Getting a fully funded scholarship often feels impossible when you do not have IELTS or TOEFL. Many students delay applying because of this requirement. The good news is that several major scholarships now accept alternatives. Some accept a Medium of Instruction letter. Others conduct interviews. Some include a preparatory language year.
This means you can still study abroad in 2026 without taking expensive English tests. The key is knowing where to apply and when deadlines fall. This post walks you through scholarships that waive IELTS or TOEFL, explains benefits, and provides application links.
1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Germany remains one of the most accessible countries for students without IELTS. Many universities accept proof that your previous degree was taught in English. This is usually called a Medium of Instruction certificate. Some programs also conduct their own language assessment.
DAAD funds thousands of students each year. According to official figures, more than 100,000 students receive support annually through DAAD programs. This makes it one of the largest scholarship providers globally.
Benefits include monthly stipend of about €934 for master’s students and €1,300 for doctoral candidates. Health insurance is included. Travel allowances are often covered. Some programs also offer German language courses before studies begin.
Important dates vary by program. Most DAAD deadlines fall between September and December 2025 for the 2026 intake. Early preparation is important because documents like recommendation letters take time.
2. Türkiye Scholarships (Turkey)
Türkiye Scholarships explicitly state that IELTS is not mandatory. Students can apply using academic transcripts and other supporting documents. Successful applicants receive a one-year Turkish language course before academic studies.
The scholarship is comprehensive. Tuition is fully covered. Monthly stipends range from 3,500 TRY for undergraduate students to 9,000 TRY for PhD candidates. Accommodation is provided. Health insurance is included. Round trip airfare is covered.
Türkiye Scholarships receive more than 160,000 applications every year. This shows how competitive the program is, but also confirms global accessibility.
Applications usually open in January. The deadline typically falls in late February. Interviews take place between March and May. Results are announced during summer.
3. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
The Japanese government offers the MEXT scholarship. Many universities do not require IELTS or TOEFL. English proficiency may be evaluated through interviews or written assessments.
MEXT is fully funded. Undergraduate students receive around 117,000 yen monthly. Graduate students receive about 144,000 yen. Tuition fees are covered. Travel expenses are included. Language training is provided if needed.
There are two application tracks. Embassy recommendation and university recommendation. Embassy track usually opens between April and June. University track deadlines vary but often fall between November and January.
Japan hosts over 300,000 international students. MEXT aims to increase this number, which is why flexibility around English tests exists.
4. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
South Korea’s Global Korea Scholarship allows applications without IELTS. English scores can strengthen applications but are not mandatory. Students complete a one-year Korean language program before starting academic studies.
The scholarship covers tuition fees. A monthly stipend of about 900,000 KRW is provided. Settlement allowance is included. Round trip airfare is covered. Medical insurance is also provided.
The program supports more than 1,300 students annually. Undergraduate and graduate opportunities are available. Deadlines vary by embassy. Most applications open in September for undergraduate programs. Graduate applications usually open in February.
5. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
China offers one of the largest scholarship pools worldwide. Many universities accept Medium of Instruction letters. Some conduct interviews instead of requiring IELTS.
The CSC scholarship covers tuition. Free accommodation is provided. Monthly stipends range from 2,500 RMB for undergraduate students to 3,500 RMB for PhD candidates. Health insurance is included. China hosts more than 490,000 international students according to education ministry data. The government continues expanding scholarships to attract global talent.
Applications usually open in December. Most deadlines fall between March and April depending on university.
6. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
Hungary’s flagship scholarship does not always require IELTS. Universities may conduct internal assessments. Some programs accept proof of English instruction.
Benefits include full tuition coverage. Monthly stipend of about 43,700 HUF for undergraduate students. Accommodation contribution is included. Medical insurance is covered. More than 5,000 students receive funding annually. The program continues expanding to include additional countries.
Applications open in November. Deadline usually falls in mid January.
7. Chevening Scholarship (United Kingdom)
The UK government removed the mandatory English test requirement. Applicants can submit proof later through university admission. This means you can apply first without IELTS.
Chevening covers full tuition. Living allowance is provided. Travel costs are included. Networking opportunities are extensive. The program supports over 1,500 scholars every year. Alumni include leaders in government, business, and academia.
Applications usually open in August. Deadline typically falls in early November.
Scholarship Coverage Comparison
| Scholarship | Tuition | Monthly Stipend | Travel | Language Year |
| DAAD | Yes | Yes | Sometimes | Optional |
| Türkiye | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MEXT | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| GKS | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CSC | Yes | Yes | Sometimes | Optional |
| Hungary | Yes | Yes | No | Optional |
| Chevening | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
This comparison shows that most programs provide full funding. Türkiye, MEXT, and GKS offer the most comprehensive packages including language preparation.
Final Thought
Universities increasingly rely on alternative measures. Many students study in English speaking environments but lack test certificates. Interviews allow institutions to evaluate communication skills directly. Preparatory language courses also help bridge gaps. This approach expands access and increases diversity.
If you are also exploring undergraduate opportunities, you should check this detailed guide on fully funded options. It lists multiple programs open to international students and complements the scholarships mentioned above. Read here: 15 Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships for International Students in 2026.
Greetings I am Achola Ruth Ochan Silvio,I am writing this letter to request if I can a scholarship, because I am a student how wants to study but has no tuition please help me make it thanks.
Hello Achola,
Kindly read the post and pick a scholarship that you feel suits and then apply by following the link in the post. We don’t offer scholarships on this site, we just provide the information and guidance you need to apply successfully.