For many international students, passing English proficiency tests like IELTS is a major hurdle on the path to studying abroad. Fortunately, in 2025 there are growing opportunities to secure fully funded scholarships without needing IELTS — provided you take the right approach. This article guides you through understanding alternatives, finding scholarships, and maximizing your chances of success.
What Does “Without IELTS” Really Mean?
Not requiring IELTS doesn’t always mean there is no proof of English ability. Usually, scholarship providers and universities accept other evidence, such as:
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A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter: proof that your previous education was in English.
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Other standardized English tests or assessments (e.g., Duolingo, TOEFL, internal university test).
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An interview in English.
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Replacement certificates / documents from previous institutions confirming English teaching.
Understanding what form of proof is acceptable is essential, since “no IELTS” doesn’t mean “no proof” in many cases.
Why Some Scholarships Waive IELTS
Here are some of the common reasons scholarships and universities allow waivers:
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Past English-medium Education
If you completed your secondary (or tertiary) studies in English, many institutions will accept this as sufficient proof. -
Internal Language Assessments
Universities sometimes give their own proficiency test or conduct interviews. -
Flexible Language Policies
Some countries or scholarship programs have updated their requirements to make opportunities more equitable (especially for students from developing countries or where access to test centers is limited). -
Cost & Access Considerations
Traveling to test centers and paying test fees can be prohibitive for many. Scholarships that waive IELTS reduce those barriers.
Where to Look: Scholarships Without IELTS in 2025
Here are some of the more credible and commonly cited scholarship programs that in many cases permit applications without requiring IELTS, or have alternatives. Always confirm on the official website for the latest rules.
| Scholarship / Program | Country / Region | What They Often Accept Instead of IELTS | Level (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| China Government Scholarship (CSC) | China | MOI letter, or sometimes a university’s internal assessment. Scholars Avenue+3Schoolareducation+3World Scholars Hub+3 | UG, Master’s, PhD Study Scholarship Alert+1 |
| Türkiye Bursları (Turkey Government Scholarships) | Turkey | Proof of English instruction, MOI, sometimes internal interviews. Unicross Blog+3Schoolareducation+3MyEduPlug+3 | Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD MyEduPlug+2Academia+2 |
| DAAD Scholarships (Germany) | Germany / EU | MOI, alternative certificates, or English-taught program proof. TruePort+2Study Scholarship Alert+2 | Mostly Master’s and PhD. Schoolareducation+2TruePort+2 |
| Hungary – Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | MOI, Duolingo or internal proof in many cases. World Scholars Hub+3Koica Scholarship+3Magazin Ve Haber+3 | All levels (UG / Master’s / PhD) in many programs. Schoolareducation+2World Scholars Hub+2 |
| MEXT Scholarship | Japan | MOI or university’s own test / proof. TruePort+2Affordable Tutor Blogs+2 | UG, Master’s, PhD. Schoolareducation+2TruePort+2 |
| University of Brunei Darussalam | Brunei | Accept MOI or equivalent, no mandatory IELTS in many cases. Scholars Avenue+2TruePort+2 | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD. Grants & Opportunities+1 |
| Nanjing University Scholarships (China) | China | English proficiency through prior education (MOI) in lieu of IELTS. Study Scholarship Alert+1 | A |
Checklist Before You Apply