In this article, we would be reviewing some of the best fully-funded scholarships without IELTS. Some of these scholarships that we would be listing out shortly are sponsored by some of the best universities in the world.
Do you want to study for free abroad but can’t seem to afford the cost of the IELTS test? No worries because we have crafted a list of the 30 best fully-funded scholarships without IELTS just for you.
Before we dive straight in, we have an article on the 30 best Fully-funded scholarships for international students that you can also check out and apply for.
let’s get some background knowledge on IELTS and why most students dislike IELTS.
Table of Contents
What is IELTS?
IELTS is an English language exam that international candidates who want to study or work in a country where English is the primary language must take.
The UK, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada are the most common nations where IELTS is recognized for university admissions. You can check out our article on universities accepting an IELTS score of 6 in Australia.
This exam primarily assesses the test takers’ ability to communicate in the four fundamental English language abilities of hearing, reading, speaking, and writing.
IDP Education Australia and Cambridge English Language Assessment jointly own and operate the IELTS exam.
Why do International Students Dread IELTS?
International students dislike the IELTS test because of several reasons, one of the most common reasons is that the first language of most of these students isn’t English and they only study the Language for a very short period of time so they can scale through English proficiency tests.
This may also be the reason for some of the low scores some students get on the English Proficiency Test.
Another reason why international students may not like this exam is because of the high cost.
In some countries, IELTS registration and preparatory classes are very expensive. This high cost may scare away students that may want to attempt the test.
How can I get a Fully-funded Scholarship without IELTS?
You can get a fully-funded scholarship without IELTS in two major ways namely:
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Apply for an English Proficiency Certificate
If you want to acquire a fully-funded scholarship but do not want to take the IELTS test, you can request that your university provide you with an “English Proficiency Certificate” stating that you completed your studies at an English institute.
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Take Alternative English Proficiency Tests
There are IELTS alternative tests available for international students to demonstrate their English language proficiency. International students might acquire fully-funded scholarship chances with the help of these alternative IELTS assessments.
The following is a verified list of IELTS alternative examinations that are accepted for fully-funded scholarships:
⦁ TOEFL
⦁ Cambridge English Tests
⦁ CanTest
⦁ Password English Test
⦁ Business English Test Versions
⦁ IELTS indicator Test
⦁ Duolingo DET Test
⦁ American ACT English Test
⦁ CAEL OF CFE
⦁ The PTE UKVI.
List of Fully-funded Scholarships Without IELTS
Below are the best fully-funded scholarships without IELTS:
- Shanghai Government Scholarships
- Taiwan International Graduate Program
- Nanjing University Scholarships
- University of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship
- ANSO Scholarship in China
- Hokkaido University Scholarship in Japan
- Toyohashi University Scholarship in Japan
- Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
- Hammad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship
- Islamic Development Bank Scholarship
- NCTU Scholarships in Taiwan
- Gates Cambridge Scholarships in the UK
- Asian Institute of Technology Thailand University
- KAIST University Scholarships in South Korea
- SIIT University Scholarship in Thailand
- University of British Columbia
- Koc University Scholarship in Turkey
- University of Toronto Scholarships
- Concordia University International scholarships
- Russian Government Scholarships
- Korean Government Scholarships
- Doha Institute For Graduate studies scholarships
- Schwarzman Scholarship Chination
- The Global Undergraduate Awards in Hongkong
- Hunan University Scholarships in China
- CSC Scholarship at Capital Normal University
- National College of Ireland Scholarships
- Scholarship for Seoul National University
- Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
- Helmut Scholarship Program of DAAD.
30 Best Fully-funded Scholarships Without IELTS
#1. Shanghai Government Scholarships
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
The Shanghai Municipal Government Scholarship was founded in 2006 with the goal of improving the growth of international student education in Shanghai and encouraging more exceptional foreign students and scholars to attend ECNU.
Shanghai Government Scholarship is available to outstanding overseas students who apply to East China Normal University’s undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral programs.
Applicants for the undergraduate program with HSK-3 or higher but no eligible level may apply for a one-year pre-college program to learn Chinese with a full scholarship.
If the candidate is unable to acquire the qualified HSK level after the pre-college program, he or she will graduate as a language student.
Are you interested in studying in China? We have an article on studying in China without IELTS.
#2. Taiwan International Graduate Program
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded
TIGP is a Ph.D. degree program co-organized by Academia Sinica and Taiwan’s leading national research universities.
It offers an all-English, advanced research-oriented environment for teaching young academic talents from Taiwan and throughout the world.
