Exploring The Global Appeal Of Studying In The US Without IELTS

Factors Influencing International Students’ Choice

In recent years, the US has become the topmost choice for many Indian students to study abroad, even with more English-taught options available in other countries. US degrees have an excellent international reputation due to well-funded universities with high academic standards. These universities constantly evolve to prepare students for global career opportunities and embrace cultural diversity, making campuses vibrant with students from all backgrounds. With workshops, language courses, and career guidance, US universities offer excellent support for international students. Updated technology and resources exude modernness in the classroom making it one of the favorite destinations for international students.

What is IELTS?

IELTS, which stands for the International English Language Testing System, is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test. Every year, over 4 million people take it to prove their English skills for higher education and international migration.

IELTS is the go-to test for many reasons. Thousands of top universities and colleges worldwide accept IELTS scores as proof of English language skills. It’s also the preferred test for professional fields like accounting, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and teaching. You might need it for professional registration in English-speaking countries after graduation. Plus, IELTS is widely accepted for migration purposes by governments worldwide, including the US, making it essential for those seeking permanent residency. The required IELTS score varies depending on your visa.

Although it is not difficult to ace the IELTS with proper training & regulation, many learners do not want to sit for the exam, mainly because of its lavish cost. Also, if they need to retake it, they have to pay the fee again, which can be a financial strain. Not to mention, the IELTS preparation requires a significant time commitment.

Hence, the common question is: Can You Study in the US without IELTS?

Absolutely! You can indeed study at top American universities without needing an IELTS score!

Top Universities in the US that do not require IELTS

Many prestigious US universities welcome international students without requiring an IELTS score. For instance,

• Harvard accepts TOEFL with tuition of around ₹42.5L. 
• Rice University and the University of Colorado, Boulder accept TOEFL and Duolingo English Tests, with tuition fees ranging from ₹15.9L to ₹50L.
• Other universities like Drexel, Syracuse, and California State also offer alternatives like PTE and Cambridge English Assessment.
• Schools such as Miami International University of Art & Design and Northwood University accept various other exams.
• The University of Dayton accepts TOEFL, PTE, and IELTS scores for applicants seeking to study in the USA without an IELTS requirement. Candidates meeting the minimum score requirements for any of these English proficiency exams are encouraged to submit their results as part of their application package.
• The University of North Alabama recognizes a range of English language proficiency tests, including iBT, TOEIC, PTE, Duolingo, and IELTS. This policy enables international students to select the assessment that best demonstrates their language skills.
• National Louis University in the United States accepts various English language exams, including TOEFL, PTE, and Duolingo. 
• The University of Delaware requires students to submit their TOEFL, Duolingo, or Cambridge English scores.
• The State University of New York (SUNY) is one of the largest university systems in the US, with 64 campuses. Indian students can apply to SUNY schools by using scores from other English tests like TOEFL, Cambridge English, iTEP, and Duolingo.
• At the University of New Orleans (UNO), applicants can submit TOEFL or Duolingo English Test scores to demonstrate their English proficiency.
• The University of Arkansas accommodates PTE, TOEFL, and iTEP scores.
• Indian students have the option to prove their language proficiency using TOEFL or Duolingo English Tests instead of IELTS at the University of Iowa. The university sets minimum score requirements of 80 (iBT) or 550 (paper-based) for TOEFL and 105 for Duolingo.

Always check individual university websites for the latest information.

Sought-after Scholarships for Studying in the USA

Two well-known US scholarships for international students include:

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program- The Fulbright program supports graduate students, young professionals, and artists from around the world to study in the US for one year or longer, excluding medical fields.
2. Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program- This program offers experienced professionals a 10-month non-degree academic study opportunity in the US, allowing them to develop their expertise at various academic institutions across the country.

There are other non-governmental US Scholarships for international students. Some of them are:

• #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship, which is designed for students from around the world attending participating US colleges or universities, requiring applicants to demonstrate their dedication to fostering intercultural learning through essays or videos.
• Civil Society Leadership Awards offer fully-funded scholarships for master’s level studies in the US or other host countries, specifically for students from eligible nations.
• Preply Scholarship awards up to $2,000 to winners aged 16-35 who submit a 500-word essay on topics like online education and professional development.
• Surfshark Privacy and Security Scholarship offers a $2,000 prize to high school, undergraduate, or graduate students enrolled in the US or elsewhere, with applicants required to submit an essay.
• Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship awards $1,000 twice a year to enthusiastic international students pursuing studies in the US.