Are you searching for fully funded scholarships for international students without IELTS? If yes, this article contains the information you need. Many prestigious universities and governments worldwide offer scholarships that do not require the IELTS, allowing international students to pursue their academic dreams without worrying about the expense and stress of language tests. These scholarships cover tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, and even travel allowances, making your study abroad journey stress-free and financially secure.
Instead of the IELTS, you can often submit an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous institution, which proves that your education was conducted in English. This allows you to focus on your academics, career goals, and personal growth while pursuing your studies.
Countries that offer Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students Without IELTS
Countries such as Japan, China, Turkey, Taiwan, Brunei, Azerbaijan, the UK, and several European countries offer fully funded scholarship programs that do not require the IELTS. These opportunities extend across undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. Instead of IELTS, you will need to obtain an English proficiency certificate from your previous school to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language and that your previous English studies were entirely conducted in English.
1. Turkey Burslari Scholarships
The Turkey Burslari Scholarship is one of the most prestigious scholarships offered by the Turkish government. It provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition fees, monthly stipends, accommodation, health insurance, and even Turkish language courses for non-native speakers. What makes this program unique is that applicants don’t need to take the IELTS. Instead, you can provide an English Proficiency Certificate from your former institution.
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: Turkish Universities
- Host Country: Turkey
- Benefits: Tuition, monthly stipend, housing, health insurance, Turkish language course
2. Japan MEXT Scholarships
The MEXT (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship is one of Asia’s most sought-after opportunities. It enables students to study in Japan without incurring tuition fees and provides a generous monthly allowance. IELTS is not required, as students can provide alternative proof of English proficiency or undergo language training upon admission.
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: Various Japanese Universities
- Host Country: Japan
- Benefits: Tuition, airfare, living allowance, accommodation support
3. University of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship
The UBD Scholarship is a fully funded program that covers tuition fees, on-campus accommodation, and a monthly stipend. It is designed to attract outstanding students from around the globe, and there’s no IELTS requirement. Another exciting fact about this scholarship is that it supports both academic and research-based programs.
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: University of Brunei Darussalam
- Host Country: Brunei
- Benefits: Tuition, stipend, accommodation, research support
4. Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) Scholarship
The TIGP Scholarship at Academia Sinica is tailored for master’s and PhD students. It is fully funded, covering tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. You don’t need IELTS for the application; instead, you can provide proof of English-medium study.
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: Academia Sinica
- Host Country: Taiwan
- Benefits: Tuition, stipend, research grants, housing allowance
5. Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
Azerbaijan offers scholarships funded by its government for students from partner countries. The program covers tuition, airfare, visa costs, and living expenses. IELTS is not a requirement, thus making it easier for international students to access.
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: Azerbaijani Universities
- Host Country: Azerbaijan
- Benefits: Tuition, monthly stipend, medical insurance, travel allowance
6. University of Aberdeen Scholarships (UK)
The University of Aberdeen in Scotland offers a range of scholarships, some of which do not require an IELTS score. These scholarships are available across multiple disciplines, and you can submit proof of English proficiency through your prior school.
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: University of Aberdeen
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Benefits: Tuition fee waivers, research support, partial to full living stipends
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7. Shanghai Government Scholarship
The Shanghai Government Scholarship supports international students by offering full tuition waivers, complimentary on-campus housing, a monthly stipend, and medical insurance. Additionally, an IELTS score is not required for the application.
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: Shanghai University
- Host Country: China
- Benefits: Tuition, housing, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend
8. Nanjing University Scholarship
Nanjing University, one of China’s premier institutions, offers fully funded scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. You don’t need an IELTS score to apply, which makes it very accessible for students worldwide.
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: Nanjing University
- Host Country: China
- Benefits: Tuition, accommodation, and monthly living support
9. University of Oxford Scholarships (UK)
Oxford University offers several scholarships for international students. While highly competitive, many of its programs accept an English proficiency certificate instead of the IELTS. However, this scholarship demands that you are alchemically exceptional and demonstrate strong leadership prowess or involvement in community service. These scholarships often cover tuition and living costs.
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: University of Oxford
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Benefits: Tuition fees, generous living stipends, academic grants
10. Hokkaido University Scholarships
The Hokkaido University Scholarship is one of Japan’s most generous opportunities for international students. It covers tuition, travel, and monthly allowances. IELTS is not mandatory, but you will be required to submit proof of English-medium study.
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: Hokkaido University
- Host Country: Japan
- Benefits: Tuition, travel allowance, monthly stipend, housing
11. University of Manchester Scholarships (UK)
The University of Manchester provides a range of scholarships for international students. Many of the programs allow students to apply without submitting an IELTS score by providing a language certificate from a previous institution.
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: University of Manchester
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Benefits: Tuition support, research funding, partial to full stipends
12. ANSO Scholarship in China
The ANSO Scholarship (Alliance of International Science Organisations) is for students pursuing master’s and PhDs in China. It is fully funded, covering tuition, housing, travel, and stipends, all without requiring an IELTS certificate.
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: Various Chinese Universities
- Host Country: China
- Benefits: Tuition, housing, airfare, living stipend
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13. Toyohashi University of Technology Scholarship
This scholarship provides full funding for international graduate students in Japan, covering tuition, living stipends, and housing expenses. However, this scholarship allows for some of its courses to be taught in the English language. One advantage of this is that an IELTS score is not required; instead, an English proficiency document will suffice.
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: Toyohashi University of Technology
- Host Country: Japan
- Benefits: Tuition, stipend, accommodation
14. University of Southampton Scholarships (UK)
Southampton offers scholarships that enable students to study without requiring an IELTS score. Instead, you can submit proof of English-medium education. The scholarships are available across a wide range of disciplines, whether you are in STEMS, Arts, Literary Studies, or Professional fields
- Level of Study: Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: University of Southampton
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Benefits: Tuition, partial to full funding, research support
15. European Government Scholarships
Several European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, offer government-funded scholarships that do not require the IELTS. These programs are especially attractive because they often include full tuition coverage, stipends, and comprehensive healthcare benefits. So, you can check out European countries and note down the ones that offer the discipline you want to study and don’t require an IELTS certificate.
- Level of Study: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
- Host Institute: Various European Universities
- Host Country: Europe
- Benefits: Tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, research grants
FAQs on Scholarships Without IELTS
Can I get a fully funded scholarship without IELTS?
Yes, there are numerous fully funded scholarships available to international students that do not require an IELTS score. Many scholarships worldwide accept an English Proficiency Certificate from your previous institution as an alternative to the IELTS.
Which country gives scholarships without IELTS?
Countries such as Japan, Turkey, China, Taiwan, Brunei, Azerbaijan, and even the UK and European nations offer scholarships that do not require IELTS.
Which country offers a fully funded scholarship to Nigerian students?
As a Nigerian student, you can apply for fully funded scholarships in countries like Turkey, Japan, China, and the UK, among others.
How can I get a 100% scholarship to study abroad?
Start by identifying eligible scholarships, prepare strong application materials (academic transcripts, reference letters, research proposals), and submit before deadlines. Highlight leadership skills and academic excellence for a higher chance of success.
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Studying abroad has never been easier, thanks to the wide availability of fully funded scholarships for international students without IELTS. Whether you are aiming for Japan, Turkey, China, the UK, or Europe, these opportunities eliminate financial and language test barriers. Instead of stressing over IELTS, you can focus on building your career, engaging in world-class education, and experiencing new cultures. If you’re serious about your academic journey, start preparing now—because the world is waiting for you.
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