For many international students, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a major hurdle in the journey to study abroad. Whether due to cost, limited test availability, or poor results despite strong academic potential, IELTS requirements can be a barrier. Fortunately, in 2025, a growing number of universities and countries are recognizing alternative pathways and accepting other forms of English proficiency — or waiving language tests altogether.
This article explores the top 10 countries where you can study abroad without taking the IELTS exam, along with how to qualify, popular universities, and fully funded opportunities.
1. Germany
Germany is one of the most welcoming destinations for international students, offering tuition-free education at public universities.
Why No IELTS?
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Many universities accept proof of prior education in English.
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A letter from your previous institution confirming that your courses were taught in English often suffices.
Top Universities Without IELTS:
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University of Siegen
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University of Kaiserslautern
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University of Freiburg
Bonus:
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Tuition-free for all students (public universities).
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Scholarships: DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) for full funding.
2. France
France is increasingly attracting international students for its affordable tuition, cultural appeal, and world-class institutions.
Why No IELTS?
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French universities accept proof of English instruction in previous education.
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Some programs conduct interviews as proof of language ability.
Top Universities Without IELTS:
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American Business School, Paris
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Paris School of Business
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EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science
Bonus:
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Low tuition at public institutions.
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Scholarships: Eiffel Excellence Scholarship.
3. Norway
Known for its high standard of education and free public universities, Norway also offers some programs that do not require IELTS.
Why No IELTS?
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If you have completed previous education in English, universities may waive the IELTS requirement.
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Some programs require an internal English test or interview.
Top Universities Without IELTS:
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University of Oslo
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BI Norwegian Business School
Bonus:
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Tuition-free public universities.
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High living costs, but scholarships are available (e.g., Quota Scheme).
4. Malaysia
Malaysia has quickly risen as a global education hub, especially for students from Asia and Africa.
Why No IELTS?
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Universities accept proof of English-medium education.
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Some programs offer English placement tests on arrival.
Top Universities Without IELTS:
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University of Malaya
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Sunway University
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Asia Pacific University (APU)
Bonus:
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Affordable tuition and living costs.
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Multicultural and English-speaking environment.
5. India
India offers quality education in English at a low cost, making it a top alternative for students seeking budget-friendly options.
Why No IELTS?
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Indian universities generally do not require IELTS.
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Instruction is in English for most programs.
Top Universities Without IELTS:
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University of Delhi
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University of Mumbai
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Jawaharlal Nehru University
Bonus:
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Scholarships for students from developing nations.
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Access to emerging tech and research industries.
6. Russia
Russia offers a wide array of programs in English and provides fully funded opportunities for international students.
Why No IELTS?
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Proof of prior education in English is often accepted.
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Russian language preparatory courses are available if needed.
Top Universities Without IELTS:
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Tomsk State University
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Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)
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Moscow Engineering Physics Institute
Bonus:
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Government-funded scholarships (e.g., Open Doors Olympiad).
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Low cost of living in many regions.
7. China
China has become a major player in global education, with many English-taught programs that do not require IELTS.
Why No IELTS?
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Many universities accept TOEFL, Duolingo, or proof of English-medium education.
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Internal language assessments or interviews are commonly used.
Top Universities Without IELTS:
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Zhejiang University
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Dalian Medical University
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Ningbo University
Bonus:
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CSC Scholarships for full funding.
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Growing innovation hubs and job markets.
8. Spain
Spain offers English-taught programs and is known for its warm climate, rich culture, and relatively low cost of living.
Why No IELTS?
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Universities may accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous institution.
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Some institutions conduct English assessments or interviews.
Top Universities Without IELTS:
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Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
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University of Valencia
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IE University
Bonus:
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Erasmus+ scholarships for EU and partner countries.
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Bachelor’s and master’s programs in business, tourism, and tech.
9. Poland
Poland is an affordable and growing destination for international students in Europe, with many universities offering programs in English.
Why No IELTS?
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Letter from previous school/university confirming English as the medium of instruction is sufficient for many programs.
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Internal university tests can replace IELTS.
Top Universities Without IELTS:
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University of Warsaw
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Jagiellonian University
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Warsaw University of Technology
Bonus:
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Scholarships through the NAWA Program.
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Low cost of living and growing tech sector.
10. Hungary
Hungary has a strong higher education tradition and offers numerous fully funded scholarships to students worldwide.
Why No IELTS?
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Medium of Instruction letter accepted.
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Stipendium Hungaricum scholarship applicants are often exempt from IELTS.
Top Universities Without IELTS:
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Eötvös Loránd University
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University of Debrecen
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Budapest University of Technology and Economics
Bonus:
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Full scholarships include tuition, housing, and a stipend.
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Central location in Europe for travel.
Tips to Study Abroad Without IELTS
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Use a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
Obtain a letter from your school/university stating that English was the language of instruction. This is widely accepted in many countries. -
Choose Universities with Internal Language Tests
Many institutions conduct their own assessments or interviews to evaluate your English proficiency. -
Apply for English-Taught Programs
Focus on universities that specifically offer degree programs in English, especially in non-native English-speaking countries. -
Consider Alternative Tests
Some universities accept TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge English, which may be more affordable or accessible than IELTS. -
Research Scholarships Carefully
Many scholarships waive English language requirements or fund preparatory language courses.