It is no longer just a dream to study abroad without taking the IELTS or TOEFL. It is now a real and widely accepted way for international students, especially those from Nigeria, to do so. A lot of governments, universities, and international organisations now accept other ways to show that you know English well enough to get fully funded scholarships.
This in-depth guide will show you the best scholarships that don’t require the IELTS or TOEFL, how they work, who can apply, how to apply, and how to get one.
Some Scholarships Don’t Need IELTS or TOEFL
In the past, IELTS and TOEFL were the tests that showed how well someone could speak English. But a lot of schools now accept other options, like:
- Proof that you learned English in school (MOI stands for “Medium of Instruction”).
- English tests given by the university itself
- The Duolingo English Test or other similar tests
- Interviews done in English
- A letter from your last school saying you are good at English
Many scholarships now allow these alternatives instead of IELTS/TOEFL .
Thousands of students who couldn’t afford or get to English language tests can now take them because of this change.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships That Don’t Require IELTS or TOEFL
1. Scholarships from DAAD (Germany)
Germany is one of the easiest places to study without taking the IELTS.
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- What it covers:
- Monthly payment
- Money for travel
- Insurance for health
- IELTS Requirement: Not needed for many programmes
Instead of taking the IELTS, applicants can show proof that their previous degree was taught in English.
Why people like it:
- Many universities do not charge tuition.
- A lot of people accept it
- Good job prospects after graduation
2. Japan’s MEXT Scholarship
One of the most prestigious scholarships in the world is offered by the Japanese government.
- Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate
- What it covers:
- All of the tuition
- Monthly payment
- Free place to stay
- Tickets for flights
- IELTS Requirement: Not Needed
Students can give a certificate from their last school that shows they know English well.
3. The Türkiye Burslari Scholarship (Turkey)
One of the most generous scholarships out there.
- All levels of skill
- What it covers:
- Cost of school
- Monthly money
- Housing
- Insurance for health
- Tickets for flights
- IELTS Requirement: Not Needed
People who want to apply can send in other proof of English.
4. The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
China has a lot of scholarships with requirements that can be changed.
- Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate
- What it covers:
- All of the tuition
- Housing
- Monthly payment
- IELTS Requirement: Often Not Needed
Instead of IELTS, many programmes will accept proof of English-medium education.
5. Joint Master Degree from Erasmus Mundus (Europe)
A very competitive scholarship that is available in many European countries.
- Level: Master’s
- What it covers:
- All of the tuition
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
- IELTS Requirement: Sometimes not needed
Some universities will accept different types of English proof.
6. South Korea’s KAIST Scholarship
A top scholarship for students studying science and engineering.
- Level: Master’s and PhD
- What it covers:
- All of the tuition
- Monthly payment
- Insurance for health
- IELTS Requirement: Not always needed
Students from English-speaking schools may not have to take the test.
7. The University of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship
- Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate
- What it covers:
- All of the tuition
- Housing
- Yearly allowance
- IELTS Requirement: Not Needed
To get in, you need to be good at school and speak English well.
8. Scholarship from the Government of Azerbaijan
- All levels of skill
- What it covers:
- Cost of school
- Housing
- Monthly payment
- IELTS Requirement: Not Needed
People who apply can send in proof of their English skills.
9. Scholarship from the Shanghai Government (China)
- Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate
- What it covers:
- Cost of school
- Housing
- Monthly payment
- IELTS Requirement: Not Needed
Proof of English-medium instruction is accepted.
10. Scholarships for Development in New Zealand
- Level: Master’s
- What it covers:
- Complete funding
- IELTS Requirement: Can be skipped
You can use other English proof.
Places Where You Can Go to School Without Taking the IELTS or TOEFL
These days, a lot of countries let students study without taking the IELTS:
- Germany
- Canada
- The UK
- Australia
- Norway
- Malaysia
- China
- Turkey
- USA (some colleges)
In many of these countries, universities will accept other proof that you know English.
Different kinds of scholarships that don’t require IELTS
Scholarships that pay for everything
These cover all of it:
- Cost of tuition
- Housing
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
For example:
- DAAD
- MEXT
- Erasmus Mundus
- Burslar in Türkiye
Scholarships with Partial Funding
These pay for some things:
- Only tuition
- A partial stipend
- Help with housing
For example:
- Some scholarships for college in Europe
- Government programmes for exchange
Other Ways to Show Your English Skills
You can use the following if you don’t have IELTS or TOEFL:
1. Letter of Medium of Instruction (MOI)
A letter from your school saying that your degree was taught in English.
The most common and widely accepted.
2. Test for the University Itself
Some universities give their own English tests after you apply.
3. Talk to
They may interview you in English to see how well you can communicate.
4. The Duolingo English Test
Many universities accept it as a less expensive option.
5. Prior Research in English
You may not need to take the IELTS if you studied in a country or school where English is spoken.
Requirements for Eligibility
You don’t have to take the IELTS, but you do have to meet other requirements:
- Strong academic results
- Great personal statement
- Letters of support
- Some scholarships require you to have relevant work or volunteer experience.
- Getting into a university programme
How to Apply Step by Step
Step 1: Pick the Scholarship
Pay attention to countries where most people get in, such as:
- Germany
- Turkey
- China
- Japan
Step 2: Get the papers ready
You will need:
- Transcripts from school
- CV
- Statement about yourself
- Letters of recommendation
- Visa
- Proof of English proficiency (MOI or something like it)
Step 3: Fill out an application for admission
You usually have to apply to a college or university before you can get a scholarship.
Step 4: Send in your application for a scholarship
Fill out the scholarship form and upload all of the required documents.
Step 5: Go to the interview (if you have to)
Get ready to explain:
- Your school goals
- Why you picked the country
- Your plans for your career
Benefits of Scholarships Without IELTS
- Saves money on test fees
- A quicker application process
- Students have less stress
- Easier for developing countries to get to
Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make
- Sending in weak personal statements
- Not giving valid proof in English
- Not meeting deadlines
- Applying without checking to see if you qualify
How to Improve Your Odds
- Keep your GPA high
- Compose a compelling personal statement.
- Get in early
- Apply for more than one scholarship
- Put your leadership and volunteer work in the spotlight.
Last Thoughts
There are real, accessible, and growing numbers of scholarships that don’t require the IELTS or TOEFL. Germany, Japan, Turkey, China, and parts of Europe are leading the way by accepting other forms of proof of English proficiency.
You can get a fully funded scholarship without ever taking the IELTS or TOEFL if you plan ahead, write good essays, and apply wisely.
