Quick Answer
Yes, you can study abroad without IELTS. Many universities accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test instead. This guide lists 80+ fully funded scholarships that accept these alternatives across 16 countries.
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Studying abroad without an IELTS score is possible, but many students misunderstand how it works. While some scholarships and universities waive IELTS completely, others accept alternative proof of English proficiency such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, the Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or another approved qualification.
This comprehensive guide explains how scholarships without IELTS actually work, highlights fully funded and partially funded opportunities across leading study destinations, and shows you how to meet English language requirements without relying solely on IELTS. You’ll also compare scholarships by country, degree level, funding, and accepted English-language alternatives.
What You’ll Learn
- Find fully funded scholarships that accept IELTS alternatives.
- Discover countries and universities that welcome international students without IELTS.
- Understand when universities accept an MOI certificate, TOEFL, PTE Academic, the Duolingo English Test, or other approved qualifications.
- Compare scholarships by country, funding, degree level, and English-language requirements.
- Avoid common application mistakes that reduce scholarship success.
TL;DR
- ✅ You can study abroad without IELTS if your university or scholarship accepts another approved form of English-language proof.
- ✅ Common alternatives include a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test.
- ✅ Many fully funded scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, monthly living expenses, airfare, and health insurance.
- ✅ Compare scholarships by country before applying to identify programs that match your qualifications and preferred destination.
While many students search for scholarships without IELTS, thousands of other funding opportunities are available worldwide. If you’re exploring every option, browse our Scholarships for International Students guide.
What Does Scholarships Without IELTS Really Mean?
Many students misunderstand the phrase Scholarships Without IELTS. It does not mean English language requirements disappear. Instead, it means an IELTS score is not the only way to prove your English proficiency. Many scholarship providers and universities accept alternative forms of English-language evidence.
Important
“No IELTS Required” does not mean “No English Requirement.”
1. Some Scholarships Waive IELTS Completely
Some scholarship programs do not require applicants to submit an IELTS score. Instead, they accept students who satisfy other approved English-language requirements established by the scholarship provider or the host university.
This commonly applies to applicants who:
- Completed previous education in English.
- Qualify for an approved English-language exemption.
- Apply to universities that recognize alternative language assessments.
2. IELTS Often Has Accepted Alternatives
Many universities accept other recognized English-language qualifications instead of IELTS. The accepted option depends on the institution and the academic program.
Common IELTS Alternatives
- 📄 Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
- 📝 TOEFL
- 💻 Duolingo English Test
- 📚 PTE Academic
- 🎓 Cambridge English Qualifications
Always confirm accepted alternatives on the university’s official admissions page because requirements vary between institutions and programs.
3. Universities and Scholarship Providers Set Different Requirements
A scholarship provider can waive the IELTS requirement while the university still requires proof of English proficiency before granting admission. Likewise, a university may accept an MOI certificate, but the scholarship provider may request additional documentation.
Best Practice
Before submitting your application, verify these two requirements separately:
- ✅ Scholarship eligibility requirements
- ✅ University admission requirements
Checking both policies reduces the risk of rejected applications and helps you focus on scholarships that fit your qualifications.
IELTS Alternatives at a Glance
Many universities accept approved alternatives to IELTS instead of a traditional IELTS score. However, acceptance varies by university, degree program, and scholarship. Use the table below as a quick reference, then verify the latest language requirements on the university’s official admissions website.
| Alternative | What It Is | Commonly Accepted By | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MOI Certificate | An official letter confirming your previous education was taught in English. | Many universities (institution/program dependent) | Students educated in English |
| TOEFL | A globally recognized English proficiency test. | Universities worldwide | Students needing standardized scores |
| Duolingo English Test | An online English test completed from home. | Selected universities | Faster, affordable testing |
| PTE Academic | A computer-based English proficiency test. | Many universities worldwide | Pearson-qualification universities |
| Cambridge English | International English qualifications issued by Cambridge. | Selected universities/scholarships | Existing certificate holders |
Having an accepted alternative to IELTS does not automatically qualify you for admission or a scholarship. Before you apply, verify both:
- ✅ The scholarship’s English-language requirements
- ✅ The university’s admission requirements
Which English Language Option Fits Your Situation?
