Study in UK without IELTS

STUDY IN THE UK WITHOUT IELTS

Study in UK without IELTS using your WAEC English score! Discover top universities like Hull, South Wales, and others that accept WAEC for Chevening 2025. Learn grade requirements, application tips, and download our free checklist to boost your chances.

For many West African students dreaming of studying in the UK, one major stumbling block has always been the English proficiency requirement. Tests like IELTS and TOEFL often cost over $200—money that could go toward visa fees, application processing, or simply sustaining yourself abroad.

But here’s the good news: some top UK universities now accept WAEC English as proof of language proficiency. This means you can apply for competitive scholarships like Chevening without worrying about IELTS.

This guide is written specifically for West African postgraduates who want to maximize their chances with the Chevening Scholarship 2026/2027.

🎯 Why This Matters for Chevening Applicants

Chevening requires applicants to show they can study in English. Traditionally, this has meant IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE. However, if your chosen UK university waives IELTS in favor of WAEC, Chevening accepts that exemption.

So instead of spending money and time on an English test, you can redirect your focus to your personal statement, leadership profile, and networking skills—the areas that really win you the scholarship.

👉 Learn more about Chevening requirements here: https://www.chevening.org/scholarships/find-a-course/

🏫 UK Universities Accepting WAEC English in 2025

Based on confirmed policies as of September 2025, here are the UK universities that recognize WAEC English (and in some cases, NECO) instead of IELTS.

1. University of Hull

The University of Hull is one of the most Chevening-friendly universities.

• Accepted WAEC Grade:
  • C6 or above in WAEC English
  • Must be within the last 10 years
• Why Hull?
  • Wide range of postgraduate programs, especially in business, international relations, energy studies, and creative industries
  • Long history of hosting Chevening scholars
  • Affordable living compared to London

👉 See full details about applying: https://www.hull.ac.uk/life-at-hull/why-choose-hull

2. University of South Wales

Another strong choice for Chevening hopefuls.

• Accepted WAEC Grade:
  • C6 or above in WAEC English
  • Must be within the last 5–10 years depending on program
• Extra Advantage:
  • If you don’t fully meet the English requirement, the university provides free pre-sessional English courses.
  • Excellent postgraduate options in engineering, IT, public health, and international development.

👉 Learn how to apply here: https://www.southwales.ac.uk/international/

3. University of Portsmouth

• Accepts WAEC (C6 and above) as proof of English.
• Strong in international development, economics, and sustainability research.
• Welcomes a large number of Chevening scholars yearly.

👉 Details: https://www.port.ac.uk/collaborate/schools-and-colleges

4. University of Kent

• Accepts WAEC (C6 or above) in lieu of IELTS.
• Particularly strong in law, international relations, and social sciences.
• Great choice for Chevening’s Leadership & Governance track scholars.

👉 Details: https://www.kent.ac.uk/international

5. Robert Gordon University (Scotland)

• Accepts WAEC (C6 and above).
• Practical, career-oriented postgraduate courses.
• Popular with public health and energy studies applicants.

👉 Details: https://www.rgu.ac.uk/study/international-students

📊 Grade Thresholds and Verification

• Minimum Requirement:
  • WAEC English C6 or above in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE)
• Verification:
  • Universities will ask for your WAEC scratch card or digital verification.
  • Ensure your date of birth and candidate details match your passport and transcripts.

👉 See our step-by-step guide:

📌 Checklist: Applying Without IELTS

Here’s a practical checklist you can download and tick off as you prepare:

✅ Scholarship Application Checklist (No IELTS Pathway)

1. Confirm your WAEC English grade (C6 or above).
2. Get your WAEC verification PIN/scratch card ready.
3. Shortlist 3 Chevening partner universities that accept WAEC.
4. Draft your Chevening essays early.
5. Contact admissions offices to reconfirm IELTS waiver.
6. Apply before Chevening deadline (Nov 2025).
7. Save all correspondence for visa purposes.

👉 Download full checklist (PDF/Word):

📧 Email Outreach Pack

You should always double-confirm with admissions before submitting your Chevening application. Below are ready-to-use templates:

1. General Enquiry Email

Subject: Confirmation of English Language Requirement Waiver

Dear Admissions Team,

I am a prospective postgraduate applicant from [Your Country], interested in applying for [Course Name, e.g., MSc International Relations] for the 2026/2027 academic year.

I obtained [Grade] in WAEC English, and I would like to confirm if this can be accepted in place of IELTS for admission purposes.

I look forward to your confirmation.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Details]

2. Chevening-Specific Email

Subject: English Language Requirement for Chevening Applicants

Dear [University Admissions Office],

I am applying for the Chevening Scholarship and considering your university as one of my three choices.

Could you kindly confirm if WAEC English (Grade C6 or above) is accepted in lieu of IELTS, and if this applies for Chevening applicants as well?

Thank you for your time and guidance.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Contact Details]

❓ Frequently Asked Questions Study in UK without IELTS

Q1. Can I use NECO instead of WAEC for Chevening?
Some universities accept NECO, but WAEC is more widely recognized. Always reconfirm with admissions.

Q2. How recent must my WAEC result be?
Typically within 5–10 years, depending on the university.

Q3. If I already have IELTS, should I still apply with WAEC?
Yes, but IELTS gives you broader options. Use WAEC if you don’t want to sit for another test.

Q4. Will Chevening reject me if my university waives IELTS?
No. Chevening only requires that your chosen university confirms your English proficiency.