Some Nigerian applicants can meet a UK university’s English requirement without taking IELTS, but the accepted evidence depends on the university and course. A waiver of a particular test does not necessarily remove the requirement to prove your English ability.
Before booking a test or requesting a letter, check which evidence your chosen programme accepts for your background. A list headed “universities without IELTS” is not enough to establish your eligibility.
On this page: University examples · Check your evidence · Ask admissions · Admission and visa requirements
Two official examples show why the answer differs
The following is a snapshot checked on 21 September 2026. Read the linked policy and the current course page before relying on it. These are examples of institutional guidance, not a complete list of universities or approved routes.
| University | What its Nigeria page says |
|---|---|
| University of Leeds | Lists WASSCE English at C6 among postgraduate evidence routes. It also describes an exemption from further tests after qualifying English-medium study in Nigeria: at least two years completing an undergraduate degree or one year completing a master’s. |
| Northumbria University | Typically accepts WAEC or NECO English at C6 for most courses. It explicitly does not accept English-medium study alone as evidence. Certain professional and health courses have different restrictions. |
The practical lesson is to check the evidence route, not only the university name. A letter showing that your degree was taught in English does not settle the question if the receiving institution does not accept that route.
How to check your own position
- Open the exact course page for your intended intake and campus.
- Read its English requirement, then follow the link to accepted qualifications.
- Check any country-specific guidance for applicants educated in Nigeria.
- Identify the route you think applies: a school qualification, qualifying previous study, or an accepted test.
- Confirm the required grade, any age or recency condition, verification method and submission deadline.
- Ask admissions to resolve any conflict between the course and general guidance.
Record the name of the qualification accurately. WAEC, NECO, a medium-of-instruction letter and a test score are different forms of evidence. Acceptance of one should not be read as acceptance of all the others.
If your route depends on previous study, explain where you studied, the qualification, the duration and whether teaching and assessment were in English. Do not request a generic letter without knowing what the receiving university needs it to confirm.
A simple evidence checklist
- University, course, campus and intake: __________
- Official course requirement link: __________
- Accepted-evidence policy link: __________
- Evidence I intend to use: __________
- My grade or relevant study details: __________
- Any exception or condition I still need to check: __________
- Verification process and deadline: __________
- Written confirmation received, if needed: __________
Consider a fictional applicant with an English-taught degree who is comparing the two universities above. The applicant should not send an identical “please waive IELTS” request to both. They should identify the specific policy they believe applies and ask about the evidence needed under that policy.
An admissions enquiry you can adapt
Subject: English evidence for [course and intake]
Dear Admissions Team,
I am applying for [course, campus and intake]. I hold [qualification] from [institution and country], completed in [year]. I intend to meet the English requirement using [exact qualification, grade or previous-study details].
I have read [policy link]. Could you confirm whether this route is accepted for my course and what verification documents and deadline apply?
Thank you,
[name]
A reply about a different course or intake may not answer your question. Save the response with the application and check any conditions in the eventual offer.
Keep admission and visa requirements separate
The university’s admissions decision and the Student visa process are separate checks. GOV.UK’s English-language guidance explains that a Higher Education Provider can assess English itself for degree-level study or above, subject to the required level. Other evidence routes have their own conditions. Ask the university how your evidence will be handled for your case; do not assume an admission waiver answers every visa question.
Add the confirmed evidence to your master’s application document checklist. If you are comparing several programmes, keep a separate evidence record for each alongside your study plan.
Sources checked on 21 September 2026. See our editorial policy or report a correction.