Follow this quick guide to identify the most suitable English-language qualification before you start your scholarship application.
Can You Study Abroad Without IELTS?
Yes, you can study abroad without IELTS. Many universities and scholarship providers accept alternative ways to prove English proficiency. The accepted option depends on the country, university, scholarship program, and degree level.
Good News
Thousands of international students receive admission every year without submitting an IELTS score, by providing another approved form of English-language evidence.
Medium of Instruction (MOI)
An official letter from your previous school confirming your education was taught in English. Best for students educated in English.
English Language Interview
Some universities replace tests with an online or in-person interview evaluating your spoken English. Common in selected graduate programs.
Alternative English Tests
TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, and Cambridge English are frequently recognized instead of IELTS, depending on the program.
Previous Education in English
Your academic transcript plus an MOI certificate often satisfies the language requirement outright.
Don’t Assume Every University Accepts Every Alternative
Every university sets its own English-language admission policy. Before applying, verify exactly which qualifications your chosen university accepts.
Fully Funded Scholarships That Accept IELTS Alternatives
Thousands of international students receive scholarships every year without submitting an IELTS score. Many scholarship providers accept a MOI certificate or follow the host university’s English-language policy instead.
Before You Apply
- Verify the scholarship’s English-language requirement.
- Check the university’s admission policy.
- Confirm that your MOI, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or another accepted qualification satisfies the requirement.
- Always use the official scholarship website to confirm current eligibility and deadlines.
Government Scholarships
| Scholarship | Country | Degree | Funding | English Requirement | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevening Scholarships | 🇬🇧 UK | Master’s | Fully Funded | Chevening itself does not require IELTS at application stage, but the receiving UK university sets its own English requirement — typically IELTS 6.5–7.0 or an approved equivalent (MOI, PTE, TOEFL) depending on the course. | Visit ↗ |
| DAAD Scholarship | 🇩🇪 Germany | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Program-specific English requirements apply. | Visit ↗ |
| MEXT Scholarship | 🇯🇵 Japan | Undergrad / Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | The host university determines accepted English proof. | Visit ↗ |
| Türkiye Scholarships | 🇹🇷 Türkiye | All Levels | Fully Funded | Language requirements vary by program. | Visit ↗ |
| Stipendium Hungaricum | 🇭🇺 Hungary | All Levels | Fully Funded | The receiving university sets the English requirement. | Visit ↗ |
University Scholarships
| Scholarship | University | Degree | Funding | English Requirement | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Bologna Scholarships | Bologna (Italy) | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Fully / Partially Funded | Follow the university admission policy. | Visit ↗ |
| King Abdulaziz University Scholarship | King Abdulaziz University | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | University determines accepted qualifications. | Visit ↗ |
| SIIT Graduate Scholarship | SIIT (Thailand) | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Accepts approved alternatives for eligible applicants. | Visit ↗ |
Foundation & International Organization Scholarships
| Scholarship | Organization | Funding | Degree | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Japan / World Bank Scholarship | World Bank | Fully Funded | Master’s | Visit ↗ |
| Aga Khan Foundation Scholarship | Aga Khan Foundation | Partial / Full | Postgraduate | Visit ↗ |
| Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program | Mastercard Foundation | Fully Funded | Undergrad / Master’s | Visit ↗ |
| Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Scholarships | European Union | Fully Funded | Master’s | Visit ↗ |
| Fulbright Foreign Student Program | U.S. Dept. of State | Fully Funded | Master’s / PhD | Visit ↗ |
| OFID Scholarship | OPEC Fund | Fully Funded | Master’s | Visit ↗ |
| Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship | Islamic Development Bank | Fully Funded | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Visit ↗ |
| Rotary Peace Fellowship | Rotary Foundation | Fully Funded | Master’s / Certificate | Visit ↗ |
Don’t search only for “Scholarships Without IELTS.” Search by your preferred destination too, such as Canada Scholarships or Germany Scholarships — many country-specific scholarships accept IELTS alternatives without saying so in the title.
