People travel to different countries for totally different reasons, and if you’re thinking of travelling to a country for the sole purpose of studying, part of the questions that you think about is “What are the requirements?” One of the primary requirements that most International schools demand, is the IELTS. However, there are a lot of countries to study, especially in Europe that don’t require IELTS from International students. In this post, we will be going through the Top 10 cheapest countries to study without IELTS in 2024.
The IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System. It’s a test of English proficiency for people whose mother tongue is not English. If you want to migrate to a country where English is the native language such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States, IELTS is one of the tests you can take to show that your English is good enough. Meanwhile, if you’re reading this article that’s probably because either your country hasn’t been classified as an English-speaking country or your mother tongue isn’t English. But don’t worry, we will cover the top countries to study without IELTS in 2024.
There are a lot of different requirements from International schools, but why is the IELTS so important among others? The reason is that the IELTS is the gateway to most English-speaking schools. There are other exams that you can take but IELTS is by far the most popular although it’s very tricky.
Cheapest countries to study without IELTS in 2024
1. Germany 🇩🇪
One of the first countries you need to consider in this case is Germany. When it comes to education, Germany is pretty much one of the countries that offers cheap education without IELTS. However, like I always tell people, the best time to apply is now because the policies of countries change all the time. There are universities in Germany that are now introducing tuition fees, while most are still free. They’re saying maybe in 2024 or 2025, you might have to start paying tuition, but Germany has more than 350 universities that you can apply to and they are free and no IELTS is required.
You can move with your family to Germany immediately and most universities in Germany accept higher national diplomas and second-class lower degrees. Although, the only drawback with Germany is that during your visa process, you need to have what is called a “Blocked account”. A blocked account means that the school will need you to open an account in Germany and transfer the equivalent of €10,000 to €12,000 into that bank account. It is your money but they want to be able to see it and be sure that you can take care of yourself while you are in Germany. So the idea is, when you get to Germany they will start giving it to you every month.
I understand that opening a block account and having that amount put in there might be challenging for some people. So, what I often advise people is that, if they are planning on studying in Germany but do not have the amount for the block account as required, they can take a loan with a flexible plan on how to pay back the money.
2. Iceland 🇮🇸
The second country on our list that offers cheap universities without IELTS is Iceland. The country which is known for its rugged landscape and scenery offers cheap education as the tuition fees in Iceland are free. Students do not pay tuition fees at all, the only thing you have to pay is $500.00, which covers both service charges and application fees. While studying in Iceland, you can also work for 20 hours as the government policy allows work studying.
Meanwhile, on most Iceland school websites, it would be clearly stated that you need to have a second-class upper degree to qualify to be admitted. But from experience, I would suggest that you should apply even if you don’t have up to those qualifications, as a couple of people who applied regardless and still got admitted.
Most schools in Iceland do not require IELTS, while some schools do. However, the schools that require IELTS would waive this requirement depending on your English performance on your transcripts. They can ask you to provide a letter of English proficiency and that would usually suffice.
The proof of funds for Iceland is usually between €9,000 to €10,000. That’s what you need as proof of funds and Iceland allows for bringing dependants. However, those on study visas can not bring their dependents just immediately, but they can do so after six months. So once you’re in Iceland after six months you can bring your family for those that are married.
3. Brazil 🇧🇷
Third on our list for the cheapest country to study without IELTS in 2024 is the Federative Republic of Brazil. A country known as the largest easternmost country in South America. Also, Brazil offers free tuition for both International and local students. Another reason why you should consider studying in Brazil is the fact that during your study, within your first study year, they are going to teach you the Portuguese language. Meanwhile, the Portuguese language is the official language in Brazil, in one year you will earn your degree in Portuguese. Therefore, as an international student, you’re going to get two advantages, which include the opportunity to be able to learn a new language and then you’re going to be able to earn your degree for free. Most schools in Brazil don’t require IELTS from International students.
Another interesting thing about Brazil for the student visa route is that if you’re married, you can move with your family straight away. Interestingly, if you’re married and you give birth in Brazil your child is going to get an immediate Brazilian passport. Meanwhile, a Brazilian passport is top 20 in the world and you as the parents will get immediate permanent residence and your parents(GrandParent of the child) also get permanent residency. That’s amazing, right? Also, after three years of getting your permanent residency, you can then apply to become a citizen of Brazil.
4. Czech Republic 🇨🇿
The Czech Republic is also another country that is cheap to study without IELTS in 2024. The country is not expensive and tuition is usually between €900 to about €1500. No language requirement and if you’re willing to learn in Czech language, then your study is free. However, if you want to learn in English then you have to pay that tuition of €900 to €1500. Another interesting thing again about the Czech Republic is that you can apply for scholarships. They can give you up to 50% scholarships on tuition fees, so you would agree that that’s an amazing opportunity when it comes to studying abroad.
