The cost and preparation involved in taking IELTS can discourage students from applying to universities abroad. Fortunately, an IELTS score is not a universal requirement for every international scholarship or university programme.

Some scholarship providers do not set their own English-test requirement and leave language requirements to the university. Other institutions may accept alternatives such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English qualifications, an institutional assessment, or another approved form of evidence.

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

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

A scholarship may accept your application without IELTS while the university or specific degree programme still requires proof of English proficiency.

This guide explains how scholarships without IELTS actually work, identifies 25 major scholarship and funding opportunities to investigate for 2026/2027, explains acceptable IELTS alternatives, and shows how international students can verify whether they genuinely qualify without taking IELTS.

Last reviewed: August 2026

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

What Does “Scholarship Without IELTS” Actually Mean?

The phrase “scholarship without IELTS” can mean several different things.

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

There are at least five common situations.

1. The scholarship provider does not require IELTS

Some scholarship schemes do not ask applicants to submit an IELTS score as part of the scholarship application.

The university may still have its own English-language requirements.

Chevening is a good example. The Chevening English-language requirement was removed in 2020, but successful applicants must still satisfy the requirements of their chosen university and obtain the required university offer. (Chevening)

2. The university accepts an alternative to IELTS

A university may accept another recognised test or form of evidence.

Possible alternatives can include:

• TOEFL
• PTE Academic
• Duolingo English Test
• Cambridge English qualifications
• an institutional English test
• an approved English-medium qualification
• a Medium of Instruction certificate, where explicitly accepted

The exact alternatives differ between universities and programmes.

3. Your previous education was conducted in English

Some universities allow applicants who completed qualifying education in English to demonstrate their language ability through their previous academic record or an official certificate.

That does not mean every English-speaking applicant automatically receives an exemption.

The university must specifically recognise that form of evidence.

4. The programme has a specific exemption

Certain programmes may have language exemptions based on:

• previous qualification
• country of education
• nationality
• degree level
• programme type
• language of instruction

Consequently, two applicants applying for different programmes at the same university may face different requirements.

5. The scholarship and university have separate requirements

This is the most important distinction.

A scholarship can be fully funded and require no IELTS at the scholarship stage while the university still requires IELTS or another accepted English-language qualification for admission.

Always check both sets of requirements.

Can You Study Abroad Without IELTS?

Yes, it is possible to study abroad without IELTS, but the correct question is not simply:

“Which countries do not require IELTS?”

A better question is:

“Which scholarship and university programmes accept an alternative form of English-language evidence for my particular application?”

That difference matters because language policies are usually determined at the programme or university level, not by an entire country.

For example, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are delivered by international consortia, and applicants apply directly to the institution running their selected programme. Erasmus+ specifically tells applicants to check each master’s website for its entry requirements and application procedures. (Erasmus+)

The same principle applies to government scholarships such as DAAD, MEXT and other national scholarship schemes.

25 Scholarships and Funding Opportunities to Investigate Without IELTS in 2026/2027

The opportunities below should not all be interpreted as having a blanket IELTS waiver.

Instead, they are scholarships or funding schemes where the scholarship application, participating university or specific programme may allow applicants to meet English-language requirements through alternatives to IELTS.

Always verify the exact programme before applying.

1. DAAD Scholarships — Germany

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

One important warning is necessary: DAAD does not have one universal “no IELTS” rule covering every scholarship and every university.

Requirements vary by the individual scholarship and study programme.

For example, the DAAD EPOS Development-Related Postgraduate Courses can require recent proof of English such as IELTS or TOEFL for particular courses. (DAAD)

What this means for applicants

Do not write:

“DAAD does not require IELTS.”

Instead, check:

1. The specific DAAD scholarship.
2. The selected university.
3. The individual degree programme.
4. The programme’s language requirement.
5. Accepted alternatives to IELTS.

Suitable for

• Master’s applicants
• PhD applicants
• Researchers
• Professionals, depending on the programme

IELTS status

Programme dependent.

