Study in Singapore without IELTS 2025
Singapore is a growing Asian country for international students to pursue higher education. This is due to lower tuition fees, affordable staying in the country, safe and vibrant environment for students.Â
Enrolling in Singapore universities requires international students to demonstrate their English language skills to cater the global needs. This blog will explore studying in Singapore without IELTS for international students, including those from India.
Reasons for Seeking an IELTS Waiver
The IELTS exam is a popular and widely recognised test to demonstrate English language proficiency for admission into Singapore universities. However, there may be various personal reasons why an individual might choose not to take the IELTS exam or submit their IELTS score.
- The IELTS exam may take around 3-6 months of exhaustive preparation which can seem heavily burdened for some individuals.
- Poor and underperformance in the IELTS exam due to weak English language proficiency.
- For some applicants, the IELTS fees of Rs. 17,000 may be daunting and costly.
Alternatives to the IELTS Exam in Singapore
The following are the most common ways that can be adopted in place of the IELTS exam to prove English language proficiency skills.
Other English Language Proficiency Tests
Some of the common English language proficiency tests that are acceptable in Singapore universities include
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE
- Cambridge English Advanced
- SAT
- ACT
| Standardised Tests | Minimum Score | Applicable for |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | 90-100 | UG and PG |
| PTE | 54-60 | UG and PG |
| Cambridge Assessment Test | 180-185 | UG and PG |
| ACT | 29 | UG |
| SAT | 650 for evidence-based reading and writing | UG |
Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
- If applicants have completed their previous studies in the institute where the English language was the prominent medium of instruction, then an IELTS waiver is provided.Â
- However, this might depend on the universities and courses opted by the applicants.
English Language Courses Pathway Courses
- To improve their proficiency in the English language, applicants can also choose to enroll themselves in the pre-sessional English language courses.
- These courses are intended to improve the communication and English language skills of the students who are willing to improve their skills.
- The duration of these courses depends on the universities.
Required Documents to Get an IELTS Waiver in Singapore
Indian applicants are required to submit one of the following documents to seek an IELTS waiver.
- Scorecard of other English language proficiency tests (TOEFL iBT, PTE, etc)
- MOI Certificate or academic transcripts
- Certificate of pre-sessional English language course completion
List of Universities in Singapore without IELTS
The following is the list of some of the popular universities in Singapore which provide IELTS waivers.
- Nanyang Technological University
- Singapore Management University
- National University of Singapore
- Singapore University of Technology & Design
- James Cook University
Study Visa for Singapore without IELTS
Apart from IELTS, the following alternatives can also be utilised to demonstrate English language proficiency for obtaining a study visa for Singapore without taking the IELTS exam.
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE
- MOI Certificate
- Pre-sessional English language courses
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
It is possible to study in Singapore without submitting an IELTS score. Universities such as the National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore Management University, and others offer alternative methods for applicants to demonstrate their English language proficiency.
FAQs
Can I go to Singapore without IELTS?
Yes, studying in Singapore without IELTS is possible for international students if they have fulfilled the other conditions of the English language proficiency requirement.
How much does IELTS cost in Singapore?
The cost of the IELTS exam in Singapore is Rs. 17,000/- per application.
Can I study in Singapore without student pass?
You would be required to apply for a student pass if you want to pursue any academic program lasting more than 30 days.
How long is IELTS valid for Singapore?
The validity of the IELTS score in Singapore is 2 years.
How much does it cost to study in Singapore?
The average cost of study in Singapore is around Rs. 14,000-20,000/- per year, depending on university, course, etc.
