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| 15 Fully-Funded Scholarships That Don’t Require IELTS in 2025 |
Discover 15 fully-funded scholarships that don’t require IELTS in 2025, including Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Fulbright, and Türkiye Bursları.
Getting a fully-funded scholarship is one of the best ways to study abroad without financial stress. But for many students, the IELTS requirement is a barrier. The good news? Several global universities and funding organizations now offer fully-funded scholarships without IELTS in 2025, making it easier for international students to pursue their academic dreams.
If you’re looking for opportunities in Europe, Asia, or the USA, this guide highlights 15 top scholarships where IELTS is not mandatory. Instead, many accept proof of English proficiency from previous studies, alternative tests, or even exempt you if your earlier education was in English.
Why Choose Scholarships Without IELTS?
- Cost savings – IELTS registration costs around $200, which many students can avoid.
- Accessibility – Not all countries have easy access to test centers.
- Flexibility – You can focus on preparing strong applications without worrying about language tests.
List of 15 Fully-Funded Scholarships Without IELTS
1. Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
Covers tuition, medical insurance, airfare, and monthly stipends. Applicants can submit an English proficiency letter instead of IELTS. Learn more on the official page.
2. China Government Scholarship (CSC)
Offered by the Chinese Ministry of Education, this program provides full tuition, accommodation, and living allowances. Many Chinese universities waive IELTS for applicants with English-medium education.
3. DAAD (Germany) Scholarship
A prestigious scholarship that funds Master’s and PhD studies in Germany. Students from developing countries can apply without IELTS if their previous degree was taught in English. See details on the DAAD official website.
4. Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
One of Europe’s most competitive programs covering tuition, travel, and monthly stipends. Many partner universities accept an English proficiency letter instead of IELTS.
5. Fulbright Scholarship (USA)
The U.S. government funds this prestigious scholarship for Master’s and PhD studies. While TOEFL is commonly accepted, many partner institutions waive IELTS. Visit the Fulbright Program site for country-specific details.
6. Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)
Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, this scholarship covers full tuition, travel, and living expenses. Certain exemptions are given to students who studied in English before.
7. Hokkaido University Scholarship (Japan)
Offers international students full funding for Master’s and Doctoral programs. Proof of English-medium education can replace IELTS.
8. Islamic Development Bank Scholarship
Aimed at students from member countries, it covers tuition, living allowances, health insurance, and travel. IELTS is not mandatory if you provide other language certificates.
9. MEXT (Japan) Scholarship
Japan’s government scholarship covers tuition, airfare, and monthly stipends. Many Japanese universities don’t require IELTS, accepting English language certificates from previous institutions.
10. Nanjing University Scholarship (China)
Fully-funded scholarships for international students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. No IELTS required if applicants studied in English previously.
11. Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (Hungary)
Covers tuition, medical insurance, accommodation, and stipends. IELTS is waived if applicants submit a certificate proving English-medium studies.
12. Swedish Institute Scholarship
Funds Master’s programs in Sweden with living costs, travel, and tuition included. Many universities accept other language proofs instead of IELTS.
13. Taiwan International Graduate Program Scholarship
Supports Master’s and PhD candidates with tuition and stipends. Students with prior English education are often exempt from IELTS.
14. Türkiye Bursları Scholarship
One of the most popular scholarships worldwide, offering tuition, accommodation, flights, and stipends. No IELTS required; applicants only need proof of prior English-medium education.
15. Yenching Scholarship (China)
Fully funds a Master’s degree in China Studies at Peking University. IELTS alternatives like TOEFL or an English proficiency certificate are accepted.
Tips to Strengthen Your Application Without IELTS
- Get an English proficiency letter from your previous university.
- Highlight academic achievements and research experience.
- Prepare strong personal statements tailored to each program.
- Apply early to maximize chances before deadlines.
These 15 fully-funded scholarships without IELTS in 2025 are golden opportunities for students who dream of studying abroad without worrying about language test barriers. Whether it’s Germany, Japan, the USA, or Turkey, these programs provide world-class education, cultural exposure, and financial support.
Don’t wait until the last minute. Start your application today by visiting the official scholarship pages and checking specific requirements.
With the right preparation and timely action, you could be on your way to securing one of the most prestigious scholarships in the world—without ever sitting for IELTS.