Planning an MBA abroad? Explore our MBA Scholarships for International Students guide.
Scholarships That Accept IELTS Alternatives by Country
Universities and scholarship providers around the world use different English-language policies. Compare popular study destinations below and visit the official portals before applying.
Always verify both the scholarship requirements and the university’s admission policy — one may accept an IELTS alternative while the other requires different evidence.
🇨🇦 Canada
Canada remains one of the world’s most popular study destinations. Several universities recognize a MOI certificate, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test, depending on the university and program.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships | PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship | Bachelor’s | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| York University International Scholarships | Bachelor’s | Partial / Full | Visit ↗ |
| University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships | Master’s / PhD | Partial | Visit ↗ |
| UBC International Scholars Program | Bachelor’s | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Waterloo International Scholarships | Bachelor’s | Fully / Partial | Visit ↗ |
| University of Alberta International Scholarship | Bachelor’s | Partial | Visit ↗ |
| Carleton University Entrance Scholarships | Bachelor’s | Partial | Visit ↗ |
Universities that commonly accept alternatives: University of Toronto (program dependent), York University, University of Manitoba, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Saskatchewan.
🇩🇪 Germany
Germany offers world-class universities with low or no tuition at many public institutions. Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL, Cambridge English, PTE Academic (institution dependent).
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Deutschlandstipendium | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial | Visit ↗ |
| Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarship | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarship | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Rosa Luxemburg Foundation Scholarship | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| KAAD Scholarship | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Evangelisches Studienwerk Villigst Scholarship | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
Universities: Technical University of Munich, RWTH Aachen, University of Hamburg, University of Stuttgart, Freie Universität Berlin.
🇦🇺 Australia
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English, and for selected programs the Duolingo English Test.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Awards Scholarships | Master’s | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Research Training Program (RTP) | Master’s by Research / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Destination Australia Scholarship | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial | Visit ↗ |
| University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarship | Master’s by Research / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Sydney International Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Queensland International Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Monash University International Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial | Visit ↗ |
| Deakin University International Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial | Visit ↗ |
Universities: University of Melbourne, Monash, University of Adelaide, University of Queensland, Deakin University.
🇮🇹 Italy
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Government Scholarship (MAECI) | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Bologna Study Grants | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Fully Funded / Tuition Waiver | Visit ↗ |
| DSU Regional Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Politecnico di Milano Merit Scholarships | Master’s | Fully Funded / Partial | Visit ↗ |
| University of Padua Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Turin International Scholarships | Master’s | Partial / Tuition Waiver | Visit ↗ |
| Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna Scholarships | Master’s | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
🇯🇵 Japan
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, English-language interview.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| MEXT Scholarship | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| JASSO Scholarship | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial | Visit ↗ |
| ADB–Japan Scholarship Program | Master’s | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Tokyo Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded / Partial | Visit ↗ |
| Kyoto University Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded / Partial | Visit ↗ |
| Tokyo Institute of Technology Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded / Partial | Visit ↗ |
| Osaka University Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Hokkaido University President’s Fellowship | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
🇰🇷 South Korea
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL iBT, TOEIC, university assessment.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| KAIST International Student Scholarship | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Seoul National University Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded / Partial | Visit ↗ |
| Korea University Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Yonsei University International Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| POSTECH International Student Scholarship | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Ulsan International Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
🇨🇳 China
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo (selected universities), English-language interview.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Silk Road Scholarship | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Provincial Government Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University President Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Beijing Government Scholarship | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Shanghai Government Scholarship | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Tsinghua University Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Peking University Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded / Partial | Visit ↗ |
🇭🇺 Hungary
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, online English interview.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Debrecen Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Szeged Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Pécs Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Budapest Metropolitan University Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial | Visit ↗ |
