The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most prestigious opportunities for international students to study in the UK. Every year thousands of talented professionals win this fully funded scholarship to pursue a one-year master’s degree at top UK universities.
If you are planning your application for 2025 you might be wondering if you can study in the UK without IELTS. The good news is that many universities now offer options to prove your English ability without taking IELTS.
What the Rules Say
Chevening itself no longer asks for an IELTS or other English test result at the time of application. This change has made the process easier for applicants.
But university admission almost always requires proof of English proficiency in some form. This may include TOEFL PTE Duolingo or a waiver if you meet certain criteria such as completing a previous degree taught in English or being from a majority English speaking country.
Known Universities That Waive IELTS or Accept Alternatives
Here are universities and cases that are known to waive IELTS or accept other ways to prove English ability. These are good options to explore for 2025 Chevening but you must always check the exact requirement for your chosen course.
| University | Policy or Alternative Accepted |
|---|---|
| University of Bristol | Accepts students with education in English or proof of Medium of Instruction certificate |
| University of Bolton | Waives IELTS for students from certain countries or with English medium education |
| University of Sussex | Offers waivers for some postgraduate programs if your previous degree was taught in English |
| University of Warwick | Some departments allow English proficiency through other recognized tests |
| Birmingham City University | Provides internal English assessments for eligible students |
| London South Bank University | Accepts MOI certificate or other tests as proof of English |
How to Check Your Eligibility
When choosing a university under Chevening without IELTS follow these steps
- Visit the entry requirement page of your chosen course
- See if they accept Medium of Instruction certificate from your previous university
- Check if they allow Duolingo PTE or internal English assessment
- Look for country specific waivers that may apply to you
- Confirm all requirements early so you can get an unconditional offer before the Chevening deadline
Important Points to Remember
- A university waiver does not apply to every course so you must confirm with the department
- Some waivers are conditional and require strong proof of English medium education
- Policies may change from year to year so always check the latest information
- Chevening requires an unconditional offer by the deadline so resolve English requirements as early as possible
Sample Universities to Explore
- University of Bristol
- University of Bolton
- University of Sussex
- University of Warwick
- Birmingham City University
- London South Bank University
These universities are popular choices for students who wish to study in the UK without IELTS and many Chevening applicants consider them each year.
Conclusion
There is no single list of Chevening Universities Without IELTS Requirement 2025 that works for everyone but several UK universities now provide alternatives to IELTS. If your previous education was in English or you qualify for a waiver you have a good chance of securing admission.
Check your chosen course confirm the English language requirement and apply early so you can get your unconditional offer on time. This will keep your Chevening Scholarship journey smooth and stress free.
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