The United States of America is one of the most sought-after destinations for students who are interested in higher studies. To study in the US, proving your English language proficiency is a must. For this, many students take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. In fact, across the world, the IELTS exam is seen as a widely accepted medium for checking a student’s knowledge about the English exam. However, one can also study in the USA without attempting the IELTS exam.
There are several alternatives to the IELTS exam, which the students can opt for to show how proficient they are in English. Over the years, the admission process in the USA has become easier as the IELTS exam no longer stands as a barrier. There are several prestigious universities in the USA where students can study without taking the IELTS exam. All they have to do is look out for an alternative to the exam at their respective university.
Are you wondering about which university and IELTS alternative to look out for in the US? Well, in this blog we will tell you about how you can study in the USA without taking the IELTS exam.
Process to Study in the USA without the IELTS
There might be several students who wish to study in the USA, but they fear taking the IELTS exam. Either, they might have got a very low score or may have failed. Well, no need for you to worry. You can still study in America, without the IELTS. While study abroad consultants can help you know about this, we will also be giving you an idea about how being a foreign student you can study in the USA, without the IELTS. The basic process is:
- Check Eligibility Criteria- Find out about specific universities in the USA where taking the IELTS exam is not compulsory. Look for alternatives to the IELTS exam, which the university accepts like TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English test, or any other requirements.
- Attempting alternative English language Proficiency Test- Schedule and take tests like TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo English tests, in replacement of IELTS in case you do not meet the English proficiency criteria.
- Gathering Application Documents- Keep all your transcripts, LORs, SOPs, and alternative English proficiency test scores.
- Finding out about Student Loans/Scholarships- See whether there are any student education loans or scholarship schemes available which you can benefit from.
- Apply for a USA Student Visa- After receiving your application letter from a university, you need to apply for an F-1 visa. Ensure that you complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa fees and attend the Visa interview.
Study in America without the IELTS
The IELTS exam can stand in the way of international students who wish to study in the USA. It is not only a difficult exam but is quite tough for non-native English speakers. Giving the exam multiple times is also not a feasible option due to its high exam fees.
In case you wish to study in the USA without attempting the IELTS exam, here are some things to keep in mind:
- English should have been one of your core subjects during high school.
- A letter from your previous university stating that you have completed the course in English language.
- Students belonging to a country where English is the official language may be exempt from attempting the IELTS exam.
- A student may be exempted from taking the IELTS in case he has scored well in the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing parts of the SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) or ACT’s (American College Testing) English section.
- Some of the US universities may hold a direct interview to check a student’s English competency. This makes them aware of your communication skills and whether you will be able to settle in an English-speaking academic environment or not.
- Written documents like SOPs, essays, and LOR are very essential to study in the USA. To make an impression on the admission authorities, you must write in a way, that makes you stand out. For a well-written SOP, essay and LOR, you can seek help from study abroad consultants and professional SOP writers. Many US universities may also look at a student’s academic records, LOR, essays, and interviews, in addition to English proficiency, while evaluating a student’s application.
If not IELTS, then what?
While the IELTS exam is essential for students pursuing higher education, it is not a mandatory requirement for all universities in the USA. IELTS is optional for students who have graduated from a native English institution. If you have completed your undergraduate degree from a university in a native English country, you do not have to take the IELTS exam. Here are some alternative exams you need to attempt in replacement of the IELTS to study in the USA. They are:
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) is a computer-based English language test that checks the English language skills of non-native English speakers. It has three versions: PTE Academic, General, and Young Learners. Based on what your university prefers, you can either take the academic or general PTE test. As per your preference, you can select a slot for the exam. It is held throughout the year. To be able to study in a university in the US, foreign students must score between 50-70 in the PTE.
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) measures all four components of language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. To be able to study in a US university, you must achieve a minimum score of 90 marks in TOEFL.
- Duolingo is another famous English language proficiency test accepted by many universities in the USA. A major benefit of taking a Duolingo exam is you can attempt the test from anywhere. All you need is a stable internet connection and a laptop/computer and you are set for the test. Overseas students should be able to obtain a score between 100-150 in Duolingo, to be able to seek admission at a US university.
- Cambridge English Exams- The Cambridge English Qualifications are detailed assessments that make the process of learning the English language more interesting and beneficial. It provides you with a scope for improvement while guiding you throughout the process so that you can get better results.
