IELTS Alternatives for Nigerian Students
Thousands of Nigerian students fly abroad each year to get higher education. English language proficiency is highly essential for Nigerian students wanting to study abroad. For countries like the UK, Canada, or the USA you must prove that you can speak English or at least have a minimum proficiency for you to be able to study or work there. The most common English language test for international students including Nigerians is IELTS. There are however IELTS alternatives for Nigerian students which we are going to take a look at in this article.
Why look for IELTS alternatives for Nigerian students?
Although, IELTS is the most popular English proficiency test some students may look for IELTS alternatives for a few different reasons. An IELTS test has to be taken at an IELTS center. It is not a virtual test that you can take online. Some students find IELTS to be a little more difficult than other English language tests. Moreover, an IELTS test costs more than other English language proficiency tests.
However, there are always pros and cons to everything such as IELTS alternatives for Nigerian students. The IELTS alternative tests are accepted by fewer universities compared to IELTS. Since IELTS is an internally well-recognized English test. Most universities in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia accept the IELTS test whereas a lot of universities don’t accept other English language tests. The scenario for Nigerian students wanting to study abroad is a bit different which we will get into.
What are the IELTS alternatives for Nigerian students?
Now, let us look at some of the IELTS alternatives.
- OIETC
- Duolingo
- MOI (for eligible students)
- WAEC/NECO
WAEC/NECO
Nigerian students can use their WAEC/NECO test results as an alternative to IELTS. A lot of UK universities for example accept WAEC and NECO results. A grade of C6 is sufficient for most UK universities. If a Nigerian student has the desired grade then he/she will no longer need to sit for an IELTS test.
Duolingo
Duolingo is an English language proficiency test accepted by a lot of universities around the world. A lot of Nigerian students may use Duolingo as an alternative to IELTS due to having low IELTS, and WAEC/NECO scores. A duolingo test is taken online and a student can sit for the test right from his/her home sitting in front of a computer. A duolingo test costs almost 3-4 times less than an IELTS test. Students need to pay a test fee of $50 USD for a duolingo test.
OIETC
OIETC is an English language test only for UK universities. OIETC stands for Oxford International English Test Centre. A few UK universities accept OIETC test results for Nigerian students. You can check the university requirements to see if your university accepts OIETC if it doesn’t then you can go for any other alternatives.
MOI
Nigerian students can also study at UK universities with an MOI certificate. An MOI certificate is only given to students if they meet certain conditions. Students can study at MOI-accepted universities if their previous institution was a British-approved institution or if their previous education background was in English. Having an MOI certificate means that the student does not need an English language proficiency test.
FAQ:
1. How can I apply to the UK with WAEC and NECO test results?
Answer: You can make a free appointment with New Way Consultancy to find the best WAEC/NECO test result accepted university for you.
2. What if I do not have the desired score in WAEC or Duolingo or OIETC?
Answer: The only option for you would be to prepare well to retake the tests or go for IELTS. Make sure you prepare well to pass the test.
3. Are other English Language Tests difficult?
Answer: The difficulty of the tests mainly depends on the student and how proficient he/she is in English. However, some international students find IELTS to be more difficult compared to the other tests.