#3. Nanjing University Scholarships
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
The Chinese Government Scholarship is a scholarship established by the Chinese government to help students and researchers from all over the world study and do research in Chinese universities.
This fully-funded scholarship seeks to foster mutual understanding and friendship in order to advance communication and collaboration between China and the rest of the world in the fields of education, technology, culture, and economics.
#4. University of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded
The Brunei government has offered thousands of scholarships to both locals and non-locals to study at Universiti Brunei Darussalam.
This fully-funded scholarship will include bursaries for accommodation, books, food, personal spending, and complementary medical treatment at any Brunei Government hospital, as well as travel expenses arranged by the Brunei Darussalam Foreign Mission in the scholar’s country of origin or the closest Brunei Darussalam Mission to their country.
#5. ANSO Scholarship in China
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Masters and PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
The Alliance of International Science Organizations (ANSO) was created in 2018 as a non-profit, non-governmental international organization.
ANSO’s mission is to strengthen regional and global capabilities in science and technology, human livelihoods, and well-being, and to foster greater S&T cooperation and communication.
Every year, the ANSO Scholarship supports 200 Master’s students and 300 Ph.D. students pursuing postgraduate studies at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS), or the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) institutes around China.
#6. Hokkaido University Scholarship in Japan
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
Every year, Hokkaido University awards international scholarships to Japanese and international students in exchange for high-quality education and a promising future.
International students from all around the world are invited to study at Hokkaido Institution, Japan’s premier university.
MEXT scholarships (Japanese Government Scholarships) are currently available for undergraduates, master’s research studies, and doctoral degree programs.
#7. Toyohashi University Scholarship in Japan
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Masters and PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
Toyohashi University of Technology (TUT) welcomes MEXT scholarship applicants from countries with good diplomatic relations with Japan who want to do research and pursue a non-degree or Masters or Ph.D. degree in Japan.
This scholarship will cover tuition, living expenses, travel expenses, entrance exam fees, and so on.
Applicants with an outstanding academic record and who meet all other requirements are strongly invited to apply for this fully-funded fellowship.
#8. Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
Azerbaijan Government Scholarship is a fully financed scholarship for overseas students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral studies in Azerbaijan.
This scholarship covers tuition, an international flight, an 800 AZN monthly stipend, medical insurance, and visa and registration fees.
The programs offer an annual chance for 40 applicants to study at Azerbaijan’s premier universities in Preparatory courses, Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral General medicine/residency programs.
#9. Hammad Bin Khalifa University Scholarship
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
The HBKU Scholarship is a fully financed scholarship for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees at Hammad Bin Khalifa University.
All academic subjects and majors for Bachelors’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees are covered by the HBKU Scholarship in Qatar.
Among the fields are Islamic Studies, Engineering, Social Sciences, Law & Public Policy, and Health & Science.
All students from all over the world are eligible for this scholarship.
There is no application cost for HBKU Scholarship.
#10. Islamic Development Bank Scholarship
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
The Islamic Development Bank is one of the best and most unique chances for bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. scholarships since the program focuses on uplifting Muslim communities in both member and non-member countries.
Islamic Development Bank Scholarships seek to attract self-motivated, talented, and eager students with brilliant development ideas in order for them to obtain a high degree of competency and realize their goals.
Surprisingly, the international fellowship offers equal opportunities for both men and women to learn and contribute to their communities.
The fully-funded study options are intended to help students achieve their national development goals.
#11. NCTU Scholarships in Taiwan
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
NCTU International offers masters and undergraduate scholarships. These scholarships provide $700 per month for undergraduate students, $733 for master’s students, and $966 for doctorate students.
National Chiao Tung University provides scholarships to outstanding overseas students with outstanding academic and research records in order to encourage internationalization.
The scholarship is supported by grants and subsidies from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (R.O.C.).
In theory, the scholarship is provided for one academic year and may be reapplied for and reviewed on a regular basis based on applicants’ academic achievement and research records.
#12. Gates Cambridge Scholarships in the UK
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Masters and PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a fully financed international scholarship. This grant is available for masters and doctoral studies.
Gates Cambridge Scholarship includes a stipend of £17,848 per year, health insurance, academic development money of up to £2,000, and a family allowance of up to £10,120.
Approximately two-thirds of these prizes will be given to Ph.D. candidates, with 25 awards available in the US round and 55 available in the International round.
13. Asian Institute of Technology Thailand University
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Masters and PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Thailand is giving Master’s and Doctoral degree applicants the opportunity to compete for significant academic grants.