Possible alternatives

Where specifically accepted:

• MOI
• TOEFL
• other approved evidence

Funding

Funding varies by DAAD programme. Some awards can include living allowances, insurance, travel support and other benefits.

Official source: DAAD

2. Chevening Scholarships — United Kingdom

Chevening is one of the strongest examples of why applicants must distinguish between a scholarship requirement and a university admission requirement.

Chevening itself removed its English-language requirement in 2020. Applicants must nevertheless satisfy the requirements of their chosen UK university and secure an unconditional offer from one of their eligible course choices. (Chevening)

Study level

• Master’s

IELTS status

No Chevening English-language requirement.

Important caveat

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

Funding

Chevening is a fully funded UK government scholarship programme that can provide support for tuition, living expenses, travel and other approved costs.

Best approach

Apply for Chevening and your selected university while treating the university’s English requirement as a separate matter.

Official source: Chevening

3. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships — United Kingdom

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships support eligible candidates from low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries for full-time master’s study in the UK.

The scholarship provides approved tuition fees, airfare and a living allowance, among other support. (Commonwealth Scholarships UK)

Study level

• Master’s

IELTS status

Check the university and course requirements.

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

Funding

• Full tuition
• Airfare
• Living allowance
• Study-related support
• Additional allowances in qualifying circumstances

Best for

Applicants from eligible Commonwealth countries whose academic and career goals align with the programme’s development themes.

Official source: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

4. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships — United Kingdom

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

The programme provides full tuition, approved airfare and a living allowance. (Commonwealth Scholarships UK)

Study level

• Master’s

IELTS status

University and course dependent.

Funding

• Full tuition
• Airfare
• Living allowance
• Other approved allowances

Important

Check the individual university’s admission requirements before assuming an English-test exemption.

Official source: Commonwealth Scholarship Commission

5. Commonwealth PhD Scholarships — United Kingdom

Commonwealth PhD Scholarships provide funding for eligible doctoral candidates under specific Commonwealth programmes.

Depending on the scheme, support can include tuition, airfare, stipend, study travel and approved fieldwork costs. (Commonwealth Scholarships UK)

Study level

• PhD

IELTS status

Programme and university dependent.

Best for

Applicants with strong research backgrounds and a well-developed research proposal.

Important

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

6. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters — Europe

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are delivered by international university consortia.

Students may study at several institutions and countries during the programme. Erasmus+ confirms that full scholarships are available for the best-ranked students in participating programmes. (Erasmus+)

Study level

• Master’s

IELTS status

Programme dependent.

There is no single IELTS rule covering every Erasmus Mundus programme.

Possible alternatives

Depending on the consortium:

• previous English-medium education
• recognised English tests other than IELTS
• institutional evidence
• other programme-specific exemptions

Funding

Full scholarships can contribute to:

• participation costs
• travel
• visa costs
• living allowance

Application route

Applicants apply directly to the institution running their chosen master’s programme. (Erasmus+)

Official source: Erasmus+

7. Türkiye Scholarships — Türkiye

Türkiye Scholarships is a government-funded scholarship programme covering undergraduate, master’s and doctoral study.

The scholarship provides financial and academic support, but applicants should still verify the language requirements of their selected programme.

Study levels

• Undergraduate
• Master’s
• PhD

IELTS status

Programme dependent.

Potentially relevant evidence

Depending on the selected programme:

• previous education
• accepted language tests
• programme-specific evidence

Funding can include

• tuition
• accommodation
• monthly stipend
• health insurance
• travel support
• language preparation in qualifying cases

Official source: Türkiye Scholarships

8. Chinese Government Scholarship — China

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

English-taught programmes can have their own language requirements.

Study levels

Depending on the specific award:

• Undergraduate
• Master’s
• PhD

IELTS status

University and programme dependent.

