Fully Funded Scholarships Without English Language Test (Comprehensive Practical Guide 2026)
Last updated: December 10, 2025
If you are looking for fully funded scholarships that do not require IELTS/TOEFL or do not make an English language test a mandatory condition, you are in the right place. This practical guide highlights the top international programs that either do not require English test certificates at all or accept flexible alternatives (such as a Medium of Instruction Letter, institutional tests, or conditional waivers), with official links provided.
What Does a Scholarship Without IELTS/TOEFL Mean?
Language Proof Alternatives:
Medium of Instruction Letter (MOI): If your previous education was in English. Programs like Stipendium Hungaricum accept this or monitored institutional tests instead of IELTS.
Internal Tests or Interviews: Conducted at the program level (common in Japan through the embassy track).
Post-Acceptance Proof: Some scholarships (e.g., Chevening) removed the language requirement from their main application, but universities may still require it for an unconditional offer.
Exemptions: If you completed an academic degree in English, many European universities and scholarships like Stipendium Hungaricum waive formal language tests.
Study in Another Language: For Türkiye Scholarships, applicants without Turkish level C1 study a one-year Turkish language course even if their program is later taught in English or another language.
You can also check out the Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Undergraduate Scholarship
Top Fully Funded Scholarships That Do Not Require IELTS/TOEFL
1) Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)
Funding Type: Fully funded (tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, visa, and more per annual policy).
Language: The English test requirement was removed in 2020; you remain responsible for meeting university requirements (which may accept alternatives to IELTS).
Why it’s useful: Chevening no longer requires language proof as part of the scholarship documents; however, you must later meet the UK university’s language conditions.
2) Türkiye Scholarships (Turkey)
- Funding Type: Fully funded (tuition, stipend, housing, health insurance, etc. depending on the category).
- Language: IELTS/TOEFL is not required in the application. Applicants without Turkish C1 are given a one-year Turkish language course before study.
- Additional Advantage: Centralized application via the YTB platform; acceptance includes placement in Turkish universities.
3) Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
- Funding Type: Fully funded (tuition, stipend, airfare, insurance, etc., per NIIED guidelines).
- Language: IELTS is not mandatory; however, having TOPIK/IELTS/TOEFL scores gives bonus points. Check each cycle’s details on Study in Korea.
4) Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
- Funding Type: Fully funded depending on degree and field.
- Language: IELTS is not specifically required. Alternatives accepted; exemption possible if prior study was in English (proof required). Refer to the 2026/27 call and university guidelines (e.g., University of Debrecen).
5) Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (European Union)
- Funding Type: Fully funded (varies by program).
- Language: Many programs do not strictly require IELTS and accept other tests or English-medium degree certificates.
6) Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT)
- Funding Type: Fully funded (tuition, stipend, airfare, etc.).
- Language: Embassy track includes exams/interviews (Japanese/English and other subjects), so IELTS is not mandatory for all tracks. Some categories or universities may require language scores. Check your category’s annual documents.
7) Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
- Funding Type: Full coverage of tuition and living costs depending on degree and institution.
- Language: Policies vary by university; many accept Medium of Instruction letters, while others require specific scores. Always check your target university and embassy/bilateral guidelines annually.
, education funding
How to Choose a “No IELTS” Scholarship Smartly
Start with programs that clearly mention language flexibility:
Chevening: Language requirement removed from the scholarship; university rules still apply.
Stipendium Hungaricum: Multiple alternatives and exemptions.
Türkiye Scholarships: No IELTS required; Turkish language year provided for non-C1 holders.
Check annually: Requirements may change each cycle (e.g., Stipendium updates yearly).
Review universities within programs: In Erasmus/CSC, language rules are defined by each consortium/university.
Prepare a Medium of Instruction Letter: Get it from your previous university if your studies were in English; many European institutions accept it.
You can also check out the Lusail University Scholarship
Practical Strategy for Admission Without IELTS
Document your language proficiency:
Graduation certificate/transcript showing English-medium study + official letter from the university.
Strengthen other application components:
Motivation letter, research proposal, recommendations, CV, relevant achievements, and volunteering experience.
Leverage flexible alternatives:
Institutional tests or embassy interviews (common in MEXT).
Verify the language of instruction:
In Turkey, for instance, applicants without Turkish C1 will study a funded Turkish language year, eliminating the need for IELTS during application.
For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:
Important Warnings to Avoid Rejection
Do not assume automatic exemption: In CSC, MEXT, or Erasmus, a specific university may still require proof of language proficiency. Always read the current program and university pages.
Check university rules early: In Chevening, even without IELTS for the scholarship, you cannot get an unconditional offer without meeting university language conditions.
Avoid unreliable unofficial sites: Always use official links (ministries, embassies, program portals, universities).
Do not believe “100% guaranteed” claims: There are no guarantees; competition is very high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you win a fully funded scholarship without any language proof?
Yes, in certain programs (e.g., Chevening itself), or if a university accepts a Medium of Instruction letter (Hungary example), or provides an internal test/interview alternative. However, decisions vary yearly.
Does GKS require IELTS?
Not mandatory, but provides extra points. Refer to the Study in Korea guidelines.
Do Türkiye Scholarships require IELTS?
No IELTS/TOEFL in application; those without Turkish C1 study one year of Turkish before starting their degree.
Is Erasmus Mundus always without IELTS?
Depends on the consortium. Many accept alternatives, but some require a specific test. Always check the program page.
Does MEXT never require IELTS?
Not a universal rule. Embassy tracks rely on exams/interviews, though some categories/universities may require scores.
Is CSC always without IELTS?
No. It varies. Some universities accept MOI letters; others require minimum scores. Always review your target university and embassy instructions.
You can also check out the DAAD Research Grants in Germany
Practical Steps for Search and Application
Define your goal: country, language, field, and degree level.
Start with linguistically flexible programs (Chevening, Türkiye, Stipendium Hungaricum), then explore Erasmus/CSC accepting alternatives.
List universities and compare their “Admission/Language Requirements.”
Prepare a Medium of Instruction letter from your previous English-medium university (officially stamped).
Write a strong motivation letter focusing on impact, field alignment, and post-graduation plans.
Apply early and allow time for additional document requests.
Check your email and application portal daily for updates.
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection
Relying on outdated information (always check the latest call).
Ignoring university-specific requirements within scholarships (Chevening/Erasmus examples).
Assuming “No IELTS required” means “No language proof at all.” Usually, an alternative is still needed.
Official Sources
Chevening: Language requirement removal (FAQ).
Türkiye Scholarships: Application steps and language year.
University of Debrecen: Language FAQs (no specific IELTS requirement).
Erasmus Mundus: Official student portal (requirements vary by program).
Study in Japan: Embassy track requirements/exams (MEXT).
CSC: Examples of universities with/without language score requirements; embassy guidelines (varies by field/university).
Conclusion
Do not let language tests stop your academic journey. Many top programs do not make IELTS/TOEFL mandatory or provide structured alternatives and exemptions. However, precision is key: always read the current official call, as universities may still request different language proofs or deadlines. Follow the steps in this guide, focus on your academic quality, motivation letter, and professional plan—these are what truly make a difference.
For regular updates on scholarships and academic opportunities, follow our official platforms:
