All the information about scholarship is up to date as of early 2025. Check the websites of all the programs that you intend to apply to and verify the most recent information and the due dates. The following is a list of 20 popular international scholarships available to study in some of the most reputable universities across the globe without doing the IELTS in 2026.
Why Study Abroad Without IELTS?
Most English‑language universities require an IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent score. But for many students, the test can be a financial barrier, a scheduling headache, or an unnecessary obstacle if they already have a proven command of English.
Good news: Increasingly many universities, governments and foundations do not require applicants to take English-proficiency tests when they can prove their mastery of the language in other forms: by passing an English-medicine course, studying at a school where English is the main medium of instruction, or writing a sample of writing and having an interview.
The 20 scholarships listed below are categorically designed in such a way that the students who are not required to take IELTS are included or some other evidence of proficiency can be provided. These are a variety of destinations, including study-abroad hot-spots and new academic centers, and full-and-full-tuition grants, living allowances and even research grants.
1. Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) -UK
Eligibility: The citizens of Commonwealth countries, no IELTS needed when you can demonstrate your knowledge of English (e.g. a B2 or C1 qualification based in the UK).
- Coverage: Full tuition, air fare, monthly stipend, health insurance.
- Deadline: 31 April 2026 (depends on host university).
- Link: https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/
2. Erasmus+ (SPO) – Europe
Eligibility: European students who may either apply to the universities in the Erasmus + partner countries. Language evidence through previous courses or interview.
- Coverage: partial tuition, travel grant, living allowance.
- Deadline: 30 June 2026.
- Apply Here: https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/
3. CSC Scholarship
China’s CSC Scholarship supports international students in over 280 universities. It covers full tuition and housing and doesn’t require IELTS if your previous education was in English.
4. Fulbright U.S. Student Program- USA
Applicants in participating countries who are able to demonstrate English proficiency either through prior coursework or interview.
- Coverage: Tuition, living stipend, insurance.
- Deadline: 30 November 2025 (2026-27 academic year).
- URL: foreign.fulbrightonline.org.
5. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
International students; German language not compulsory to some programs. English proficiency based on alternative certificates.
- Coverage: Tuition, allowance monthly, travel.
- Deadline: 31 August 2026.
Link: https://www.daad.de
6. Australian Awards Scholarships Without IELT
Citizens of partner countries; no IELTS provided you can supply an English-language qualification or writing sample.
- Coverage: + complete tuition, living allowance, traveling fee.
- Deadline: 31 October 2026.
Link: Australian awards scholarships and link on dfat.gov.au.
7. Scholarships in Switzerland Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
The applicants are required to have good academic credentials; English proficiency manifested in the previous study or interview.
- Benefits: Tuition waiver (when necessary), stipend, health insurance.
- Deadline: 31 May 2026.
Link: https://www.sbfi.admin.ch
8. King Abdullah Scholarship Program- Saudi Arabia.
Partners country students are eligible; English knowledge may be evaluated through previous studies or through interview.
- Benefits: free premium, housing, allowance, complimentary flights.
- Deadline: 30 March 2026.
Link: https://www.kasust.edu.sa
9. Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarships -Japan.
Eligibility International students; English proficiency requires previous study abroad or a language proficiency interview.
- Bursary: entire tuition, allowance, airfare.
- Deadline: 31 May 2026.
Link: studyinjapan.go.jp
10. Netherlands Executive Master Scholarship -Netherlands.
Professionals who have a masters degree; English proficiency is demonstrated by either previous course work or professional interview.
- Benefits: Tuition, monthly stipend.
- Deadline: 30 June 2026.
URL: –https://www.studyinholland.nl.
11. Erasmus Mundus (EMJMD) Study Abroad Without IELTS
Requirements: Applicants of any nationality; English proficiency may be proved by studying it or by receiving an interview.
- Benefits: Full tuition, travel grant, monthly stipend.
- Deadline: 30 April 2026.
- Connection: https://commission.europa.eu/index_en
12. Macquarie University Australian Indigenous Scholarship- Australia.
Indigenous students of partner countries, no IELTS in case they can demonstrate proficiency by some other means.
- Coverage: Comprehensive tuition, living allowance.
- Deadline: 15 June 2026.
Link: https://www.mq.edu.au
13. Norwegian International Cooperation Scholarship (NIL)- Norway.
Eligibility: Students of partner countries; English proficiency by previous study or by a written test.
- Coverage: Tuition, stipend, travel.
- Deadline: 31 May 2026.
Link: https://www.spar.no
14. Royal Danish Scholarship- Denmark.
Eligibility: Students in African, Asian, and Latin American nations; students can demonstrate English proficiency either by previous study or interview.
- Coverage: Tuition, stipend.
- Deadline: 30 April 2026.
Link: https://www.ku.dk/
No, an English Proficiency Certificate is often accepted in place of the IELTS by some universities participating in the program.
15. South Korean Government Scholarship
Eligibility: International students; English proficiency, either due to prior study abroad or a language test.
- Coverage: Full tuition, stipend, air fare.
- Deadline: 31 May 2026.
Connection: https://studyinkorea.go.kr/en.
16. Canadian Commonwealth Scholarship- Canada.
Commonwealth students: English proficiency may be established through previous education or interview.
- Coverage: Tuition waiver, stipend, travel.
- Deadline: 31 August 2026.
Location: https://www.educanada.ca/scholarships-bourses/index.aspx?lang=eng
17. GREAT Scholarships UCL, United Kingdom
International students seeking admission in UCL; English evidence based on previous study or an interview.
- Coverage: tuition, stipend, traveling allowance.
- Deadline: 31 March 2026.
- Link: https://www.ucl.ac.uk
18. New Zealand International Scholarships- New Zealand.
Citizens of the partner countries; English proficiency may be demonstrated with the aid of alternative evidence or interview.
- Coverage: Tuition and stipend, health insurance.
- Deadline:30 June 2026.
Source: Education.govt.nz International scholarships
19. Swedish Institute Scholarships to Global Professionals – Sweden
students of selected countries; English proficiency is determined by previous study or an interview.
- Coverage: Tuition, stipend, travel allowance.
- Deadline: 31 May 2026.
Connection: https://si.se/en/scholarships/
20. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
International students; they should show proficiency in English through previous education or interview.
- Coverage: Full tuition and stipend, airfare.
- Deadline: 31 May 2026.
Web address: globalkoreascholarship.or.kr.
Quick Tips for Applying
| Step | What to Do | Why it Matters |
| 1 | Know the English-proofing options | Many programs accept a TOEFL iBT, a university transcript, or a writing sample. |
| 2 | Prepare a portfolio | Include transcripts, certificates, and a short personal statement that highlights your language skills. |
| 3 | Schedule your interviews early | Some scholarships require video or in-person interviews to assess English fluency. |
| 4 | Track deadlines | Scholarship deadlines often precede university application deadlines by several months. |
| 5 | Seek local university advisers | They can help you align your application with scholarship requirements. |
Benefits of Applying for Study Abroad without IELTS
- No extra testing costs – IELTS exams can be expensive.
- Faster applications – You can apply directly using your academic certificates.
- Equal access – Students from non-native countries get fair chances to study abroad.
- More confidence – You focus on your academic achievements, not language scores.
Happy scholarship hunting!
Study Abroad without IELTS | 20 Top Global Scholarships for 2026