Possible alternatives

Where explicitly accepted:

• MOI
• recognised English-language certificates
• another accepted English test
• institutional assessment

Important

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

Check the university’s current admission requirements.

Official source: Chinese Scholarship Council

9. Stipendium Hungaricum — Hungary

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

Applicants should check the language requirements attached to the selected study programme rather than assuming that every participating institution uses the same policy.

Study levels

• Bachelor’s
• Master’s
• Doctoral
• Other eligible programmes depending on the current call

IELTS status

Programme dependent.

Possible alternatives

Where permitted:

• previous English-medium education
• alternative English tests
• institutional evidence

Funding

Depending on the programme, support can include:

• tuition exemption
• monthly stipend
• accommodation contribution or dormitory support
• medical insurance

Official source: Stipendium Hungaricum

10. MEXT Scholarship — Japan

The Japanese Government’s MEXT scholarship supports international students through several routes, including embassy and university recommendations. (日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan)

Study levels

Depending on the category:

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

IELTS status

Category and university dependent.

The official Study in Japan information shows that language and screening arrangements differ by MEXT category. (日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan)

Funding

MEXT scholarships can include:

• tuition
• monthly allowance
• airfare
• preparatory education where applicable

Important

Check the current embassy or university recommendation guidelines for your category.

11. Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship

The Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship is another government-funded opportunity for international students.

Study levels

Depending on the current scholarship call:

• Undergraduate
• Master’s

IELTS status

Programme dependent.

Do not advertise this scholarship as universally IELTS-free.

Applicants should examine the specific university and programme language requirements.

Funding

The scholarship can provide substantial support toward:

• tuition
• accommodation
• allowances
• airfare
• other approved benefits

12. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) — South Korea

The Korean Government’s Global Korea Scholarship provides opportunities for international students at undergraduate and graduate levels.

The 2026 GKS-G programme, for example, invited 2,000 international students for graduate degrees and provided both embassy and university application routes. (Study in Korea)

A separate 2026 GKS-U programme was also announced for undergraduate applicants. (Study in Korea)

Study levels

• Undergraduate
• Master’s
• PhD
• Research, depending on the programme

IELTS status

Check the current GKS guidelines and university requirements.

Important for African applicants

The Korean government also announced a 2026 WB-ROK scholarship under GKS for eligible students and academic staff from African partner universities. (Study in Korea)

Funding

Depending on the GKS category, support can include:

• tuition
• living allowance
• airfare
• language training
• insurance and other benefits

Official source: Study in Korea

13. Romanian Government MFA Scholarships — Romania

Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs scholarship programme is open to citizens of non-EU countries subject to the programme’s eligibility conditions. (Study in Romania)

Study levels

The current programme should be checked for the eligible degree cycles and fields.

IELTS status

Do not assume a universal IELTS exemption.

The language of the selected programme and the conditions attached to it determine what applicants must provide.

2026/2027 timing

For the 2026/2027 cycle, applications ran from February 16 to March 31, 2026, with results expected around July 15, 2026. (Study in Romania Scholarships)

Because that cycle has already passed, applicants should monitor the official portal for the next call.

14. Clarendon Fund — University of Oxford

The Clarendon Fund provides fully funded graduate scholarships at Oxford.

The university states that Clarendon scholarships cover course fees and provide a living grant. (Oxford University)

Study levels

• Master’s
• DPhil

IELTS status

Oxford programme dependent.

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

Funding

• Full course fees
• Living grant

Eligibility

There are no nationality restrictions, and applicants are automatically considered when they apply for eligible graduate courses by the relevant funding deadline. (Oxford University)

Official source: University of Oxford

15. Gates Cambridge Scholarship — University of Cambridge

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship provides full-cost funding for eligible postgraduate students at Cambridge.

Study levels

• Master’s
• PhD
• Other eligible postgraduate programmes

IELTS status

Cambridge course dependent.

An applicant should verify the English-language requirement for the exact course before relying on an IELTS alternative.

