Top Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS or TOEFL in 2025

Are you dreaming of studying abroad but don’t have IELTS or TOEFL? Good news — many top universities and scholarship programs now offer admission and funding without requiring English proficiency tests.

This is your opportunity to apply for fully funded international scholarships without the extra cost, stress, and time of writing IELTS or TOEFL.

Below are the top 2025 scholarships you can apply for WITHOUT IELTS/TOEFL, the countries that offer them, and how you can meet their alternative language requirements.

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Why Choose Scholarships Without IELTS or TOEFL?

• Saves money – IELTS/TOEFL test fees can be expensive

• Saves time – Avoid long preparations and test centers

• Accessible – Ideal for students from rural or under-resourced areas

• More flexible – Many use alternative proof of English proficiency like a letter from your school or interview

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Countries That Offer Scholarships Without IELTS

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Top Scholarships Without IELTS/TOEFL in 2025

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1. Türkiye Burslari Government Scholarship (Turkey)

• Degree Levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

• Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, flight, health insurance, accommodation

• English Test Required?: No – You can be interviewed in English

• Application Deadline: January – February

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2. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

• Degree Levels: Masters, PhD

• Benefits: Monthly stipend, travel allowance, tuition-free, German language courses

• English Test Required?: Often waived if previous education was in English

• Application Deadline: Between October–December

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3. Shanghai Government Scholarship (China)

• Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctoral

• Benefits: Tuition waiver, free accommodation, stipend, health insurance

• English Test Required?: Not required if applying for English-taught programs

• Application Deadline: March–May

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4. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

• Degree Levels: Undergraduate and Postgraduate

• Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, return ticket, Korean language training

• English Test Required?: No – Proof of English education is accepted

• Application Deadline: February–March

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5. University of Bologna Scholarship (Italy)

• Degree Levels: Bachelor’s and Master’s

• Benefits: Tuition fee waivers and €11,000/year grant

• English Test Required?: No if previous education was in English

• Application Deadline: March–April

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6. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

• Degree Levels: Master’s, PhD

• Benefits: Full tuition, monthly allowance

• English Test Required?: May submit English proficiency letter from former institution

• Application Deadline: Typically June–July

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7. CSC Scholarship (China Scholarship Council)

• Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD

• Benefits: Tuition, accommodation, stipend, insurance

• English Test Required?: English proficiency letter from previous school accepted

• Application Deadline: Dec 2025 – April (varies by university)

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What to Use Instead of IELTS/TOEFL?

Most universities/scholarship bodies accept one of the following alternatives:

• English Proficiency Certificate from your previous institution (must state you were taught in English)

• Skype/Zoom Interview to assess your English

• English-medium country exemption (e.g., students from Nigeria, Ghana, India, etc., are often exempted)

• English-taught course transcript

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Tips to Win These Scholarships

1. Apply early – Don’t wait for deadlines

2. Use a strong statement of purpose – Share your story, goals, and impact

3. Get your documents ready – Passport, recommendation letters, transcripts, etc.

4. Show proof of English education – A signed letter from your school works in most cases

5. Check individual university requirements – Some may ask for interviews

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Final Thoughts

Studying abroad without IELTS or TOEFL is now possible, thanks to these global opportunities. Focus on preparing your documents and applying early. Always double-check each program’s language requirement to ensure eligibility.