Scholarships Without IELTS in 2026/2027: 25 Fully Funded

Many international students want to study abroad but worry about the cost and preparation involved in taking the IELTS exam.

The good news is that IELTS is not a universal requirement for every international scholarship or university programme.

Some scholarship providers do not require IELTS as part of their own scholarship application. Some universities accept other forms of English-language evidence, such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English qualifications, or proof that a previous degree was taught in English.

However, there is an important distinction that applicants should understand:

“No IELTS required” does not necessarily mean “no English-language requirement.”

A scholarship may allow you to apply without IELTS while the university or specific degree programme still requires proof of English proficiency.

This guide explains how scholarships without IELTS actually work, what alternatives may be accepted, how to identify legitimate opportunities, and how to verify the requirements before submitting an application.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Important: Scholarship, university, English-language and visa requirements can change between application cycles. Always confirm the current eligibility, funding, language requirements and deadline on the official scholarship and university websites before applying.

Scholarships without IELTS in 2026/2027 — Scholarships Without IELTS in 2026/2027: Fully Funded Opportunities for International Students

What Does “Scholarship Without IELTS” Actually Mean?

The phrase “scholarship without IELTS” can describe several different situations.

It does not always mean that a scholarship provider has officially declared IELTS unnecessary for every applicant.

In practice, you may encounter one of these situations.

1. The scholarship provider does not require IELTS

Some scholarship programmes do not ask applicants to submit an IELTS score during the scholarship application.

However, the university where you intend to study may have its own English-language requirement.

Chevening is a useful example. The Chevening English-language requirement was removed in 2020, but applicants still have to meet the requirements of their chosen university and obtain the required university offer.

Therefore, an applicant should not stop at the scholarship requirements.

You must also check the admission requirements of the university and programme.

2. The university accepts another English test

A university may accept an English-language test other than IELTS.

Depending on the institution and programme, alternatives can include:

TOEFL
PTE Academic
Duolingo English Test
Cambridge English qualifications
Other recognised English-language examinations

The exact accepted tests and minimum scores vary.

For example, a university may accept TOEFL but not Duolingo, while another institution may accept both.

Never assume that acceptance at one university means acceptance everywhere.

3. Your previous education was taught in English

Some universities allow applicants to demonstrate English proficiency through previous education conducted in English.

This may involve submitting a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or another official document.

However, an English-medium background does not automatically guarantee an exemption.

The receiving university must specifically accept that type of evidence.

4. The programme provides an exemption

Some programmes may allow exemptions based on factors such as:

Previous qualification
Country of education
Nationality
Degree level
Programme type
Previous language of instruction

This means two students applying to different programmes at the same university could potentially have different English-language requirements.

5. The scholarship and university have separate requirements

This is the most important distinction.

Imagine that you find a fully funded scholarship that does not require IELTS.

That does not automatically mean you can enter the university without IELTS.

The process may look like this:

Scholarship application → IELTS not required

but:

University admission → English-language evidence required

In other words:

Scholarship eligibility is not the same as university admission eligibility.

Always check both.

Can You Study Abroad Without IELTS?

Yes, it is possible to study abroad without IELTS in some circumstances.

However, asking:

“Which countries do not require IELTS?”

is often the wrong question.

A better question is

“Which specific university and programme accept an alternative form of English-language evidence for my application?”

Language requirements are often determined by the university, faculty or individual programme rather than by an entire country.

For example, international scholarship programmes can involve many universities with different admission requirements.

That is why applicants should identify the exact scholarship, university and degree programme before deciding whether IELTS is necessary.

25 Scholarships and Funding Opportunities to Investigate

The opportunities below should not be interpreted as 25 scholarships that universally waive IELTS.

Instead, they represent major scholarship or funding programmes where applicants may encounter programme-specific English-language rules, exemptions or alternative forms of evidence.

Before applying, verify the exact requirements for your selected course.

1. DAAD Scholarships — Germany

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers numerous scholarship programmes for international students and researchers.

However, there is no single “DAAD does not require IELTS” rule that applies to every scholarship and university.

Requirements depend on the individual scholarship and study programme.

Some DAAD programmes may require IELTS or TOEFL, while other programmes may recognise different forms of language evidence.

