Study in USA Without IELTS: Complete 2025 Guide for International Students

A Deep Dive Into USA Student Visa Process and How You Can Study in USA without IELTS!

For a long time, Indians’ interest in studying in the USA universities has been growing. But some of the Indian applicants are not entirely comfortable with IELTS. IELTS, being an integral part of the visa process, usually cannot be bypassed. However, there are several ways to bypass IELTS and make your flight to USA a smooth ride!

Language proficiency tests and their significance:

In current times, there are several language proficiency tests. Each for their unique purpose and qualities. From them, here are some of the most prominent Language proficiency tests for the USA!

If you dream of studying in the USA but worry about IELTS, here’s great news many US universities accept students without IELTS! This guide to study in USA without IELTS covers everything you need to know, including:

IELTS: IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most prominent tests recognised globally and accepted by most countries for international study, work and immigration. It scores in a band system where 9 bands are the maximum anyone can get. USA usually requires 5.5-6.5 bands (score requirements may vary for different universities)

PTE: PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a computer-based English proficiency test designed to evaluate your listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills. The test is scored on a scale from 10-90, with the average score required by most U.S. universities ranging from 50-70, depending on the institution. It is widely accepted by more than 3,000 universities in the U.S.

TOEFL: TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the widely accepted English language proficiency tests, used for academic admissions. The test is to understand and use English in an academic setting. The test is scored out of a total of 120 points, with each section contributing a maximum of 30 points. U.S. universities generally require a score between 60-100, depending on the institution and program.

Duolingo: The Duolingo English Test is a newer, more flexible English proficiency test gaining acceptance among U.S. universities. The test is online, and you can complete it at home. It evaluates your linguistic skills in a shorter format compared to traditional tests. The score ranges from 10-160, and most U.S. universities require a score between 95-120 for admission purposes.

So now that you have a brief understanding of Language proficiency tests, let’s dive into how Dhrron Consultancy helps you bypass them and Study in USA without IELTS with ease.

There are several universities and colleges that enrol students in special conditions without language proficiency tests. Some of them allow students with MOI basis to enrol students that don’t want to give IELTS, PTE or any other tests.

What is MOI basis?

MOI (Medium of Instruction) refers to a certificate or letter provided by your previous educational institution stating that your prior studies were conducted in English. This is particularly useful for students who come from countries where English is the primary language of instruction or those who have completed their secondary or post-secondary education in English. Some of the universities in the USA accept such alternatives and allow enrollment of the student.

Benefits of MOI:

Cost-Effective: You avoid the expense of taking expensive language proficiency tests.

Time-Saving: You don’t need to worry about preparing for and scheduling language tests, saving you time.

Flexibility: If your prior education was in English, the MOI option can be more straightforward and less stressful than taking standardized exams.

✅ Top US universities that don’t require IELTS
✅ Alternative English tests accepted
✅ Waiver options based on your background
✅ Step-by-step application process
✅ Visa requirements for non-IELTS applicants

Let’s break it all down in simple terms.

Can You Really Study in USA Without IELTS?

Yes! While IELTS is common, many US universities accept other tests or even waive English requirements entirely. Here’s how:

1. Universities That Don’t Require IELTS

Some top US schools accept alternative proof of English proficiency:

University	Alternative Options
University of Dayton	Duolingo (110+), TOEFL (70+)
University of Delaware	Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter
State University of New York (SUNY)	PTE, TOEFL, or interview waiver
University of Colorado Denver	Degree from English-medium school

Why Do Some US Universities Waive IELTS?

Many universities offer study in USA without IELTS if:

• You studied at an English-medium school (e.g., CBSE/ICSE with 70%+ in English)
• You have a degree from an English-speaking country (e.g., India if medium was English)
• You take an alternative test (Duolingo/TOEFL) or university interview

Pro Tip: Some schools like Northeastern University accept MOI (Medium of Instruction) letters – request one from your previous institution!

State-by-State Guide: Where IELTS is Least Required

State	Top Universities Without IELTS	Waiver Policy
California	CSU Long Beach, UC Riverside	Accepts Duolingo (105+)
Texas	University of North Texas	MOI Letter + Interview
New York	SUNY Buffalo	PTE (50+) or 12th English marks
Illinois	DePaul University	TOEFL (70+) waiver for STEM courses

2. Alternative English Tests Accepted

If your university still requires proof, try these instead of IELTS:

• Duolingo English Test (DET) – Cheaper & faster (1-hour test)
• TOEFL iBT – Widely accepted (minimum 80+ for most schools)
• PTE Academic – Computer-based (preferred by some universities)
• Cambridge English Exams – C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency

Pro Tip: Check your university’s official website—some even accept 12th-grade English scores!

How to Get a USA Student Visa Without IELTS

Step 1: Choose a University That Doesn’t Require IELTS

• Search for “US universities without IELTS requirement 2025”
• Contact admissions offices directly

Step 2: Submit Alternative Proof of English

Options:

• Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter – If your previous school taught in English
• Duolingo/TOEFL Scores – Some schools accept lower scores than IELTS
• Interview Waiver – Some universities conduct online interviews instead

Step 3: Apply for an F-1 Visa

Even without IELTS, you’ll need:

• I-20 Form (from your university)
• Proof of Funds (bank statements, scholarships)
• Visa Interview (practice common questions!)

Common Visa Interview Question:
“How will you manage classes without IELTS?”
Good Answer: “My university accepted my Duolingo score (115/160), and I studied in English for 12+ years.”

Top 5 US Universities Without IELTS (2025 Updated)

1. University of Iowa – Accepts Duolingo (105+)
2. University of New Orleans – MOI letter accepted
3. California State University – TOEFL (61+) or PTE (45+)
4. Drexel University – English proficiency interview option
5. Auburn University – 12th-grade English marks (70%+)

Pro Tips to Skip IELTS

• Ask for a waiver if you studied in English before.
• Take Duolingo—easier than IELTS!
• Apply early—some schools have limited waivers.

For more information to Study in USA – Check this article.

Need Help? We help to get you study USA visa without IELTS!

Dhrron’s Services:

• University Shortlisting (No IELTS options)
• Visa Interview Prep
• Scholarship Applications

Call Now: +91 93 779 49 773 | 🌐 Visit: Study in USA Without IELTS

Success Stories: Students Who Got In Without IELTS

Case Study 1:
Rahul (Vadodara)

• Admitted to University of Dayton
• Visa approval in 3 weeks
• “I saved ₹16K by skipping IELTS!”

Case Study 2:
Priya (Anand)

• Used 12th-grade English marks (82%) for SUNY Albany
• Now studying Computer Science

FAQs: Study in USA Without IELTS