🇫🇮 Finland
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finnish Government Scholarship Pool | Master’s / Doctoral Research | Fully Funded / Grant | Visit ↗ |
| University of Helsinki Scholarships | Master’s | Full or Partial + Grant | Visit ↗ |
| Aalto University Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Full or Partial Waiver | Visit ↗ |
| Tampere University Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Turku Scholarships | Master’s | Partial / Waiver | Visit ↗ |
| LUT University Scholarships | Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Oulu International Scholarships | Master’s | Partial / Waiver | Visit ↗ |
🇳🇴 Norway
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| BI Presidential Scholarship | Master’s | Fully Funded / Stipend | Visit ↗ |
| NTNU Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Program Specific | Visit ↗ |
| University of Oslo Scholarships & Funding | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Program Specific | Visit ↗ |
| Nord University Scholarships | Master’s | Partial Funding | Visit ↗ |
| University of Bergen Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| UiT Arctic University Tuition Waivers | Master’s | Partial / Waiver | Visit ↗ |
| NMBU Scholarships | Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
🇳🇱 Netherlands
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, PTE Academic.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holland Scholarship | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial (€5,000) | Visit ↗ |
| Orange Tulip Scholarship | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Waiver | Visit ↗ |
| University of Amsterdam AMS Scholarships | Master’s | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Leiden University Excellence Scholarship | Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Utrecht Excellence Scholarship | Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| TU Delft Excellence Scholarships | Master’s | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
🇸🇪 Sweden
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, PTE Academic.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals | Master’s | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Karolinska Institutet Scholarships | Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Lund University Global Scholarship | Master’s | Partial / Waiver | Visit ↗ |
| Uppsala University IPK Scholarships | Master’s | Partial / Waiver | Visit ↗ |
| Chalmers IPOET Scholarships | Master’s | Partial / Waiver | Visit ↗ |
Note: many Swedish universities do not calculate an official GPA for degrees — grading conventions vary by institution and program.
🇮🇪 Ireland
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gov of Ireland International Education Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded (€10,000 + fee waiver) | Visit ↗ |
| Trinity College Dublin Global Excellence Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Waiver | Visit ↗ |
| University College Dublin Global Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| NUI Galway International Student Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Waiver | Visit ↗ |
| University College Cork Excellence Scholarships | Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
🇳🇿 New Zealand
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL, PTE Academic.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand International Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| University of Auckland International Student Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Waiver | Visit ↗ |
| University of Otago International Research Masters Scholarships | Master’s (Research) | Partial / Stipend | Visit ↗ |
| Lincoln University International Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial | Visit ↗ |
🇹🇷 Turkey
Alternatives accepted: MOI, TOEFL, PTE Academic.
| Scholarship | Degree | Funding | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Türkiye Scholarships | All Levels | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Bilkent University Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Fully Funded / Partial | Visit ↗ |
| Koç University Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Sabanci University Scholarships | Bachelor’s / Master’s | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
| Istanbul Technical University International Scholarships | Master’s / PhD | Partial / Fully Funded | Visit ↗ |
Compare Countries Offering Scholarships That Accept IELTS Alternatives
Compare leading study destinations based on scholarships, funding, tuition, living costs, intakes, and work opportunities.
| Country | Degrees | Funding | MOI Accepted? | Living Cost* | Main Intake | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Bachelor’s–PhD | Partial/Full | Often | CAD 1,000–2,000 | Fall • Winter | Research, Engineering |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | Master’s, PhD | Fully Funded | Often | €850–1,100 | Winter • Summer | STEM, Affordable Ed |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Master’s, PhD | Fully Funded | Selected | £1,100–1,600 | Autumn | 1-Yr Master’s, Law |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Bachelor’s–PhD | Fully Funded | Selected | AUD 1,500–2,500 | Feb • Jul | Healthcare, STEM |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | Bachelor’s–PhD | Partial/Full | Often | €800–1,200 | Fall | Arts, Architecture |
| 🇯🇵 Japan | All Levels | Fully Funded | Often | ¥100,000–150,000 | Apr • Oct | Technology, Research |
| 🇰🇷 South Korea | Bachelor’s–PhD | Fully Funded | Often | ₩800,000–1,200,000 | Mar • Sep | STEM, Media |
| 🇨🇳 China | All Levels | Fully Funded | Often | ¥2,000–5,000 | September | Engineering, Business |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | All Levels | Fully Funded | Often | €500–800 | September | Medicine, Engineering |
| 🇫🇮 Finland | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Partial/Full | Often | €900–1,200 | August | Education, Tech |
| 🇳🇴 Norway | Master’s, PhD | Partial/Full | Often | NOK 12,000–16,000 | August | Energy, Social Sciences |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Bachelor’s, Master’s | Partial/Full | Often | €1,100–1,500 | Sep • Feb | Law, Business, Eng. |
| 🇸🇪 Sweden | Master’s | Partial/Full | Often | SEK 8,500–11,000 | August | Sustainability, Tech |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | All Levels | Partial/Full | Often | €1,000–1,500 | September | IT, Pharma |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | All Levels | Partial/Full | Often | NZD 1,500–2,000 | Feb • Jul | Agriculture, Env. |
| 🇹🇷 Turkey | All Levels | Fully Funded | Often | ₺3,000–5,000 | September | Engineering, Medicine |
*Estimated living costs are approximate monthly figures for a single student and vary by city, accommodation, and exchange rates. Always confirm requirements on official websites before applying.
