Study in Australia
Shortlist best ranked universities & get expert guidance
IELTS is a widely used English proficiency test for Indian students seeking to study higher education outside the country. The IELTS test is intended to check the English language skills of students who are about to study or immigrate to an English-speaking nation.
Europe is a most sought-after destination for foreign students due to the job opportunities, research studies, quality of education, and exposure to different cultures that it provides. Yet, foreign students may find studying in Europe to be hectic owing to the high standards and regulations. In addition, the most affordable European universities for foreign students without IELTS is one of the attractions for international students towards studying in Europe.
If you're a foreign student and wish to study in Europe without taking an IELTS test, don't worry. A number of European nations, such as Germany, France, Poland, Italy, and others, have degree programs that don't include the IELTS test.
Read the complete article to know more about studying in Europe without IELTS.
Many countries offer numerous educational opportunities for international students in various universities without IELTS in Europe in 2025. Therefore, candidates who are planning to study in Europe but are worried about their IELTS scores can pursue their dreams without any hurdles. Study-abroad candidates applying for study in Europe without IELTS 2025 can research different European universities offering degree programmes before applying.
Candidates who have completed their previous studies from an English-medium university can be exempted from appearing in the IELTS for admission to European universities. However, students must submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from their previous institution to evidence their English proficiency.
Aspirants can also opt for various alternative English proficiency tests including TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge English language test to meet the language requirements of different universities. Candidates can choose any of the mentioned tests according to their preparation level, budget, and personal preferences.
Many countries in Europe including France, Norway, Spain, Italy, and Belgium allow international students to pursue higher education for specific programmes without an IELTS scorecard. The selection process may be influenced based on your prior education.
A few European universities conduct their own English language assessments to assess the English language skills of candidates. These tests include written tests followed by interviews or video calls.
Europe has gained popularity among international students as a destination for academic excellence, cultural diversity, and unique experiences. The majority of these universities require IELTS scores. Don't dwell on it; as Europe has many countries that welcome international students without IELTS.
However, the crucial reason is the cheapest universities in Europe for international students without IELTS that are located. A few popular European countries to study abroad without IELTS include Ireland, France, Germany, Greece, Sweden, Norway, Poland, and others. Let's look at the top countries offering higher education to international students without IELTS with details below.
Known for offering zero-tuition fee programmes, Germany is a hub for international students. Germany universities offer a multitude of English-taught programmes without mandatory IELTS requirements. Due to the global demand for English-medium instruction, Germany has established many public and private universities that accept alternative language proficiency tests or consider other qualifications for admission.
Top Universities in Germany Without IELTS
Here, we have listed the top 10 universities in Germany that offer without IELTS study in Europe:
University of Berlin
University of Koblenz-Landau
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
The University of Applied Sciences, Ingolstadt
Flensburg University of Applied Sciences
Also Read: Study in Germany
Most of the universities in Norway require IELTS as an important admission criterion for international students. While IELTS is commonly accepted, some institutions may consider alternative language tests or qualifications. Norway offers an attractive option for overseas learners seeking a language-friendly academic environment by increasing the number of English-taught courses available. It helps international students to study in Europe without IELTS. Several Norwegian universities have been listed among the top universities worldwide according to the latest ranking report of QS World University Rankings 2025.
Top Universities in Norway Without IELTS
Many universities in Sweden offer Master's programmes in multiple fields including Engineering, Computer Science, Natural Sciences, Pharmacy, Medicine, and Technology. Indian students who wish to study master's in Europe without IELTS in 2025 can apply to top Swedish universities, however, they must mandatorily have completed a bachelor’s degree from India that was entirely taught in English. Hence, Sweden is one of the countries to provide cheapest universities in Europe for international students without IELTS.
Top Universities in Sweden Without IELTS
Here, we have listed some fo the top 10 universities in Sweden that offers study in Europe without IELTS:
Uppsala University
Lund University
Chalmers University of Technology
KTH Royal Institute of Technology
University of Gothenburg
Linköping University
Umeå University
Örebro University
Karolinska Institute
Also Read: Study in Sweden
Popular for its world of fashion, design, film, opera, and architecture, Italy is the land of numerous old universities in the Western world. Italy offers a great opportunity for international students seeking to study in Europe without IELTS in 2025.
Top Universities in Italy Without IELTS
The below-mentioned universities IN Italy accepts international students and offer them with an opportunity to pursue study in Europe without IELTS:
University of Milan
University of Pisa
University of Naples Federico II
John Cabot University
University of Verona
University of Bologna
University of Florence
University of Padua
Also Check: Study in Italy with Scholarship for Indian Students in 2025
Studying in Denmark without IELTS provides an excellent chance to gain quality education in a nation that is world-famous for its innovative study approaches and strong academic standards. Denmark boasts elite universities such as the University of Copenhagen and Aarhus University with a wide array of courses available in areas including engineering, business, and social sciences.