Funding

Depending on the award conditions, funding can cover:

• university fees
• maintenance
• airfare
• additional approved costs

Official source: University of Cambridge / Gates Cambridge

16. Rhodes Scholarship — University of Oxford

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

Study level

• Postgraduate

IELTS status

Oxford course dependent.

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

Best for

Applicants with exceptional academic records, leadership potential, character and a strong record of service or impact.

17. University of Oxford Graduate Funding

Oxford offers several graduate funding schemes in addition to Clarendon.

Applicants can explore funding attached to:

• specific departments
• colleges
• academic divisions
• external partners

IELTS status

Course dependent.

Important

An applicant may receive funding but still have to meet the English-language condition attached to the course.

18. University of Cambridge Postgraduate Funding

Cambridge offers a range of scholarships and funding packages for postgraduate applicants.

Study levels

• Master’s
• PhD
• Other postgraduate programmes

IELTS status

Course dependent.

Strategy

Identify the course first, determine its English-language requirements, then identify funding opportunities attached to that course.

19. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships — Australia

Research scholarships at the University of Melbourne can provide substantial funding for eligible graduate researchers.

Study levels

• Master’s by research
• PhD/research doctorate

IELTS status

University and course requirements apply.

Important

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

Applicants should investigate whether their previous education qualifies for an exemption or whether another accepted test is required.

20. Monash University Research Scholarships — Australia

Monash offers research scholarships for eligible international graduate researchers.

Study levels

• Research master’s
• PhD

IELTS status

Course and admission dependent.

Funding

Specific awards can provide combinations of:

• tuition support
• living stipend
• research-related support

Always confirm the current award conditions.

21. University Research Scholarships in Canada

Canadian universities offer numerous funded research opportunities for international graduate students.

Examples can include:

• doctoral funding packages
• research assistantships
• teaching assistantships
• university scholarships
• faculty-funded awards

IELTS status

University and programme dependent.

Canada should therefore not be described as an “IELTS-free country.”

Instead, identify universities and programmes that explicitly accept an alternative to IELTS or provide an exemption based on previous education.

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.

Important

Applicants should first identify an eligible master’s programme and then examine its English-language requirements.

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

23. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships — Switzerland

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

Study level

Depending on the award:

• Research
• PhD
• Postdoctoral
• Arts, under specific schemes

IELTS status

Host institution and programme dependent.

Important

The language requirement can differ according to the institution and programme.

24. University-Based Fully Funded PhD Scholarships

Many universities in Europe, North America, Australia and Asia advertise funded PhD positions separately from government scholarship programmes.

A funded doctoral position can include:

• tuition coverage
• monthly stipend
• research funding
• teaching or research assistantship
• health insurance

IELTS status

University and department dependent.

Some departments may accept prior 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.”

25. University-Specific International Scholarships

Universities around the world provide 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.

This category is particularly useful because individual universities sometimes have language exemptions that do not apply across their entire national education system.

The Most Important IELTS Alternatives

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

Here are the main alternatives you should investigate.

1. Medium of Instruction Certificate

An MOI certificate is an official document confirming that your previous programme was taught in English.

It can be useful when the university explicitly accepts it.

What should an MOI certificate contain?

Ask the authorised university office to include:

• your full name
• student identification number where applicable
• degree programme
• institution name
• dates or years 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.

2. TOEFL

Some universities accept TOEFL instead of IELTS.

The important point is that:

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

You are simply using another recognised English-language assessment.

3. PTE Academic

PTE Academic is accepted by many universities, although acceptance and minimum scores differ.

Check:

• whether your university accepts PTE
• whether your programme accepts it
• the minimum score
• whether the score must be recent

4. Duolingo English Test

Some institutions accept Duolingo English Test results.

Acceptance can vary significantly by university and programme.

Never assume that because one university accepts Duolingo, every university in the country does.

5. Cambridge English Qualifications

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

The exact qualification and minimum score depend on the university.

