13 Best US Universities without IELTS or TOEFL

As an international student planning to study in the United States, you will be very much aware that most universities require proof of English language proficiency, usually through IELTS or TOEFL, making you worried about not just the cost, availability, but also the stress of these exams.

However, the good news is that some top US universities waive these tests or offer alternative options. If you have studied in English before or are open to taking an on-campus English program, several universities in the US welcome international students without making IELTS or TOEFL compulsory. 

What are Requirements?

TOEFL, which stands for Test of English as a Foreign Language, is an exam administered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) that checks how well you can read, write, speak, and understand English in an academic environment. 

The test takes about 2 hours and is scored out of 120, with each section having a max score of 30.

IELTS, on the other hand, stands for International English Language Testing System, conducted by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment. Just like TOEFL, IELTS evaluates your listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills.

It lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes, and your performance is scored in bands from 1 to 9. IELTS scores are also valid for 2 years. Most US universities require international students to take one of these tests to confirm that they are ready for an English-speaking academic setting.

Schools usually have a minimum required score. For example, some might ask for a TOEFL score of 80–100 or an IELTS band of 6.5–7.5, depending on the program. Even though these tests are not a direct visa requirement, they also play a role in getting your F-1 student visa, as proof of English proficiency must be included in your application.

Universitites

1. University of Dayton:

The University of Dayton, a private Roman Catholic research university in Ohio, accepts international students even if they do not meet the usual English language requirements.

If you qualify academically, you can receive conditional admission, meaning you need to either complete their Intensive English Program or show that you have previously studied in English. You can also meet their requirements by submitting alternative test scores like the Duolingo English Test or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE).

2. University of Colorado Boulder:

Ranked among the top public universities in the US, the University of Colorado Boulder offers flexible English proficiency options. You can skip IELTS or TOEFL if you have either studied in an English-speaking country for at least two academic years or completed one full year of studies in the US.

They also accept Duolingo as an alternative test for international students who do not meet the standard language test criteria.

3. Drexel University:

Drexel University, known for its strong research programs and international student support, accepts international students without IELTS or TOEFL. You can gain entry by completing either the University Preparation Summer Program or the Foundation and Conditional Bridge Program (FCBP).

Drexel University also accepts Duolingo and English Prep Test scores. However, if you are applying for a master’s program, you must have completed at least one year of undergraduate study in the US.

4. University of Iowa:

You can be admitted into the University of Iowa without IELTS or TOEFL if you can demonstrate sufficient English proficiency, either by coming from an English-speaking country or by completing previous education in English.

They also offer the Intensive English Program (IIEP) for students who need additional support. Alternatively, you can take the On-campus English Proficiency Evaluation (EPE) instead of submitting standardized language test scores.

5. California State University(CSU), Los Angeles:

As an international student, if you attended secondary school or university where English was the language of instruction, you do not need to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores to apply to California State University.

You can also get conditional admission if you complete a CSU-approved ESL program or show proof of prior English-medium education. Alternatively, they accept the PTE Academic exam in place of IELTS.

6. University of New Orleans UNO):

TOEFL or IELTS is not needed at UNO if you are from an English-speaking country or have studied in English for at least two years. 

But if you have not, you can join their on-campus Intensive English Language Program (IELP) to build your proficiency. The main language exam accepted at the university is the English Language for Internationals (ELI) test.

7. Rice University:

One of the top university in the United States, Rice University, offer some flexibility for international students. If you have completed a degree from a school where English is the primary language of instruction, you can request a waiver for IELTS or TOEFL.

However, you will need to apply directly to the admissions office for that. Rice University also accepts the Duolingo English Test as an alternative proof of English proficiency.

8. University of Delaware:

At the University of Delaware, international students who meet academic requirements but do not meet English language requirements can still be admitted through their Conditional Admissions Program (CAP).

Through CAP, you will take an English language course before transitioning into your full academic program, so you do not need the IELTS or TOEFL.

9. State University of New York (SUNY):

SUNY campuses offer conditional admission to international students who do not have IELTS or TOEFL scores, as long as you are willing to complete an Intensive English Program first.

Some campuses even accept other alternatives like Duolingo or PTE Academic exams, depending on your program and level. The main option they offer is the English Pathway Program.

10. University of Missouri:

If you do not have IELTS or TOEFL as an international student, the University of Missouri is a great choice. They accept other options, like Duolingo or proof that you completed English coursework in an English-speaking country.

You can also join their on-campus English language training before starting your degree. Their alternative options include Duolingo, English-medium transcripts, or their in-house English program.

11. University of North Alabama:

At the University of North Alabama, international students can still be admitted without TOEFL/IELTS as long as they complete the university’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program.

They also accept alternatives like Duolingo scores or other approved proofs of English proficiency.
Alternative options: ESL program, Duolingo, or other official language certifications.

12. University of Arkansas:

You can study at the University of Arkansas even without IELTS or TOEFL scores. All you have to do is join their Intensive English Language Program (IELP).

Students are admitted conditionally and enrolled in the Spring International Language Center (SILC) to sharpen their English before diving into academic classes.

13. Northwood University:

Northwood University accepts international students without IELTS or TOEFL if you provide any of their accepted alternatives, like EIKEN, IB, Cambridge English Test, ELS, or PTE Academic.

This makes it a great option if you have taken other recognized language exams or finished an English-language program.

How to Study

Yes, many US universities require proof of English proficiency, but that does not always mean you must take IELTS or TOEFL. If you are planning to study in the USA without these tests, there are a few alternative paths and basic requirements you should know:

• If you studied in English before, especially if your previous education was in a country where English is the official language, many universities will waive the IELTS/TOEFL requirement.
• Some universities offer their own introductory English programs, such as the Intensive English Language Program (IELP). If you complete this successfully, you can transition into your degree program without taking IELTS or TOEFL.
• If you are applying for a master’s degree, you may need to provide a letter from your previous university confirming that your course was taught entirely in English.
• Another option is to join summer or pathway programs in the US that are designed to improve your English skills. These programs often serve as an alternative to taking official language exams.

Conclusion

While we have listed top US universities that waive IELTS and TOEFL, it is essential to double-check each school’s policy before you apply. Visit their official websites, reach out to the admissions office via email, or even call if possible.

Through this, you will get accurate and updated information about accepted alternatives, eligibility, and required documents.

Also, if you are confident in your English skills but the cost of studying in the US is holding you back, you can check HERE for fully-funded Scholarships without IELTS Requirements.