What applicants should check

Before applying, verify:

The exact DAAD scholarship
The selected university
The degree programme
The language of instruction
The required language level
Accepted English-language tests
Possible exemptions
Whether previous English-medium education is accepted

Study levels

Depending on the programme:

Master’s
PhD
Research
Professional programmes

IELTS status

Programme dependent.

Possible alternatives

Where explicitly accepted:

MOI
TOEFL
PTE
Other approved evidence

Important

Never describe DAAD as universally IELTS-free.

The official DAAD scholarship information shows that English-language requirements can vary by programme.

Official source: DAAD Scholarships

2. Chevening Scholarships — United Kingdom

Chevening is one of the clearest examples of why applicants must separate scholarship requirements from university requirements.

Chevening itself does not currently impose an English-language test requirement.

However, applicants must still meet the requirements of their chosen UK university and secure the required unconditional offer.

Study level

Master’s

IELTS status

Chevening itself does not require an English-language test.

Important

Your chosen university may still require IELTS or another accepted English qualification.

Funding

Chevening is a fully funded UK government scholarship programme.

Depending on the award conditions, support can include:

Tuition fees
Living expenses
Travel
Other approved costs

What applicants should do

Apply for the scholarship and university while treating the two sets of requirements separately.

Do not assume that because Chevening does not require IELTS, your university will automatically waive its English-language requirement.

Official source : Chevening

3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships — United Kingdom

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships support eligible candidates from participating Commonwealth countries for Master’s study in the UK.

The funding package can include tuition, airfare and living support depending on the programme’s current conditions.

Study level

Master’s

IELTS status

Check the university and course requirements.

The scholarship should not automatically be described as a universal IELTS waiver.

Who should investigate this opportunity?

It may be relevant to applicants from eligible Commonwealth countries who meet the academic and programme-specific requirements.

Important

Check both:

Commonwealth Scholarship requirements
University admission requirements

Official Source: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships — United Kingdom

Commonwealth Shared Scholarships are jointly supported by the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and participating UK universities.

The programme can provide substantial funding for eligible Master’s students.

Study level

Master’s

IELTS status

University and programme dependent.

Funding may include

Tuition fees
Airfare
Living allowance
Other approved allowances

Important

Do not assume that receiving a Commonwealth Shared Scholarship automatically removes the university’s English-language requirement.

Official Source: Commonwealth Shared Scholarships

5. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships — United Kingdom

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships support eligible doctoral candidates under specific Commonwealth programmes.

Depending on the programme, funding may include:

Tuition
Airfare
Stipend
Research-related support
Study travel
Approved fieldwork expenses

IELTS status

Programme and university dependent.

A scholarship’s funding conditions do not automatically override the English-language requirements of the host university.

Official Source: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters — Europe

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are delivered by international university consortia.

Students may study at more than one institution or country depending on the programme.

Some participating programmes offer full scholarships to selected students.

Study level

Master’s

IELTS status

Programme dependent.

There is no single IELTS requirement that applies to every Erasmus Mundus programme.

Possible alternatives

Depending on the individual programme:

Previous English-medium education
Another recognised English test
Institutional evidence
Programme-specific exemptions

Important

The official Erasmus+ guidance directs applicants to the individual Master’s programme for its entry requirements.

Therefore, identify your programme first.

Official Source: Erasmus+

7. Türkiye Scholarships — Türkiye

Türkiye Scholarships is a government-funded scholarship programme covering different levels of study.

Depending on the current programme:

Undergraduate
Master’s
PhD

may be available.

IELTS status

Programme dependent.

Applicants should check the language requirements of their selected programme rather than assuming that IELTS is universally unnecessary.

Funding can include

Depending on the current award:

Tuition
Accommodation
Monthly stipend
Health insurance
Travel support
Language preparation in qualifying circumstances

Always check the current scholarship call before applying.

Official Source: Türkiye Scholarships

8. Chinese Government Scholarship — China

The Chinese Government Scholarship supports international students through participating Chinese institutions.

It covers different degree levels depending on the current scholarship category.

Study levels may include

Undergraduate
Master’s
PhD

IELTS status

University and programme dependent.

English-taught programmes can have their own language requirements.

Possible alternatives

Where explicitly accepted:

MOI
Recognised English-language certificates
Another approved English test
Institutional assessment

Do not assume that an English-taught programme automatically accepts an MOI certificate.