A number of AIT Scholarships are available for students applying to postgraduate programs at AIT’s Schools of Engineering and Technology (SET), Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), and Management (SOM).
The AIT Scholarships, as Asia’s foremost international higher learning institute, aim to enhance the number of talented international scientists, engineers, and managers needed to face the future challenges of the emerging Asian Economic Community region and beyond.
AIT Scholarships are a type of financial help that allows eligible students from all around the world to study together at AIT.
14. KAIST University Scholarships in South Korea
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Masters and PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
KAIST University Award is a fully financed international student scholarship. This grant is available for master’s and doctoral study.
The scholarship will cover the entire tuition fee, a monthly allowance of up to 400,000 KRW, and medical health insurance costs.
#15. SIIT University Scholarship in Thailand
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Masters and PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
SIIT scholarships in Thailand are fully financed scholarships for international students with outstanding academic achievements.
This fully-funded graduate scholarship program is available for Masters and Ph.D. degrees.
The Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology has hosted a number of exchange programs for teachers and students from Asian, Australian, European, and North American universities.
SIIT scholarships are intended to boost Thailand’s industrial development by attracting the world’s brightest minds in engineering and information technology.
The SIIT Thailand scholarship also allows students to learn about Thailand’s rich culture while interacting with co-students and professors of other nationalities.
#16. University of British Columbia Scholarships
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
The University of British Columbia in Canada is accepting applications for its International Leader of Tomorrow Award and the Donald A. Wehrung International Student Award, both of which grant scholarships based on candidates’ financial needs.
UBC acknowledges outstanding students from around the world’s academic achievement by allocating more than $30 million per year to awards, scholarships, and other forms of financial assistance for international undergraduate students.
The International Scholars Program brings some of the best young undergraduates from around the world to UBC.
International Scholars are high academic achievers who have excelled in extracurricular activities, have a strong desire to affect global change, and are committed to giving back to their schools and communities.
#17. Koc University Scholarship in Turkey
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
The Koc University Scholarship Program is completely sponsored and designed to help bright local and international students pursue masters and doctorate degrees.
This fully-funded scholarship in Turkey allows students to study in programs offered by the Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Graduate School of Health Sciences, and Graduate School of Business.
The Koc University Scholarship does not require a separate application; if you have received an admission offer, you will be immediately evaluated for the scholarship.
#18. University of Toronto Scholarships
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor’s degree
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
The University of Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson Overseas Scholarships offers an unparalleled opportunity for excellent international students to study at one of the world’s greatest universities in one of the world’s most multicultural cities.
This fully-funded scholarship program is designed to celebrate students who have demonstrated great academic achievement and creativity, as well as who are recognized as school leaders.
A strong emphasis is placed on the student’s impact on the life of their school and community, as well as their future potential to positively contribute to the global community.
For four years, the Lester B. Scholarship will cover tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence assistance. This award is only available to students at the University of Toronto.
Do you want more details on how to study in Canada without IELTS? No worries, we got you covered. Check out our article on studying in Canada without IELTS.
#19. Concordia University International scholarships
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor’s degree
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
Every year, brilliant foreign students from all over the world come to Concordia University to study, research, and innovate.
The Concordia International Scholars program recognizes individuals who have demonstrated academic brilliance as well as resilience and the ability to overcome personal adversity.
Each year, two renewable tuition and fee scholarships will be offered to candidates from any faculty.
You may be interested in studying in Canada, so why not review our article on the top 10 universities in Canada without IELTS.
#20. Russian Government Scholarships
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Master’s degree
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
Government scholarships are given to the most talented students based on their academic performance.
If you apply for a Bachelor’s degree, the commission looks at your secondary school grades; if you apply for a Master’s program, the commission looks at your academic excellence during undergraduate studies.
To get these scholarships, you must first prepare by learning about the procedure, gathering the relevant paperwork, and enrolling in Russian language classes in your own country.
You do not need to speak Russian to acquire funding, but having some knowledge of the language will offer you an advantage and will allow you to adapt more readily to a new setting. All of the above will help you outperform other applications.
#21. Korean Government Scholarships 2022
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
Applicants from across the world are eligible for this fully-funded Global Korean Scholarship. GKS is one of the world’s top scholarships.
1,278 International Students will have the opportunity to study in Full-Time Undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. degree programs.
The Korean government will cover all of your expenses. There is no application or requirement for IELTS or TOEFL.
Only the online process will be taken into account. The GKS Korean Government Scholarship covers all expenses.
