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Scholarships Without IELTS or TOEFL in 2025 – Apply Now


 

Fully Funded Opportunities to Study Abroad Without English Tests

Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the IELTS or TOEFL requirement? You're not alone. Many international students miss out on amazing opportunities due to expensive English proficiency tests. But the good news is — you can still study abroad without IELTS or TOEFL in 2025!

This guide will help you explore fully funded scholarships at top universities that don’t require IELTS or TOEFL, or offer alternatives like English Proficiency Certificates.


❓ Why Do Some Scholarships Not Require IELTS or TOEFL?

Several universities and scholarship programs now accept alternative proofs of English proficiency, such as:

  • A letter from your university stating that your degree was in English

  • Online interviews to test your spoken English

  • Internal English placement tests or entrance exams

  • Other certifications like Duolingo English Test

These changes make studying abroad more accessible and affordable for students from non-English-speaking countries.


🌍 List of Scholarships Without IELTS/TOEFL in 2025


1. Turkey Government Scholarship – Türkiye Bursları

  • Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

  • Fields: All academic disciplines

  • Coverage: Full tuition, stipend, flight ticket, accommodation, health insurance

  • IELTS/TOEFL: Not required if previous education was in English

✅ You can provide an English Proficiency Certificate from your university.


2. China Government Scholarship (CSC)

  • Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

  • Fields: Science, Engineering, Arts, Medicine, Business

  • Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, medical insurance

  • IELTS/TOEFL: Not mandatory for most universities

✅ Most Chinese universities accept proof of English-medium instruction or conduct their own exams.


3. Russian Government Open Doors Scholarship

  • Level: Master’s & PhD

  • Fields: STEM, Business, Arts, Social Sciences

  • Coverage: Full tuition and visa support

  • IELTS/TOEFL: Not required

✅ Study in English or Russian. No language test is needed if your prior degree was in English.


4. University of Milan Excellence Scholarship – Italy

  • Level: Master’s

  • Fields: Engineering, Computer Science, Business, Social Sciences

  • Coverage: Full tuition, €6,000/year grant

  • IELTS/TOEFL: Not required if your bachelor’s degree was in English

✅ A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter is enough for admission.


5. Qatar University Scholarships

  • Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

  • Fields: Science, Engineering, Islamic Studies, Medicine

  • Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, health insurance, stipend

  • IELTS/TOEFL: Optional – English Proficiency Certificate accepted

✅ Some programs have in-house English testing instead of IELTS.


6. OIST Internship – Japan

  • Level: Research Internship (2–6 months)

  • Fields: Physics, Engineering, Neuroscience, Biology, AI

  • Coverage: Flight, accommodation, daily stipend

  • IELTS/TOEFL: Not required

✅ Selection is based on academic performance and motivation letter.


7. European Universities – Erasmus Mundus Without IELTS

  • Level: Master’s

  • Fields: AI, Public Health, Development, Law, Engineering

  • Coverage: Full tuition, monthly allowance, travel costs

  • IELTS/TOEFL: Waived by many programs if MOI letter is provided

✅ Some programs accept Duolingo or offer alternatives like internal testing.


8. Hungary – Stipendium Hungaricum

  • Level: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

  • Fields: All majors

  • Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance

  • IELTS/TOEFL: Not mandatory

✅ Hungarian universities usually accept proof of English instruction or do interviews.


9. South Korea – GKS (Global Korea Scholarship)

  • Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, Doctorate

  • Fields: All academic majors

  • Coverage: Full tuition, flight, stipend, medical insurance

  • IELTS/TOEFL: Not needed if you submit a MOI letter

✅ GKS is one of the most generous scholarships for international students.


10. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

  • Level: Postgraduate (Master’s and PhD)

  • Fields: Science, Engineering, IT, Social Sciences, Education

  • Coverage: Full tuition and monthly allowance

  • IELTS/TOEFL: Not required for students from English-speaking countries or those with MOI

✅ Malaysian universities are flexible and welcoming to students without IELTS.


📅 Application Timeline for 2025

PeriodAction Step
Jan – Apr 2024Research and shortlist target scholarships
May – Aug 2024Prepare documents (MOI letter, transcripts, CV)
Sep – Dec 2024Submit applications and attend interviews/tests
Early 2025Await offers and prepare for travel

📄 Commonly Required Documents

Even without IELTS/TOEFL, you’ll usually need:

  • Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your university

  • Academic transcripts and certificates

  • Valid passport

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Motivation Letter

  • CV or Resume

  • Recommendation Letters

  • Optional: Duolingo English Test or in-house test


✅ Tips for Applying Without IELTS

  1. Get an official MOI letter from your university registrar

  2. Apply early – scholarships without IELTS fill quickly

  3. Tailor your SOP – emphasize your communication skills

  4. Use alternative tests – Duolingo or PTE (if accepted)

  5. Check official university websites for updates and criteria


💡 Why Apply for Scholarships Without IELTS?

  • Save money (IELTS costs $200+ in most countries)

  • Faster applications – no need to schedule or wait for results

  • Equal opportunities for students in developing countries

  • Flexibility in demonstrating your English skills


🌎 Top Countries Offering Scholarships Without IELTS in 2025

  • Turkey

  • Germany

  • China

  • Italy

  • Malaysia

  • Japan

  • Russia

  • Hungary

  • Qatar

  • South Korea

These countries focus more on your academic achievements, motivation, and potential than a single test score.

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