Study in the UK Without IELTS  for Indian Students: Fees, Scholarships, Visa Requirements, And More

Is it easier to study in the UK without taking IELTS? Yes, you can study in the UK without IELTS if you apply to select universities that have alternative requirements such as evidence of above 60% in English in Class XI and XII, an undergraduate degree in English, or a pre-sessional language program open to international students. University of Central Lancashire, University of Greenwich, Swansea University, University of Northampton, University of Plymouth, Portsmouth University, and Northumbria University are among the top UK universities without IELTS.

Circumstances Under Which Students Can Study In UK Without IELTS

Students who finished their higher secondary education at an English-medium school can present documentation to demonstrate their English ability. Many colleges grant an exemption on this basis and enable students to continue their degree if they can provide a transcript from a short-term English course.

• Their Class X and XII English Scores-Since a lot of pupils study English in school, it is typical to presume the English competence level. The university requests the grade cards for classes X and XII to assess this. Students with a 70% or higher will be eligible for admission to the UK.
• Online Interviews-Few UK colleges require students to participate in online interviews to measure their verbal and listening skills. If the university authorities are pleased, the candidate will be allowed to forego IELTS and study in the United Kingdom directly.
• Taking A Pre-Sessional English Course– Students with poor IELTS scores can enroll in a six- to twelve-month English course. Upon satisfactory completion of the course, they are advanced to the degree level.
• Taking Different Language Proficiency Tests – Other language competence examinations, in addition to IELTS, are gaining importance and weight in the UK. If students want to avoid taking IELTS, they can take the TOEFL, Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE), PTE Academic, Duolingo test, or ISE (Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English). If they pass any of these tests, Indian students can study in the UK after the 12th grade without having to take IELTS. However, students should check with the university to see which test scores they accept.

How To Get A UK Study Visa Without IELTS?

If applicants present the immigration authorities with documentation from their university proving they qualify for the visa, they may be able to obtain a UK student visa without taking the IELTS exam. The following is a list of the paperwork they must provide to get a student visa. 

• a letter of acceptance from a UK university
• a letter from the university attesting that the applicant can apply for a UK study visa without having IELTS results.
• Without taking the IELTS, English competency can also be demonstrated using the Secure English Language Test (SELT), which is required by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

UK Student Visa Requirements for Indian Students Without IELTS

Candidates can begin the application process for a student visa after they receive an acceptance letter from a UK university. Students must pay £348 in visa application fees after submitting their applications successfully and paying the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS). Applicants must make an appointment at the closest VFS and provide biometrics in addition to the application and necessary supporting papers after paying the fees.  The visa for Indian students in the UK is subject to these procedures and requirements.

• Choose A Course And Institution: You must first choose the course you wish to take and look for a reputable UK educational institution that provides it.
• Check Visa Eligibility: Make sure you satisfy all requirements for receiving a student visa. This often entails meeting English language proficiency criteria, getting a valid Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from the educational institution, and having enough money to pay for tuition and living expenses.
• Apply For CAS: You will receive a CAS if you have been admitted to a UK educational institution. You must include the CAS, a special reference number, with your visa application.
• Complete The Online Application: You must fill out the online visa application form on the UK government’s official website. You can register for an account and complete the application form with the necessary data.
• Pay The Visa Fee: There is a charge associated with applying for a visa. Depending on the sort of visa you need and where you live, the cost may change.
• Provide Supporting Documents: Collect all the required supporting documentation, including your CAS, passport, bank statements, academic transcripts, and any other records the UK government may require.
• Wait For Processing: Depending on where you are, the processing period for a UK student visa can change. It’s crucial to apply well in advance of the date you want to go.

Scholarship For Indian Students To Study In the UK

There are various scholarships for Indian students to study in the UK. It’s important to remember, though, that scholarship opportunities and their specifics are subject to change. I advise visiting the official websites of the scholarship sponsors to find the most recent information. Here are some well-known scholarships offered to Indian students:

• Commonwealth Scholarships And Fellowships: The UK government offers these scholarships to students from Commonwealth nations, including India. From undergraduate to doctoral degrees, the grants fund a range of educational levels. For more information, go to the Commonwealth Scholarships website.
• Oxford and Cambridge Society Of India (OCSI) Scholarships: Indian students who have been admitted to the Universities of Oxford or Cambridge may apply for scholarships through the OCSI.
• Great Scholarships: The participating UK universities in this program give many scholarships to Indian students. The scholarships are designed to aid students in studying a variety of subjects. For information about updates and applications, see the British Council website.

Fees Structure for Indian Students to Study In the UK

Depending on the university, the level of study, the course, and its length, the cost for Indian students to study in the UK might vary greatly. You can offer some general information on the average fee ranges for various levels of study as of my most recent update in September 2021:

• Undergraduate Programs: International students, particularly those from India, typically pay greater tuition costs than students from the UK or the EU for undergraduate degrees. Depending on the university and the major, the annual tuition for undergraduate programs can range from £10,000 to £30,000 or more.
• Postgraduate Programs: The cost of postgraduate courses, such as master’s degrees and postgraduate diplomas, is typically higher than that of undergraduate courses. Depending on the university and the topic of study selected, the annual tuition for postgraduate programs can range from £12,000 to £35,000 or more.

Remember that all numbers are approximations and may have changed since my previous update. Additionally, tuition costs may be greater at some elite institutions and in some specialized programs.

When budgeting for their studies in the UK, students need to take into account additional costs in addition to tuition, such as housing, living expenses, study materials, and health insurance.