Study Abroad Without IELTS in 2026

For many international students, the biggest barrier to studying abroad is not tuition fees — it’s IELTS.

The test is expensive. Booking slots can be difficult. Results take time. And in many cases, IELTS isn’t even necessary.

Here’s what most scholarship blogs don’t tell you clearly enough:

Many top universities in the USA, UK, and Europe accept students without IELTS, especially if you meet alternative English requirements.
Several fully funded scholarships do not list IELTS as a mandatory requirement at all.

This in-depth guide is written for students targeting first-world countries — especially the United States, United Kingdom, and European Union — who want legitimate, government-backed scholarships without unnecessary exams.

If you’re serious about studying abroad in 2025, this is one article you should read carefully from start to finish.

Why “Study Without IELTS” Is Increasingly Common in the US, UK & Europe

Universities in developed countries are under pressure to:

Attract diverse international students
Compete globally for top talent
Reduce barriers for qualified applicants

As a result, many institutions now accept alternative proof of English, including:

Medium of Instruction (MOI) letters
English-taught degrees
University language interviews
Waivers for applicants from English-speaking or English-educated systems

In fact, IELTS is often a university requirement, not a scholarship requirement — an important distinction many applicants miss.

Who This Guide Is For

This article is especially useful if:

You want to study in the USA, UK, or EU
You completed previous education in English
You want fully funded or high-value scholarships
You are applying for Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs
You want verified, official opportunities only

Fully Funded Scholarships You Can Apply for Without IELTS

Below are 15 real scholarships commonly used by students studying in first-world countries — with detailed explanations, eligibility notes, and official links.

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (European Union)

The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree (EMJMD) remains one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world — and many Erasmus programs do not require IELTS.

Why Erasmus Mundus Attracts Global Talent

Funded by the European Commission
Focuses on academic excellence, not test scores
Encourages mobility across EU countries

What the Scholarship Covers

100% tuition fees
Monthly living allowance (€1,000–€1,400)
Travel and relocation costs
Health insurance
Visa-related expenses

IELTS Requirement

Not mandatory for many programs
MOI letters are frequently accepted
Each consortium sets its own English policy

Countries You Can Study In

Germany, France, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Netherlands, and more.

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: October – January (program-specific)

2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany – EU)

Germany is one of the most IELTS-flexible countries in Europe, and DAAD is the backbone of its international education system.

Why Germany Appeals to First-World Students

Public universities with low or zero tuition
Strong job market
High post-study employment rates

What DAAD Covers

Monthly stipend (€934–€1,300)
Health insurance
Travel allowance
Visa support

IELTS Requirement

Many DAAD-supported programs accept:
- English-taught degrees
- MOI letters
- University language assessments

Official link: Apply here
Deadline: August – December

3. Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)

The Chevening Scholarship is often misunderstood when it comes to IELTS.

Important Truth About Chevening

Chevening itself does NOT require IELTS.
English requirements depend entirely on the UK university you choose.

What Chevening Covers

Full tuition fees
Monthly living allowance
Visa application fees
Flights to and from the UK

Who Chevening Is For

Future leaders
Professionals with work experience
Applicants targeting top UK universities

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: Early November

4. Swedish Institute Scholarship (Sweden – EU)

Sweden is one of Europe’s most progressive education systems.

What the Scholarship Covers

Full tuition fees
Monthly living allowance (SEK 12,000)
Travel grant
Health insurance

IELTS Requirement

Many Swedish universities accept:
- MOI letters
- English-taught degrees

Why Sweden Works for EU-Focused Students

English widely spoken
Strong post-study work options
High graduate employability

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: January – February

5. Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship (Switzerland)

Switzerland consistently ranks among the top education systems globally.

What It Covers

Monthly stipend
Tuition waiver
Health insurance
Housing support

IELTS Requirement

Often waived for:
- Research applicants
- English-taught academic backgrounds

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: September – December

6. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Program is the flagship US government scholarship — and IELTS is not always required.

What Fulbright Covers

Tuition fees
Living expenses
Travel costs
Health insurance

IELTS Requirement

Depends on:
- Host university
- US embassy policies
MOI letters and interviews often accepted

Why Fulbright Is Ideal for US-Bound Students

Access to top American universities
Strong academic and professional networks

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: February – October (varies by country)

7. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France – EU)

France offers more English-taught programs than most people realize.

What Eiffel Covers

Monthly allowance (€1,181–€1,700)
Travel costs
Health insurance

IELTS Requirement

Many French universities accept MOI
Internal language checks common

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: January

8. Italian Government Scholarship (Italy – EU)

Italy combines low living costs with high academic reputation.

What It Covers

Tuition exemption
Monthly allowance
Health insurance

IELTS Requirement

Often waived for English-taught programs

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: May – June

9. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary – EU)

This scholarship is extremely popular due to IELTS flexibility.

What It Covers

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Accommodation
Health insurance

IELTS Requirement

English interviews frequently replace IELTS

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: January

10. Portugal Government & University Scholarships (EU)

Portugal is becoming a serious alternative to Western Europe’s expensive destinations.

Why Portugal Appeals to EU Traffic

Low cost of living
Friendly immigration policies
Growing English-taught programs

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: March – June

11. Spain Government Scholarships (EU)

Spain offers affordable education and flexible admission requirements.