Scholarships Without IELTS for Indian Students
Indian students are among the largest recipients of international scholarships, and many programs listed on this page are heavily used by applicants from India — including the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship, DAAD, MEXT, Stipendium Hungaricum, and the Italian Government Scholarship. Indian students often qualify for IELTS alternatives by submitting a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate from their previous institution.
Most Indian universities and autonomous colleges issue an official MOI certificate stating the medium of instruction was English. Students from CBSE, ICSE, and many state boards whose senior secondary education was entirely in English can often obtain one from their school. Check with your target university whether they require the certificate to be stamped and signed, and if they specify a minimum number of years of English-medium study.
Indian applicants should also note that some scholarship bodies may request a World Education Services (WES) evaluation of transcripts, especially for North American destinations — allow extra time for this. A strong Statement of Purpose, academic references from recent professors, and early financial-document preparation can significantly strengthen your application. Always review the official scholarship page for India-specific quotas or bilateral agreements.
Planning to Study in Canada?
See our full Study in Canada Without IELTS guide for admissions detail beyond scholarships.
How to Apply for Scholarships That Accept IELTS Alternatives
Applying requires more than completing a form. Confirm your eligibility, verify accepted English-language qualifications, prepare accurate documents, and submit before the deadline.
1. Find a Scholarship That Matches Your Profile
Search by academic level, field, nationality, and destination. Focus on programs that clearly accept an IELTS alternative.
2. Check Every Eligibility Requirement
- ✔ Academic qualifications
- ✔ Degree level
- ✔ Nationality requirements
- ✔ GPA or academic performance
- ✔ Work experience (if required)
- ✔ Age limits (if applicable)
3. Verify the English-Language Requirement
- ✔ Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
- ✔ TOEFL
- ✔ Duolingo English Test
- ✔ PTE Academic
- ✔ Cambridge English Qualifications
- ✔ University English Interview (where available)
4. Prepare Every Required Document
- ✔ Passport
- ✔ Academic transcripts
- ✔ Degree certificates (if applicable)
- ✔ CV
- ✔ Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- ✔ Recommendation letters
- ✔ MOI certificate or accepted English-language qualification
5. Submit Before the Deadline
Complete every section, upload required documents, and save your confirmation receipt.
Final Checklist
- ✅ Completed every field
- ✅ Uploaded every document
- ✅ Verified your English qualification
- ✅ Reviewed for errors
- ✅ Submitted before the deadline
- ✅ Saved confirmation receipt
Helpful Official Resources
Documents You’ll Need
Preparing documents early gives you more time to fix missing information before the deadline.
| Document | Why You Need It | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Confirms identity and nationality. | ✅ Yes |
| Academic Transcripts | Shows academic performance. | ✅ Yes |
| Degree Certificate | Confirms completed qualification. | ✅ Usually |
| CV / Résumé | Highlights experience and skills. | ✅ Yes |
| Statement of Purpose | Explains your goals and fit. | ✅ Yes |
| Recommendation Letters | Independent support for your abilities. | ✅ Usually |
| MOI Certificate | Confirms English medium of instruction. | ⭐ When Accepted |
| English Language Certificate | Demonstrates proficiency when required. | Depends |
| Research Proposal | Describes proposed research. | Research Master’s/PhD |
| Portfolio | Showcases creative work. | Design/Art/Architecture only |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Every year, thousands of qualified students lose scholarship opportunities because they overlook basic requirements.
