Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about IELTS? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of students miss out on international opportunities simply because they can’t afford the IELTS test or didn’t achieve the required score. The good news? You can now apply for fully funded scholarships abroad without IELTS — yes, completely test-free.
From Korea and Germany to China, Hungary, and Turkey, universities are offering alternative ways to prove your English proficiency, including letters from your previous institutions or interviews. In this complete guide, we’ll show you exactly how to find these scholarships, where to apply, and how to increase your chances of success.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn:
- Which countries and scholarships don’t need IELTS
- A simple step by step guide to apply without a language test
- How an English Proficiency Certificate can replace IELTS
Study Abroad Without IELTS Summary
| Study In | Abroad |
| Available For | Internationals |
| Degree Level | Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD |
| Scholarships Types | Partially & Fully Funded |
Why Scholarships Don’t Always Require IELTS
Not every international program demands IELTS or TOEFL. As global education becomes more accessible, many universities are adopting alternative English verification methods — especially for students from countries where English is a common medium of instruction.
English-Medium Education Exemption
If your previous education was in English you can often just submit a Medium of Instruction MOI letter instead of taking IELTS.
Alternative Tests & Online Interviews
Some programs accept:
- Duolingo English Test
- TOEIC or Cambridge English
- Live interviews as a language assessment
Country-Specific Flexibility
Countries like Germany, Hungary, Malaysia, and South Korea waive IELTS for students with verified English-medium backgrounds.
Countries Offering Scholarships Without IELTS
🇩🇪 Germany
Many public universities accept English proficiency letters. Ideal for DAAD and Erasmus+ applicants.
🇰🇷 South Korea
KAIST, GIST, and UST waive IELTS if you studied in English or pass an interview.
🇨🇳 China
CSC Scholarship doesn’t need IELTS — just an EPC from your university.
🇭🇺 Hungary
Stipendium Hungaricum accepts Duolingo or MOI certificates.
🇲🇾 Malaysia
Flexible policy — most universities accept an EPC.
🇮🇹 Italy
English-taught programs often don’t require IELTS, especially for postgraduates.
Fully Funded Scholarships That Don’t Require IELTS
Below is a list of top international scholarships for 2025 that waive IELTS offering you a chance to study abroad without the financial or testing barriers.
1. MEXT Scholarship – Japan
One of the world’s most prestigious programs, the MEXT scholarship doesn’t require IELTS if you submit an English Proficiency Letter. You can study undergraduate, master’s, or PhD programs in top Japanese universities.
➡️ Learn how to apply for the MEXT 2025 Scholarship without IELTS
2. DAAD Scholarship – Germany
Many German universities allow students to skip IELTS if they have studied in English before. The DAAD program is a great option because it pays for everything like tuition fees housing and even gives you money every month.
➡️ Check DAAD Scholarship 2025 requirements and IELTS alternatives
3. CSC Scholarship – China
The China Government Scholarship (CSC) is a great no-IELTS opportunity. Many Chinese universities accept an English-medium letter instead of a test score.
➡️ Apply for CSC 2025 without IELTS – full guide
4. KAIST, GIST & UST Scholarships – South Korea
Top Korean universities like KAIST, GIST, and UST allow students to skip IELTS if they’ve studied in English or pass an interview.
➡️ South Korea Scholarships Without IELTS – Full List 2025
5. Stipendium Hungaricum – Hungary
Offered by the Hungarian government, this program accepts a wide range of IELTS alternatives, including Duolingo or institutional letters.
➡️ Apply for Stipendium Hungaricum 2025 Without IELTS
6. KOC & Sabanci University – Turkey
Top Turkish universities like KOC University accept students without IELTS. There are various study programs available that assess applicants via online interviews.
➡️ Explore Turkish Scholarships Without IELTS – Apply Now
7. SNU Global Scholarship – South Korea
Seoul National University (SNU) occasionally waives IELTS for selected programs, especially for candidates from English-speaking institutions.
➡️ How to Apply to SNU Without IELTS – Step-by-Step Guide
- MEXT Scholarship (Japan) – Submit EPC instead of IELTS
- DAAD Scholarship (Germany) – No IELTS needed for English programs
- CSC Scholarship (China) – Accepts MOI proof
- KAIST, GIST, UST (South Korea) – Accept interviews or EPC
- Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary) – IELTS not mandatory
- KOC & Sabanci University (Turkey) – Online interview accepted
- SNU Global Scholarship (Korea) – Some programs waive IELTS
English Proficiency Certificate – A Powerful Alternative
An English Proficiency Certificate (EPC) is an official letter from your university confirming you studied in English. It can replace IELTS for many scholarships.
What It Should Include:
- Your full name and course
- Dates of study
- Confirmation of English as medium of instruction
- Official stamp and signature
➡️ Download Sample EPC Template
➡️ Universities That Accept English Proficiency Letters
How to Apply for Scholarships Without IELTS in 2025-2026
1. Shortlist Scholarships That Waive IELTS
Start by identifying scholarships that either:
- Don’t require IELTS at all, or
- Accept English Proficiency Certificates, Duolingo, or interviews instead.
➡️ Explore All Scholarships Without IELTS in 2025
2. Request an EPC
Get it from your university’s registrar or department head.
3. Gather Required Documents
- Academic transcripts
- Passport
- SOP and CV
- Letters of recommendation
- EPC or Duolingo result
4. Apply via University or Embassy
Upload the EPC where IELTS is usually requested.
5. Prepare for an Interview
Practice your English communication. Many no-IELTS programs include interviews.
6. Track Deadlines
Most scholarships open between October and March. Use a tracking sheet or Follow our KOICA Scholarship Channel for updates.
Final Thoughts
Applying for fully funded scholarships without IELTS is easier than you think — you just need the right strategy. Use this guide to identify top no-IELTS programs, prepare your documents, and increase your chances of success in 2025.
➡️ Explore All Without IELTS Scholarships