- Intensive English Language Programs (IELP) are offered by institutions in the USA for international students who are not proficient in English. It gives foreign students a chance to build upon their English language skills before they enroll themselves in a US university.
- English as a Second Language Courses (ESL) are designed for non-native English speakers. ESL includes sections like pronunciation, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary which will help students learn the English language in a better manner.
Top Universities in the USA without IELTS
Many students wish to study in America, but they feel that their incompetency in the English language may come their way. However, this no longer stands as an obstacle because there are several universities in the USA where international students can study without the IELTS exam. Let us narrow down your choice for universities in the USA that accept students without the IELTS. Below is a list of the top universities in the USA where IELTS is not necessary.
- University of Colorado
- Rice University
- Clark University
- Michigan State University
- American University
1. University of Colorado
The University of Colorado was established in 1876 in Boulder, California. It is a public research university and comprises 9 colleges and schools. As per the US News and World Report, it is at the 46th position in the category of ‘Top Public Schools’ in the US. It has an 81% acceptance rate and a student-faculty ratio of 19:1. A student needs to obtain a high school GPA of 3.8, a SAT score between 1150 and 1390 and ACT range should be between 27 and 32.
It comprises 9 colleges and schools, which are:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Leeds School of Business
- School of Education
- College of Engineering and Applied Science
- Graduate School
- University of Colorado, Law School
- College of Media, Communication and Information
- College of Music
- Continuing Education and Professional Studies
- Program in Environmental Design
If you wish to be a part of the top ranking Physical Chemistry and Clinical Psychology program, then University of Colorado is the place for you. Its departments of Physical Chemistry and Clinical Psychology are ranked 8th and 10th in US. Other popular majors are Business, Management, Marketing, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, Communication, Journalism, and Physical Sciences.
When it comes to a student’s competency in the English language, the University of Colorado accepts scores of a student in a TOEFL [550 (paper-based), or 80 (internet-based)], PTE (atleast 58 score) or a Duolingo test (minimum score-120) or if s/he has completed an English language course from a verified institution. Also, if you have completed at least two years of your secondary education in an English-speaking country, you may be exempt from the English language proficiency criteria.
Tuition Fees– $34,876 for in-state students and $63,220 for out-of-state students.
Academic Calendar–
a)Spring Semester- mid-January to Early May
b) Summer Semester- mid-May to End of May
c) Fall Semester- Late August to mid-December
University Website– https://www.colorado.edu/
2. Rice University
Officially known as the William Marsh Rice University, the Rice University headquartered in Hosutan, Texas, US was built in 1912. It is ranked 6th in the list of ‘Best Value Schools’ in the US, as per the US News and World Reports. With a low student-faculty ratio of just 6:1, it offers personalized guidance to its students. Its acceptance rate is 8%. To seek admission at Rice University, your ACT range should be between 34-36 and SAT score range should be1500-1570.
It has 8 schools, which are:
- School of Humanities
- School of Social Sciences
- Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business
- George R. Brown School of Engineering
- Wiess School of Natural Sciences
- Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies
- Rice School of Architecture
- Shepherd School of Music
Majority of students enroll in its undergraduate courses. A student can really benefit from the university’s top-ranked study programs which are Mechanical Engineering, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, and Biochemistry. Other well-known subjects are: Business, Physics, and Astronomy.
It accepts TOEFL (minimum score of 90 on iBT TOEFL or 600 on paper-based TOEFL) and Duolingo scores (score atleast 115) as well, apart from the IELTS scores to check an international student’s proficiency in English. It is for those students who belong to countries where English is not their first language.
Tuition Fees– $78,978
Academic Calendar–
a) Fall Semester- Late August to Early December
b) Spring Semester- Early January to mid-April
c) Summer Semester- Early May to mid-August
University Website– https://www.rice.edu/
3. Clark University
The Clark University was formed in the year 1887, in Worcester, Massachusetts, US as the 1st all-graduate institute. It is a liberal arts-based university with an acceptance rate of 42%. According to the US News and World Reports 2025, it is among the ‘Best Value Schools’ in the US at the 42nd position. It has an effective student-faculty ratio of 9:1.
To study in the Clark University, a student must secure a SAT score between the range of 1240 and 1400 and ACT score between 30-33, alongwith a high school GPA of 3.7. Being a part of this University, which was the only place in the USA where Sigmund Freud delivered his lectures and where the modern rocket was invented by Robert Goddard.
