Many international students choose the USA as their first study abroad destination. The main struggle is to find USA Universities Without IELTS. Where most universities in the United States require a good score on these tests as a minimum admissions criterion. That’s why a lot of international students try to find Universities in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL test scores.
Many international students come from Non-English backgrounds. Some of them might have gone through an English course but did not reach the level of proficiency required to undertake those exams.
The TOEFL/IELTS test certificate is compulsory for many universities in the US. So many students find it difficult to get admitted to these universities.
Is it possible to study at universities in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL?
You will need to meet certain criteria to obtain admission to a university in the US without IELTS or TOEFL tests:
If you are a native English speaker, you will not have to take IELTS or TOEFL, or any English Language Proficiency Test.
If you have taken any kind of academic studies for at least one year in the USA, in most cases you don’t have to provide a test certificate either.
Some universities in the USA will offer students an Intensive English Language Program (IELP).
There are also some summer programs in the US that students can attend to advance their English Language Proficiency. Thus they can study in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL.
There are some universities in the USA that offer bridging courses for those who did not get direct admission. Especially students that did not meet the minimum English Language requirements.
Many US universities will not require IELTS or TOEFL tests for students who already studied secondary/high school education or bachelor’s degree in the English Language.
What is an IELP program in the USA?
There are several universities in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL requirements. As those universities allow students to enroll even with zero English background, only if they take the Intensive English Language Program or known as IELP program.
Students will have to go through an English course depending on their English language proficiency level. The IELP program will help students to improve their English language skills (strengthen their abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking), and prepare them for University studies.
International students can choose between full-time or part-time Intensive English Courses depending on their status. Students with an F-1 Student Visa must enroll in a full-time course with 20 hours per week. However, for students who live in the US on a B Visa or F-2 Visa, part-time study is appropriate for their status.
American Language and Culture Programs (ALCPs)
The American Language and Culture Program is the second type of English as a second language program (ESL) program. International students usually take this course to gain academic credit as a part of a college or university degree program. However, it requires an intermediate or advanced level of English language proficiency before enrollment.
List of universities in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL
Here is a list of universities in the United States that do not require IELTS/TOEFL:
1. University of Colorado
To study at the University of Colorado without IELTS or TOEFL, the student has to prove that he comes from an English-speaking country or he has studied an academic year as a student in the USA or completed two academic years in an English-speaking country.
The university accepts the Duolingo English test as an alternative for IELTS or TOEFL.
2. Drexel University
Students have two options to study at Drexel University without IELTS or TOEFL. The first one is joining the University Preparation Summer Program (UPSP), and the second is joining the FCBP program.
FCBP is a prequalifying year of undergraduate study for international students who wish to earn a master’s degree. In addition, Drexel university accepts the Duolingo English test.
3. University of Arkansas
Another option for universities in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL, the University of Arkansas offers the IELP program (Intensive English Language Program) for international students.
4. University of Dayton
To be admitted to the University of Dayton, students can take the Intensive English Language Program (IELP).
5. California State University
IF you can prove that English was the language of instruction during your secondary education or Bachelor’s studies, you can study at California state university without an IELTS score.
6. University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans offers an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for international students.
7. University of Delaware
International students can follow a year-long academic preparation program, before starting their studies at the University of Delaware without sending IELTS or TOEFL test scores.
The university offers conditional admission based on completing the program and achieving the required level of English.
8. University of North Alabama
For international students who are looking to be admitted to Universities in the USA without IELTS, the University of North Alabama offers an English as a Second Language program (ESL).
9. Rice University
There are no specific requirements for the English language at Rice University. If you can prove that you have sufficient English language level, the admission department will assess your application without IELTS or TOEFL test scores.
Note that all universities in this list accept Duolingo English Test (DET). At the University of Arkansas, it is authorized as a supplemental measure for use on a case-by-case basis under prescribed circumstances for admission.
Can you apply for a US student visa without IELTS or TOEFL?
One of the requirements for a USA visa application is that a student must be sufficiently proficient in English.
So if you’re coming to the USA from an English-speaking country or you have completed your secondary education or bachelor’s studies with English as the language of instruction, you can apply for a US student visa without IELTS or TOEFL.
For international students from non-English speaking countries, it’s not going to be easy to get through the visa interview if you don’t have an IELTS or TOEFL score.
So if you get accepted into one of the Universities in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL, you need the admission letter with very good communication skills in English at the visa interview.