6. University English-Language Assessment

Certain institutions conduct their own assessment.

This could involve:

• an online test
• interview
• written assessment
• oral assessment

Where available, this can 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 university may accept a bachelor’s degree taught entirely in English, while another may require an official letter from the institution.

Scholarship Requirement vs University Admission Requirement

This distinction deserves special attention.

Suppose you apply for a scholarship that does not require IELTS.

You might think:

“I don’t need IELTS.”

That conclusion may be incorrect.

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 provides a clear illustration. Chevening does not require applicants to submit an English-language score, but candidates must satisfy their selected university’s requirements and obtain the required unconditional offer. (Chevening)

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

The relevant question is whether the selected university accepts your previous education or another form of English-language evidence.

A Nigerian applicant should therefore check:

1. Scholarship eligibility for Nigerian citizens.
2. University admission eligibility.
3. Programme-specific English requirements.
4. Whether previous English-medium education qualifies for an exemption.
5. Whether an MOI certificate is accepted.
6. Whether another English test is accepted.
7. Whether an interview or institutional assessment can be used.
8. Whether the exemption must be requested before admission.

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

Scholarships Without IELTS for Undergraduate Students

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

Potential documentation can include:

• secondary school certificate
• academic transcripts
• passport
• personal statement
• recommendation letters
• proof of English proficiency or exemption
• additional programme-specific documents

Government scholarships such as GKS and MEXT have distinct undergraduate pathways, so applicants should use the current official application guidelines rather than relying on general scholarship blogs. The 2026 GKS-U programme, for example, published separate application guidelines and university information. (Study in Korea)

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 applicants targeting Chevening, Commonwealth, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD and similar programmes, it is especially important to investigate both the scholarship rules and the university’s admission rules.

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 can be important, but it 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.

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 so that the certificate contains the information they actually need.

How to Verify a “No IELTS” Scholarship

Do not trust a scholarship article simply because its headline says “No IELTS.”

Use this process instead.

Step 1: Find the official scholarship website

Look for the government, university or official scholarship provider.

Step 2: Identify the exact scholarship

“Government scholarship” is not specific enough.

Find the actual programme.

Step 3: Identify the exact university and course

This is particularly important for scholarships involving multiple universities.

Step 4: Open the admission requirements

Look specifically for:

• English language requirements
• accepted tests
• exemptions
• previous education requirements

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 university accepts:

• TOEFL
• PTE
• Duolingo
• Cambridge English
• another recognised qualification

Step 7: Check the scholarship requirements separately

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

Step 8: Check the current deadline

Do not 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: Save the official information

Keep a copy or screenshot of the relevant requirements when you begin your application.

Fully Funded vs Partially Funded Scholarships

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

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

• tuition
• living allowance
• accommodation
• health insurance
• airfare
• visa-related support
• research or study allowances

However, the exact package differs.

A scholarship may cover full tuition but provide no accommodation.

Another may provide tuition and a stipend but require the student to pay some travel expenses.

Therefore, always examine the actual funding breakdown before calling an opportunity “fully funded.”

For example, Erasmus Mundus states that full scholarships can contribute to participation costs, travel, visa and living expenses, while individual programmes provide their own detailed information. (Erasmus+)

Documents You May Need

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

Prepare:

• Valid passport
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificates
• Medium of Instruction certificate, where accepted
• CV
• Statement of Purpose
• Personal statement
• Scholarship essays
• Recommendation letters
• Research proposal for relevant postgraduate programmes
• Portfolio for selected fields
• Proof of employment where required
• Proof of achievements
• Additional identification documents
• Programme-specific forms

Avoid waiting until the scholarship deadline to begin requesting official documents.

Common Reasons Applications Without IELTS Are Rejected

1. Assuming “No IELTS” Means “No English Requirement”

This is one of the most dangerous assumptions.

A university may accept another test or an MOI certificate instead.

