Open Horizons to a new future in the UK
Can I study in the UK without the IELTS?
The simple answer to the above question is yes you can. As a matter of fact, the United Kingdom has some of the best universities in the world and such attracts some of the best students in the world. Statistically, international students’ financial contribution to the UK economy increases with each passing year and current figures show that international students’ net worth to the UK economy is worth £25 billion. In view of these substantial financial contributions to the UK economy, the UK government continues to find innovative ways to attract some of the best international students to study in the UK. One such innovative avenues is targeting the Asian countries by the reintroduction of a 2-year post-study work visa, expected to come into force in September 2020, and it is believed will further increase the net worth of international students’ financial contributions to the UK economy.
The focus of today’s article, however, is on the challenges of overcoming the prerequisite of passing the English Language test prior admission to one of UK universities – what is popularly known as International English Language Testing System (an English language proficiency test for higher education) (IELTS). This is the standard test that international students with non-native English background are required to take in order to demonstrate proficiency in English Language. In fact, this is a Home Office Tier 4 (General) Student immigration requirement. However, it is common knowledge that many international students find it challenging securing the right IELTS scores in order to secure UK university admissions not because they lack the intellectual capacity to secure the required scores, but mainly because they are non-native English speakers and continues to struggle in passing these tests.
Nonetheless, there are over 20 different UK universities and other higher UK institutions where international students with non-native English speakers can achieve higher education without IELTS. Universities such as the University of Bristol, London Southbank University, University of Warwick and Birmingham University, just to mention a few. These UK universities though ranked very high on the UK universities rankings, still provides the following alternatives to IELTS test in admitting international students to their institutions by firstly, considering the school marks obtained in high schools – that is if the student had scored 60% or above in their 10th and 12th class in English, then the university will use the school marks instead of IELTS score; secondly, students may be assessed through online interview for them to demonstrate their proficiency in English and finally, if a student had studied English language as a major knowledge while studying for a degree, then the universities may use that instead of IELTS score.
In summary, though it is believed that international students of non-native English speakers cannot pursue higher education in the UK unless those students secures IELTS score, this has been proven to be a fallacy. And those international students can achieve their dreams and ambitions in studying in higher institutions in the UK either with or without IELTS score. Also, since proficiency in English language is one of the prerequisites in securing a Tier 4 (General) student visa in the UK, it is imperative for international students of non-native English speakers to seek further documentations from universities which decides to use one of the alternatives in assessing their proficiency in English instead of IELTS to confirm their eligibility to obtain a UK student visa.
Once international students are in the UK under Tier 4 Student visas, they can then take advantage of the impending 2-year PSW visa, which will allow them to work in the UK for 2 years without any restrictions. They can then switch their UK visas under a skilled work visa under Tier 2 category or other work related visa routes in the UK leading to settled status in the U.K.
Who can I contact for legal advice?
If you need a U.K. immigration lawyer and need assistance with any aspect of U.K. immigration law whether from inside the U.K. or from overseas, contact Aschfords Law in Harrow, London. We have experience in offering specialist advice in respect of all U.K. immigration matters and have insight to make the process as smooth as possible. We also provide legal advice and assistance in respect to Wills & Probate, Litigation, Landlord and Tenant.
Please contact us today on: +44 (0) 7582932830