Study in the UK without IELTS: what Nepali students need to know

Written by the NEC counselling team. Last updated: 14 November 2026.

Quick answer

Sometimes, but not automatically. The UK visa needs proof of English at CEFR B2 for degree-level study (B1 below degree level). Nepal is not on the UK's list of countries that are exempt from proving English. For degree-level courses, a university that is a licensed sponsor can assess your English itself, which may mean no IELTS. The university decides, so always ask it in writing.

What the visa rules say

GOV.UK lists these ways to prove English for a student visa:

• a UK school qualification you began when you were under 18
• a degree from a UK institution
• a degree from an institution outside the UK that was taught in English
• an English test from an approved provider, known as a Secure English Language Test (SELT)

Required level: CEFR B2 for degree level or above, and CEFR B1 below degree level. CEFR is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Why Nepal's position matters

Some nationalities are exempt from proving English, such as Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. Nepal is not on that list. So a Nepali student needs one of the routes above, even if their school or college taught in English.

Where "no IELTS" can come from

• Your university assesses your English. For degree-level or above courses, GOV.UK says the university can assess your level of English itself. It may still ask you to take a different test, and the level must still be equivalent to B2.
• A degree taught in English outside the UK. You can apply to Ecctis for an assessment. It issues a code confirming a UK bachelor's degree or higher that was taught in English.
• An earlier visa. If you proved your English in a previous visa application, you may not need to prove it again.

A medium of instruction letter from your college may help your admission, but it is the university's decision whether it accepts it, and what it records for your visa.

What to ask the university

1. Will you accept my medium of instruction letter or my degree instead of IELTS?
2. Will you assess my English yourself for the visa, and record it on my CAS?
3. Do I need to meet any other test, interview or score?

Ask in writing and keep the reply. If the university will not confirm, plan to take an approved test such as IELTS for UKVI.

Documents to gather

• Your degree certificate and transcripts
• A medium of instruction letter that names your course and says English was the medium
• Your passport and any earlier visa records
• The university's written reply about how it will assess your English

Frequently asked questions

Does a university waiver always mean no IELTS for the visa? Not always. The university must be able to assess your English as equivalent to B2 for a degree-level course, and it may ask for a different test.

Is B2 the same for every course? No. B2 applies at degree level and above. Below degree level it is B1.

What if I already took IELTS? The test must be an approved Secure English Language Test. Check with your university which test it needs.

Talk to a counsellor (free)

We will help you ask the right questions and choose universities that match your English evidence. applynec.com/contact

Sources

Checked on 14 November 2026. Rules change, so confirm on GOV.UK before you apply.

• GOV.UK: Student visa: knowledge of English