Official source: China Scholarship Council

9. Stipendium Hungaricum — Hungary

Stipendium Hungaricum is Hungary’s major government scholarship programme for international students.

Depending on the current call, opportunities can exist at:

Bachelor’s level
Master’s level
Doctoral level

IELTS status

Programme dependent.

Applicants should check the requirements attached to their selected programme.

Funding may include

Tuition exemption
Monthly stipend
Accommodation support or dormitory placement
Medical insurance

The exact package depends on the current programme conditions.

Official source: Stipendium Hungaricum

10. MEXT Scholarship — Japan

The Japanese Government’s MEXT scholarship supports international students through different application routes.

Depending on the category, opportunities can include:

Undergraduate study
Research students
Teacher training
Japanese studies
College of technology
Specialized training

IELTS status

Category and university dependent.

Different MEXT routes have different application procedures and requirements.

Funding can include

Tuition
Monthly allowance
Airfare
Preparatory education where applicable

Always check the current MEXT guidelines issued through the appropriate embassy or university.

Official source: Study in Japan / MEXT

11. Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship

The Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship provides opportunities for international students under its current scholarship scheme.

Depending on the current call, opportunities may include:

Undergraduate study
Master’s study

IELTS status

Programme dependent.

Do not advertise the scholarship as universally IELTS-free.

Check the specific university and programme requirements.

Funding may include

Tuition
Accommodation
Allowances
Airfare
Other approved benefits

Official source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brunei Darussalam

12. Global Korea Scholarship — South Korea

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) provides opportunities for international students at different levels.

Depending on the current programme, this can include:

Undergraduate
Master’s
PhD
Research programmes

IELTS status

Check the current GKS guidelines and the requirements of the university or programme.

Do not assume that every GKS applicant receives an English-language exemption.

Funding can include

Depending on the scholarship category:

Tuition
Living allowance
Airfare
Language training
Insurance
Other approved benefits

Official source: Study in Korea

13. Romanian Government MFA Scholarships — Romania

Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships for eligible international applicants under its current programme.

IELTS status

Do not assume a universal IELTS exemption.

The language of the selected programme and its admission conditions determine what applicants must provide.

Important for 2026/2027 applicants

The 2026/2027 application cycle has already passed, so applicants interested in a future cycle should monitor the official Romanian scholarship portal for the next call.

This is an important example of why scholarship articles need regular updating.

Official source: Study in Romania

14. Clarendon Fund — University of Oxford

The Clarendon Fund provides graduate scholarships at the University of Oxford.

Study levels

Master’s
DPhil

Funding

Clarendon scholarships can cover:

Course fees
Living support

IELTS status

Oxford course dependent.

Clarendon funding does not automatically create an English-language exemption.

Applicants must check the requirements of their chosen Oxford course.

Official source: University of Oxford – Clarendon

15. Gates Cambridge Scholarship — University of Cambridge

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides substantial funding for eligible postgraduate students at Cambridge.

Study levels

Depending on the current scholarship:

Master’s
PhD
Other eligible postgraduate programmes

IELTS status

Cambridge course dependent.

The scholarship itself should not be treated as a universal IELTS waiver.

Check the exact course requirements before relying on an alternative to IELTS.

Funding may include

Depending on the award:

University fees
Maintenance support
Airfare
Additional approved costs

Official source: Gates Cambridge

16. Rhodes Scholarship — University of Oxford

The Rhodes Scholarship supports postgraduate study at the University of Oxford for eligible applicants from participating constituencies.

Study level

Postgraduate

IELTS status

Oxford course dependent.

The scholarship should not automatically be described as IELTS-free.

Applicants should check the English-language requirements of their specific Oxford course.

Official source: Rhodes Trust

17. University of Oxford Graduate Funding

Oxford offers multiple graduate funding opportunities through departments, colleges, academic divisions and external partners.

IELTS status

Course dependent.

An applicant may receive funding while still having to satisfy an English-language condition attached to the course.

This is why students should identify the course first and then investigate funding.

Official source: University of Oxford

18. University of Cambridge Postgraduate Funding

Cambridge offers various funding opportunities for postgraduate applicants.

Study levels

Depending on the funding scheme:

Master’s
PhD
Other postgraduate programmes

IELTS status

Course dependent.

A practical approach is:

Choose your course → check English requirements → identify funding opportunities.

