Seems shocking as it sounds, more unrealistic at first that you can still apply for a student visa (Tier 4 general student visa) without appearing for IELTS. It is pretty clear that the exam is not easy to crack as the examiner checks all your language-related abilities i.e., Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking. As we all know that India is not under the native English-speaking country list, as an international student one has to show proof that they can understand, write and speak the basic English language. To confine the condition of English entry criteria, the British education system has accelerated few routes to apply for study. IELTS is not the only option or mandatory here in this case! There are various ways you can prove to the university and immigration authority that you are eligible for getting admission and the visa which is not rocket science for UK study aspirants of 2021. Besides the fact of epidemic Covid-19, having various variants of it in the country the British government has decided to provide the best safety health measures so that students can continue with their studies without wasting another year. Nonetheless, UK institutions are offering a plethora of courses to both undergraduate and postgraduate aspirants with liberal entry criteria. 

Coming to the main aim of the discussion which is various ways of applying for studies without IELTS: 

• Interview Assessment: Through this process, one can prove their clear intention of further studies in any university as they are qualified and have enough understanding of the English language through which they can study in an English-speaking country. Basically, an interview is held by the university to check your language proficiency. If they approve you, you will get the Offer letter in order to proceed with your CAS and Visa Application. 

Note: Term CAS here stands for Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies means a crucial electronic document to be released by the university which you chose in order to lodge the visa file. To obtain a CAS letter one needs to satisfy the conditions mentioned in their perspective offer letter. 

• English Marks obtained in the senior secondary school: If students have scored 70% or more in their perspective English subject, they may get selected by some universities that are offering undergraduate and postgraduate course options. That automatically proves your English proficiency. 

• English-based Graduation: If you are aspiring for your Masters’s degree from the UK and have studied for a bachelor’s degree in English, you may not need to undergo IELTS.

• MOI – Medium of Instruction: If you could justify that you have studied thoroughly in English medium then you can apply without IELTS. 

Pre-sessional English course: For those who wish to apply to a UK university without undergoing any proficiency test, this option is best for them. All universities in the UK offer English courses to study in prior to their main diploma or degree. This course is generally short-term courses, the length may depend on your academic progress but is also a convenient way to pick the study option.