IELTS is the most widely required English test for study abroad — but it is not the only option. Hundreds of universities and scholarship programmes now accept PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, or waive the test entirely if your previous degree was taught in English. This guide covers every alternative, country by country.
🕒 Last verified August 2026 · Official sources linked throughout
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world's most popular English proficiency exam, but it is far from the only way to prove your English. The assumption that you "must take IELTS" to study abroad is outdated — thousands of universities, colleges, and scholarship bodies now accept alternative tests or waive the requirement entirely.
Here is the reality of English proficiency requirements in 2026:
Six major English proficiency tests are accepted by universities worldwide. Each has a different format, duration, scoring system, and cost. Here is a side-by-side comparison with real score equivalents.
| Test | Duration | Score Range | Typical University Requirement | Cost (approx) | Countries Accepted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 2 hrs 45 min | 1–9 (band score) | Overall 6.0–7.5 (no band below 5.5–6.5) | $250–300 / £195 / ₨75,000–90,000 | UK, Canada, Australia, NZ, USA, Europe, Asia — universally accepted |
| TOEFL iBT | ~3 hours | 0–120 (total of 4 sections, 0–30 each) | 80–100 total (some require 100+) | $185–300 depending on country | UK, Canada, Australia, USA, Europe, Asia — accepted by 11,000+ institutions |
| PTE Academic | ~2 hours | 10–90 | Overall 50–65 (no band below 42–50) | $160–200 / £155 | UK, Australia, NZ, Canada, USA, Europe — accepted by 3,000+ institutions |
| Duolingo English Test | ~1 hour (online, at home) | 10–160 | 105–120 (some require 120+) | $59 | USA, Canada (non-SDS), UK, Australia (some), Europe — accepted by 5,000+ institutions |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency | ~4 hours | 142–230 (grade-based: A, B, C) | Grade B or C at C1 level (176+ score) | $200–280 / £170–200 | UK, Europe, Canada, Australia — widely accepted, especially in Europe |
| Password Test | ~2.5 hours | 1.0–6.5 | 5.5–6.0 (equivalent to IELTS 6.0–6.5) | $50–80 | UK (used by some Russell Group universities as an in-house alternative) |
If a university asks for IELTS 6.5, the approximate equivalents are:
The UK is one of the easiest major destinations to navigate without IELTS, because the vast majority of its universities accept multiple English tests. The UK Student visa itself does not require IELTS — it relies on the university's assessment of your English, whatever test the university accepts.
| University | Tests Accepted (besides IELTS) | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| University of Bristol | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 80+, PTE 60+, Duolingo 110+ |
| University of Warwick | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 92+, PTE 62+, Cambridge 185+ |
| University of Leeds | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 87+, PTE 60+, Duolingo 110+ |
| University of Birmingham | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 88+, PTE 59+, Duolingo 105+ |
| University of Glasgow | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 90+, PTE 60+, Duolingo 110+ |
| University of Sheffield | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 88+, PTE 61+, Duolingo 115+ |
| Queen Mary University of London | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 92+, PTE 62+, Cambridge 185+ |
| Newcastle University | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 90+, PTE 60+, Duolingo 110+ |
A key advantage: the UK Graduate Route visa does not require you to take IELTS separately. Once your university has confirmed your English proficiency (via whichever test they accept) and issued your CAS, that proof covers your Student visa and, by extension, your Graduate Route application. You do not need to sit any additional English test for the post-study work visa.
For a full UK student visa breakdown, see our Study in the UK guide.
Canada is one of the most flexible major destinations for English test alternatives. Many of Canada's top universities accept Duolingo and PTE, making it possible to apply without ever sitting IELTS.
| University | Tests Accepted (besides IELTS) | Minimum Score |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 89+, PTE 60+, Duolingo 120+ |
| University of British Columbia (UBC) | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 90+, PTE 65+, Duolingo 115+ |
| McGill University | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 86+, PTE 65+, Cambridge 185+ |
| University of Alberta | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 86+, PTE 60+, Duolingo 115+ |
| University of Calgary | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 86+, PTE 59+, Duolingo 115+ |
| Western University | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge C1/C2 | TOEFL 83+, PTE 58+, Duolingo 115+ |
Canada's faster visa processing route — the Student Direct Stream (SDS) — requires IELTS 6.0+ in each band (academic or general) or TEF/TCF for French. However, the non-SDS route is open to students with Duolingo, PTE, TOEFL, or other accepted scores. Processing takes longer (typically 8–16 weeks vs 2–4 weeks for SDS), but it is a valid pathway.
After graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is available regardless of which English test you used for your study permit. There is no separate English requirement for the PGWP.
For a full Canada student visa breakdown, see our Study in Canada guide.
Australian universities are highly flexible with English test alternatives. PTE Academic is particularly popular in Australia — in fact, PTE was originally developed in partnership with Australian institutions, and it is accepted by every Australian university.
All Group of Eight (Go8) universities — Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, UNSW, Monash, Queensland, Adelaide, and Western Australia — accept IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1/C2. Many also accept Duolingo.
| Test | Equivalent to IELTS 5.5 | Equivalent to IELTS 6.0 | Equivalent to IELTS 6.5 | Equivalent to IELTS 7.0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PTE Academic | 42–49 | 50–57 | 58–64 | 65–72 |
| TOEFL iBT | 35–45 | 46–59 | 60–78 | 79–93 |
| Duolingo | 75–84 | 85–94 | 95–104 | 105–114 |
| Cambridge C1 | 154–161 | 162–168 | 169–175 | 176–184 |
The Australian Student visa (subclass 500) requires you to provide evidence of English proficiency. The minimum is IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent in another accepted test) for English-language intensity courses, or IELTS 5.0 if you are packaged with an English course (ELICOS). For direct university entry, the standard is IELTS 6.0–6.5 or equivalent.
Crucially, "equivalent" is defined by the Department of Home Affairs using a published table. PTE 42–50 is equivalent to IELTS 5.5–6.0, TOEFL 35–59 covers the same range, and Duolingo 75–94 does the same. As long as your score meets the equivalent threshold, the visa office accepts it.
For a full Australia student visa breakdown, see our Study in Australia guide.
Germany is one of the best destinations for students who want to skip IELTS entirely. Most German public universities charge zero or minimal tuition (just a semester contribution of €150–350), and many master's programmes are taught entirely in English — accepting TOEFL, Cambridge, or even just an MOI letter.
Students from China, India, Vietnam (and recently some other nationalities) need an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle) certificate before applying to German universities. The APS evaluates your academic documents and sometimes includes an interview. It is separate from the English requirement but is a mandatory step in the application process.
For a full Germany student guide, see our Study in Germany guide.
Beyond the UK, Canada, Australia, and Germany, many other European countries offer English-taught programmes with flexible English requirements. Here is a country-by-country overview.
The Netherlands has the highest concentration of English-taught programmes in non-English-speaking Europe. Over 2,200 programmes are taught entirely in English. Universities like University of Amsterdam, Delft, Leiden, and Utrecht accept IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, and sometimes Duolingo. Many programmes accept TOEFL iBT 80–90 as the minimum.
Swedish universities (Uppsala, Lund, KTH, Chalmers) accept TOEFL iBT (typically 90+), PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1/C2. IELTS is accepted but not required. The Swedish Council for Higher Education manages applications through universityadmissions.se.
University of Helsinki, Aalto University, and Tampere University accept TOEFL iBT, PTE, and Cambridge. Some programmes waive the English test if your previous degree was in English. Tuition for non-EU students is €4,000–18,000/year with scholarship options.
University of Copenhagen, DTU, and Aarhus University accept TOEFL iBT, PTE, and Cambridge. Denmark's state tuition is free for EU/EEA students; non-EU students pay €6,000–16,000/year.
Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, Sapienza, and University of Bologna offer English-taught programmes. They accept TOEFL iBT, IELTS, and Cambridge. Some programmes accept Duolingo. Tuition at public universities is €900–4,000/year for non-EU students with regional scholarships available.
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters programme funds students to study in 2–3 European countries. It accepts IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge C1/C2. Duolingo is accepted by some Erasmus Mundus consortia but not all — check the specific programme. For a full walkthrough, see our Erasmus Mundus step-by-step guide.