EU citizens can access Spanish government funding primarily through the MEC General Scholarship, which provides tuition waivers and financial stipends based on family income and residency in Spain. Additionally, the MAEC-AECID programs offer specialized postgraduate and research grants for those pursuing higher academic or artistic goals within Spanish institutions. If you are already enrolled at a university elsewhere in Europe, the Erasmus+ program facilitates temporary mobility by providing monthly living allowances while exempting you from local tuition fees. To qualify for most of these funds, you generally need a Spanish identity number, proof of financial need, and a solid academic record.

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: February – April

12. Romania Government Scholarship (EU)

One of the few European scholarships that does not require IELTS at all.

While the famous Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) scholarship is strictly for non-EU citizens, EU nationals typically access funding through the same channels as Romanian students, which include merit-based and social grants provided directly by the Ministry of Education. To qualify for these “Budgeted Places,” EU students must compete in the national admission process, where high-ranking candidates receive a full tuition waiver and a modest monthly stipend for living costs. Additionally, programs like CEEPUS or the Erasmus+ network offer specific mobility grants for Central European students that cover accommodation subsidies and local transport discounts.

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: February – March

13. Poland Government Scholarships (EU)

Poland is increasingly popular with students targeting EU residency.

EU citizens in Poland are generally eligible to study for free at public universities if they choose programs taught in Polish and participate in the standard admission process. For those seeking additional financial support, the “Poland My First Choice” program specifically targets high-achieving students from selected EU and partner countries by providing free tuition for Master’s degrees and a monthly stipend of approximately PLN 2,000 for living expenses. Furthermore, students with documented Polish roots can apply for the General Anders Program, which offers comprehensive financial aid and a funded preparatory year for language and culture.

Official link: Apply Here
Deadline: March – May

14. University Scholarships in the USA (Without IELTS)

Many US universities accept:

English-taught degrees
MOI letters
TOEFL alternatives
Internal assessments

Always check department-level requirements.

15. UK University Scholarships (Without IELTS)

Several UK universities waive IELTS if:

Your previous education was in English
You studied in certain countries
You pass an internal language check

While many UK universities and government scholarships list English proficiency as a requirement, it is entirely possible to secure a scholarship without taking the IELTS. This is typically achieved by proving your language skills through alternative qualifications or institutional waivers.

How to Bypass the IELTS Requirement

Most UK universities and scholarship boards will waive the IELTS if you can provide one of the following:

Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: A formal letter from your previous university stating that your entire degree was taught and examined in English.
High School Grades: Scoring 70% or higher in English in your High School Senior Certificate (e.g., Indian Class 12th, West African WAEC C6+, or Malaysian SPM).
Majority English-Speaking Country Status: If you are a citizen of a country like Nigeria, Ghana, or Singapore, or have a degree from a country like the USA or Canada, you are automatically exempt.
Internal University Tests: Some universities (like the University of Northampton or Duolingo-friendly schools) allow you to take their own online placement test instead of IELTS.

Top UK Scholarships with IELTS Waivers

The following prestigious scholarships are available to international students, and the English requirement is often handled by the university rather than the scholarship board itself.

Scholarship Name	Coverage	Key Waiver Strategy
Chevening Scholarship	Full Tuition + Living Costs	Chevening has removed its own English requirement; you only need to meet your chosen university’s entry criteria (which can be an MOI).
Commonwealth Scholarships	Full Tuition + Airfare + Stipend	Priority is given to students from Commonwealth countries where English is the official language, often making IELTS unnecessary.
Think Big (Bristol University)	Up to £26,000	Acceptance is based on your university offer; Bristol accepts various high school qualifications as proof of English.
GREAT Scholarships	£10,000	Jointly funded by the British Council; eligibility depends on specific country-university partnerships that often accept MOIs.
Vice-Chancellor’s Grants	Partial Tuition Discounts	Many schools (like Nottingham Trent or Aston) automatically grant these based on academic merit if you meet their general English waiver.

Universities Known for IELTS Flexibility

These institutions are frequently cited for accepting alternative English proofs for both admission and internal scholarship eligibility:

University of Portsmouth: Often accepts 70%+ in High School English.
University of Greenwich: Accepts MOI certificates from recognized institutions.
University of Central Lancashire (UCLan): Offers its own free English Language Proficiency Test (PTE alternative).
Swansea University: Accepts several English-medium qualifications from across Africa and Asia.

How to Prove English Proficiency Without IELTS (Critical Section)

Accepted alternatives include:

Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter
English-taught Bachelor’s degree
University interview
Previous study in the US, UK, or EU

Never assume — always confirm on official websites.

FAQs

Can I study abroad without IELTS in 2025?

Yes. Many universities and scholarships in the US, UK, and EU accept alternative English proof.

Which country is easiest without IELTS?

Germany, Hungary, Italy, Romania, and Portugal are among the easiest.

Is IELTS mandatory for scholarships?

Usually no. Scholarships focus on academic merit, not test scores.

Final Advice for Serious Applicants

Do not self-reject
Apply early
Use official sources only
Prepare documents 6–12 months ahead
Email universities directly

Final Thoughts

Studying abroad without IELTS is not a shortcut — it’s a legitimate pathway used by thousands of students every year in first-world countries.

If your goal is the USA, UK, or EU, the opportunities in this guide are among the best you’ll find online.

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