The most sought-after courses here are Psychology, Management, Biology, Economics and Political Science. Other well-known study programs here are marketing, data science, finance, and mathematics education. Gaming and media enthusiasts are in for a treat here as Clark University’s recently introduced majors in interactive media/game design has been ranked 3rd in the world as per the Princeton Review.
International students applying for Clark University must provide information about their scores in a English language test apart from IELTS. It can be TOEFL (85 overall) or PTE (61 total score, with no band less than 55) or Duolingo English test (minimum score between 100-120). Apart from this, the foreign student can also show that they have completed the ESL with a minimum score of 112 or have completed the EC English B2 + Pre Advanced level exam.
There is an exciting opportunity for out-of-state students who wish to study in the USA without attempting the IELTS exam at the Clark University. It offers the Clark Merit Scholarships which are meant for overseas students in the first year of their undergraduate course who have a meritorious academic score are eligible.
Tuition Fees– $68, 827
Academic Calendar–
a) Summer Term- mid-May to mid-August
b) Fall Term- End of August to mid-December
c) Intersession- Late December to Early January
d) Spring Semester- mid-January to Early May
University Website– https://www.clarku.edu/
4. Michigan State University (MSU)
Founded in 1855, the Michigan State University is located in East Lansing, Michigan, US. According to the US News and World Reports, it is ranked 30th in the list of ‘Top Public Schools’ in the US. It has an acceptance rate of 84%. If you wish to be a part of this university, your high school GPA should be 3.8, SAT score in the range of 1150-1350 and ACT range between 26 and 31.
It has 6 professional schools, which are:
- College of Law
- Eli Broad College of Business
- College of Nursing
- College of Osteopathic Medicine
- College of Human Medicine
- College of Veterinary Medicine
MSU’s undergraduate programs have been ranked first by US News and World Reports for decades. The most in-demand courses at Michigan State University are Nuclear Physics, Rehabilitation counseling, Industrial and organizational psychology, African history, African and American history, Criminal justice/criminology, and Econometrics.
An alternative proof of English language proficiency is needed like TOEFL (at least score 79) and Duolingo (minimum score 110) or the PTE (a score of 48 or higher. You can also take the MSUELT (Michigan State University English Language Test) and achieve at least a score of 65 or more. Foreign students are likely to benefit from Michigan State University’s scholarship for students across all disciplines which doesn’t require an IELTS score. It provides certain scholarships based on the admission requirements and financial needs of students.
Tuition Fees– $35,036 for in-state students and $61,388 for international students.
Academic Calendar–
a) Fall Full Session- Late August to mid-December
b) Spring Full Session- mid-January to Early May
c) Summer Full Session- Early May to mid-August
University Website– https://msu.edu/
5. American University
The American University was established in 1893 and is headquartered in Washington, D.C. In the Forbes list of ‘America’s Top Colleges’ in 2025, it is ranked 2nd for students who wish to study abroad. Its student-faculty ratio is 10:1. To seek admission at the American University, you must achieve a SAT score between 1290 and 1450 and your ACT range should be between 29 and 32.
It comprises 8 schools and colleges:
- School of International Service (SIS)
- College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)
- Kogod School of Business (KSB)
- School of Communication (SOC)
- Professional Studies and Executive Education
- School of Public Affairs (SPA)
- School of Education (SOE)
- Washington College of Law (WCL)
The top study programs at the American University are International Relations, Business, Political Science and Government, Liberal Arts and Humanities, Public Relations, Criminal Justice and Saftety Studies. Other popular courses are Finance, Economics, Public Health and Psychology.
All international students have to submit official test scores of whichever English proficiency exam they take be it TOEFL (minimum marks of 100), PTE (score at least 68), or Duolingo English Test (120-basic marks) apart from the IELTS (at least score 7.0). The American University Emerging Leadership Scholarship was started for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree who have a thorough knowledge of the ongoing events in the world, are inspired to bring positive changes, have leadership skills, and have an excellent academic score.
Tuition Fees– $76,198
Academic Calendar–
a) Fall Semester- End of August to mid-December
b) Spring Semester- mid-December to Early January
c) Summer Semester- mid-January to mid-August
University Website– https://www.american.edu/
Scholarships to Study in America without the IELTS
Worried about studying in the USA but not having sufficient funds? Well, let us tell you that to make your dream of studying in America come true, there are several scholarships that a student can avail and it doesn’t even require you to take the IELTS exam. Below are some of the scholarship programs available to study in the USA without the IELTS.
