Top 11 Countries to Study in Europe without IELTS in 2024

Pursuing education from a reputed university or institution in Europe comes with a long list of requirements and other conditions which you have to fulfill before obtaining admission. IELTS and other language proficiency test scores are often mandatory for several European and global universities, particularly where Indian students are concerned. Yet, there are several European nations and universities which allow you to study in Europe without IELTS scores.

Studying in Europe without IELTS comes as a relief to many students, particularly those anxious about getting a desirable score in the same, especially when they are non-native speakers of English. Apart from European countries like Germany, you can study in Europe without IELTS at universities in several other nations like Norway, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. 

Wondering how to study in Europe without IELTS? You will find ample options for a list of those countries where IELTS is not required, including many European nations. This includes almost all EU (European Union) countries with the exception of the United Kingdom along with other nations like the U.S, Norway, Holland, Malaysia, Canada and Australia. Studying abroad is hence not mandatory for several universities in Europe and other global regions. 

Top 10 Universities to Study in Europe Without IELTS

Europe is home to various universities that offer courses across different subjects. To seek admission to universities in Europe without IELTS, you need to complete your education from English-speaking countries like the USA, UK and Australia. All you have to do is clear the personal interview/video round once your application is selected for admission. Listed below are the universities which offer admission to students without IELTS. 

• American Business Schools
• Paris- EBS Paris
• University of Siegen
• University of Bologna
• Maynooth University
• University of Amsterdam
• University of Applied Sciences
• ESAIP School of Engineers
• Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague
• Technical University of Denmark

How to Study in Europe Without IELTS? 

Many countries in Europe allow you to study without IELTS. You should complete your research on institutions that do not require IELTS and, based on that, look for universities and courses you wish to apply for. After getting shortlisted for the personal interview, ensure all your documents are in place. If you clear the formalities successfully, you may obtain your confirmation letter or letter of acceptance from the institution you applied to. 

Here are some other pointers- 

• You can study in France without IELTS or TOEFL if the latest degree was completed with English as your education medium. You can get your language assessment done via Skype/video interview or individually. 
• You can study in Germany without IELTS, provided your medium of study is English, as shown in the MOI (Medium of Instruction) certificate. This will demonstrate your English language proficiency. 
• You can study without IELTS in Italy if the medium of instruction in your Bachelor’s is English.
• You can also complete higher studies in Poland without IELTS if you have completed your last degree with English as your education medium. 
• If you have studied your previous degree in English (for at least more than one year), you can consider Sweden as your study destination without the requirement of IELTS. 
• Spain offers a chance to study at several universities without IELTS. 
• Many universities in Hungary do not require IELTS or English language test scores.

Universities Offering Study Abroad Without IELTS

Here is a comprehensive guide toward studying abroad in Europe without IELTS-

EU Countries (apart from the UK)

1) You can study abroad in EU countries without IELTS or TOEFL by demonstrating proficiency in the English language via other means. 

2) You should have been educated in the English language in 5 recent study years and English should have been the first language in the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) or at the Ordinary (O) Level. 

3) You should have proved good communication skills in English with your prior education being fully conducted in English. 

4) You are applying for further studies in the same institution abroad where you got your first degree. 

5) You have a degree that has only been taught in English. 

Recommended Read: Study in UK Without IELTS

Germany 

1) Bachelor’s degree holders in English will not require IELTS or TOEFL scores in Germany since the instructional or native language is English. 

2) Some universities in Germany will need letters from your previous educational institution for working out English proficiency. 

3) Some courses do not require English proficiency at all while some have requirements for the same. 

4) For example, for a course in English Philology, you will have to qualify for the test on the English language. 

5) Universities like IU Germany do not require IELTS if you are studying with upGrad Abroad. You can opt for courses like Master's Degree in Data Science, Master in International Management, or Master's in Cyber Security with 1-year online and 1-year on-campus study at IU Germany. IELTS is not required for learners at upGrad Abroad. 

6) Some universities offering study abroad programs without IELTS include Esslingen University, University of Koblenz and Landau, HCI Siegen, Ruhr University Bochum, Braunschweig University of Technology, University of Bonn, and Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences among others. 

Recommended Read: Study in Germany

France

Most leading universities in France will not require IELTS across varied sectors and disciplines. Here are some of them. 

1) ESAIP School of Engineers

2) American Business School, Paris

3) EBS Paris

4) ESC Rennes School of Business, France

5) INSEEC Business School

6) EPITA Graduate School of Computer Science

7) ISC Paris

8) SKEMA Business School

9) Toulouse Business School

10) ESGCI, Paris

11) ESLSCA Business School

12) IESA International

13) NEOMA Business School

14) Paris School of Business

Italy

There are several universities offering higher education without IELTS in Italy. Here’s taking a look at the same. 

1) Polytechnic University of Milan

2) University of Naples Federico II

3) University of Pisa

4) Sapienza University of Rome

5) University of Padua

6) University of Turin

7) University of Roma

8) John Cabot University

9) University of Genoa

10) University of Trento

Belgium 

Belgium is one of the most popular foreign study destinations for students worldwide. Brussels is also known as a major educational hub for aspirants. There are some universities that do not require IELTS in Belgium. 

