If you are a foreign student who wants to study in the US but is worried about the IELTS test, don’t be! It’s now easier to get into many top U.S. universities because they don’t require the IELTS as a test of English ability. They will instead take a variety of other tests, such as the TOEFL, Duolingo, PTE Academic, or even English-medium education waivers (MOI).
This guide will talk about 10 reliable U.S. universities that you can apply to with confidence for the Spring 2026 opening, without having to take the IELTS.
Benefits of USA Universities Without IELTS:
- More opportunities for international students: Students from countries where English is not the main language can apply without having to take the IELTS.
- Other Ways to Show You Know English: A lot of colleges will accept the TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo English Test, or proof that you were taught English as a main language.
- Cost Savings: Not having to pay the $250 IELTS test fee lowers the cost of applying.
- Faster Application Process: Students can apply right away, without having to wait for IELTS test times or results.
- Different ways to get in: Some universities let you get in with certain conditions or with English preparation classes instead of IELTS.
- Better chances of getting in: Not needing IELTS makes applications open to more people.
- Pay attention to academic merit: Choices about admission are based on grades, experience, and drive, not just one graded test.
- Opportunities to Work and Study: Students can still get OPT, CPT, and on-campus jobs, just like people with an IELTS.
- Ways to Get Scholarships: Many colleges that don’t require IELTS still give international students merit-based scholarships.
- Gateway to Permanent Residency: Getting a degree in the U.S. can help you get work, extend your visa, and become a permanent resident.
Check Also: Tips to Win Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship
You Can Apply for Admissions Without IELTS in following 10 American Universities for Spring 2026 Intake:
International students who want to go to college in the U.S. but don’t want to take the IELTS can choose from a number of different and flexible language ability options for Spring 2026 admissions. Here is a carefully chosen list of schools that put accessibility first and offer different ways to show that you can speak and write English well.
1# University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder is at the base of the Rocky Mountains and offers a world-class education with a new way of handling language needs. Students can show how well they know English through different tests, which makes the application process easier and more open to everyone.
- Accepted Alternatives: You can take the TOEFL (iBT minimum 75) or Duolingo (minimum 120).
- Waiver Conditions: People who have studied for at least two years in an English-speaking school, preferably in the United States, may be able to get a permit.
- Requirements: https://www.colorado.edu/graduateschool/admissions/where-begin/international-students/english-proficiency-requirements.
2# Drexel University
Drexel University is known for its co-op programs and new ways of learning. It is located in the lively city of Philadelphia. As part of their forward-thinking approach to admissions, they offer a variety of widely accepted language tests and helpful ways to get conditional entry.
- Accepted Alternatives: You can use numbers from the TOEFL (at least 90), the PTE (61), Duolingo (110–115), or Cambridge English.
- Support Programs: People who don’t meet straight requirements can still get in through programs like FCBP and summer pathways.
- Requirements: https://www.online.drexel.edu/support/international-students.aspx
3# University of Dayton
The University of Dayton in Ohio is a friendly school that puts a lot of emphasis on student success and ease of access. Their flexible language requirements are meant to help foreign students fit in well with their academic programs. They even have a program just for students who need a little extra help.
- Accepted Alternatives: Take the TOEFL (at least 80), Duolingo (110), PTE (60), or iTEP (4.0).
- Support Programs: Offers an Intensive English Language Program (IELP) to people whose scores are just below the minimum standards.
- Requirements: https://udayton.edu/apply/international/graduate/toefl.php
4# University of New Orleans (UNO)
At the University of New Orleans, you can enjoy the southern beauty and academic opportunities. UNO knows that foreign students come from a lot of different places, so they offer conditional admission and a number of accepted language tests to make the application process as easy as possible.
- Accepted Alternatives: 100–105 on Duolingo, 79 on the TOEFL, or 58 on the PTE.
- Admission: Conditional entry is available to students who meet these other scores.
- Requirements: https://www.uno.edu/admissions/apply-international/requirements
5# University of Delaware
The University of Delaware is a well-known school with a long and interesting past. It also has a lively student body. Their flexible options for language learning, such as an academic transitions program, show that they want to attract a wide range of foreign students.
- Accepted Alternatives: Scores from Duolingo (at least 110), the TOEFL iBT (at least 79), or Cambridge English.
- Pathway: Through their Academic Transitions program, you can also show that you are proficient.