Applicants with an Undergraduate Degree and a Master’s Degree in any Course background, as well as any nationality, are eligible to apply for this Scholarship in Korea.
Apply Now
#22. Doha Institute For Graduate studies scholarships
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Master’s degree
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
This fully-funded program was established to assist both domestic and international students pursuing graduate studies at the school.
The scholarship program is available to students who want to study in one of the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies programs.
Doha Institute scholarship will cover tuition fees for Qatari students and all other expenditures for international students.
Foreign students can use the program to study for Master’s degree programs offered by Doha Institute for Graduate Studies.
#23. Schwarzman Scholarship China
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Master’s degree
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
Schwarzman Scholars is the first scholarship intended to adapt to the geopolitical landscape of the twenty-first century.
It is fully funded and aimed to prepare the next generation of global leaders.
Through a one-year Master’s Degree at Tsinghua University in Beijing, one of China’s most prominent universities, the program will provide the world’s best and brightest students with the opportunity to strengthen their leadership abilities and professional networks.
#24. The Global Undergraduate Awards in Hongkong
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor’s degree
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
Undergraduate students enrolled in any eligible universities in Hongkong qualify for this scholarship.
Hongkong University is one such institution.
The scholarship does not need IELTS. It is a fully-funded Hongkong Award program for students with a GPA of at least 2.1 who have finished coursework.
#25. Hunan University Scholarships in China
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Masters
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
With a monthly stipend of RMB3000 to RMB3500, this fully-funded fellowship gives full financial assistance to international students at the Master’s postgraduate levels.
IELTS is not required; any language competence certificate will suffice.
#26. CSC Scholarship at Capital Normal University
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Masters and PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
Capital Normal University is also a partner of the government’s CSC scholarship. IELTS is not required for admission or scholarship at China’s Capital Normal University.
These Chinese Scholarships cover the entire tuition fee as well as a monthly stipend of RMB3,000 to RMB3,500.
The award is solely available to postgraduate and doctoral students.
#27. National College of Ireland Scholarships
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Masters and PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
National College of Ireland offers a variety of scholarships for master’s and doctoral degrees, ranging from 50% to 100% of tuition.
IELTS is not required for admission. Students might also get stipends and sports scholarships from the institution.
#28. Scholarship for Seoul National University
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
The SNU university scholarship is a fully financed scholarship opportunity, for all overseas students to attend full-time undergraduate, Master’s, and doctoral degree programs in South Korea.
This Scholarship is fully funded or completely supported and does not necessitate the taking of IELTS.
#29. Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Bachelor, Masters, PhD
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
This award is available to students interested in pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate studies in German universities or technical colleges.
Any course may be studied, and all other expenses are totally paid, including travel allowance, health insurance, books, and tuition.
If another English language proficiency test is available, IELTS may not necessarily be required to apply for a Friedrich Ebert Stiftung fellowship.
#30. Helmut Scholarship Program of DAAD
IELTS requirement: No
Programs: Masters
Financial Assistance: fully funded.
This fully-funded fellowship is available for full-time Master’s degree studies at one of eight German universities.
The Helmut scholarship is entirely funded by Germany and will cover tuition, living expenses, and medical expenses.
Frequently Asked Questions on Fully-funded Scholarships Without IELTS
Can I get a scholarship without IELTS?
You are not required to take any English tests in order to apply for a scholarship. China is an option if you wish to study abroad without taking the IELTS. The Global Undergraduate Scholarship Hongkong will grant fully financed scholarships to eligible international students who apply for the program.
Can I get a scholarship in the UK without IELTS?
Yes, there are scholarships in the UK international students can get without IELTS. A typical example is the Gates Cambridge Scholarships in the UK. Details on these scholarships are provided in this scholarship.
Can I get admission in Canada without IELTS?
Yes, there are a number of scholarships in Canada international students can get without IELTS. Some of them are Concordia University International scholarships, University of British Columbia scholarships, University of Toronto Scholarships, etc.
Which country gives easy scholarship without IELTS
China is the easiest to apply for these days. International students are given full scholarships by the Chinese government and colleges. These scholarships cover the entire cost of your stay and education in China.
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- 20 Universities That Offer Full Scholarships To International Students in the USA.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the high cost of taking IELTS tests shouldn’t stop you from studying abroad.
If you are not financially buoyant but wish to study abroad, all hope is not lost. You can gain any degree of your choice with some of the fully-funded scholarships we have provided in this article.
Go ahead and achieve your dreams, Scholars! The sky is the limit.