Every year, millions of Nigerian students seek quality higher education abroad due to the poor perception of the Nigerian education system. With the limited spots available in Nigerian universities and the high demand for higher education, many Nigerian students opt for studying abroad. However, one major hurdle in this journey is the English proficiency test, which is often required for admission to foreign universities.
But what if you could study abroad without taking the English proficiency test? Here are the top 10 countries where Nigerians can study abroad without English test requirements, providing a smoother path for those seeking international education
Below are the top 10 countries where Nigerians can study abroad without English test:
Germany
Germany is well known for its educational system and affordable tuition fees. Many Nigerians who are concerned about studying in Germany wonder whether it is possible to study in that country without having their IELTS test results.
The truth is that they can now study in Germany without IELTS. Many institutions of higher education in Germany allow international students to study without IELTS.
This is so because the English Language is part of the requirement for the admission process and visa application in Germany, students have to submit certain documents to let the concerned university know that they are proficient in the English Language.
Norway
Higher education in Norway is known for its remarkable academics, proper learning, and teaching methods. The country’s higher education comprises all the institutions and/or programmes that are accredited.
While Norwegian is the primary language of Norway, English is the second primary language in the country. Most of the students in the universities of Norway speak English.
Nigerian students can study in Norway without IELTS if they have completed one of the secondary school examinations; Senior School Certificate (from 1988)
General Certificate of Education A-level; General Certificate of Education O-level; West African Examinations Council; and West African Senior School Certificate (from 1999)
France
As an international student, studying in France is an ideal dream for aspiring Nigerian students because of the quality of education there. France is one of the leading study-abroad destinations not only in the EU but also in the whole world.
Many international students face hurdles of language proficiency tests and are demotivated by the idea of taking IELTS / TOEFL tests.
However, it is possible to study in France without IELTS because many private and public universities in the country do not make admission to be complex for international students.
Austria
Many universities in Austria understand that not all international students have taken the IELTS examination. Instead of IELTS, they offer alternative ways to assess your English proficiency.
These might include interviews, previous education in English-speaking institutions, or other standardized tests. So Nigerians who did well in English Language in their WAEC or NECO can take advantage of that and go to Austria for their tertiary education study.
Singapore
The varied population of Singapore makes it a culturally rich place to live. It is welcoming for people with various cultural experiences to study or work without feeling out of place. Apart from this, the quality of education and the career opportunities available make Singapore an ideal destination for young students.
With modern infrastructure and student-friendly cost of education, Singapore is rapidly becoming an educational hub for international students, especially those who want to travel outside of India to study.
Although higher institutions in Singapore recommend IELTS and/or TOEFL, Nigerian students do not need to produce an IELTS score to get into any of the country’s universities.
For international students who are looking to study professional courses like design, nursing, or management, they don’t need to sit for the IELTS or TOEFL before applying.
Argentina
Nigerian students who desire to study in Argentina can now apply for fully funded government scholarships without IELTS in the South American country.
Argentina is famous for its affordable higher education system, football, and beautiful landscapes. Their spoken language is Spanish but courses are taught in the English Language, which it easy for Nigerians to assimilate.
Malaysia
Nigerians can maximise the opportunity offered by the Malaysian government for fully funded scholarships without IELTS for the academic session 2024-2025.
In fact, the application is currently ongoing for Bachelor, Master, and Ph.D. students across countries of the world.
Malaysia is a country with educational and cultural richness that give students the best opportunity to learn.
Canada
Higher education institutions in Canada use varied factors to assess the English language proficiency of the candidates seeking admission. However, many universities do not require IELTS scores given that you qualify for their alternative language proficiency requirements specified by the specific university.
Moreover, several international students from selected nationalities are also exempted from providing English language proficiency scores.
Besides, Canadian academic institutions also accept English Language proficiency tests other than IELTS which a student can submit during the admission process.
Ireland
Nigerian students can apply for a student visa in Ireland without IELTS scores if they meet the alternative English language proficiency requirements specified by the student’s chosen university. Visa officers will most likely approve a student’s visa requirements if he or she has an acceptance letter from the university he or she wishes to study.
New Zealand
Ordinarily, an international student coming to New Zealand is required to score at least 5.5 in each of the four IELTS bands with an overall minimum score of 6.0 and above for undergraduate programmes.
However, it is now possible to study in New Zealand without IELTS. Prospective candidates may submit alternative English proficiency scores such as TOEFL, PTE, ESOL, or CAE. Students can also submit their English subject scores in the 12th as proof of ELP.