This prevents applicants from assuming that a scholarship automatically changes the admission requirements.

Official source: University of Cambridge

19. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships — Australia

The University of Melbourne offers research scholarships for eligible graduate researchers.

Study levels

Depending on the programme:

Research Master’s
PhD/research doctorate

IELTS status

University and course requirements apply.

A research scholarship does not automatically remove the university’s English-language admission requirement.

Applicants should check whether previous education qualifies for an exemption or whether another approved English test is required.

Official source: University of Melbourne

20. Monash University Research Scholarships — Australia

Monash University offers research scholarships for eligible graduate researchers.

Study levels

Research Master’s
PhD

IELTS status

Course and admission dependent.

Funding

Depending on the specific scholarship, support may include:

Tuition support
Living stipend
Research-related support

Always confirm the current scholarship conditions.

Official source: Monash University

21. University Research Scholarships and PhD Funding in Canada

Canada has many university-specific scholarships and graduate funding opportunities rather than one single scholarship covering every international student.

For example, the University of Toronto School of Graduate Studies maintains an official database of graduate scholarships and awards that can be searched by degree level, citizenship and award type.

International doctoral applicants can also investigate the Connaught International Scholarship, which provides a scholarship top-up alongside the student’s normal programme funding package.

Other opportunities listed by U of T include doctoral awards, international student awards and research funding.

Official sources:

Requirements vary by programme and scholarship. Applicants should also check the admission and English-language requirements of their specific graduate programme.

22. Swedish Institute Scholarship Opportunities — Sweden

The Swedish Institute administers scholarship opportunities for eligible international students under specific programmes.

Study level

Master’s, depending on the programme

IELTS status

University and programme dependent.

Identify the eligible Master’s programme first and then check its English-language requirements.

A scholarship’s funding conditions do not automatically waive the university’s admission requirements.

Best for: Eligible master’s applicants.

Official source: Swedish Institute

23. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships — Switzerland

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships support international researchers and postgraduate students under different categories.

Depending on the current programme, opportunities can include:

Research
PhD
Postdoctoral study
Arts under specific schemes

IELTS status

Host institution and programme dependent.

The required language evidence can differ according to the institution and programme.

Best for: Research and postgraduate applicants who meet the relevant country and academic requirements.

Official source: Swiss Government / State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation

24. University-Based Fully Funded PhD Opportunities

Not every fully funded study opportunity is a government scholarship.

Universities and individual departments frequently advertise funded doctoral positions.

A funded PhD position may include:

Tuition coverage
Monthly stipend
Research funding
Teaching or research assistantship
Health insurance

IELTS status

University and department dependent.

Some departments may accept previous English-medium education or another approved form of evidence, while others may require a formal English test.

This is why searching for the specific PhD position can be more effective than searching only for “PhD scholarships without IELTS.”

Best for: Applicants with strong academic and research backgrounds.

25. University-Specific International Scholarships

Universities around the world offer their own scholarships for international students.

These may include:

Merit scholarships
Presidential scholarships
Graduate research scholarships
Faculty scholarships
Tuition waivers
Doctoral funding packages

IELTS status

Programme dependent.

University-specific scholarships can be particularly useful because an institution may have an exemption or accepted alternative that does not apply across an entire country.

The Most Important IELTS Alternatives

Not taking IELTS does not necessarily mean that you will submit no language evidence.

Here are the main alternatives to investigate.

1. Medium of Instruction Certificate

A Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate is an official document confirming that your previous programme was taught in English.

It can be useful when the receiving university specifically accepts it.

What should an MOI certificate contain?

Depending on the receiving institution’s requirements, it may include:

Your full name
Student identification number
Degree programme
Institution name
Dates of study
Confirmation that English was the language of instruction
Official letterhead
Authorised signature
Institutional stamp or verification where applicable

Does an MOI guarantee an IELTS waiver?

No.

An MOI is useful only when the receiving university or programme accepts it.

For example, some official German programme information allows certain applicants to use proof of previous English-medium education, while other programmes may still require specific tests. This demonstrates why applicants must check the exact programme rather than relying on a general claim.

2. TOEFL

Some universities accept TOEFL instead of IELTS.

But remember:

Replacing IELTS with TOEFL does not mean you are applying without an English test.

You are simply using another recognised English-language assessment.

