Study in the USA without IELTS – one may wonder, how is that even possible?
Well, if you do your research right, you can leverage admissions in many universities and scholarship programs without IELTS.
Of course, you would have to meet some visa requirements, and grades that are required for each program.
But again, this is something not achievable. Here is how you can study in the USA without IELTS.
Visa Requirements for Studying in USA Without IELTS
Here are all the documents you would need to apply for USA study visa without IELTS:
- Valid passport
- 1-20 form
- Proof of funds
- Accommodation proof
- Acceptance letter
- Resume
- Healthcare
- Academic transcripts
- DS- 160 confirmation page
Disclaimer: Check the requirements of each university, as it varies for course type, country, and academics.
Language Requirements for Studying in USA Without IELTS
These are some of the language requirements which exempt you from getting USA study visa without IELTS:
- Interview: Some programs and scholarships to study abroad have this mandatory step to talk to a student to see if they meet the criteria to study in the USA without IELTS.
- IB: Students who complete their education in the International Baccalaureate system become instantly eligible to study in America without IELTS.
- Essay or Written Submission: Most universities require a personal statement or essay in the university application. The essay is a great way to gauge your language proficiency and enable you to study in the USA without IELTS.
- MOI: Medium of Instruction is a letter provided by the last academic institute you attended. The letter states that the course had English as the primary language.
Alternatives to IELTS for Studying in USA
IELTS is a great program, and it is quite easy to achieve the score if you enroll in the IELTS preparation program.
However, if IELTS is not the requirement, there are several alternatives to IELTS for USA:
- PTE – Pearson Test of English
- ELI – English Language Institute
- CAE – Cambridge English or Certificate in Advanced English
- EAP – English for Academic Purposes
- TOEFL – Test of English as Foreign Language
- Duolingo – DET or Duolingo English Test
- TOEIC – Test of English for International Communication
- ELICOS – English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students
USA Universities That Do Not Require IELTS
Here are some of the USA universities without IELTS requirements:
- California State University
- Drexel University
- National Louis University
- Northwood University
- Rice University
- State University of New York
- University of Arkansas
- University of Colorado Boulder
- University of Daytona
- University of Delaware
- University of New Orleans (UNO)
- University of North Alabama
If you are worried about which university to pick depending on your course, talk to an education consultant for better guidance.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Non-IELTS Students
Some agencies and universities are all about encouraging talent to come and study abroad in USA without IELTS.
These options of financial aid and scholarship opportunities are offered to students who maintain above-average scores during the course of education.
Here are some of the best scholarships and financial aid programs to study in America without IELTS:
Fulbright Scholarship Program
Students in this program study in the USA without IELTS and are compensated with airfare, tuition costs, health insurance, and living stipend in a cultural exchange program.
Hurbert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
This program caters to exceptional students who show promising leadership in professional roles. Students get a stipend, insurance, tuition waiver, travel allowance for workshops, and allowance for supplies in this program.
Rotary Peace Scholarship
It is usually offered to students who have proven interest in developing global peace. For the master’s program, you can study in the USA without IELTS with fee waivers, lodging, and some other compensation.
Clark Merit Scholarships
This financial aid is for students with exceptional educational backgrounds. The students who have a stellar academic record can study abroad in USA without IELTS.
Cost of Studying and Living in USA
The cost of life and study in USA vary depends on certain factors, such as:
- Scholarship coverage
- Course type
- City of residence
- Type of institute (public or private)
These three factors dictate massive change in figure. For instance, studying in the USA costs somewhere between 30,000 to 90,000 US dollars each year.
For a general idea, here is a quick breakdown of the cost of education as per course type.
| Curriculum | Tuition Fee | Duration |
| High School | 20,000 – 60,000 per year | 4 years |
| College | 9,000 – 12,000 per year | 2 years |
| Bachelor | 17,000 – 50,000 per year | 4 years |
| Master | 12,000 – 50,000 per year | 1-2 years |
Here is a breakdown for the cost of housing:
| Type of Housing | Average Cost |
| Dormitory | 12,000 – 20,000 per year |
| Homestay | 10,000 – 20,000 per year |
| Shared housing | 400 – 1,000 per year |
Food
For food, you would need to set aside a budget of 500- 700 USD, depending on whether you opt for take-outs or cook yourself.
Travel
Usually, students maintain housing close to campus to cut the commute cost. However, if needed you should expect something close to 100 USD per month if you commute via bus.
If you take the subway, it would cost somewhere between 100 to 150 USD per month. For a taxi you may have to pay roughly five USD for a kilometer, including tips.
You should set aside around 200 USD for entertainment and phone bills.
Student Life in the USA
Students enjoy a laid-back life where they meet new people and study.
Since students come to America from many countries, university campuses are extremely diverse. The chances of finding people belonging to your culture are not sparse.
You can participate in various recreational activities like museums, hiking, skiing, and concerts.
Universities have several clubs and groups of students who work together to cover the course and support each other.
Career and Post-Study Work Opportunities in USA
Post-education there are several visa types that enable the students to stay back and work in the USA.
- OPT: Optional Practical Training or F1 allows the students to stay back and work in the USA for next 12 months.
- STEM: This is a 24-month extension for the students with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) degrees.
- H-1B Visa: An employer can hire a foreign worker in specialty occupations under this visa.
Conclusion
If you follow this roadmap, chances are you will be packing your bags to study in USA without IELTS, that too, in a university of your liking. Remember, to plan wisely and apply early to avoid any inconvenience.
Can I study in the USA without IELTS?
Yes, you can study in the USA without IELTS. Some universities have other requirements, if fulfilled, as alternatives to IELTS for USA study visas.
Which universities in the USA do not require IELTS?
There are many prestigious universities in USA without IELTS requirements such as: California State University, Drexel University, Northwood University, Rice University, State University of New York, University of Daytona, University of Delaware, University of New Orleans (UNO), and University of North Alabama are some of USA universities without IELTS requirements.
What are the alternatives to IELTS for studying in the USA?
Programs like PTE, ELI, CAE, EAP, TOEFL, Duolingo, TOEIC, and ELICOS are solid alternatives to IELTS for USA.
Is IELTS required for a USA student visa?
No, IELTS is not mandatory for a USA student visa as long as you meet other requirements.
Are there scholarships for students without IELTS in the USA?
Yes, there are several scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students to study in USA without IELTS.
What career opportunities are available after studying in the USA?
Once you have studied in the USA and graduated from a US-based education system, there are tons of opportunities that you can explore in the US job market.