- The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is a scholarship initiative by the US government that is fully funded and is available to graduates, professionals, and artists. To be eligible for this, an applicant needs to have exceptional academic and professional achievement.
- The Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship is given to students pursuing postgraduation who belong to developing countries and have dire financial need.
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program is for accomplished individuals from specific countries who are interested in pursuing further professional study.
- Tortuga Study Abroad Scholarships are meant for international undergraduate students who are avid travelers.
- The NextGen Scholarships was started by Andrena Sawyer, an entrepreneur. It is offered by P.E.R.K Consulting and involves a scholarship amount of $100. It is meant for foreign students who are high school seniors or recent graduates. S/he must have at least obtained a minimum GPA of 3.0., to be eligible.
- Rotary Peace Scholarships are given by the Rotary International. It covers the tuition, living expenses, and field study costs for international students who have enrolled in a Master’s program and wish to work towards the establishment of peace.
USA Study Visa without IELTS
Securing a student visa to be able to study in the USA, is compulsory. Are you keen to know about what it takes to study in America without taking the IELTS exam? While you can take the help of study abroad consultants for this, we are here to provide you with a step-by-step guide about how as an overseas student, you can study in the USA without the IELTS. The key requirements are:
- Check University Admission Requirements- While applying for a university in the USA, find out about their language proficiency criteria. Some universities accept the TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo English Test, as an alternative to the IELTS or based on your qualifications (Eg- Having studied earlier in an English-speaking country, you might be exempted from attempting the IELTS.
- Acceptance from a SEVP- Certified School- You need to submit your application and get it approved by an educational institute that comes under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, you will receive a Form I-20 from the institution, which is required for you to apply for a student visa for the USA.
- Payment of SEVIS Fee- Once you receive your Form I-20, you need to register yourself with the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor System) and pay the SEVIS-I fee which is mandatory for all foreign students and exchange visitors.
- Complete the Non-Immigrant Visa Application- Provide all the necessary details while filling out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160), including your SEVIS-ID (from the I-20 form), and upload your photo as per the specific instructions.
- Being Set for the Visa Interview- You need to schedule your visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate. Then, prepare for the interview and gather the required documents, which are:
-
- Valid Passport
- Form I-20
- Receipt for your SEVIS-fee payment
- Receipt showing that you have paid the visa application fees
- Financial proof showing how your education costs (tuition and living expenses) for the duration of your studies in the USA will be covered.
- Any additional documents like your academic transcripts, standardized test scores and proof of ties to your native country.
- Giving the Visa Interview- During your visa interview, the consular officer will decide whether you are eligible for getting an F-1 student visa or not. You must be able to convince s/he that you will return home after your studies are over.
Documents Required to Study in America without IELTS
As an international student, you may be asked to submit some other documents as well, but below are some of the basic documentation that you need to provide:
- Form I-20
- Payment of Application fees for SEVIS
- Printout of the Confirmation page of DS-160
- A Valid passport
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Letter of acceptance from the university
- CV
- Academic Transcripts
- Proof of Accommodation
- Proof of Financial Support
- Healthcare cover
Conclusion
If you are thinking that being less competent in the English language, might stand as a hindrance to your dream of studying in the US, then there is no need for you to worry. Recently, with the rise of international students wanting to study in America, the universities in the USA no longer have the IELTS exam as a mandatory prerequisite for proving your English proficiency. To ease out the admissions process for foreign students, there are various tests available which the students can take to show their knowledge of the English language.
All you need to do is search for a specific university that offers your course, see whether it accepts students without the IELTS exam, what are the other alternatives for it and if it offers any scholarships for non-native English speakers or not. Also, you need to find out how to obtain a study visa for USA without attempting the IELTS exam, look for the specific documents that are needed, gather them and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Various study abroad consultants can guide you about studying in America without IELTS if you feel that you need more clarity on this topic.
Apart from taking the alternative exams for IELTS like PTE/TIEFL/Duolingo English test, at times USA universities also see how well a student’s educational and professional experience is. They see how well has the SOP/Scholarship essay/LOR been written to check their personality and ability to survive in an English speaking educational setting. So you see to be able to study in the USA, how important it becomes for you to write your SOP, LOR, Scholarship essay in a coherent manner. To present yourself in a distinctive way, you always have various professional SOP writers at your service. Contentholic, with its team of one of the best SOP writers in India will provide you with SOP and LOR writing services. Do feel free to contact us and we promise to deliver our best.
