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There was once a time when almost all English-speaking countries that offer foreign exchange programs to international students mandatorily demanded English proficiency tests from candidates applying to study in its tertiary institutions, but that is no longer the case.
Although the top choice locations for studying abroad, like the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, still require students to sit for specific entrance examinations, like IELTS, some countries admit international students without requiring them to present the results of such tests.
Booklab24 has compiled seven nations across Europe, America, and Asia that will accept applicants into its universities whether you have written an English test in your home country or not.
Before listing the seven countries whose universities welcome international students without English tests, we will outline the main types of entrance examinations required by countries/universities abroad.
IELTS
IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is an entrance examination used to evaluate a candidate’s English proficiency, especially if they are non-native speakers applying for degree programs in countries with English as the primary language.
TOEFL
TOEFL stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language. It is one of the most preferred tests for studying in higher institutions in the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
PTE
Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a renowned computer-based English language proficiency test that is accepted in numerous countries in Europe and America.
Below are countries that do not insist on English tests from international students:
1. France
France, one of the best countries in Europe for international students, has made studying much more accessible for those seeking to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees.
The quality of education in France makes it ideal for foreign applicants, especially those from Africa. Many international students are discouraged from studying abroad when they realize they have to take language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL.
The good news is that, as an international student, you can study in France without IELTS since it is a French-speaking country, and many private and public universities do not demand the test.
2. Ireland
The primary language in Ireland is Irish, followed by English. If you are an international student interested in going for a course in Ireland, remember that you can apply for a student visa in Ireland without IELTS scores if you meet the alternative English language proficiency requirements specified by the applicant’s chosen university.
Another essential aspect to note is that Visa officers will most likely approve a student’s visa requirements if he or she has an acceptance letter from the university he or she wishes to study.
3. Germany
Germany is well known for its educational system and affordable tuition fees. For those who wonder whether studying in Germany will be challenging due to its entrance tests, know that you can gain admission into universities in the country without presenting IELTS test results.
Many higher institutions in Germany allow international students to study without IELTS so long as they present evidence that they speak, write, and communicate in English. Part of the admission process and visa application in a German-speaking country requires students to submit certain documents to the intended university, letting them know that they use the English Language in their daily interactions.
4. Norway
The official language spoken in the country is Norwegian; however, English is the second primary language, so most students in Norway’s universities speak English.
Higher education in Norway is known for its remarkable academics, proper learning, and teaching methods. International students can study here without having IELTS if they have completed the following:
Secondary school examinations; Senior School Certificate (from 1988). General Certificate of Education A-level; General Certificate of Education O-level (GCE); West African Examinations Council; and West African Senior School Certificate (from 1999).
5. Argentina
Argentina’s primary medium of communication is Spanish. This South American country permits international students to apply for fully funded government scholarships without IELTS. Argentina is famous for its affordable higher education system, football, and beautiful landscapes. Although Spanish is the spoken language, courses are taught in English.
6. New Zealand
Before the recent change, international students applying to study in this English-speaking country usually had to score at least 5.5 in the four IELTS bands, with an overall minimum score of 6.0 or above for undergraduate programs.
However, it is now possible to apply for studies in New Zealand without having IELTS. Prospective candidates may submit alternative English proficiency scores such as TOEFL, PTE, ESOL, or CAE. Students can also submit their 12th-grade English subject scores as proof of English Language Proficiency, ELP.
7. Singapore
The quality of education and the career opportunities in Singapore make it an ideal destination for international students. Singapore welcomes people from all cultures and races who wish to study or work without feeling out of place. With modern infrastructure and student-friendly cost of education, Singapore is rapidly becoming an educational hub for international students.
Singapore’s primary languages are Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil. Although higher institutions in Singapore recommend IELTS and/or TOEFL, Nigerian students do not need to produce an IELTS score to get into any of the country’s universities.
Applicants from Africa or India who want to study courses such as nursing, design, or management don’t need to sit for the IELTS or TOEFL before or during the application process.
