Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the IELTS test? You’re not alone! Every year, thousands of international students miss out on global study opportunities simply because of the IELTS requirement. Fortunately, many world-renowned scholarships now accept English Proficiency Certificates in place of the IELTS, opening doors for students from all corners of the globe. Study Abroad Without IELTS
Let’s explore the top 20 scholarships that allow you to study in prestigious universities without IELTS in 2025.
Why IELTS Isn’t Always Required
Understanding the English Proficiency Certificate
If your previous education was conducted in English, you may not always need to take the IELTS. Universities and scholarship bodies often accept an English Proficiency Certificate issued by your university, stating that your medium of instruction was English.
Countries That Accept Alternatives to IELTS
Countries like China, Japan, Turkey, Malaysia, and Germany have increasingly recognize that language proficiency can be proven in other ways, not just through standardized tests.
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Top 20 Scholarships Without IELTS
1. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
Japan’s MEXT Scholarship offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs with full funding. It covers tuition, living costs, and airfare. No IELTS is need if you provide proof of English education.
2. Türkiye Burslari Scholarship (Turkey)
The Türkiye Burslari Scholarship is a fully funded program for all levels of study. It includes tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. Applicants can apply with an English Proficiency Certificate.
3. CSC Scholarship – Chinese Government (China)
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. Open Doors Scholarship (Russia)
Offered by the Russian government, this scholarship targets Master’s and PhD students. You can apply without IELTS and choose from diverse academic fields.
5. Global Korea Scholarship (South Korea)
The GKS Scholarship provides a full ride to undergraduate and graduate students. Many Korean universities accept English Proficiency Certificates instead of IELTS.
6. Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS)
MIS is offered by the Malaysian government for Master’s and PhD programs. Applicants from English-medium institutions can apply without IELTS.
7. KNB Scholarship (Indonesia)
The Kemitraan Negara Berkembang (KNB) Scholarship supports students from developing countries. No IELTS is require if English was the medium of instruction.
8. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (Hungary)
Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum covers tuition, accommodation, and health insurance for all levels. IELTS-free applications are accept with a proficiency certificate.
9. Kazakhstan Government Scholarship (Kazakhstan)
Kazakhstan offers scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs, accepting English proficiency letters instead of IELTS.
10. ANSO Scholarship (China)
The Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) offers fully funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD students in Chinese universities — no IELTS required.
11. Italian Government & University Scholarships (Italy)
Italy welcomes international students with scholarships that often don’t require IELTS if you have studied in English previously.
12. GIST Scholarship (South Korea)
The Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) offers full scholarships for graduate programs. IELTS is optional if you present an English proficiency letter.
13. DAAD EPOS Scholarship (Germany)
Germany’s DAAD EPOS program provides scholarships for development-related fields. Some courses accept English proficiency certificates instead of IELTS.
14. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship (Europe)
The prestigious Erasmus Mundus Scholarship offers joint Master’s programs across Europe. Some partner universities waive IELTS if you studied in English.
15. Brunei Darussalam University Scholarship (Brunei)
Fully funded for all levels, this scholarship covers tuition, airfare, and stipends. Applicants can apply without IELTS if their prior degree was taught in English.
16. Azerbaijan Government Scholarship (Azerbaijan)
The Azerbaijan Government Scholarship funds international students in Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs — IELTS is not mandatory.
17. Shanghai Government Scholarship (China)
This scholarship offers a full package (tuition, accommodation, and stipend) for students in Shanghai-based universities without IELTS.
18. Taiwan International Graduate Program (Taiwan)
The TIGP offers full financial support for graduate research programs. Students from English-taught universities are exempted from IELTS.
19. Thailand AIT Scholarship (Thailand)
Thailand’s Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) provides scholarships to international students. The IELTS exemption applies to students from English-medium backgrounds.
20. Nanjing University Scholarship (China)
Nanjing University offers scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs. IELTS is waived for those who can prove English proficiency.
Benefits of Applying for IELTS-Free Scholarships
- 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.
How to Apply Study Abroad Without IELTS
- Check the eligibility criteria on the official website.
- Request an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous institution.
- Prepare required documents (transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose).
- Apply before the deadline.
- Attend online or written interviews, if required.
Tips to Increase Your Scholarship Chances
- Write a strong motivation letter explaining your goals.
- Get powerful recommendation letters from your professors.
- Maintain a high GPA throughout your academic career.
- Highlight your volunteering or research experience.
- Always apply early — before deadlines.
Study abroad without IELTS is no longer a dream. With these 20 international scholarships, you can pursue your education in top-ranked universities around the world — all without worrying about language tests. If your past education was in English, use that to your advantage and apply confidently. Your future awaits!
FAQ Study Abroad Without IELTS
1. Can I apply for scholarships without IELTS if my degree was in English?
Yes, most universities accept an English Proficiency Certificate instead of IELTS.
2. Are these scholarships fully funded?
Yes, all the scholarships listed offer full funding, including tuition, accommodation, and stipends.
3. Is IELTS required for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship?
Not always. Some universities under the program accept English Proficiency Certificates.
4. Which country offers the easiest scholarship without IELTS?
China, Turkey, and Japan are considered the most accessible for IELTS-free scholarships.
5. How can I get an English Proficiency Certificate?
You can request it from your university where your previous degree was taught in English.