Universities to Study in Denmark without IELTS
France offers a wide range of courses that require no IELTS qualification. While French is the primary language of instruction in many institutions, however, a significant increase in English-taught courses has been observed in recent years. International students who are applying study in France can opt for different alternative language requirements to evidence their English proficiency.
Top Universities in France Without IELTS
Here, we have listed the top universities in France that offer education without IELTS study in Europe:
American Business School, Paris
EBS Paris
EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science
ESAIP School of Engineers
ESC Rennes School of Business
ESGCI, Paris
ESLSCA Business School
IESA International
INSEEC Business School
ISC Paris
Studying without IELTS in Ireland is feasible for international students who satisfy certain conditions. Most universities in Ireland provide substitutes for IELTS, including evidence of previous education in English or a personal interview. Moreover, some universities can have interviews or use other language tests like TOEFL or PTE as alternatives. Ireland's top-class universities and lively student culture make it a favorite among international students.
Universities to Study in Ireland without IELTS
Also Read: Study in Ireland for Indian Students
Several students who want to get into UK universities suppose that IELTS scores are important. However, numerous universities accept students in the UK without IELTS. If not the IELTS test, the aspirants also provide TOEFL or PTE tests to demonstrate English language proficiency. Yet, there may be additional criteria required by the university which you have to meet to get admissions in the UK.
Popular UK Universities in Europe without IELTS 2025
Also Read: Study in United Kingdom for Indian Students
In order to study at Belgium's prestigious Ghent University, you don't need IELTS as one of the main admission requirements. The only language requirement is to provide evidence that the student has a previous study program from an English-speaking institution.
Universities to Study in Belgium without IELTS
Latvia provides high-quality education, with top-ranked universities such as the University of Latvia and Riga Technical University. In the 2022-2023 school year, more than 14,000 international students studied at Latvian universities. Engineering, business administration, and medicine are among the most popular courses. The friendly atmosphere and low cost of living attract international students to Latvia.
Universities to Study in Latvia without IELTS
The opportunity to study in Europe without IELTS has opened many doors for Indian aspirants. Indian learners who wish to pursue higher education in foreign countries can apply to different Europe nations without taking the IELTS exam. Studying in European countries ensures a higher research opportunity, job opportunities, cultural recognition, and a modernised lifestyle among students.
Indian students who are planning to study in Europe without IELTS are advised to conduct extensive research and analysis of the list of universities offering degree programmes without IELTS. Before applying to any European university, candidates should consider the IELTS exam's other course-specific requirements and alternatives.
Many European universities offer affordable education for international students. However, it is difficult to determine the cheapest university in Europe without IELTS due to varying tuition fees, living costs, and programme offerings. The top 10 cheapest university in Europe without IELTS that offer affordable higher education to international candidates are as follows:
Nord University
Riga Technical University
Ruhr University Bochum
University of Basel
University of Copenhagen
University of Pisa
University of Padua
University of Turin
Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
Students must remember that the fee structure is a dependent variable of programme, nationality, and other factors. Additionally, students must analyse the cost of living in Europe which is exclusive to the location of the university and country.
There are several alternatives to the IELTS for studying in Europe, depending on the specific requirements of the university and programme. Some universities offer their own English language tests for international students. Candidates must note the most common alternatives to the IELTS to study in Europe without IELTS. The specific requirements for English language proficiency will vary depending on the university and programme.
You May Like: Cheapest Countries to Study in Europe
There are many European countries that offer programmes for international students without IELTS scorecard. A few of them are Norway, Sweden, Germany, Italy, Finland, France, Poland, and others. Students must note that they have to meet the other admission criteria to apply in these countries without IELTS.
Yes, students can study in France without taking the IELTS exam. Numerous popular universities in France allow students to study in different courses without IELTS. However, students must fulfil the university as well as course requirements to get selected for different programmes.
Yes, students can study free in Germany without IELTS. Many public universities in Germany offer zero-tuition fee courses for international students. Candidates who fulfil all the necessary university requirements can apply for free studies in Germany without IELTS. Students must note that they have to manage their cost of living and semester fees by their own apart from the annual tuition fee.
Yes, Finland provides chances to study without IELTS. It has numerous great universities that provide quality education, various courses, and scholarships for foreign students.
Germany, France, Czech Republic, Poland and Norway are known for taking admissions without IELTS. However, you will need some other proof to show your English language proficiency.
B.Sc (Hons) Admissions 2025 Now Open | Ranked Among the Top 100 Universities in the World by QS World University Rankings 2025 | Last Date: 28th Apr'25
Unlock GMAT Success Timeline & Expert Videos | Select test center appointment | Scores valid for 5 Years | Multiple Attempts
Ranked #1 Law School in India & South Asia by QS- World University Rankings | Merit cum means scholarships | Regular Admissions Deadline: 30th Apr'25
Accepted by more than 11,000 universities in over 150 countries worldwide
Explore Universities, Courses & Subjects | Work while study
Apply for upcoming intake & plan your journey