IELTS has traditionally been the definitive English language credential for foreign students, but now it’s just one choice. In recent years, there has been a great expansion of alternatives to IELTS available from both universities and immigration departments around the world: alternative language tests (TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, CAEL, OET), pre-sessional courses, and waivers for students who did their education at an English language institute. This means even if IELTS isn’t the best choice for you, you can still pursue an education abroad. This resource outlines the alternatives, the respective nations or forms of higher education institutions where they can be used, application advice, and a quick list of FAQs.
Three developments made alternatives popular:
- Universities aim at making processes simpler and accessible to talent, so they accept various English tests or proof of English education in the past.
- More recent tests, such as the Duolingo English Test, are more affordable, online, and quicker, and these features are highly appealing to both the applicants and the institutions.
- Pathway-providing institutions and pre-sessional English courses allow students to enhance their language abilities whilst gaining a place on a degree course.
Chief competitors for IELTS
- TOEFL iBT – Generally accepted, particularly in the USA and Canada.
- PTE Academic - quick turn-around times, widely accepted by Australian, UK, Canadian, and other institutions.
- Duolingo English Test (DET) - entirely online and accepted by an increasing number of institutions worldwide (in situations where test centers are not accessible).
- CAEL / CanTEST / OET - specific to an area or countries (e.g., medical professionals may opt for OET exams).
- English language proficiency: Many institutions do not require English proficiency tests if one has finished their schooling or done an English degree.
- University pre-sessional/language pathway programs - conditional offers to study English and entry into the university degree program upon passing.
Countries wherein one can often learn without IELTS (and how)
Below are countries where non-IELTS pathways are common, with typical options and example institutions or routes.
The list of accepted English language proficiency tests in Canada includes TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, CAEL, and sometimes education from an English-speaking institution. Some Canadian universities and colleges mention more than one test accepted in their list of criteria or offer a pathway program to the school. If you are planning to go to Canada, it would be advisable to check the school’s criteria as some now include Duolingo/TOEFL or PTE tests.
Common paths: submit scores for TOEFL, PTE, or Det, or apply to a pathway provider or English-medium waiver.
United Kingdom
UK institutions increasingly accept other English language tests such as PTE, TOEFL, and the Duolingo English Test for intake, and a few institutions can offer pre-session English where required.
Note: There may be certain visa requirements. Make sure it accepts a particular test when applying for a particular visa.
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For example, many UK universities have DET/PTE/TOEFL cutoffs for courses that you can check on the course page and from the FAQ page on the university’s website for international applications.
There is great diversity among US institutions, with some still requiring TOEFL or IELTS scores but ever-increasing acceptance of Duolingo, PTE, or having conditional acceptance through Intensive English Programs (IEPs) on campus. Smaller liberal arts colleges and public universities tend to be more accommodating. Check at the program level every time.
Typical routes: DET/PTE/TOEFL, EAP - English for Academic Purposes programs, or proof of medium of instruction being English.
TOEFL and PTE results can be accommodated easily by both nations; additionally, some colleges consider Duolingo in special cases. In Australia, a pathway or pre-sessional course is being offered if you fail the language requirements. In NZ, colleges can use alternative results or prior experience in an English-medium system.
Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and other European nations
Programs in local languages (such as Germany in German) may not require English proficiency tests. TOEFL/PTE or English proficiency test exemptions may be available with English-language bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Each member state has varying policies. Check admissions on individual universities’ websites.
Other locations (UAE, Russia, some Eastern European & Asian universities)
There are some English-medium programs at universities in the UAE, Russia, and Eastern European countries that accept alternatives or offer waivers, while some medical and technical colleges advertise the "no IELTS required" intake (particularly for international recruitment fair events). One should always refer to the official site of the university.
Example university-level scenarios
- Direct Acceptance with Duolingo/PTE/TOEFL: Many universities post other acceptable tests and the minimum score requirements on the program webpage. (Check for the exact minimum score requirements; these can differ depending on course type and faculty.)
- Conditional offer + pre-sessional English: The university makes a conditional offer, after which the student takes a language course lasting anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months, after which they are able to pursue their degree.
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- Waiver based on prior education: If yourDegree/Diploma has been completed entirely in English, you may be able to have the test scores waived by the admissions department – often requiring aletter from your previous school.
How to choose the right alternative (practical checklist)
- Some details are better confirmed by checking what the university's admissions page says directly—and that is more authoritative. (You don’t want to go by what some blog sites say.)
- Visa acceptibility should be confirmed. Certain national immigration policies state the permitted tests for the issuance of visas.
- Compare test facilities:Duolingo (free) - online, quick results.TOELF/PTE - testing facilities or by prior appointment.Choose accordingly! - Brian Baylis, Facebook comment
- If your marks are just below the direct entry requirements, think about conditional offers/pathways.
- The documentation of English-medium education must be done properly (transcript, letter of medium of instruction) if the waiver
Tips to increase the strength of your applications without IELTS
- Obtain the medium of instruction letter from your school/university if your previous studies were undertaken in English.
- Do a quick DET or PTE test and submit the results – Duolingo is recognized by most institutions and is easy to get.
- Mention early application and incorporate examples of the use of English in your application.
- Research the language study options available through providers linked with your chosen university.
Q: Does Duolingo help with visas?
A: Many institutions accept the Duolingo English Test for admissions; however, whether the DET comes under the visa requirements needs to be checked according to the country’s immigration policies.
Q: Do I need to take IELTS to study in Germany?
A: Yes, but for German-language programs, IELTS may not be required, whereas English-language programs accept TOEFL/PTE scores or do not require it if English-educated candidates apply. Always check it on a program webpage.
Q: Will my school leaving certificate be acceptable for universities?
A: Some, particularly if it specifies the language of instruction is English. Usually it's necessary to have an official letter on official letterhead.
Final checklist before you press submit
- It is best to check the accepted tests and minimum scores on the program’s web page.
- Check visa/test acceptance with the advice available on the government’s website regarding immigration or with the international office at the university.
- If you are thinking of asking for a waiver, please collect the medium-of-instruction documents.