Check:

Whether TOEFL is accepted
The required score
The accepted TOEFL version
Score validity period
Whether the exact programme accepts it

3. PTE Academic

PTE Academic is accepted by many institutions.

However, acceptance and minimum scores differ.

Before registering for the test, check:

Whether your university accepts PTE
Whether your programme accepts PTE
The minimum required score
Whether the score must be recent

4. Duolingo English Test

Some universities accept the Duolingo English Test.

However, acceptance varies significantly.

Never assume:

“University A accepts Duolingo, therefore every university in that country accepts Duolingo.”

Check the exact university and programme.

5. Cambridge English Qualifications

Some institutions accept Cambridge English qualifications as evidence of English proficiency.

The accepted qualification and minimum score depend on the institution.

Check the current admission requirements before applying.

6. University English-Language Assessment

Some institutions conduct their own English-language assessment.

This could involve:

Online testing
Interview
Written assessment
Oral assessment

Where available, this may provide an alternative to IELTS.

7. Previous English-Medium Education

Some universities allow applicants who completed qualifying education in English to request an exemption.

However, the definition of “English-medium education” varies.

One institution may accept a bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English.

Another may require an official letter from your previous university.

Another may require a recognised English test regardless of your previous education.

Therefore, never assume that studying in English automatically means you are exempt.

Scholarship Requirement vs University Admission Requirement

This distinction deserves special attention.

Suppose you find a scholarship that does not require IELTS.

You might think:

“I don’t need IELTS.”

That conclusion may be wrong.

The actual situation could be:

Scholarship application → IELTS not required

University admission → English proof required

Therefore:

Scholarship eligibility does not automatically equal university admission eligibility.

Chevening is a good illustration. Its own English-language requirement was removed, but applicants must still satisfy the requirements of their chosen university and obtain the necessary university offer.

This principle should guide every “no IELTS” scholarship search.

Can Nigerian Students Apply for Scholarships Without IELTS?

Yes, Nigerian students can find scholarship and university programmes where IELTS is not required or where another form of English-language evidence is accepted.

However, Nigerian nationality alone does not automatically create an IELTS exemption.

A Nigerian applicant should check:

Whether Nigerian citizens are eligible for the scholarship.
Whether the university accepts the applicant.
The exact programme’s English requirements.
Whether previous English-medium education qualifies for an exemption.
Whether an MOI certificate is accepted.
Whether another English test is accepted.
Whether the university offers its own assessment.
Whether the exemption must be requested before admission.

The same principle applies to applicants from Ghana and other African countries.

Your nationality may determine scholarship eligibility, but it does not automatically determine the university’s English-language policy.

Scholarships Without IELTS for Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate applicants should pay particular attention to university-specific requirements.

You may need:

Secondary school certificate
Academic transcripts
Passport
Personal statement
Recommendation letters
Proof of English proficiency or exemption
Programme-specific documents

Government scholarship programmes such as GKS and MEXT have their own undergraduate pathways.

Therefore, applicants should use the current official application guidelines instead of relying only on a general scholarship article.

Scholarships Without IELTS for Master’s Students

Master’s applicants commonly need:

Bachelor’s degree
Academic transcripts
CV
Personal statement or SOP
Recommendation letters
Passport
Programme-specific documents
English-language evidence where required

For scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth, Erasmus Mundus and DAAD, applicants should investigate both:

Scholarship requirements

and

University admission requirements.

Scholarships Without IELTS for PhD Students

Doctoral applicants may face additional requirements such as:

Research proposal
Supervisor agreement
Academic publications where relevant
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
CV
Recommendation letters
English-language evidence or exemption

A strong research proposal does not replace a mandatory language requirement unless the university explicitly grants an exemption.

How to Get a Medium of Instruction Certificate

If your university accepts an MOI certificate, contact the appropriate office at your previous institution.

This may be:

Registrar’s office
Academic affairs office
Examinations office
Faculty administration
Student records office

Ask for an official document confirming that your programme was taught in English.

Before requesting it, check the destination university’s requirements.

You want the certificate to contain the information the receiving institution actually needs.

How to Verify a “No IELTS” Scholarship

Do not trust a scholarship simply because its headline says:

“No IELTS required.”

Use this verification process instead.

Step 1: Find the official scholarship website

Look for the:

Government
University
Official scholarship provider
Recognised programme administrator

Avoid relying solely on social media posts or third-party blogs.

