10 Top Scholarships Without IELTS 2025 for Study Abroad for International Students

Studying abroad is a life-changing opportunity for many students, but one of the most common barriers faced by international applicants is the English language proficiency requirement, particularly the IELTS exam.

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is a standardized test often used by universities in English-speaking countries to assess applicants’ language skills. However, preparing for the IELTS can be costly and time-consuming, and for many students, it adds an unnecessary layer of stress to an already competitive scholarship application process. Fortunately, several fully funded scholarships are now available for international students who wish to study abroad in 2025 without needing IELTS.

Many of these programs accept alternatives like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, English proficiency letters from previous institutions, or waive the language test requirement entirely if the applicant studied in English previously.

In this blog post, we highlight the top 10 scholarships without IELTS for 2025, detailing their benefits, eligibility requirements, and how to apply, making it easier for students to plan their academic journey abroad.

 Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – China

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is a top-rated program offered by the Chinese Ministry of Education to attract outstanding international students for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs at over 270 Chinese universities.

The best part is that many Chinese universities under the CSC scheme accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate as proof of English proficiency, which eliminates the need for IELTS or TOEFL. Applicants must first select a university approved by CSC and then apply through both the university portal and the CSC online application system.

Benefits include full tuition coverage, free on-campus accommodation, a monthly living stipend (CNY 3,000–3,500), and comprehensive medical insurance. The application period usually opens in December and runs through April. Popular universities like Zhejiang University, Tsinghua University, and Peking University are all part of the CSC network, making it one of the most accessible and prestigious options for international students seeking higher education without IELTS.

MEXT Scholarship – Japan

The Japanese Government (MEXT) Scholarship is another prestigious opportunity for international students wishing to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in Japan. MEXT does not require IELTS if you can present a certificate from your previous educational institution stating that your courses were conducted in English. In fact, most Japanese universities under MEXT accept this as valid proof of language proficiency.

The scholarship covers all tuition fees, provides a monthly allowance (JPY 117,000–145,000), and includes round-trip airfare from your home country to Japan. Applicants typically apply through Japanese embassies or directly to universities, depending on the type of scholarship. Fields of study include engineering, sciences, humanities, and social sciences, making MEXT a comprehensive choice for students from all academic backgrounds.

Turkey Burslari Scholarships – Turkey

The Turkey Burslari Scholarship is a fully funded program managed by the Turkish government for students around the world. It offers undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs in top Turkish universities, and notably, it does not require IELTS. Instead, applicants can provide an MOI certificate or other forms of English proficiency from their previous schools.

Turkey Burslari provides numerous benefits such as full tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, Turkish language training for one year, and even airfare tickets. Applications typically open between January and February, and students are encouraged to apply early due to high competition. This scholarship supports a wide array of disciplines including medicine, engineering, law, arts, and Islamic studies.

Stipendium Hungaricum – Hungary

Hungary’s government scholarship program, Stipendium Hungaricum, is one of Europe’s most generous and well-structured opportunities for international students. Offered by the Hungarian government, the scholarship allows students to study in English-taught degree programs at over 30 universities. The program accepts MOI certificates in place of IELTS or TOEFL for many of its partner institutions.

Scholarship benefits include full tuition waiver, monthly stipend (HUF 43,700 for undergraduates and HUF 140,000 for doctoral students), free accommodation or housing allowance, and comprehensive health insurance. Application typically opens in November and closes in January, and the scholarship supports a broad range of academic fields including medical sciences, agriculture, technology, and arts.

DAAD Scholarships – Germany

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is one of the most respected scholarship providers in the world. It funds hundreds of international students each year for master’s and doctoral studies across Germany. Many German universities offer exemptions from IELTS if the applicant’s previous education was in English and supported by an MOI certificate or official letter.

DAAD Scholarships cover all or part of tuition fees, provide monthly living stipends (around €850–€1,200), health insurance, and travel allowances. Additionally, Germany’s public universities have little or no tuition fees, making DAAD a financially feasible option. DAAD scholarships support fields such as engineering, social sciences, public policy, health, and education.

Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP) – South Korea

The Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP), now known as the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS), is a highly competitive fully funded program that welcomes students from over 150 countries. It offers undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs in top Korean universities. Fortunately, many of these universities do not require IELTS scores if you submit an MOI certificate.

Scholarship recipients receive benefits including full tuition coverage, round-trip airfare, monthly allowance (KRW 900,000), settlement allowance, and full medical insurance. GKS also includes one year of Korean language training, making it a culturally enriching experience. Applications are submitted via Korean embassies or directly through universities.

Russian Government Scholarship – Russia

The Open Doors Russian Government Scholarship is designed for talented international students seeking master’s or PhD degrees in Russia. A unique feature of Russian universities is their flexibility with English proficiency requirements. Many institutions accept MOI certificates, making IELTS or TOEFL unnecessary.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, free dormitory accommodation, and health insurance. Russia has an expansive network of top-ranked universities like Lomonosov Moscow State University and Tomsk Polytechnic University. The application process involves submitting academic documents and a research proposal or interview depending on the program.

Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) – Malaysia

The Malaysian International Scholarship (MIS) is funded by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education and offers support for postgraduate programs. Many Malaysian universities allow applicants to present MOI certificates instead of IELTS or TOEFL.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, a monthly stipend of MYR 1,500, health insurance, and travel allowances. MIS is open to all academic fields, with a strong focus on science and technology, economics, and Islamic finance. Applications open in May or June and are processed online through Malaysia’s Ministry of Education portal.

Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) – Taiwan

Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) is a top choice for students aiming to study science and technology. It is offered by Academia Sinica in collaboration with Taiwan’s top universities. IELTS is not mandatory, and an MOI certificate is usually accepted.

The program provides generous funding including full tuition waiver, monthly stipend of TWD 34,000 (~USD 1,100), and research allowances. Students are encouraged to apply between December and February, and courses are fully conducted in English. Fields include molecular biology, nanoscience, computational biology, and earth system science.

Azerbaijan Government Scholarship – Azerbaijan

The Azerbaijan Government Scholarship offers financial support to students from countries that have diplomatic ties with Azerbaijan. It covers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies in English or Azerbaijani, depending on the university. IELTS is not a requirement if applicants can show English proficiency through MOI or similar certifications.

Benefits include full tuition, visa and registration fees, a monthly stipend for meals and utilities, round-trip airfare, and medical insurance. Applications are submitted through embassies or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and it opens early in the academic year.

How to Apply for Scholarships Without IELTS

Applying for scholarships without IELTS involves careful preparation and timely action. Here are the steps:

Identify Suitable Scholarships: Focus on those that explicitly state IELTS is not required or allow MOI certificates.

Secure a Medium of Instruction Certificate: Obtain a letter from your previous institution confirming your studies were in English.

Prepare Academic Documents: Collect your degree certificates, transcripts, and passport copies.

Craft a Strong Motivation Letter or SOP: Explain why you’re choosing a program and how it aligns with your goals.

Submit Online Applications: Use official portals and double-check deadlines and requirements.

Conclusion

While IELTS is a common requirement, it is no longer a universal barrier for studying abroad. Many governments and top universities worldwide have recognized alternative ways to evaluate English proficiency and opened doors to international students who may not have access to IELTS.

Scholarships without IELTS are not only inclusive but also highly prestigious and competitive, covering all major expenses and offering a global learning experience. Whether your goal is to study in Asia, Europe, or elsewhere, there are numerous fully funded opportunities waiting for you in 2025.

Start preparing early, gather the necessary documentation, and take that bold step toward a world-class education without worrying about IELTS.