Imagine stepping into your dream university in the USA, meeting students worldwide, and working toward your dream. Studying in the USA is a life-changing opportunity, but IELTS is a huge burden for many international students.
If you are one of those students, don’t worry – you are not alone! Several top universities in the USA offer admission without an IELTS score. So how can you study in the USA without IELTS? Let’s find out.
Table of Contents:
- Top 10 Universities in the USA Without IELTS
- Top US Universities and IELTS Alternatives
- How to Apply to Universities in the USA Without IELTS
- Frequently Asked Questions
Top 10 Universities in the USA Without IELTS
Studying in the USA requires you to prove your English language proficiency through tests. However, several top universities in the USA offer admission without IELTS, making it easier for international students. Below is a list of top universities in the USA without IELTS and their admission requirements:
| University Name | Alternative Requirements |
| University of Colorado | TOEFL, Duolingo, Pathway to CU Program |
| Drexel University | TOEFL, Pearson PTE, Duolingo, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency |
| University of New Orleans | TOEFL, Duolingo, ACT, SAT |
| University of Delaware | TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge English Assessment, EIKEN, GaoKao English |
| University of Arkansas | TOEFL, Pearson PTE, Duolingo, C1 Advanced, ACT, SAT |
| California State University | TOEFL, PTE, DET |
| Rice University | TOEFL, DET |
| University of Iowa | TOEFL, DET, SAT, ACT, Cambridge |
| National Louis University | TOEFL, PTE, DET |
| University of Dayton | TOEFL, iTEP, PTE, DET, ELS, C1 Advanced |
Top US Universities and IELTS Alternatives
The USA has several top universities that accept international students without IELTS or waive the requirement under certain conditions. Here’s a detailed list of top universities in USA without IELTS:
University of Colorado
The University of Colorado is a public research university in the USA. Founded in 1876, the university has over 2,000 international students from 106 countries.
The university offers 5,000+ academic programs across 270+ fields of study. The university is known for its strong research programs, vibrant campus life, and more.
| IELTS Alternative | Required Score |
| TOEFL | 75 – 83 |
| Duolingo | 120 – 125 |
| Pathway to CU Program | CEFR A2+ |
Drexel University
Drexel University is a private research university in the USA. The university offers over 200 degree programs in 15 colleges and schools. Known for its cooperative education (co-op) program, the university provides strong engineering, business, health sciences, and design programs.
| IELTS Alternative | Required Score |
| TOEFL | 90 – 100 |
| Pearson PTE | 53 – 61 |
| Duolingo | 100 – 120 |
| C1 Advanced | 180 |
| C2 Proficiency | 200 |
University of New Orleans
University of New Orleans is a public research university in New Orleans, USA. Founded in 1958, the university has educated students from more than 140 countries. Known for its diverse student body, strong academic programs, and vibrant campus life, the university offers a welcoming environment for international students.
| IELTS Alternative | Required Score |
| TOEFL | 79 |
| Duolingo | 100 |
| ACT | 19 |
| SAT | 510 |
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware is a privately governed, state-assisted, and one of the oldest universities in the USA. Established in 1743, the university is known for its strong academic programs, cutting-edge research, and vibrant campus life. The university offers 250+ graduate and post-baccalaureate programs in 10 colleges and schools.
| IELTS Alternative | Required Score |
| TOEFL | 65 – 79 |
| PTE Academic | 52 |
| Duolingo | 95 – 110+ |
| Cambridge English Assessment | B2 First/171 |
| EIKEN | Grade 1 / Grade 2 Pass or Pre-1 Pass (CEFR C1 or CEFR B1 / B2) |
| GaoKao English | 105 / 150 |
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is a public land-grant research university in the USA. Established in 1871, the university is known for its strong academic programs, research excellence, and vibrant campus life. The university has 10 colleges and schools offering more than 273 academic programs to students from more than 100 countries.
| IELTS Alternative | Required Score |
| TOEFL | 79 |
| Pearson PTE | 58 |
| Duolingo | 110 |
| C1 Advanced | 176 |
| ACT | 19 |
| SAT | 500 |
How to Apply to Universities in the USA Without IELTS
IELTS, aka the International English Language Testing System, is recognized worldwide and is accepted in over 140 countries. However, if you’re looking to study in the USA without IELTS, here’s how you should apply:
- Research and identify universities that do not require IELTS
- Universities may accept TOEFL, DET, SAT, ACT, PTE, Cambridge, or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
- Enroll in an English Language Program (ELP) offered by the university
- Look for universities accepting conditional admission
- Check if the university is giving exemptions based on your country of residence or your previous education
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to study in USA without taking the IELTS?
Yes, several top universities in USA do not require international students to submit their IELTS scores. The universities offer alternative English proficiency test options, such as TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE, Cambridge, or university-specific exams.
What are the alternatives to IELTS for studying in the USA?
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language); Duolingo English Test; PTE (Pearson Test of English); and Cambridge Assessment English are some of the top alternatives to IELTS for studying in the USA.
Can I apply for a USA student visa without IELTS?
Yes, you can apply for your USA student visa without IELTS. However, you must prove your English language proficiency requirements or an alternative to IELTS to successfully receive your study visa.
What is an Intensive English Language Program (IELP)?
An Intensive English Language Program (IELP) is a program offered by several top USA universities for international students. Students must complete this program before starting their academic programs.
Does skipping IELTS affect my chances of admission to USA?
As long as you meet the university and your program’s English language requirements, your chances of admission remain strong, and skipping IELTS does not affect it.
How many IELTS band is required for the USA?
For undergraduate programs, you must have band 6 or higher. For the graduate program, you must have a band of 6.5 or higher for the USA.