Step 2: Identify the exact scholarship

“Government scholarship” is not specific enough.

Find the actual programme name.

Step 3: Identify the exact university and course

This is especially important for scholarships involving multiple universities.

Step 4: Open the admission requirements

Look specifically for:

English-language requirements
Accepted tests
Exemptions
Previous education requirements
Minimum scores

Step 5: Search for MOI provisions

Look for terms such as:

Medium of Instruction
English-medium education
English-language exemption
Previous degree taught in English

Step 6: Check alternative tests

Determine whether the institution accepts:

TOEFL
PTE
Duolingo
Cambridge English
Another recognised qualification

Step 7: Check the scholarship requirements separately

Make sure the scholarship itself does not have an additional language requirement.

Step 8: Check the current deadline

Never rely on an old deadline copied from another website.

Step 9: Confirm the funding package

Determine whether the award is:

Fully funded
Tuition-only
Partially funded
Stipend-based
Dependent on separate funding

Step 10: Apply through the official portal

Once you’ve confirmed the requirements, submit through the official application system.

Save your application confirmation and important correspondence.

Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships

The term “fully funded” is frequently used too loosely online.

A fully funded scholarship generally provides substantial support toward major study costs, potentially including:

Tuition
Living allowance
Accommodation
Health insurance
Airfare
Visa-related support
Research or study allowances

However, the exact funding package varies.

For example, one scholarship may cover full tuition and provide a living allowance but not cover every travel expense.

Another may cover tuition and accommodation but have limits on other expenses.

Therefore, don’t assume that:

“Full tuition” = “fully funded.”

Always read the actual funding breakdown.

Documents You May Need

Even when IELTS is not required, you may need many other documents.

Prepare, where applicable:

Valid passport
Academic transcripts
Degree certificates
Medium of Instruction certificate
CV
Statement of Purpose
Personal statement
Scholarship essays
Recommendation letters
Research proposal
Portfolio
Proof of employment
Evidence of achievements
Identification documents
Programme-specific forms

Don’t wait until the scholarship deadline to start requesting documents.

Some documents can take days or weeks to obtain.

Common Mistakes When Applying Without IELTS

1. Assuming “No IELTS” means “No English requirement”

This is one of the biggest mistakes.

You may still need:

TOEFL
PTE
Duolingo
Cambridge English
MOI
Institutional assessment

2. Assuming an MOI certificate is accepted everywhere

It isn’t.

Always check first.

3. Applying for the wrong programme

A scholarship can support multiple programmes while individual programmes have different admission requirements.

4. Ignoring university admission requirements

Winning or being considered for a scholarship does not automatically guarantee university admission.

5. Using outdated information

Scholarship requirements change.

An article from an earlier application cycle may no longer accurately describe the current requirements.

6. Calling a partially funded award “fully funded”

Read the funding breakdown carefully.

7. Submitting a generic personal statement

Your SOP or personal statement should explain:

Why the programme fits your goals
What you have achieved
What problem you want to solve
Why the scholarship matters
How your plans connect with the programme

8. Missing a required document

Before submission, compare your documents with the official application checklist.

How to Strengthen Your Scholarship Application

Don’t make the absence of IELTS the main selling point of your application.

Scholarship selection normally involves much more than English-language testing.

Focus on the quality of your overall application.

Academic record

A strong academic record can demonstrate your ability to succeed in the programme.

Relevant experience

Connect:

Employment
Internships
Volunteering
Research
Projects
Leadership

to your intended field where appropriate.

Focused personal statement

Show the connection between:

Your background → chosen programme → scholarship → future goals

Strong references

Choose referees who can provide specific evidence of your abilities.

A referee’s job title alone does not make a recommendation strong.

Evidence of impact

Where appropriate, demonstrate measurable results from:

Work
Volunteering
Leadership
Community projects
Research

Programme fit

Explain why the exact programme makes sense for your academic and career goals.

A Practical Timeline for Scholarship Applications

Scholarship calendars differ, so don’t use one universal deadline.

Instead, work backward from your intended intake.