5. Austria 🇦🇹
Among the cheapest countries to study without IELTS, is Austria. The country is very affordable, costing about €376 per semester for international students. However, some schools in Austria are thinking of changing the price of tuition to €726 per semester starting in 2025. With the increment, the fee is still considerate as compared to some schools in Europe. Although, some schools have started implementing it.
Schools in Austria accept diplomas and most importantly, no IELTS is required for international students. Also, you can move with your family if you are married, and you can work while you study. So, I suggest you should take advantage of studying in Austria. Although, the application process is a little bit cumbersome because you have to verify your documents. You have to go to the Ministry of Education in your country and authenticate your document for them to say it’s original before applying. Once your documents have been verified by your country’s Ministry of Education, you then have to go to the Austrian embassy and they will also legalise it. They just need to stamp it and once it’s stamped, you can then proceed with the application.
6. Belgium 🇧🇪
If you’re planning to study in a cheap school abroad, then you should consider Belgium. The schools in Belgium allow international student to pay their tuition fees upon arrival. This means that, when you are making your application, you don’t have to worry about having or not having the money. Get your admission, get your visa to Belgium and then you can pay the first instalment of your tuition when you arrive in Belgium.
Schools in Belgium are very affordable and offer payment up to 7 instalments. Thus, this instalment starts when you arrive in Belgium. The tuition fee is as low as €1000 depending on the course you want to study but should be between €1000 to €4000.
The only drawback for Belgium is that most schools there require IELTS, while some schools do not. But don’t worry as the compulsory IELTS score is low, which is between 6 and 6.5.
7. Malta 🇲🇹
When it comes to the cheapest English-speaking countries to study without IELTS, then Malta is the place. Quite a lot of people want an English-speaking country but they cannot afford Canada, Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom and even New Zealand. Aside, from these countries, Malta is also an English-speaking country in Europe and the tuition fees range between €3000 to €7000.
Most importantly international student can work for 20 hours and their family (for those who are married) can join you after 6 to 12 months. Also, you don’t need IELTS to apply to the school.
8. Switzerland 🇨🇭
One of the most beautiful and cheapest countries to study without IELTS is Switzerland. Tuition fees range between €600 to €900, which is very affordable when compared. However, one of the drawbacks of Switzerland is that the country has a high standard of living, making the cost of living there a bit expensive. However, the government finds a way to balance things up, so if you get a job in Switzerland, you’re going to be paid very highly as well, so it balances that up. Also, most schools do not require IELTS. Another drawback is that, as an international student, the work-study hours are 15 hours. Unlike other European countries, you can’t work 20 hours while studying, you can only work for 15 hours because the government want you to focus on your academics.
9. Portugal 🇵🇹
Before you even think of studying in Portugal, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that Portugal schools are not that expensive. Portugal is a country in Europe that offers admission to international schools at an affordable tuition fee of up to €900. These tuition fees can be paid in instalments upon arrival. Portuguese universities charge applicants an application fee which varies depending on the school, and again it depends on the programme you are going to study.
You would find programmes in the Portuguese language for the bachelor level, English language at the master level and some programmes equally at the masters level would also be taught in the Portuguese language.
Second-class lower, and higher national diplomas are accepted. Also, as a married international student, you can move with your family. However, some people have found it difficult to move with their families because they’re not able to prove that they have enough money to take care of their families. Above all, you should consider studying in Portugal.
10. Italy 🇮🇹
Among the top 10 cheapest countries on our list to study without IELTS in 2024 is Italy. The education in the country is very affordable and Italy is so amazing because you will not find two people who pay the same tuition fee. Everybody pays different tuition so you can find someone who pays tuition of €500, and also find someone who pays less.
For International students, another good thing about Italy is that you can move with your family if you’re married. Also, Italy schools accept up to second-class lower, and there is no need for IELTS. The reason why tuition is different is because they have a process where you know they charge you the tuition based on your family’s socioeconomic status. So, one of the procedures you have to undergo is to fill out a document that explains what your family’s income looks like and if your family earns less than $500 per month equivalent, then you qualify to have your tuition reduced.
Substantially, you can pay your tuition as low as €100 depending on the school. Some schools will give you transportation, while some schools will provide feeding for students once a day. Also, some Italian schools would provide international and local students with free accommodation and all of these depend on the school. So, I would suggest you check out Italy when considering the country and offer cheap schools without IELTS.
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