STUDY ABROAD WITHOUT TOEFL/IELTS
Did you know that you can study abroad without IELTS or TOEFL?
The TOEFL or IELTS exam requirement is one of the hardest obstacles to overcome in order to be admitted to a reputable university abroad. Many overseas students do not have the necessary level of English proficiency to pass the TOEFL or IELTS exams since they come from non-English speaking homes and have had minimal exposure to the language. These assessments add to the already mounting costs that students must bear for a top-notch education.
What are TOEFL and IELTS?
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS ((International English Language Testing System) are tests designed to determine the speaking, reading, and listening skills of the student in the English language. TOEFL is mostly used to get into American schools while IELTS is accepted by many schools in the United Kingdom.
A satisfactory score in these tests is the English language minimum entry requirement for admission into most universities in the world. Almost every school has its own satisfactory TOEFL/IELTS score and almost every course in these schools requires a benchmark for international students’ qualification to study for that course.
While some foreign colleges do not require TOEFL or IELTS test results, others admit non-English speaking international applicants if they complete additional proficiency tests, such as the Intensive English Language Program (IELP).
COUNTRIES WHERE YOU CAN STUDY WITHOUT TOEFL/IELTS
1. USA
It's interesting to note that very few US institutions are known to waive the requirement for students from specific nations to submit their results from English proficiency tests. International students typically do not need to take the TOEFL or IELTS if English is their first language. In order to secure a spot at the school of their choosing, students must now be sure to thoroughly investigate the institutions online prior to submitting an application. Doing your homework about your school simplifies and eases the admissions procedure.
2. CANADA
Many universities in Canada do not require TOEFL/IELTS for admission. Essentially, students who have lived and attended school, for at least four years, in a country where English is the acknowledged primary language do not need to submit additional proof of proficiency. International students are usually required to have well above-average academic records, SAT/GRE scores, and other university-specific requirements appropriate to the program they wish to pursue.
Universities in Canada are aware that graduates of accredited schools who took English-language teaching during their degree programs frequently demonstrate a high level of proficiency in the language, whether it be in speaking, writing, or reading. Therefore, they believed it was reasonable to remove the need for an English language competence exam, such as the IELTS, which requires a minimum score of 6.0, in order to facilitate students' applications for Canadian higher education.
3. UK
To get admitted into the UK without the IELTS exam, you will need to submit alternate requirements including the following:
From an English-speaking country: In some cases, students who have completed their high school education in an English-speaking country may be exempt from providing additional English language proficiency tests.
Received High School Education in English-medium schools: Some universities let you be admitted in the UK without the IELTS requirement for international students who have studied in English-medium schools or institutions for a certain number of years.
Specific requirements may vary by university, so it’s important to check with each institution individually to determine if you are eligible for universities in the UK without IELTS.
Other English Language Proficiency Tests: While IELTS is the most commonly accepted English language test in the UK, you can attempt other English proficiency tests like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), PTE (Pearson Test of English), and Cambridge English Exams (such as Cambridge Advanced or Cambridge Proficiency).
Note: It’s important to check with the university if they accept these tests before you apply. Also, make note of their minimum requirements before you take these tests.
English Language Pre-sessional Courses: Many universities in the UK offer pre-sessional courses for international students who do not meet the required English language proficiency levels.
These courses help students improve their English language skills and meet the language requirements for their desired degree programs.
However, different courses/programmes need different levels of language skills. These language skills can be referred to as ‘profiles’. The profile for an international student’s chosen course/career may need English, country preference, or not.
4. GERMANY
The requirements for admission to German universities differ among them. In most cases, students who have a bachelor's degree with English as their primary language of instruction or who speak English as their mother tongue are not required to take the TOEFL or IELTS. A letter from the student's institution is all that some colleges need to confirm the student's English language proficiency. Specific language proficiency is required for entrance to several university programs. Because of this, some courses have an English language proficiency requirement, while others do not. To qualify for English Philology courses, for instance, one must pass the language proficiency exam.
Students are required to check the requirements of their courses in the desired university before they apply as they may be lucky to find some courses that are free from TOEFL/IELTS requirements.
5. AUSTRALIA
When a student has completed a few years of study in an English-speaking nation or if English was their primary medium of instruction in high school, Australian universities may choose not to require TOEFL or IELTS scores. In addition, some graduate schools might accept applicants without a TOEFL or IELTS score if officials from their undergraduate institution can attest to the fact that English was their primary language of instruction.
If you are reading these, you now know that you can study abroad without TOEFL/IELTS. For more helpful tips on studying abroad, read The Cost of Studying Abroad: Navigating the Financial Challenges — StudySpace | Simplified access to global education for all | StudySpace, Ltd
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