Many students dream of studying in Europe but worry about IELTS or TOEFL exam requirements. The truth is, several top universities across Europe allow international students to apply without IELTS — especially if they’ve studied in English before or can submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate. In this article, you’ll discover the best European universities that accept students without IELTS, how the process works, and how to apply successfully in 2025.
Why Some Universities Don’t Require IELTS
Many European institutions understand that students from English-speaking countries or those who studied in English can still perform well academically without standardized test scores.
You may be exempt from IELTS if:
- Your previous education was in English
- You provide an MOI certificate from your school/college
- You pass the university’s internal language test or interview
Countries Where IELTS Is Often Optional
| Country | IELTS Required? | Common Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | Often not required | MOI or university interview |
| France | Usually not required | MOI + motivation letter |
| Italy | Not required in many cases | MOI accepted widely |
| Spain | Mostly optional | MOI or internal test |
| Poland | Optional at most universities | MOI or Skype interview |
| Norway | Sometimes required | MOI + documentation accepted |
| Hungary | Usually optional | MOI + previous English education |
Top European Universities Without IELTS Requirement
1. University of Siegen, Germany
- Public university
- Accepts MOI as English proof
- Offers master’s programs in English
- No IELTS needed if undergraduate was in English
2. University of Koblenz, Germany
- Accepts MOI or TOEFL alternatives
- Public institution with free tuition
- Many tech and business-related programs
3. University of Geneva, Switzerland
- One of the top-ranked European universities
- Accepts prior English medium education
- Focused on research and international collaboration
4. Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy
- No IELTS required for students with English-medium degree
- Highly ranked in engineering and design
- Tuition waivers and merit scholarships available
5. University of Bologna, Italy
- Oldest university in Europe
- IELTS not mandatory for MOI students
- Offers low tuition and scholarship support
6. University of Granada, Spain
- Offers English-taught courses
- Accepts MOI + academic performance
- Active Erasmus+ exchange programs
7. University of Warsaw, Poland
- Accepts English-medium certificates
- Strong programs in IT, business, and social sciences
- Tuition is affordable (~€2,000–€4,000 per year)
8. University of Oslo, Norway
- Top public university in Scandinavia
- Tuition-free for international students
- English tests not mandatory for select programs
What Is MOI and How to Get It?
MOI = Medium of Instruction Certificate
It’s a document from your previous school or college confirming that your classes were taught in English.
What should be included?
- Your full name
- Program/course studied
- Duration of study
- Statement: “This program was taught in English”
- Signature, seal, and date from the institution head
Where to get it?
- From your school or college principal/head or exam office
How to Apply Without IELTS – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Shortlist Universities
Use the official websites and DAAD/Campus France/university portals to search programs that do not require IELTS.
Step 2: Prepare Documents
- MOI certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Passport
- SOP (Statement of Purpose)
- CV or resume
- Recommendation letters (if needed)
Step 3: Apply Online
Submit your application through the university’s online portal or national admission systems (e.g., uni-assist, universityadmissions.se).
Step 4: Attend Interview (if required)
Some universities may ask for a short video or Zoom interview to test your English skills.
Step 5: Wait for Admission Letter
Once selected, you’ll receive an official offer. Then you can begin your visa process.
Pros and Cons of Applying Without IELTS
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Saves money on IELTS exam | Some scholarships still ask for IELTS |
| Faster application process | Fewer universities offer this option |
| Good for students from English-medium schools | Must prove English skills during interview |
Final Tips for 2025 Applicants
- Always check the official admission page of each program
- Keep MOI certificate ready early
- Write a strong SOP to show your English ability
- Apply early to increase chances
- Don’t submit fake documents or AI-written content
Conclusion
If you don’t want to take IELTS or TOEFL, there are still many ways to study in Europe. Universities in Germany, Italy, Poland, France, and Spain accept MOI certificates or conduct interviews instead of language exams. Choose the right university, prepare your documents properly, and you can still get admission in 2025 without IELTS.