1) Ghent University 

Poland 

Poland has quite a few universities offering programs to aspirants without the need for IELTS. Here’s taking a look at the same: 

1) Adam Mickiewicz University

2) Jagiellonian University 

3) Warsaw University of Technology 

Sweden

Sweden is a great destination to pursue aspirations of foreign studies in Europe. The Lund University, the top-ranked institution in the country, comes in at number 92 in global rankings as well. The exemption for IELTS in Sweden is dependent upon several parameters. Indian students will find it possible to apply for master's degrees if they have completed bachelor's in English. They can apply for courses like Computer Applications, Engineering, Computer Science, Pharmacy, Natural Sciences, Medicine and Information Technology. Submission of Diplomas and mark sheets is required. 

1) Uppsala University 

2) Lund University

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Spain 

Spain is one of the most popular European education destinations, offering several enriching academic programs for foreign students. You should however be a native speaker with proof of proficiency in Spanish or a preparatory course in Spanish along with a diploma from a Spanish Language school and an internationally recognized proficiency certificate in English. 

1) Universidad Antonio de Nebrija

2) The University of Salamanca

3) University of Valencia

4) Pablo de Olavide University 

Norway 

For studying without IELTS in Norway, you should have completed a year at any university in an English-speaking nation, namely Ireland, Canada, Australia, USA, UK or New Zealand among others. Alternatively, you should complete earlier education at a university where the key component of learning the course was English. 

1) University of Oslo

2) Norwegian University of Science and Technology 

3) University of Bergen

Latvia 

You can study without IELTS in Latvia if you are a native speaker of English or have completed secondary/basic/vocational/higher education in English or studied as full-me students in countries with English as the official language for at least one year with certification of English proficiency. Those without English test scores will have to take English courses offered by Latvia University.

1) University of Liepaja

2) Riga Technical University 

3) University of Latvia

4) Riga Stradins University

5) Daugavpils University 

6) Ventspils University College 

Denmark 

You can study without IELTS in Denmark provided you show proof of proficiency in English at a minimum of the intermediate level. Several universities in Denmark also take students from English speaking countries or those who have completed their Bachelor’s degrees in countries like New Zealand, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland and the UK. Here are some institutions where you can study without IELTS although proof of native level proficiency has to be demonstrated as per institution guidelines. 

1) ZIBAT

2) Metropol University

3) Aarhus University

4) Vejle Business College

5) University of Copenhagen.

6) KEA College

Finland 

You may pursue higher education in Finland without IELTS if you can provide proof of your competency in the language. You should either have English as your native language or your earlier educational degree or course should have been taught in English at any university in the EU/EEA or countries like the USA, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. 

Here are some institutions where admissions are possible without IELTS, subject to rules and regulations regarding testing of English proficiency. 

1) Arcade University 

2) LUT University 

3) HAMK Hame University of Applied Sciences

4) LAB University of Applied Sciences

5) Helsinki School of Business

6) Hanken School of Economics

7) Metropolia University

8) Kajaani University of Applied Sciences 

With the right strategy and course, you can certainly study in Europe without IELTS from India.

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Why Study in Europe? 

Here are some reasons why you should consider studying in Europe: 

1. Give your career a major boost- Global experience is gaining importance for landing employment positions across leading corporates and companies in recent years. Studying in Europe will naturally boost your CV by enhancing your overall career scope and prospects. At the same time, if you get a post-study work visa, you can stay back and look for global jobs in the country of your choice. 
2. Top-notch research and education credentials- Europe is home to several top global universities. Your degree will have international acknowledgment and recognition while top-notch research and academic infrastructure are other plus points of studying in the continent. 
3. Multiple educational choices- Europe is home to several universities, offering numerous courses and study programs in almost all disciplines conceivable! You will find more options while studying in Europe. 
4. Reasonable tuition costs- Compared to many countries such as the USA, UK, and others, the tuition costs are reasonable in several European countries. In some nations like Germany, tuition fees are also not charged! There are many scholarship options available for international students as well. 
5. Traveling Perks- Studying in Europe automatically gives you the option to visit and explore many more countries during your tenure. Cheaper train, bus, and flight links connect you to multiple countries in shorter time frames. Non-European citizens can get a student visa to explore the Schengen Area and all its countries. 
6. Excellent higher education system- You can study your course in English even if you try to learn any other foreign language. The Bologna reforms have also ensured a nicely aligned and top-class higher education system. The academic frameworks are similar, and hence the acceptability of your degrees will never be questioned.  

You can always expect a major fillip to your academic and professional prospects by studying in Europe.

Study in Europe Without IELTS

Universities in different countries have different conditions while offering admission. While the primary requirement to study in Europe without IELTS from India is that you should have completed your last degree from a university where the medium of instruction was English. Germany has their own language pathway program under which you don’t need to appear for a language proficiency test. If you want to study in Belgium, Italy and Poland without IELTS from India, you need to furnish proof preferably through a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous institution where it would be mentioned that your latest education was in English. 

If you are applying for a Master’s program in Sweden from India, you need to submit all your mark sheets and diplomas suggesting that the medium of instruction was English. To get admission at a university in Norway, you should have completed one year at a university in English-speaking nations like the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand.  

Conclusion

In conclusion, the opportunity to study in Europe without IELTS in 2024 opens up a world of educational possibilities for students seeking quality higher education without the barrier of language proficiency exams. Countries like Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, among others, offer various pathways and programs that prioritize alternative evidence of English proficiency. This approach not only broadens access to international students but also emphasizes the importance of diverse educational backgrounds and skills. As Europe continues to be a hub for academic excellence and cultural exchange, these inclusive policies ensure that more students can experience the rich academic traditions, innovative research opportunities, and multicultural environments that European universities are known for. For students aiming to take advantage of these opportunities, it's crucial to research specific university requirements, prepare thoroughly for the application process, and embrace the unique educational journey that studying in Europe offers.