Are you dreaming of studying abroad but worried about taking the IELTS exam? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of international students search for fully funded scholarships without IELTS requirements. The good news? In 2025, many top universities and governments are offering scholarships that don’t require IELTS at all.
Whether you’re aiming to study in Canada, Germany, the UK, Japan, France, or Malaysia, this guide covers some of the best scholarships without IELTS for international students in 2025. These scholarships not only waive IELTS but also cover tuition, accommodation, health insurance, monthly stipends, and travel expenses.
Let’s explore your future without language test barriers.
Can You Really Study Abroad Without IELTS in 2025?
Yes, absolutely. IELTS is not the only proof of English proficiency accepted by universities and scholarship providers. Many now allow:
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MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter from your previous institution (if you studied in English)
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University internal English tests
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Other alternatives like Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or Cambridge English
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Conditional admission: You can take the language course after admission
This shift is opening doors for international students, especially from countries where access to IELTS centers is limited or costly.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS in 2025
Below is a list of the most prestigious scholarships offering international students a chance to study abroad without IELTS, all while enjoying full financial support.
1. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Germany is a top destination for international students, and DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers fully funded scholarships for Master’s and PhD studies.
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IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory if your previous education was in English.
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What It Covers:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend (€934 for Masters, €1,200 for PhD)
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance
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Eligibility:
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Strong academic background
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Bachelor’s degree in a related field
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Deadline: Varies by program and university
>> DAAD Scholarship Germany: Requirements and How to Apply
2. Chevening Scholarships – United Kingdom
The UK remains one of the most attractive destinations for higher education. Chevening Scholarships are awarded to future leaders worldwide to pursue a one-year Master’s degree.
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IELTS Requirement: Not required if the chosen university waives it based on your MOI.
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What It Covers:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend
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Travel to and from the UK
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Visa fees
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Eligibility:
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At least 2 years of work experience
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Undergraduate degree
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Leadership qualities
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Deadline: November 2024
>> Chevening Scholarship: Step-by-Step Application Guide
3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Canada
This is one of Canada’s most competitive and prestigious PhD scholarships, available to both Canadian and international doctoral students.
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IELTS Requirement: Not necessary if you provide MOI or other proof.
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What It Covers:
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$50,000 annually for 3 years
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Eligibility:
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Enrolled or planning to enroll in a PhD program in Canada
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Strong academic and leadership record
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Deadline: October 2024
4. MEXT Scholarship – Japan
The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship covers undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD degrees in Japan.
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IELTS Requirement: Not required if your previous degree was taught in English.
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What It Covers:
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Full tuition
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Monthly living allowance (¥117,000)
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Flight tickets
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Accommodation assistance
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Eligibility:
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Academic excellence
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Health requirements
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Deadline: Typically April–June
5. CSC Scholarships – China
China offers thousands of fully funded scholarships to international students through the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC).
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IELTS Requirement: Waived if MOI is provided or university accepts alternative proof.
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What It Covers:
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Tuition
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On-campus accommodation
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Monthly stipend
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Medical insurance
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Eligibility:
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Undergraduate, Masters, or PhD level
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Deadline: Varies by university
6. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
Malaysia is an affordable, growing study destination for international students, and the Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) helps you study there without the burden of tuition fees.
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IELTS Requirement: Not required if you studied in English before.
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What It Covers:
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Full tuition
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Monthly living allowance
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Eligibility:
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Postgraduate programs
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Good academic records
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Deadline: May–July 2025
7. Turkey Government Scholarships (Turkiye Burslari)
This scholarship is open to undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students worldwide. No IELTS needed.
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What It Covers:
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Full tuition
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Accommodation
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Monthly stipend
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Return flight tickets
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Eligibility:
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International students from all countries
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Deadline: January–February 2025
8. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship – France
The Eiffel Program is aimed at attracting top international Master’s and PhD students to France.
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IELTS Requirement: Not required if you have English MOI or university waiver
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What It Covers:
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Tuition
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Monthly allowance (€1,181 for Master’s)
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Travel and health insurance
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Eligibility:
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International students under 25 (Master’s) or 30 (PhD)
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Deadline: January 2025
Best Universities That Don’t Require IELTS in 2025
Many world-class universities now admit students without IELTS, especially if they can provide an MOI letter or have completed their education in English.
Top Picks by Country:
Canada:
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University of Winnipeg
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Brock University
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Memorial University of Newfoundland
Germany:
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University of Siegen
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Braunschweig University of Technology
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Free University of Berlin
UK:
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University of Bolton
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London South Bank University
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University of Portsmouth
Malaysia:
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University of Malaya
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Sunway University
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Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
Norway:
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University of Oslo
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Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
How to Write an Effective MOI Letter (Medium of Instruction)
A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter is an official document from your school or university stating that your education was entirely in English. This document is widely accepted as proof of English proficiency.
Sample Structure:
To Whom It May Concern,
This is to certify that [Your Full Name], a student of [Course/Degree] from [Start Year] to [End Year], has completed all academic coursework in the English language at our institution.
Sincerely,
Registrar/Dean/Principal Name
Institution Letterhead
Make sure your MOI letter:
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Is printed on your institution’s letterhead
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Includes signature and official seal
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Clearly states your course and duration
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning a Scholarship Without IELTS
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Apply Early – Early applications get more attention.
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Tailor Your Motivation Letter – Align it with the values and goals of the scholarship provider.
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Prepare a Strong Academic Resume – Highlight achievements and awards.
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Secure Strong Recommendation Letters – Academic references carry weight.
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Double-Check Application Deadlines and Documents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I study in Canada without IELTS?
Yes. Several Canadian universities accept MOI letters or alternatives like Duolingo and TOEFL.
Is Duolingo accepted instead of IELTS?
Yes, many institutions accept the Duolingo English Test, especially since it’s affordable and online.
Which country gives the most scholarships without IELTS?
Germany, Canada, Turkey, and Japan are currently leading in offering scholarships with relaxed English requirements.
Are these scholarships really fully funded?
Yes. The scholarships listed above cover tuition, accommodation, stipends, and sometimes even flights and insurance.
Conclusion: Your Future Without IELTS Starts Now
Studying abroad no longer requires jumping through the hoop of expensive English language tests. With the rise of MOI acceptance and flexible admissions policies, 2025 is the best time to apply for fully funded scholarships without IELTS. Whether you’re heading to Europe, Asia, or North America, opportunities are wide open.
Start shortlisting your programs now, prepare your documents, and take that first confident step toward a brighter, global future.