One of the most common misconceptions is that all major scholarships require IELTS. In reality, several fully funded scholarships either don't require IELTS at all, or accept a wide range of alternatives.
| Scholarship | IELTS Required? | Alternatives Accepted | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turkiye Burslari | No | None required — 1 year Turkish language course included | Full scholarship: tuition, stipend, accommodation, flights. English-taught programmes available after Turkish prep year. |
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | No (for many programmes) | MOI letter, university interview, or HSK for Chinese-taught | Covers tuition, accommodation, stipend (CNY 3,000+/month), and insurance. Many English-taught master's programmes at top universities. |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | No (for many programmes) | MOI letter, or Hungarian language course provided | Fully funded by Hungarian government. Tuition, stipend (HUF 43,700+/month), accommodation, health insurance. |
| Korean Government Scholarship (GKS) | No (if university waives) | TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, TOPIK (Korean) | Full scholarship at Korean universities. 1 year Korean language training included. GPA 80%+ required. |
| KAIST Scholarship | No | TOEFL iBT 80+, or medium of instruction confirmation | South Korea's top science university. Full tuition, stipend KRW 350,000+/month, health insurance. |
| Chevening Scholarships | Yes (but alternatives accepted) | IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1/C2 | UK government's global scholarship. IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 5.5 — or equivalent in any accepted test. |
| Erasmus Mundus | Yes (but alternatives accepted) | IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1/C2 | Requirements vary by consortium. Most ask for IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 90+. Some accept Duolingo. |
While this page focuses on English tests, many students who are looking for IELTS alternatives also have concerns about their academic grades. Here is what you need to know:
With multiple options available, the right test depends on your priorities. Here is a practical decision guide:
Duolingo English Test — results in 48 hours. Take it at home on your own computer, anytime. No test centre booking needed. Ideal if you're on a tight application deadline.
IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT — accepted by virtually every English-medium university worldwide. If you're applying to 5+ universities across different countries, these are the safest choices.
PTE Academic — fully computer-based with no human examiner. Shorter speaking section (you speak into a microphone, AI scores you). Less stressful for many students. Results in 2–5 days.
Duolingo at ~$59 vs PTE ~$160–200, IELTS ~$250–300, TOEFL ~$185–300. Duolingo is by far the most affordable, making it accessible for students from low-income backgrounds.
| Test | Cost (USD) | Cost (GBP) | Cost (PKR) | Cost (INR) | Cost (BDT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | $250–300 | £195 | ₨75,000–90,000 | ₹17,000 | ৳22,000 |
| TOEFL iBT | $185–300 | £180–250 | ₨55,000–85,000 | ₹16,000–19,500 | ৳19,000–24,000 |
| PTE Academic | $160–200 | £155 | ₨48,000–60,000 | ₹14,500 | ৳17,500 |
| Duolingo English Test | $59 | £48 | ₨16,500 | ₹4,900 | ৳6,500 |
| Cambridge C1/C2 | $200–280 | £170–200 | ₨60,000–80,000 | ₹15,000–22,000 | ৳20,000–25,000 |
Test costs are approximate 2026 figures and vary by test centre location. Pakistani Rupee (PKR), Indian Rupee (INR), and Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) amounts are based on prevailing exchange rates and may differ at the time of booking. Always check the official test provider website for the exact fee in your country.
Yes. The UK Student visa does not independently require IELTS. Your university's offer confirms your English proficiency. If the university accepts PTE, Duolingo, or TOEFL, that is sufficient for the visa.
The USA, Canada (non-SDS route), UK, Australia (some institutions), and many European universities accept Duolingo. Check specific university and immigration requirements.
Yes. Many German public universities offer English-taught Masters programmes and accept TOEFL iBT (80–92), Cambridge English, or a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous university.
Duolingo English Test at approximately $59 is the most affordable option. PTE Academic costs around $160–200. IELTS costs $250–300. TOEFL iBT costs $185–300 depending on country.
Not always. Some fully funded scholarships like Turkiye Burslari, CSC (China), and Stipendium Hungaricum do not require IELTS. Others like Chevening and Erasmus Mundus accept IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo.
Some scholarships allow you to apply with a pending test score and submit results before the final deadline. Check the specific scholarship's requirements — many accept conditional applications.
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