Can You Really Get a Scholarship Without IELTS?
One of the biggest myths in study abroad planning is that you absolutely need an IELTS or TOEFL score to get a scholarship. The truth is that many of the world's most prestigious fully funded scholarships either do not require English proficiency tests at all, accept alternative proofs of English ability, or have their own language assessment process. This is great news for students who struggle with standardized tests, cannot afford the IELTS/TOEFL fees, or do not have access to test centers in their area.
Let us be clear: English proficiency is still important for studying in English-taught programs. But the specific requirement of IELTS or TOEFL can often be waived or replaced with other evidence. Here is everything you need to know. Also read our comparison of Duolingo, IELTS, and TOEFL.
Scholarships That Do Not Require IELTS or TOEFL
1. Türkiye Scholarships (Turkey)
Turkey's comprehensive government scholarship does NOT require IELTS or TOEFL. The scholarship includes a one-year Turkish language course for all students, and many programs are available in Turkish. For English-taught programs, the university may conduct its own English assessment. Covers: full tuition, monthly stipend, housing, airfare, health insurance.
2. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship does not require IELTS or TOEFL. Instead, the Japanese Embassy in your country conducts its own written examinations in English (and Japanese if applicable) and mathematics. Many programs at Japanese universities are taught in English, and the scholarship includes free Japanese language training. Covers: full tuition, ¥143,000-145,000/month, airfare.
3. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
For Chinese-taught programs, you need HSK (Chinese proficiency test) instead of IELTS. For English-taught programs, some universities accept a medium of instruction certificate from your previous university instead of IELTS. This is a simple letter from your university confirming that your courses were taught in English. Covers: full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance.
4. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
While English proficiency is required for English-taught programs, IELTS is not the only option. Many programs accept alternative English certificates, previous education in English, or conduct their own language assessment. Some programs are offered in French or German instead. Covers: full tuition, monthly stipend, dormitory housing.
5. KAIST Full Scholarship (South Korea)
KAIST accepts graduates from English-medium institutions without requiring IELTS or TOEFL. If your bachelor's or master's degree was taught in English, you can submit a medium of instruction letter instead. All KAIST graduate courses are in English. Covers: full tuition, monthly stipend, housing subsidy.
6. Azerbaijani Government Scholarship
Does not require IELTS or TOEFL. Programs are available in Azerbaijani, Turkish, Russian, and English. For English-taught programs, the university may conduct its own assessment. Covers: tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance.
7. Romanian Government Scholarship
No IELTS required. Programs are available in Romanian (with a free preparatory language year) and some in English or French. The scholarship covers tuition, monthly stipend, and accommodation support.
8-10. More No-IELTS Options
KAUST Fellowship (Saudi Arabia): Accepts IELTS 6.0 OR equivalent alternatives including medium of instruction certificates. Every admitted student is fully funded. Government of Brunei Scholarship: No IELTS required — covers full tuition, stipend, and airfare. Mongolian Government Scholarship: No IELTS needed for Mongolian-taught programs.
Scholarships That Accept Alternatives to IELTS
These scholarships require English proficiency but accept alternatives to IELTS/TOEFL:
Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
Many scholarships and universities accept a letter from your previous university confirming that your degree program was taught in English. This is free to obtain and accepted by programs including many CSC, GKS, DAAD, and university-specific scholarships. Simply ask your university's registrar or academic office to issue a letter stating the language of instruction.
Duolingo English Test
An increasingly popular alternative that is cheaper ($59 vs $250+ for IELTS), can be taken from home, and gives results in 48 hours. Now accepted by over 4,500 institutions worldwide, including many scholarship programs. Read our Duolingo vs IELTS comparison.
Cambridge English Qualifications
Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency certificates are accepted by many European scholarship programs as alternatives to IELTS, including many DAAD and Erasmus programs.
Tips for Applying Without IELTS
Get a Medium of Instruction letter early. Even if your university primarily teaches in another language, if YOUR specific courses were in English, you can often get this letter. Contact your registrar's office.
Check each scholarship's specific requirements. Do not assume. Some programs say "IELTS required" on their main page but list alternatives in the detailed application guidelines. Always read the fine print.
Consider taking Duolingo. At $59, it is the most affordable option if you do need a test score. Many programs now accept it. Check our Resources page for test preparation tools.
Apply to programs in your native language. Many scholarships (Türkiye, CSC, Stipendium Hungaricum) offer programs in languages other than English. If you speak French, German, Arabic, Chinese, Turkish, or Spanish, explore programs in those languages.
Find Your Perfect Scholarship
Browse all scholarships on ScholyHub and filter by country, degree level, and funding type. Our database includes detailed information on language requirements for every scholarship.
Not sure which scholarships match your profile? Try our free AI Study Match — it considers your background, test scores (or lack thereof), and preferences to recommend the best opportunities for you.