Assuming Every Scholarship Waives IELTS
Many providers still require an alternative like MOI, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo.
Missing the Application Deadline
Late applications are rarely accepted.
Using Outdated Information
Requirements change every cycle.
Ignoring University Admission Requirements
A scholarship doesn’t guarantee admission.
Submitting Incomplete Documents
Missing files can cause instant rejection.
Reusing the Same SOP
Generic SOPs rarely address what committees expect.
Waiting Too Long for Recommendation Letters
Referees need time to prepare strong letters.
Skipping Official Guidelines
Blogs and social posts can be outdated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study abroad without IELTS? ▼
Yes. Many universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency instead of IELTS. Common alternatives include a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, TOEFL, and PTE Academic.
Does every university accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate? ▼
No. Every university sets its own English-language policy. Some accept an MOI certificate, while others require a standardized test.
Which countries offer scholarships without IELTS? ▼
Canada, Germany, the UK, Australia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, China, Hungary, Finland, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland, New Zealand, and Turkey.
Are these scholarships fully funded? ▼
Many are fully funded, while others provide partial funding covering tuition, living expenses, accommodation, health insurance, and travel.
Can I use the Duolingo English Test instead of IELTS? ▼
Yes, many universities accept it, but acceptance varies by institution and program.
Can I study in Canada without IELTS? ▼
Yes. Several Canadian universities accept an MOI certificate, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test.
Do universities accept TOEFL instead of IELTS? ▼
Yes. Universities worldwide recognize TOEFL. Check the required minimum score for your program.
Which scholarship is the easiest to get? ▼
No scholarship guarantees admission. Your chances improve when you meet every eligibility requirement.
Can I apply without any English-language proof? ▼
Some universities waive documentation for eligible applicants, but most still require some evidence of English proficiency.
Do scholarships and universities have the same English-language requirements? ▼
No. A scholarship provider and a university can have different English-language requirements.
What is a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate? ▼
An official document from your previous school confirming your education was taught in English. Many universities accept it as an alternative to IELTS.
Can undergraduate students apply for scholarships without IELTS? ▼
Yes. Many scholarship programs support undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students.
Can I apply for multiple scholarships at the same time? ▼
Yes. Applying for multiple scholarships increases your chances. Follow each program’s application rules.
When should I start preparing my scholarship application? ▼
Start several months before the deadline to gather documents, request recommendation letters, and prepare your SOP.
Where can I find official scholarship information? ▼
Always use official government scholarship portals, university websites, and scholarship providers’ websites.
Can I get a scholarship with no English test at all? ▼
A small number of programs accept an MOI certificate or a university-conducted interview with zero standardized test requirement. However, most scholarships that advertise “without IELTS” still require another test such as TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo. Check carefully whether your target scholarship falls into the no-test category or the alternative-test category.
Key Takeaways
Studying Abroad Without IELTS Is Possible
Many programs accept applicants who provide another approved form of English-language evidence.
Know the Accepted Alternatives
MOI certificate, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo, Cambridge English, or an interview.
Check Two Sets of Requirements
Review both the scholarship’s and the university’s policies separately.
Explore Multiple Study Destinations
16 countries in this guide offer scholarships accepting IELTS alternatives.
Prepare Your Documents Early
Gather passport, transcripts, CV, references, and SOP well ahead of deadlines.
Apply Early and Apply Widely
Submit complete applications early and apply to multiple programs.
Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education, GPA systems, and study-abroad guidance for international students.Christian Chinonso is the founder of LearnViaHub, with 6+ years of research experience in international education — including GPA systems, scholarships, student financing, and study-abroad guidance — for students worldwide.