How To Get Scholarships Without IELTS Or TOEFL
Many universities and organizations offer scholarships without requiring IELTS or TOEFL. Here’s how you can secure such scholarships:
1. Apply to Universities That Waive IELTS/TOEFL
Some universities allow international students to study without IELTS/TOEFL if they meet alternative English proficiency requirements, such as:
- Completing previous education in an English-speaking country
- Providing a certificate of English proficiency from their previous institution
- Taking an online university-approved English test
Examples of universities that waive IELTS/TOEFL:
- University of Winnipeg (Canada) – Offers alternatives like the English Language Program (ELP).
- University of Adelaide (Australia) – Accepts other English language evidence.
- National University of Singapore (Singapore) – May waive IELTS if the previous degree was in English.
2. Look for Scholarships from Countries That Don’t Require IELTS
Some countries allow international students to study without IELTS/TOEFL and offer scholarships:
- Germany – DAAD Scholarships for non-English degree programs.
- China – CSC Scholarships for programs taught in English or Chinese.
- Malaysia – Malaysian Government Scholarships (no IELTS required for some universities).
- Turkey – Türkiye Scholarships (students may take a university language exam).
- South Korea – Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) for non-Korean speakers.
3. Apply for Scholarships from Organizations That Don’t Require IELTS/TOEFL
Some global scholarships do not require English tests:
- Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (Europe) – Some programs allow alternatives.
- Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program – Requires proof of English education but not IELTS.
- Hungarian Government Stipendium Hungaricum – No IELTS for English-taught courses.
- Russian Government Scholarships – English tests are not mandatory for many universities.
4. Use Alternative English Proficiency Proof
If IELTS/TOEFL is not an option, some institutions accept:
- MOI (Medium of Instruction Certificate) – A letter from your previous school confirming you studied in English.
- Duolingo English Test – An affordable online alternative accepted by some universities.
- University-Specific English Tests – Some universities offer internal English assessments.
5. Choose Programs in Non-English Speaking Countries
Many non-English-speaking countries provide scholarships without requiring IELTS or TOEFL, especially if you study in their native language (e.g., Chinese, Russian, German, Turkish).