For an international student who plans to go and study abroad but who is reluctant because of the IELTS exam, there is a great solution for you. No IELTS scholarships are available without IELTS requirements from many countries now. Due to the absence of the IELTS burden, many countries have made higher education accessible through offering grants. The following is a list of 10 countries that give scholarships without IELTS in 2025, and it comes with in-depth information about eligibility and application processes.
1. Germany
Germany is renowned for its tuition-free education and robust scholarship programmes. Many universities accept alternative proofs of English proficiency, such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate.
- Scholarships: DAAD Scholarships, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships, Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Scholarships.
- Universities: University of Siegen, Ruhr University Bochum, Chemnitz University of Technology.
2. Canada
Canada offers a plethora of scholarships and allows students to prove English proficiency through various means besides IELTS.
- Scholarships: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships.
- Universities: University of Winnipeg, Brock University, Carleton University.
3. United Kingdom
The UK provides numerous scholarships and accepts alternative English proficiency proofs.
- Scholarships: Chevening Scholarships, Commonwealth Scholarships.
- Universities: University of Bristol, University of Bolton, London Southbank University.
Check out Fully Funded Scholarships in the UK.
4. Australia
Australia’s universities offer scholarships and accept various English proficiency proofs besides IELTS.
- Scholarships: Australia Awards Scholarships, university-specific scholarships.
- Universities: University of Queensland, University of Adelaide, Macquarie University.
5. United States
Many U.S. universities offer scholarships and accept alternative English proficiency proofs.
- Scholarships: Fulbright Scholarships, university-specific scholarships.
- Universities: University of Colorado Boulder, Drexel University, State University of New York.
Click here to check out the most popular fully funded scholarships in the USA for international students.
6. Norway
Norway offers tuition-free education and scholarships, with many universities accepting alternative English proficiency proofs.
- Scholarships: Norwegian Quota Scheme, university-specific scholarships.
- Universities: University of Oslo, University of Bergen.
7. Malaysia
Malaysia’s universities offer scholarships and accept various English proficiency proofs besides IELTS.
- Scholarships: Malaysian International Scholarship, university-specific scholarships.
- Universities: Asia Pacific University, Curtin University Malaysia, Swinburne University Malaysia.
8. Italy
Italy offers numerous scholarships and accepts alternative English proficiency proofs.
- Scholarships: Italian Government Scholarships, university-specific scholarships.
- Universities: University of Bologna, University of Milan, University of Pisa.
Click here to check out fully funded scholarships in Europe.
9. Ireland
Ireland provides various scholarships and accepts alternative English proficiency proofs.
- Scholarships: Government of Ireland International Education Scholarships, university-specific scholarships.
- Universities: Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, National University of Ireland Galway.
10. Finland
Finland offers scholarships and accepts alternative English proficiency proofs.
- Scholarships: Finnish Government Scholarships, university-specific scholarships.
- Universities: University of Helsinki, Tampere University, LUT University.
Tips for Applying Without IELTS
- Medium of Instruction Certificate: Get this from your previous school if your studies were in English.
- Alternative Tests: TOEFL, PTE or a language assessment of the particular university is also an option.
- Foundation Courses: Quite a few universities hold courses for those who do not need to take a language test.
- Direct Communication: It is the best practice to send a confirmation via the admissions office when it concerns the language needs of the university.
With the assistance of these chances, you can follow your educational objectives without the IELTS obstacle. Do not forget to verify the scholarship and university policies every time to adjust your application properly.