12–10 months before study

Identify target countries
Choose your degree level
Research universities
Build a scholarship shortlist
Check English-language requirements

9–7 months before study

Request transcripts
Request recommendation letters
Obtain an MOI certificate if applicable
Prepare your CV
Begin your SOP
Identify programme-specific requirements

6–4 months before study

Submit applications with deadlines in this period
Complete university applications
Upload required documents
Monitor application portals

3–2 months before study

Monitor admission and scholarship decisions
Respond to requests for additional documents
Begin visa preparation after receiving the necessary approvals

Always use the official scholarship or university portal for the actual deadline.

Scholarship Application Checklist

Before submitting your application, confirm:

My nationality is eligible.
I meet the required degree level.
I have selected the correct programme.
I have checked university admission requirements.
I have checked English-language requirements.
I have confirmed whether IELTS is actually required.
I have checked whether MOI is accepted.
I have checked alternative English tests.
I have requested my MOI certificate if applicable.
My academic transcripts are ready.
My degree certificates are ready.
My CV is updated.
My SOP/personal statement is ready.
My recommendation letters are ready.
My research proposal is ready if required.
I understand the funding package.
I have confirmed the current deadline.
I am applying through the official portal.
I have saved my application confirmation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a fully funded scholarship without IELTS?

Yes, some scholarship and university pathways allow applicants to proceed without IELTS.

However, you must verify whether the scholarship, university and specific programme accept an alternative form of English-language evidence or provide an exemption.

Does “No IELTS” mean I don’t need an English test?

Not necessarily.

You may need:

TOEFL
PTE
Duolingo
Cambridge English
MOI
An institutional assessment
Another approved form of evidence

Can I use an MOI certificate instead of IELTS?

Sometimes.

The receiving university or programme must explicitly accept MOI as evidence of English proficiency.

Is an MOI certificate accepted everywhere?

No.

Some universities accept it while others require IELTS, TOEFL or another approved qualification.

Can Nigerian students apply for scholarships without IELTS?

Yes, where the relevant scholarship and university allow Nigerian applicants to satisfy English-language requirements through an accepted alternative or exemption.

Nigerian citizenship by itself does not guarantee an IELTS waiver.

Does Chevening require IELTS?

Chevening does not have its own English-language requirement. However, applicants must satisfy their chosen university’s requirements and obtain the necessary university offer.

Does Erasmus Mundus require IELTS?

There is no single IELTS requirement covering every Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme.

Each programme has its own entry requirements.

Does DAAD require IELTS?

It depends on the individual DAAD scholarship and programme.

Some programmes require IELTS or TOEFL, while others may accept different forms of evidence.

Does MEXT require IELTS?

MEXT requirements vary according to the scholarship category, application route and receiving institution.

Check the current MEXT and university requirements for your specific programme.

Can I apply for a scholarship before taking IELTS?

Sometimes.

If the scholarship does not require an IELTS score at the scholarship stage, you may be able to apply without one.

However, you still need to determine whether the university will require English-language evidence before admission.

Can I get a scholarship without IELTS and without TOEFL?

Potentially.

Some programmes may accept:

MOI
Previous English-medium education
Institutional assessment
Interview
Another approved form of evidence

The decision belongs to the relevant institution.

Are all scholarships advertised online as “no IELTS” genuine?

No.

Some websites use “no IELTS” as a marketing phrase even when the university still requires English-language proof.

Always verify the claim against the official scholarship and university websites.

Final Advice

Searching for a scholarship without IELTS should not mean searching for a magical list of universities where IELTS is never required.

A more reliable strategy is:

Find a scholarship you are eligible for → choose the exact university → identify the exact programme → check its English-language requirements → determine whether IELTS, another test, an exemption or previous English-medium education is accepted.

Before applying, ask yourself:

Does the scholarship itself require IELTS?
Does the university require IELTS?
Does my specific programme require IELTS?
Can my previous education qualify me for an exemption?
Is an MOI certificate accepted?
Is another English test accepted?
What documents must I provide?
Is the scholarship genuinely fully funded?
What is the current application deadline?
Am I applying through the official website?

The most important lesson is simple:

Don’t apply simply because a website says “No IELTS.”

Apply after the official scholarship and university requirements confirm that your particular application can proceed without IELTS or with another accepted form of English-language evidence.

If you are preparing an international scholarship application, you may also find these Kenbizz guides useful:

Always verify current eligibility requirements, funding details, language requirements and deadlines on the official scholarship or university website before applying.

Last reviewed: September 2026