Are you looking for fully-funded scholarships that do not require IELTS? Many international students face the challenge of passing an English language proficiency test like IELTS, which can be time-consuming and costly.
Fortunately, several prestigious universities and organizations offer scholarships that waive the IELTS requirement, giving non-native English speakers more opportunities to pursue their academic dreams.
In this detailed blog post, we’ll explore 15 fully-funded scholarships that do not require IELTS, covering their benefits, eligibility, and application processes. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose Fully-Funded Scholarships That Do Not Require IELTS?
Applying for fully-funded scholarships that do not require IELTS can greatly reduce the barriers for students from non-English-speaking countries. Without the pressure of taking and passing IELTS, students can save both time and money.
Additionally, bypassing the IELTS requirement broadens your options for international universities, making it easier to focus on what truly matters—your education and career goals.
Some scholarships require alternative English proficiency proof, such as certificates from previous institutions, while others have no such requirements at all. Below, we’ll take a closer look at these top scholarships.
1. Turkey Government Scholarships (Turkiye Burslari)
The Turkey Government Scholarships provide a golden opportunity for international students to study at some of Turkey’s most prestigious universities.
It covers tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly stipend, making it one of the most sought-after scholarships for students aiming to study abroad. Additionally, the scholarship provides free Turkish language courses for those interested in immersing themselves in the local culture.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: Turkey Scholarships
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
2. Chinese Government Scholarships
Chinese universities are emerging as global education hubs, offering a range of fully-funded programs for international students. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and medical insurance. Additionally, students can experience China’s vibrant culture and rapidly developing academic environment.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: Chinese Government Scholarships
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
3. Japan MEXT Scholarships
The Japan MEXT Scholarships provide full financial coverage, including tuition fees, accommodation, travel costs, and a monthly stipend. Apart from offering a world-class education, recipients also get to experience Japan’s cutting-edge technology and innovation. The scholarships are open to students from a wide range of fields, making it accessible to many applicants.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: MEXT Scholarships
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
4. Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS)
The Korean Government Scholarship Program (GKS) offers financial support for tuition, living expenses, and airfare. Additionally, it provides a year of free Korean language training, allowing students to adapt to life in South Korea while pursuing their studies. South Korea is known for its advanced technology and education system, making this an attractive scholarship for students.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: GKS Program
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
5. Scholarships at University of Saskatchewan, Canada
The University of Saskatchewan offers various fully-funded scholarships for international students, providing financial support for tuition, living expenses, and accommodation. Situated in one of Canada’s leading research universities, students gain access to top-tier educational resources and research opportunities in a wide range of disciplines.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: University of Saskatchewan Scholarships
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
6. DAAD Scholarships, Germany
The DAAD Scholarships are highly prestigious, offering full financial support for living costs, travel expenses, and health insurance. Germany is home to some of the world’s top universities, and recipients of the DAAD scholarship benefit from access to cutting-edge research and industry networks.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: DAAD Scholarships
- Program Levels: Master’s, PhD
7. Thailand Government Scholarships
Thailand offers a wide variety of government scholarships that fully cover tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. With a tropical climate, affordable cost of living, and welcoming culture, Thailand is an attractive destination for international students. These scholarships often target students from developing countries, encouraging cultural exchange and academic collaboration.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: Thailand Government Scholarships
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
8. Russian Government Scholarships
The Russian Government Scholarships offer a fully-funded opportunity for international students to study in Russia. Covering tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend, these scholarships allow students to explore both Russian and international academic environments. Additionally, recipients can choose to study in English or Russian, with many universities offering free Russian language courses.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: Russian Government Scholarships
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
READ ALSO: Top 5 Best IELTS Preparation Courses to Pass Your Exam
9. Kazakhstan Government Scholarships
The Kazakhstan Government Scholarships are fully funded and cover tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend. Kazakhstan is becoming a hub for international education in Central Asia, and this scholarship provides opportunities for students to experience its growing academic sector.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: Kazakhstan Government Scholarships
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
10. European Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarships are among the most prestigious scholarships in Europe, providing full financial coverage for tuition fees, travel, and living expenses. Students can study in multiple countries across Europe and gain exposure to different academic and cultural environments. These scholarships are designed to foster international collaboration and academic excellence.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
- Program Levels: Master’s, PhD
11. Scholarships at University of Oulu, Finland
The University of Oulu provides fully-funded scholarships that cover tuition fees, living expenses, and accommodation. Situated in one of Finland’s leading universities, students gain access to cutting-edge research and educational programs. Finland offers a high quality of life, making it a popular destination for international students.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: University of Oulu Scholarships
- Program Levels: Master’s, PhD
12. Malaysia Government Scholarships
The Malaysia Government Scholarships offer full financial support for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Malaysia’s affordable cost of living, combined with its growing reputation in the education sector, makes it an attractive option for students looking for a fully-funded scholarship.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: Malaysia Government Scholarships
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
13. Scholarships at University of Warsaw, Poland
The University of Warsaw offers fully-funded scholarships, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses. As one of Poland’s top universities, students can benefit from its excellent academic programs and affordable cost of living.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: University of Warsaw Scholarships
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
14. Hungarian Government Scholarships (Stipendium Hungaricum)
The Hungarian Government Scholarships provide full coverage for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Hungary offers a rich cultural and academic environment, and students from all over the world can benefit from studying in its top universities.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: Stipendium Hungaricum
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
15. Scholarships at University of Oslo, Norway
The University of Oslo provides fully-funded scholarships that cover tuition fees and living expenses. Norway’s high standard of living, combined with its world-class academic programs, makes it a desirable destination for international students. Additionally, many programs at the University of Oslo are taught in English, and students can use proof of previous education in English to waive the IELTS requirement.
- IELTS Requirements: No
- Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
- Application Portal: University of Oslo Scholarships
- Program Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
Finding fully-funded scholarships that do not require IELTS opens up a world of possibilities for international students. By avoiding the IELTS test, you can focus on the actual application process, making it easier to achieve your academic goals.
Take advantage of these 15 opportunities, and start your journey toward studying abroad without the stress of language proficiency tests. Good luck!