Are you a student dreaming of studying abroad but worried about IELTS? Good news — many scholarships in 2025 are available without requiring IELTS scores. Whether you’re from Nigeria, India, Ghana, Pakistan, or any other non-native English-speaking country, you can now access top universities and fully funded scholarships with no IELTS.

In this guide, you will get to know everything you need to know about scholarships with no IELTS requirement in 2025, including eligible countries, top universities, alternative requirements, and how to apply.

🌍 Why Study Without IELTS?

While IELTS is a common English language proficiency test, it can be expensive and stressful. Many students are now seeking alternatives to IELTS, especially as more universities and scholarship bodies waive IELTS requirements in 2025 due to:

• Acceptance of alternative English tests (like Duolingo, TOEFL, or PTE)
• English-medium education background
• Online language interviews
• Conditional admission with language support

✅ List of Scholarships with No IELTS Requirement 2025

Here are some of the top scholarships in 2025 that don’t require IELTS for application:

1. Türkiye Burslari Scholarships – Turkey

Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Fully funded (tuition, flight, stipend, accommodation, health insurance)
IELTS Required: ❌ No
Alternative: University conducts an online interview and English proficiency assessment.

2. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – China

Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, health insurance
IELTS Required: ❌ No
Alternative: An English proficiency certificate from your previous institution is accepted.

3. DAAD Scholarship – Germany

Level: Master’s and PhD
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel allowance, and insurance
IELTS Required: ❌ Not mandatory for all programs
Alternative: English-taught programs may accept other certificates or proof of English instruction.

4. Government of Romania Scholarship

Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend
IELTS Required: ❌ No
Alternative: You may undergo a Romanian language course unless applying for English programs.

5. Hungarian Government Scholarship (Stipendium Hungaricum)

Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation support
IELTS Required: ❌ No
Alternative: English proficiency letter from your previous institution

ALSO READ: Scholarship Opportunities in Canada for Nigerian Students

6. Russian Government Open Doors Scholarship

Level: Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Full tuition and possible stipend
IELTS Required: ❌ No
Alternative: University may conduct its own English language test.

7. University of Winnipeg Scholarships – Canada

Level: Undergraduate, Graduate
Coverage: Partial funding up to $5,000
IELTS Required: ❌ Not always
Alternative: Duolingo, TOEFL, or letter from previous institution.

8. University of Bologna Scholarships – Italy

Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s
Coverage: Tuition waiver + allowance
IELTS Required: ❌ No
Alternative: Letter of English proficiency or internal test

🎓 Top Countries Offering Scholarships Without IELTS

Here are countries known for offering scholarships that don’t mandate IELTS:

Country	Scholarship Examples	Notes
Germany	DAAD, university-based scholarships	Accept alternative proof of English
China	CSC Scholarship, provincial scholarships	English-medium programs don’t require IELTS
Turkey	Türkiye Burslari	No IELTS; interview-based assessment
Malaysia	University scholarships	Accepts MOI (Medium of Instruction letter)
Italy	University of Bologna, Padua	MOI accepted
Hungary	Stipendium Hungaricum	IELTS not mandatory
Russia	Open Doors, Government funding	No IELTS, university-based assessment
France	Eiffel Excellence, ENS Scholarships	IELTS not mandatory in many English-taught programs

💬 What Can You Use Instead of IELTS?

Many universities and scholarship providers now accept the following alternatives:

1. Duolingo English Test (DET)
2. TOEFL iBT
3. PTE Academic
4. English Proficiency Certificate from your university
5. Cambridge English Qualifications
6. University-specific English assessment or interviews

📝 How to Apply for Scholarships Without IELTS

Follow these steps to apply successfully:

✅ Step 1: Shortlist the scholarship programs

Look for programs that mention IELTS as “optional” or “not required.”

✅ Step 2: Prepare alternative proof

Obtain an English proficiency letter from your previous institution if you studied in English.

✅ Step 3: Gather other required documents

These may include:

• Passport
• Academic transcripts
• CV/resume
• Motivation letter or SOP
• Reference letters

✅ Step 4: Apply online before the deadline

Always double-check application deadlines and procedures.

🙋 FAQs: Scholarships with No IELTS Requirement 2025

1. Can I apply for a fully funded scholarship without IELTS?
Yes! Countries like Turkey, Hungary, China, and Germany offer fully funded scholarships without requiring IELTS.

2. Is Duolingo accepted instead of IELTS?
Yes, many universities in Canada, USA, and Europe now accept the Duolingo English Test.

3. What is an English proficiency certificate?
It’s a letter from your university confirming that your previous education was conducted in English.

4. Can I study in Canada without IELTS?
Yes. Some Canadian universities waive IELTS if you provide a Medium of Instruction letter or use alternatives like Duolingo.

5. How can I improve my chances of getting a scholarship without IELTS?
Focus on strong academic performance, submit a compelling personal statement, and meet all application requirements.

✨ Final Thoughts

You don’t need IELTS to chase your study abroad dreams in 2025. From fully funded scholarships in Turkey to tuition-free options in Germany and Russia, numerous opportunities are open to international students — even without IELTS. With the right preparation, alternative English proofs, and early applications, your dream of studying abroad can become a reality.

Start your journey today — research, prepare, and apply!
Feel free to contact us or leave a comment if you need help with any scholarship application process.