2. Using an MOI Certificate That the University Does Not Accept

An MOI is not universally recognised.

Always check first.

3. Applying for the Wrong Programme

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

4. Ignoring University Admission Requirements

Winning a scholarship does not automatically guarantee admission.

The university must still admit you.

5. Using Outdated Information

Scholarship rules change.

A page published several years ago may no longer describe the current application cycle.

6. Calling a Partially Funded Award “Fully Funded”

Read the funding breakdown carefully.

Do not assume tuition coverage means every major living expense is covered.

7. Submitting a Generic Personal Statement

Strong scholarships attract highly qualified applicants.

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 every uploaded document with the official checklist.

How to Make Your Application More Competitive

Avoid treating the absence of IELTS as your main competitive advantage.

Scholarship committees generally have much more to evaluate.

Strengthen your application through:

Academic performance

A strong academic record can help demonstrate your ability to succeed.

Relevant experience

Connect internships, employment, volunteering, research or projects to your intended field.

A focused personal statement

Show the connection between your background, programme, scholarship and future plans.

Strong references

Choose referees who can provide specific evidence of your abilities rather than simply someone with an impressive job title.

Evidence of impact

Where appropriate, demonstrate measurable outcomes from your work, leadership, volunteering or community involvement.

Programme fit

Explain why the exact programme is appropriate for your goals.

Application Timeline for 2026/2027 and Later Cycles

Scholarship calendars differ, so do not use one universal deadline.

Instead, work backwards from your intended intake.

12–10 months before study

• Identify target countries.
• Choose degree level.
• Research universities.
• Build a scholarship shortlist.
• Check 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 whose deadlines fall within this period.
• Complete university admission applications.
• Upload required documents.
• Check application portals regularly.

3–2 months before study

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

The actual deadline should always come from the official scholarship or university portal.

Scholarship Application Checklist

• Save your 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, but you must verify whether the scholarship, university and specific programme accept an alternative form of English-language evidence.

Does “no IELTS” mean I do not need an English test?

Not necessarily.

You may need TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, Cambridge English, an MOI certificate, an institutional test or 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 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 unconditional offer. (Chevening)

Does Erasmus Mundus require IELTS?

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

Each master’s programme provides its own entry requirements, so applicants should check the exact programme they intend to join. (Erasmus+)

Does DAAD require IELTS?

It depends on the individual DAAD scholarship and programme.

Some DAAD programmes require IELTS or TOEFL, while requirements can differ across courses. The DAAD EPOS example demonstrates why applicants must check the individual programme rather than assuming a general DAAD rule. (DAAD)

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. (日本留学情報サイト Study in Japan)

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 later 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, an institutional assessment, an interview or another approved form of evidence.

The decision belongs to the relevant institution.

Are all scholarships listed 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 to identify a scholarship you are genuinely eligible for, find the exact degree programme, and then determine what that programme accepts as proof of English proficiency.

The most important questions are:

1. Does the scholarship itself require IELTS?
2. Does the university require IELTS?
3. Does my specific programme require IELTS?
4. Can my previous English-medium education qualify for an exemption?
5. Is an MOI certificate accepted?
6. Is another English test accepted?
7. What documents must I provide?
8. Is the scholarship genuinely fully funded?
9. What is the current application deadline?
10. Am I applying through the official website?

For example, Chevening explicitly separates its own scholarship requirements from those of the selected university, while Erasmus Mundus directs applicants to the individual master’s programme for entry requirements. (Chevening)

That is the standard applicants should use for every opportunity on this list.

Do not apply simply because a blog says “No IELTS.” Apply after the official scholarship and university requirements confirm that your particular application can proceed without IELTS.

Related Kenbizz Guides

• How to Write a Winning Statement of Purpose
• Scholarship Essay Writing Guide
• How to Identify Fake Scholarship Websites
• Universities That Offer Fully Funded Scholarships
• How to Organise Your Scholarship Documents

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