist students in achieving the English language proficiency required for the course and can be used as an alternative to studying in USA without IELTS.
Because there are numerous ways to be accepted conditionally in USA colleges without meeting the English language proficiency requirements, it is important to remember that the eligibility criteria for the universities in the USA vary by the course you choose and the type of university indeed.
Having said that, IELTS scores are always beneficial to your student visa application since they demonstrate that you understand the fundamentals of the English language in the areas of Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.
Scholarships to Study in USA without IELTS
Now that you have gained adequate confidence and assurance that you can study in USA without IELTS, here are some scholarships that can further motivate you to fulfil your dream of studying in the USA. If eligible, you can get these scholarships to study in USA without IELTS exam. Let us have a look at some of them:
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Fulbright Foreign Student Program: This award is totally supported by the United States government and is available to graduates, professionals, and artists. Every year, approximately 4,000 individuals obtain the Fulbright fellowship and study in America without taking IELTS.
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Clark Merit Scholarships: This fellowship is open to international students in their first year of a bachelors degree who have an outstanding academic record. An IELTS score is not required.
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American University Emerging Leaders Scholarship: This scholarship was created for students who have a good understanding of global trends, world-changing impulses, leadership instincts, and a track record of academic performance.
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Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarships: International students seeking admission to study in USA without IELTS exam in a US university for a bachelor's program and who enjoy travelling are eligible for this prize.
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Michigan State University Scholarships with IELTS Exemption: Michigan State University Scholarships are available to students at all academic levels and do not require an IELTS score. The university provides several scholarships based on admission and student needs.
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The NextGen Scholarships: Given her previous challenges, entrepreneur Andrena Sawyer established this grant for international students. While an IELTS score is not an eligibility criterion for this scholarship, students taking the test must have a 3.0 GPA, and the grant is worth $1,000 (~ INR 77,670).
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Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program: Students who have exhibited an interest in becoming future leaders and making a difference in the world are eligible for this government-funded initiative.
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Rotary Peace Scholarships: International students who have demonstrated a dedication to global peace development are especially encouraged to apply for this award, which does not require an IELTS score.
We are confident that the information provided above has convinced you that studying in USA without IELTS is more than possible, depending on the university's own requirements.
So, now that you know more about your alternatives for studying in the USA, it is time to start planning your future life there. Seek guidance from our counsellors and write to them at abroad@collegedekho.com!
Kickstart Your Application Process toStudy in the USA!