Are there any IELTS 5.5 accepted universities in the UK? It is known that the minimum IELTS score for a UK student visa is 4.0-5.0. However, that is required for Foundation or Pre-Masters programmes. For a direct entry in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in the UK, you’ll need at least an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5.
However, if you have scored IELTS 5.5 but want to study Bachelor’s in the UK, we can make options for you. Some UK universities are accepting an IELTS score overall 5.5. But you have to keep in mind that not all universities will accept this score; many offer programs where it’s sufficient for admission, especially for undergraduate or pre-sessional English courses.
In this blog, we will discuss the IELTS 5.5 accepted universities in the UK, also mentioning the MOI accepted UK universities and alternative options to study in the UK without IELTS. So, if you are struggling with your low IELTS score, this article will help you a lot.
Is 5.5 IELTS Accepted in the UK?
Yes, an IELTS score of 5.5 is generally accepted for some purposes in the UK, but not for all university programs or visa types. It’s important to check the specific entry requirements of the university or course you are interested in, as some may require higher scores.
Check Your Eligibility!
Which UK Universities Accept Low IELTS Scores?
Studying in the UK is a dream for many international students. However, international students from non-English speaking countries sometimes can not achieve their dreams due to not having English language proficiency or a low IELTS score.
The UK government is very flexible in providing UK student visas. So, IELTS is not the only option to prove your English language proficiency to study in the UK. There are many alternatives to the IELTS such as: OIETC, TOEFL, Duolingo, GMAT, GRE, etc.
Unlike countries like Canada, Denmark, Australia or the USA, the UK requires a very low IELTS score for international students. If you have an IELTS score ranging from 5.5 to 6.5, most of the universities in the UK will gladly accept you. Below is a chart of the minimum IELTS score requirement to study in the UK:
| Bachelor Degree | Overall 6.0 no band less than 5.5 |
| Master Degree | Overall 6.5 no band less than 6.0 |
List of IELTS 5.5 Accepted Universities in the UK
Most of the UK universities accept a 5.5 IELTS score for Foundation or Pre-master’s programmes. However, there are still some UK universities accepting IELTS 5.5 for undergraduate programmes.
- University of East Anglia
- Ravensbourne University London
- Queen Mary University of London
- Newcastle University
- University of Leeds
- University of Liverpool
- University of Birmingham
- University of Bristol
- University of Nottingham, etc.
Popular UK Universities Accepting a 5.5 IELTS Score for the Foundation Program
Many UK universities are accepting a 5.5 IELTS score for foundation programmes. Such as:
- Swansea University
- Robert Gordon University
- Northumbria University
- Ulster University
- Coventry University
- Birmingham City University, etc.
Best Alternatives to IELTS in the UK
Though IELTS is the widely accepted English language proficiency test, many international students are afraid of the IELTS test as it is 100% fair. However, there are some other English language proficiency tests alternative to the IELTS in the UK. Such as:
- TOEFL
- PTE
- Duolingo
- GRE
- GMAT
- OIETC, etc.
Can You Study in the UK without Any English Language Test?
Yes, you can study in the UK without any English language test if you belong to one of the following criterias:
Country of Origin
If you are belong to a English speaking country like USA, Germany, Australia, Canada, etc. or if you have completed any degree from an English speaking country you don’t have to take any English language proficiency test to study in the UK.
Completed Previous Education in English
If you have completed your previous studies in English, you don’t have to take any English language proficiency test. You can study in the UK with an MOI (Medium of Instruction Certificate). However, only a few UK universities accept MOI from international students, you have to check the eligibility criteria before applying.
MOI Accepted Universities in the UK
Surprisingly, many UK universities accept MOI from international students. Such as:
- University of Hertfordshire
- University of South Wales
- Bangor University
- University for the Creative Arts
- University of Greenwich
- Northumbria University
- Cardiff Metropolitan University
- Birmingham City University, etc.
Academic Background
If you are a Bangladeshi student and have an “A” grade in English in HSC or 12th standard, you can apply to Cardiff Metropolitan University without any English test. Also, the University of South Wales accept Bangladeshi students without IELTS who have an “A+” in English in HSC.
If you are an Indian student and have 70% in English in your 12th standard, you don’t have to take IELTS or any English language tests to study in the UK.
If you are an African student and have C6 in English in your WAEC/NECO, you can apply to the UK universities without any IELTS test.
Is a 5.5 IELTS Score Accepted for a Work Visa in the UK?
Previously, we have discussed the IELTS 5.5 accepted universities in the UK. Those are for the UK student visa. However, if you want to qualify for a work visa in the UK, you will have to obtain a level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. This is equivalent to an overall IELTS score of 4.0.
Final Words
Many UK Universities accept 5.5 IELTS band scores as proof of English Proficiency. Overseas students with a 5.5 IELTS UK band score still have admission and career growth opportunities. Above, we have provided a list of IELTS 5.5 accepted universities in the UK. Knowing these universities that accept low IELTS scores helps you to pursue your academic and career goals in the UK.
FAQ
Is IELTS 5.5 accepted in the UK?
Ans: Yes, an IELTS score of 5.5 is generally accepted for some purposes in the UK, but not for all university programs or visa types.
What is the minimum IELTS score for UK universities?
Ans: For a direct entry in a Bachelor’s or Master’s program in the UK, you’ll need at least an IELTS score of 6.0-6.5.
Is 5.5 a good IELTS score?
Ans: A score of 5.5 in IELTS is considered a moderate score, often acceptable for entry into some colleges and Foundation programs
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