Top Scholarships That Don’t Require IELTS in 2025

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Introduction & Overview

Have you ever dreamed of studying abroad, only to be stopped in your tracks by the three words: “IELTS Required”?
Well, 2025 is shaping up to be a great year for international students who want to skip the IELTS stress.

Here’s the thing — IELTS is just one way to prove your English skills. Many top universities and scholarship programs now accept other forms of proof, like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous school, or alternative tests like Duolingo English Test, TOEFL iBT, or even university-based English assessments.

So why does this matter?

• IELTS can be expensive — often costing over $250 per test.
• It takes time — weeks of preparation and stressful exam days.
• It’s not the only proof of English — especially if your prior education was in English.

In this article, we’ll explore the best scholarships in 2025 that don’t require IELTS, their benefits, application tips, and how you can still prove your English skills without the test.

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China – Scholarships That Waive IELTS

China has been aggressively expanding its international education programs, and in 2025, several major scholarships don’t require IELTS.

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

• Fully funded: tuition, accommodation, stipend, and medical insurance.
• Many Chinese universities accept MOI letters instead of IELTS.
• Covers undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.

Shanghai Government Scholarship

• For high-achieving international students in Shanghai.
• Offers full and partial funding.
• IELTS often waived for applicants from English-medium schools.

Nanjing University Scholarship

• Targeted at postgraduate students.
• No IELTS required if proof of English instruction is provided.

ANSO Scholarship

• For postgraduate study in science and technology.
• Offers monthly stipend, health insurance, and travel support.

Tip:

If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, ask your institution for an official MOI letter — Chinese universities widely accept this.

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Turkey – Türkiye Bursları & Koc University

Turkey is another hotspot for students who want to skip IELTS.

Türkiye Bursları

• Fully funded: tuition, housing, monthly stipend, health insurance, flight tickets.
• IELTS is not mandatory if you provide alternative proof of English.
• Available for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels.

Koc University Scholarship

• One of Turkey’s top universities.
• Offers full tuition and living support.
• Accepts MOI letters for English programs.

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Brunei – University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD)

UBD Graduate Scholarship

• Fully funded postgraduate study.
• No IELTS needed if your prior degree was in English.
• Covers tuition, monthly allowance, and on-campus accommodation.

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Japan – Scholarships Without IELTS

Japan’s government and universities have a long tradition of waiving IELTS for certain applicants.

MEXT Scholarship

• Fully funded by the Japanese government.
• No IELTS for students from English-medium institutions.
• Covers tuition, living expenses, and flights.

Hokkaido University President Scholarship

• High prestige, offers generous benefits.
• IELTS waiver with proof of English study.

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UK – British Council, Chevening, Commonwealth & GREAT

Contrary to popular belief, the UK does have scholarship routes without IELTS.

British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM

• Fully funded for women in science and engineering fields.
• Accepts alternative proof of English.

Chevening Scholarship

• Covers tuition, flights, and living stipend.
• IELTS sometimes waived if the host university accepts MOI.

Commonwealth Scholarships

• For students from Commonwealth nations.
• IELTS alternatives allowed.

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Hungary – Stipendium Hungaricum

Overview

• Fully funded for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD.
• IELTS not required if you studied in English previously.
• Covers tuition, housing, and stipend.

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Romania & Other European Options

Romanian Government Scholarship

• Waives IELTS for Romanian-taught programs.
• Offers tuition, accommodation, and stipend.

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USA Scholarships That Often Waive IELTS

Many US institutions are flexible on IELTS in 2025.

• Fulbright Foreign Student Program
• American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
• Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
• Rotary Peace Fellowship

Most accept TOEFL, Duolingo, or MOI instead.

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Australia & Other Regions

• University of Queensland International Scholarships
• New Zealand Development Scholarships
• Korean Government Scholarship Program (KGSP)
• Qatar University Scholarships

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How to Demonstrate English Proficiency Without IELTS

1. Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter
2. Alternative tests: Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE
3. University-based English assessments
4. Foundation or pre-sessional courses

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General Application Tips

• Start early — deadlines often fall 6–12 months before programs start.
• Prepare MOI letters in advance.
• Tailor your personal statement to each scholarship.
• Contact universities directly for confirmation.

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Conclusion

Skipping IELTS doesn’t mean skipping opportunities. In 2025, more scholarships than ever are open to students with alternative English proof. With the right preparation, you can apply, compete, and win — all without taking a single IELTS test.

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FAQs

1. Can I apply if I failed IELTS before?
   Yes. If you provide alternative proof like an MOI letter, previous IELTS scores are irrelevant.
2. Are MOI letters accepted everywhere?
   Not everywhere, but many universities and scholarships in 2025 accept them.
3. Can I use Duolingo instead of IELTS?
   Yes, many programs now accept it as proof.
4. How many scholarships waive IELTS in 2025?
   Dozens globally, across Asia, Europe, and North America.
5. Is it harder to win without IELTS?
   No — as long as you meet other criteria, your chances are just as strong.