Study in USA Without IELTS 2024 - Requirements & Top Universities

USA is a dream study abroad destination for many international students. In fact, USA is the top foreign country for Indian students to pursue further education after graduation. Qualifying English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL is the major step for study in USA. However, students from non-English speaking backgrounds often find it difficult to face the heavy competition. Many turn back at the time of USA visa application due to low IELTS scores. Such students often ask, is it possible to study in USA without IELTS?

This Story also Contains

1. How to Study in USA Without IELTS?
2. Alternative Language Proficiency Tests to Study in USA without IELTS
3. Top Universities to Study in USA Without IELTS
4. Top USA University List for International Students Without IELTS
5. Document Requirements for Student Visa in USA
6. Top 10 Cheapest Universities in USA Without IELTS

Many universities in USA consider admissions without IELTS. In such an instance, they accept alternative ways as proof of English proficiency such as high school performance in English subjects or through personal interviews. There are easier ELP tests, Duolingo and PET, that are also accepted by USA universities for admission. Let’s learn how it is possible to study in USA without IELTS, universities that give admission without IELTS, and related information through this article.

How to Study in USA Without IELTS?

Many universities in USA accept international students without an IELTS qualification. These universities accept various alternative methods for overseas learners to demonstrate their English language skills for top US universities.

Here are some ways without IELTS study in USA

• Students from English speaking countries such as UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Ireland are exempted from submitting IELTS scores. Students from Anglophone countries, where English is the official language, are also exempted from taking IELTS.
• Alternate ELP tests: For students who find IELTS/TOEFL costly or difficult, alternative ELP tests such as Duolingo or Pearson English Test (PET) are the best alternatives.
• Intensive English Programmes: Some universities offer exclusive English language programmes for international students to make them eligible for their courses. Students who didn’t receive education in English medium or attempt any ELP test may appear for these programmes to become eligible to study in a particular university.
• English Medium of Study: Applicants who can prove that they received a bachelor's degree in English medium of instruction may be given an English language test score waiver. In the case of applying to UG programmes, English must be one of the compulsory subjects in their high school with a minimum set percentage of marks.
• Direct Interviews: Some universities in USA evaluate the English level of a candidate through direct interviews. UC Berkeley allows students to select this option. Such candidates are assessed based on their performance in that interview.

Alternative Language Proficiency Tests to Study in USA without IELTS

The alternative language proficiency tests to study in USA other than IELTS are primarily TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, and Cambridge English exams. International students who do not have any IELTS score or did not appear for the IELTS exam and want to study in USA can apply with any other English proficiency test score. Most of the immigration authorities also give equal preference to these exams as IELTS.

• TOEFL is among the most popular English language tests accepted in all major countries. The full form of TOEFL is a Test of English as a Foreign Language, administered by the ETS.

• Duolingo offers an online English test that is open for a 24-hour window, 7 days a week. The test duration is 1 hour and the results will be received within 48 hours. This English language test is accepted in almost 5,000 universities worldwide, including major countries like the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, and many more.

• PTE (academics) is another English language test accepted globally. The PTE exam covers English proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

Top Universities to Study in USA Without IELTS

It is possible to study in USA without IELTS. Most universities in USA do not require IELTS to be mandatory. This is true for top universities also. Admission to California State University without IELTS is given based on PTE and DTE scores. Check the table below to know alternatives to IELTS when applying to QS 2024 top universities in USA. Find USA without IELTS college list below.

Top USA University List for International Students Without IELTS

Without IELTS Study in USA: Stanford University

Ranked world number 3 in the world, Stanford University doesn't have a set criteria for ELP tests to take. The university states that IELTS/TOEFL/PTE helps determine the English language level of applicants. Candidates who have completed their latest degree in a language of instruction other than English must submit scores of one of the specified ELP tests. Additionally students from non-English speaking countries who studied their latest degree exclusively in English medium are exempted from submitting English language test scores when applying for admission.

USA University Without IELTS: University of California, Berkeley

University of California Berkeley is among the top universities in the USA. When applying to UCB, IELTS is not mandatory to prove English proficiency. Proof of completing a university-level program in a country or region where English is the official language makes candidates exempt from IELTS. Students from England, Canada, South Africa, Singapore, Ireland, Denmark are also exempt from IELTS. Candidates who don’t fulfil any of these requirements can request an English-language interview by selecting “I would like to request an English interview” in an online application.

Study in USA Without IELTS: Princeton University

Princeton University is one of the top choices in USA for international students. Candidates applying to Princeton University who are not native English speakers or studied their degree in a language other than English must prove their English proficiency through IELTS/TOEL/PET. However, if such candidates have completed their latest degree in a completely English medium, they may provide proof of the same instead of IELTS. Admission depends on fulfilling other requirements for academic performance.

Without IELTS in USA: California State University

A public university located in Long Beach, California, United States, it is one of the universities to study in USA without IELTS. It has 23 campuses and one of the biggest producers of graduates in USA. Indian students can submit PET scores instead of IELTS for studying graduate courses at CSU. The acceptance rate of California State University is also very high at 90.5% for Los Angeles campus.

Study in USA Without IELTS: University of Pennsylvania

A highly preferred university in the USA for obtaining cutting-edge education with global relevance, candidates don’t need IELTS for admission. However, they have to prove their English proficiency in alternate methods. The University of Pennsylvania accepts Duolingo English Test from international students as proof of English proficiency. If they have studied primary education taught entirely in the English language of instruction, producing proof of the same will also be accepted. However, as admissions are competitive, students with ELP scores tend to have a better edge.

Without IELTS USA Study Visa

To study in the USA and pursue their higher studies, candidates must have a student visa for the USA. Students need to provide English language proficiency if they are non-native English speakers. IELTS is among the most popular English language tests. International Students who have not yet taken the IELTS exam or are worried about their IELTS test scores, can easily apply for a Student visa for the USA without IELTS, they just need to provide alternative proof of their English language test.

When applying for F1 USA visa, applicants have to provide proof of English proficiency to immigration authorities. To make it easy for international students, USA immigration authorities are also instructed to accept Duolingo and PET scores for ELP.

IELTS is not a prerequisite to study in USA as many universities are assessing the English level of applicants in other ways mentioned. However, aspiring students must not overlook scoring high on ELP tests that make them stand out in admissions in USA universities.

Document Requirements for Student Visa in USA

To get a student visa to the USA, students must provide all the necessary documents requested by the immigration authority. Check the list of documents primarily required for a student visa in the USA.

• A passport with a validity of 6 months beyond the period of stay in the USA.

• Complete printed copy of Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160).

• SEVIS Fee receipt, if required, to be paid before.

• A scanned copy of a photograph not more than six months old, with the following essential requirements:

• I-20 Form USA, sent by an SEVP-approved education provider.

• Receipt of visa fee payment confirmation.

• Academic and transcript records.

• Evidence of English language tests like Duolingo, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, etc.

• Financial support documents are needed to cover the costs of studying in the USA for the first year.

• Scholarship letter (if received) or the education loan approval letter by the bank or concerned authority.

• Interview

Top 10 Cheapest Universities in USA Without IELTS

Many top universities in USA offer higher education to international students without IELTS. However, it is very challenging to determine the cheapest universities in USA for international students without IELTS. Here’s a list of the top 10 cheapest universities in USA without IELTS:

• California State University

• Delta State University

• Bridgewater State University

• South Dakota State University

• Arkansas State University

• Brigham Young University

• City University of New York

• The University of Toledo

• Minot State University

• Mississippi University for Women

Also Read:

• Top Universities in USA for MS
• Cheapest Universities in USA for MS
• Top MS Courses in USA