The number of international students in China grew rapidly before the pandemic. China’s Ministry of Education reported 492,000 international students in 2018 making China one of the world’s major study destinations. This is why many universities continue to offer English-taught programs to attract international students. To enroll in one of these programs, proof of English proficiency is usually required, and IELTS is one common option. However, here we’ll cover universities where there are alternatives to IELTS so you can save time and money when applying.
China’s fast-growing economy, quality universities, and comparatively affordable tuition fees are some of the reasons why students choose China over other destinations. Language is one of the things that usually makes international students hesitate. Some universities offer Chinese language or preparatory options before degree study, but many students prefer direct entry into English-taught programs.
To apply for an English-taught program, you usually need to prove that you have strong English language skills. IELTS can add a significant cost to your application budget; for example, the IELTS Academic test fee in China is currently CNY 2,170. Fortunately, many universities accept other ways to prove your English skills.
Fortunately, many universities accept other ways to prove your English skills. They aren’t as varied as in some other countries, but there are a few alternatives that can help you avoid taking IELTS.
Ways to Study in China without IELTS
Besides IELTS, many universities with English-taught programs may accept the following alternatives:
- Provide another accepted English proficiency test certificate. Many universities accept TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, or other equivalent certificates, but accepted tests and minimum scores vary by university and program.
- Show that you are from an English-speaking country. Some universities publish a specific list of countries or territories whose applicants are exempt from submitting an English test score.
- Submit proof that your previous degree was taught and assessed in English. Some universities accept this as an IELTS alternative, but they may require an official medium-of-instruction letter, may exclude some joint-venture programs, or may set a time limit on when the degree was awarded.
- Consider pre-sessional or preparatory English courses if the university offers them. These courses are not always available and usually apply only when your English score is slightly below the direct-entry requirement, so check the university’s policy before applying.
When preparing your application, make sure to read the websites and admission guides carefully. Remember that there are degrees offered to international students in English, Chinese, or both. Some programs may have mixed-language components, so even if a page mentions “English,” read the program details carefully before applying.
Also, pay attention to the language requirements page. Chinese universities usually ask international students to provide a Chinese proficiency certificate if they are taking a Chinese-taught program. If you only see Chinese language certificates listed and not English ones, chances are that you chose a course that is offered only in Chinese.
Universities in China that Don’t Require IELTS
1. Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
We start the list with a university where all degree programs are taught in English. Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University offers more than 100 degree programs in fields such as science, engineering, business, finance, architecture, urban planning, language, and culture. Undergraduate students can graduate with two degrees: an XJTLU degree recognized by China’s Ministry of Education and a degree from the University of Liverpool. This university also offers scholarships to international students, and eligible students can study part of their course at the University of Liverpool through the 2+2 route.
English language requirements depend on your degree level and program. For undergraduate applicants, non-native English speakers, or students who have not previously studied in English, must provide proof of English proficiency. Undergraduate applicants may use TOEFL as an IELTS alternative. For master’s programs, XJTLU accepts IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic for 2026 entry. Exemptions may be available if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or if you completed a qualifying English-taught degree, but the university sets specific conditions and time limits.
For doctoral programs, English requirements vary by program, and XJTLU may accept IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, or PTE Academic. Some doctoral applicants may also qualify for an exemption if they are from a majority English-speaking country or completed a qualifying degree in English within the university’s stated time limit. Check the Admissions page to see the current accepted tests, exemption rules, and minimum scores for your chosen program.
2. Fudan University
Fudan University is one of China’s leading universities. In the Times Higher Education China ranking for 2026, Fudan is ranked third in China, and in the QS World University Rankings 2027, it is ranked 26th globally. Fudan has a wide variety of English-taught graduate programs, and its official English-taught postgraduate program list currently includes 32 entries across master’s, doctoral, MBA, finance, law, public policy, international relations, science, engineering, and double-degree options. At the undergraduate level, Fudan also lists several English-taught options, including medicine, economics, fintech, data science, and international organizations and global governance.
English language requirements at Fudan University depend on the program you choose, as some schools and departments set higher requirements. For English-taught postgraduate programs, Fudan lists TOEFL iBT, IELTS Academic, Duolingo English Test, and PTE Academic as accepted English proficiency tests. Applicants do not need to provide an English proficiency certificate if their first language is English or if they have completed, or are completing, a degree program taught and assessed entirely in English.
For English-taught postgraduate programs, Fudan’s general English scores are TOEFL iBT 90 or higher, IELTS Academic 6.5 or higher, Duolingo English Test 110 or higher, or PTE Academic 61 or higher. Some programs require higher English scores, such as IELTS 7.0 overall or above, and some programs may require GRE or GMAT scores. To learn more about the scores and program-specific language requirements, check Fudan’s International Students Office.
If you want to study in China without IELTS, Fudan University can be a strong option if your chosen program accepts another approved test or if you qualify for an exemption.
3. Shandong University
Founded in 1901, Shandong University has over a century of educational experience and is a key comprehensive university under the direct jurisdiction of China’s Ministry of Education. It was selected as one of China’s Double First-Class universities in 2017. According to the university’s current facts and figures, Shandong University offers 102 undergraduate majors, 56 first-level master’s programs, 37 professional master’s categories, 53 first-level doctoral programs, and 11 professional doctoral categories.
Regarding English language requirements, students whose native language is English are exempt from submitting an English language proficiency certificate for English-taught programs. Applicants whose native language is not English must usually provide IELTS, TOEFL, TOEFL MyBest Scores, TOEFL Essentials, or another equivalent English proficiency certificate.
Applicants whose native language is not English but whose highest level of education was taught in English may be exempt from providing IELTS or TOEFL scores, but they must submit proof of the language of instruction. Shandong University’s English-taught program requirement currently lists IELTS 6.0 or above or TOEFL 80 or above as examples of accepted scores, but applicants should always check the latest admission instructions for their degree level and program.
4. University of Nottingham Ningbo China
The University of Nottingham Ningbo China is part of the University of Nottingham and opened in 2004 as the first Sino-foreign university approved by China’s Ministry of Education. All students studying at the University of Nottingham in the UK, China, or Malaysia graduate with the same degree certificate, and all degree programs at the China campus are taught in English. Besides undergraduate and graduate courses, the university also offers postgraduate research, training, and summer programs. Engineering, computer science, international business, and communications are just some of the subjects available.
For undergraduate applicants, if your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of English proficiency. The university currently accepts IELTS, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT for undergraduate entry, and alternative test scores may also be considered. For postgraduate taught programs, applicants whose first language is not English, or whose entry qualification was not obtained in English at an approved institution, must provide English proficiency evidence.
Postgraduate taught applicants may be exempt from submitting further English evidence if they are alumni of Nottingham UK, Nottingham Ningbo China, or Nottingham Malaysia, or if they are from, or studied for a degree in, one of the university’s listed English-speaking countries. The university also lists other institutional exemption rules, so check the current policy before applying.
When enrolling in this university, undergraduate students can usually start in the preliminary year (year one) or the qualifying year (year two), depending on their previous qualifications. Preliminary year entry is usually for students applying after high school, while qualifying year entry is for students with stronger advanced qualifications such as A levels, International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement results, or equivalent qualifications. English proficiency scores are higher for qualifying year entry than for preliminary year entry.
The required scores are also higher for some programs, including BA English Language and Applied Linguistics, BA English Language and Literature, BA English with International Business, and BEng Aerospace Engineering. Check the International Students page of the university to learn more.
We hope that you can take advantage of this guide on how to study in China without IELTS. If you are interested in studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