- Requirements: https://www.udel.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/requirements/international-students/
6# Rice University
Rice University in Houston, Texas, is one of the best private research universities in the country. It has strict academic standards but is also open to foreign applicants. Even though they are selective, they are clear alternatives to the IELTS that recognize different levels of English ability.
- Accepted Alternatives: TOEFL (at least 90 for college graduates and 100 for college freshmen) or Duolingo (115–130).
- Waiver Conditions: May not have to do it at all for graduates of colleges where English is the main language.
- Requirements: https://graduate.rice.edu/admissions/language-proficiency-requirements
7# University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is a lively public research university that offers a wide range of educational opportunities. They offer a wide range of recognized language tests so that students can show how well they know English in more than one way.
- Accepted Alternatives: You can get an on-campus English Proficiency Evaluation (EPE), the TOEFL (minimum 80–81), or Duolingo (105–110).
- Additional Consideration: In some situations, SAT or ACT numbers may be taken into account.
- Requirements: https://grad.admissions.uiowa.edu/english-proficiency-requirements
8# Northwood University
Northwood University provides a useful and easy-to-reach education for students who are interested in business and want to learn more about the world. This university in Michigan makes it easier to apply by having simple language standards and common ways to get waivers.
- Accepted Alternatives: Scores from the TOEFL (61 for undergrads and 80 for grads), Duolingo (110), or the PTE.
- Waiver Conditions: Waivers are often given to students who have already learned English.
- Requirements: https://international.northwood.edu/admissions/english-proficiency-policy/
9# California State University System (e.g., Long Beach, Los Angeles)
International students don’t need to take the IELTS test to get into the large California State University (CSU) system, which has many well-known schools like Long Beach and Los Angeles. Getting into college in California is easier thanks to their many accepted tests and route programs.
- Accepted Alternatives: Pick the PTE (58), the TOEFL (80), or Duolingo (120).
- Pathway: Their Intensive English Program (IEP) pathway classes are another way to get in.
- Requirements: https://www.calstatela.edu/admissions/english-language-proficiency
10# University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is a dynamic research university with a wide range of classes. It has the feel of the Ozarks. They give you a lot of choices for showing that you can speak and write English well, and you can get in if you’ve had English-medium education before.
- Accepted Alternatives: Either the TOEFL (about 79–80), Duolingo (about 110), or the PTE (about 60).
- Admission: Conditional entry may also be possible if you go to an English-medium school.
- Requirements: https://international-students.uark.edu/admissions/english-language-proficiency.php
Minimum Test Scores Accepted Instead of IELTS at Top 10 US Universities for Spring 2026 Intake:
This table gives a quick and easy look at the lowest English test results that the top 10 U.S. universities that don’t require the IELTS exam for Spring 2026 will accept. These schools will instead accept scores from the TOEFL iBT, the Duolingo English Test (DET), or the PTE Academic. It also lists any waiver options that are available, like showing proof of English-medium instruction (MOI) or being accepted with conditions after going through intense English language programs. This is especially helpful for international students applying to U.S. schools who want to meet the English proficiency standards in a flexible and cost-effective way.
| University Names | TOEFL iBT | Duolingo | PTE Academic | Other Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Colorado Boulder | 75–83 | 120 | — | Waiver for 2+ years in English-medium education |
| Drexel University | 90 | 110–115 | 61 | FCBP or summer prep pathway available |
| University of Dayton | 80 (UG 70) | 110 | 60 | IELP conditional admission available |
| University of New Orleans (UNO) | 79 | 100–105 | 58 | Conditional admission available |
| University of Delaware | 79 | 110 | — | Academic Transitions program & Cambridge accepted |
| Rice University | 90 (UG 100) | 115–130 | — | Waiver for English-medium graduates |
| University of Iowa | 80–81 | 105–110 | — | Offers on-campus English Proficiency Evaluation |
| Northwood University | 61 (UG), 80 (PG) | 110 | — | Waiver for prior English-medium education possible |
| California State University | 80 | 120 | 58 | IEP pathway & MOI waiver accepted |
| University of Arkansas | 79–80 | 110 | 60 | Waivers and conditional admission likely |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I apply for Spring admissions in USA universities without IELTS?
Yes, you can apply to many U.S. universities for the spring semester without taking the IELTS if you meet other English proficiency standards.
Is an English Proficiency Certificate enough for admission?
Yes, some colleges will accept an English Proficiency Certificate from the school they graduated from instead of IELTS.
Do U.S. universities without IELTS offer scholarships?
Yes, many colleges offer merit- and need-based scholarships to international students, even if they don’t have an IELTS score.
