Thousands of international students choose the USA as their first study-abroad destination. But getting admitted to US universities can be tough because they ask for good TOEFL or IELTS exam scores. These tests are a minimum requirement for most US universities. That’s why many international students search for Universities in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL test scores.
Lots of students who come from countries where English is not the main language face difficulties. Some of them might have taken English classes but they haven’t reached the required level of English proficiency to take those exams.
The TOEFL/IELTS test certificate is compulsory for many universities in the US. This makes it hard for many students to get admitted to these universities.
Is it possible to study at universities in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL? Â
You will need to meet certain criteria to obtain admission to a university in the US without IELTS or TOEFL tests:
- If you speak English as your first language, you won’t need to take IELTS or TOEFL tests.
- If you’ve studied in the USA for at least one year, in most cases you don’t have to provide a test certificate either.
- Some universities in the USA will offer students Intensive English Language Program (IELP) to help them improve their language skills. This way, they can study in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL.
- 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 waive the IELTS or TOEFL requirement for students who completed their high school or bachelor’s degree in English.
Check: Ultimate Guide to Cost of Studying in USA for International Students
What is an IELP program in the USA?
In the USA, some universities don’t ask for IELTS or TOEFL scores. These universities let students with no English background join if they take the Intensive English Language Program, or known as the IELP program.
Students will take an English course based on their English skills. The IELP program will help students to improve their English language skills (strengthen their abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking). It also prepares them for their university studies.
International students can choose between full-time or part-time Intensive English Courses depending on their visa status. Those with an F-1 Student Visa need to take a full-time course with 20 hours per week. However, students who live in the US on B Visa or F-2 Visa can go for part-time English courses.
Check: F1 Student Visa Guide: All You Need to Know About USA Student Visa
American Language and Culture Programs (ALCPs)
The American Language and Culture Programs are the second type of English as a second language program (ESL). International students usually take this course to earn academic credit for their college or university degrees. But to join, students need to have an intermediate or advanced level of English proficiency.
Check: Ultimate Guide to Study at The University Of South Florida USF
List of universities in 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 have studied for one academic year in the USA, or completed two academic years in an English-speaking country.
The University of Colorado accepts the Duolingo English test as an alternative to IELTS or TOEFL scores.Â
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 study for international students who want to earn a master’s degree. Also, Drexel University accepts the Duolingo English test.
Check: 10 best In demand degrees with guaranteed Jobs in USA
3. University of Arkansas
Another choice for international students who want to study at universities in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL is the University of Arkansas. They offer the IELP program (Intensive English Language Program) for these students.
4. University of Dayton
In order to be admitted to the University of Dayton, international 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 studies, you can study at California state university without an IELTS score.
Check: Guide to transferring universities or college to university in the US
6. University of New Orleans
The University of New Orleans has an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) for international students.
7. University of Delaware
International students can participate in a year-long academic preparation program before beginning their studies at the University of Delaware. They don’t need to submit IELTS or TOEFL test scores for this program.
The university offers conditional admission based on completing the preparation 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).
Check: Becoming a doctor in the US: How long is medical school in the US?
9. Rice University
Rice University doesn’t have specific English language requirements. So 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 USA without IELTS or TOEFL on our list accept Duolingo English Test (DET). At the University of Arkansas, they consider it as an additional measure for admission on a case-by-case basis in certain situations.
Can you apply for a US student visa without IELTS or TOEFL?
To apply for a USA visa, one of the requirements is that the student must have a good level of English proficiency.
If you’re from an English-speaking country or finished your secondary education or bachelor studies in English, so 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 scores.
So if you get accepted into one of the Universities in the USA without IELTS or TOEFL, you need the admission letter and must have strong English communication skills for the US Student Visa (F1) Interview.
See: Ultimate guide to Community Colleges in the USA for international students
Golden Gate is here to help!
If you would like to study in the USA, we at the Golden Gate Study Abroad Agency can help you through the whole application process. Just send us your request now, and we’ll get in touch with you soon. Fill out our application following the link below and within 24 hours one of our advisors will contact you and give you all the information you need!
