How to Study in the UK Without IELTS: Full Process for Nigerians

One of the biggest concerns for Nigerian students planning to study in the UK is the IELTS requirement. The good news is that several UK universities now offer alternatives that don’t require this English test. If you’re fluent in English and have studied in English throughout your academic life, you may not need IELTS at all.

This article takes you through how you can study in the UK without IELTS, what alternatives are accepted, and how to go about the full admission process from Nigeria.

1. Why Many Nigerians Want to Skip IELTS

The cost of IELTS registration, limited test centers, and the difficulty of getting a high score can discourage students. Besides that, many Nigerian students already studied in English from primary to tertiary level, so writing an English test often feels unnecessary. Recognizing this, a growing number of UK universities now waive IELTS if you meet certain conditions or present alternative proof of English language proficiency.

2. Alternatives to IELTS Accepted by UK Universities

Instead of IELTS, many universities accept the following:

• WAEC English Language Result: A minimum of C6 in WAEC English is widely accepted as proof that you can study in English. Some universities may even accept a D7 if you meet other academic criteria.
• English Proficiency Letter: This is a document from your previous institution confirming that your course was taught entirely in English. Most UK schools accept this for students from English-speaking countries like Nigeria.
• Online or Internal English Tests: Some universities will ask you to take their own English language test online after you apply.
• Previous Degree in English: If you already have an ND, HND, or BSc taught in English, that can be enough proof of your ability to study in the UK.

3. Universities in the UK That Accept WAEC and English Proficiency Letters

Many UK universities now have a clear policy for Nigerian students. Examples include:

• University of Portsmouth
• University of South Wales
• Robert Gordon University
• University of Bedfordshire
• University of Greenwich
• London South Bank University
• Ulster University
• Teesside University

Each university has its own policy, so it’s important to confirm the specific requirement on the school’s website or contact their international admissions team.

4. Steps to Study in the UK Without IELTS from Nigeria

Here’s how to go about it from start to finish:

Step 1: Shortlist Universities That Waive IELTS

Start with schools that clearly state they accept WAEC English or proficiency letters. Check their course offerings and tuition fees. Make sure they align with your academic background and career goals.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

You’ll need the following:

• WAEC result (with at least C6 in English Language)
• Degree certificate (ND, HND, or BSc)
• Transcript
• English proficiency letter (on your school’s letterhead)
• International passport
• Personal statement
• Academic reference
• Curriculum Vitae (for postgraduate courses)

Step 3: Apply Directly or via UCAS

For undergraduate courses, apply through UCAS. For postgraduate degrees, apply directly on the university’s website. Upload all the documents requested and be sure to mention that you’re applying without IELTS and are submitting a WAEC result or proficiency letter instead.

Step 4: Take an Internal English Test (if required)

Some universities may request a short interview or ask you to complete an English assessment online. These are usually simple tests or video interviews to confirm your spoken and written skills.

Step 5: Get Your Offer Letter

Once your application is successful, you’ll receive either a Conditional or Unconditional Offer Letter. If you’re given a conditional offer, it means you need to submit extra documents before you get a full admission. If unconditional, you can proceed to pay your deposit.

Step 6: Pay Deposit and Receive CAS

Once you pay the required tuition deposit (usually between £3,000 and £5,000), the school will issue your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which is needed for your visa application.

Step 7: Apply for a UK Student Visa

Apply for your student visa online. During this process, you’ll submit your CAS and proof of finances. Your WAEC or proficiency letter is not needed for the visa process, as long as the university has already accepted your English qualifications.

5. How to Get a Strong English Proficiency Letter

To be accepted, your letter must:

• Be printed on official school letterhead.
• Be signed and stamped by the registrar or head of department.
• Clearly state your name, course, and that your entire program was taught in English.
• Be recent (preferably within the last year).

Example content:

“This is to confirm that [Your Full Name] studied [Course Name] at [Institution Name] from [Start Year] to [End Year]. The medium of instruction throughout the program was English.”

6. Scholarships and Funding

Once accepted, you can apply for scholarships or tuition discounts. Many UK universities offer partial scholarships automatically based on your academic performance. You can also explore funding options from Nigerian organizations or government bodies that support overseas education.

7. Things to Keep in Mind

• Not every course at a university will waive IELTS, even if the school has a general policy. Always check the course-specific page.
• Some visa officers may still ask you basic English questions during your visa interview to ensure you can communicate.
• Your documents should be scanned clearly and be up to date.

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