How to Get a Scholarship Without IELTS or TOEFL in 2025

Dreaming of studying abroad but worried about the cost and the hassle of English proficiency tests like IELTS or TOEFL?

You’re not alone.

Thousands of international students each year are held back not just by finances, but by the barrier of expensive language tests. Fortunately, many universities and scholarship bodies have adapted to more flexible requirements, and in 2025, you can get a scholarship without IELTS or TOEFL—if you know where to look and how to apply strategically.

Let’s break it all down.

✅ Why Some Scholarships Don’t Require IELTS or TOEFL

Many institutions now accept alternative proofs of English proficiency, especially in light of the global shift to online learning, diverse applicant backgrounds, and accessibility concerns.

Here’s why:

• You may have studied in an English-speaking country.

• Your previous education may have been taught in English.

• Universities now accept certificates like Duolingo English Test, or medium of instruction (MOI) letters.

• Some scholarships don’t require admission into a specific university at the time of application.

🌍 Scholarships You Can Apply for Without IELTS/TOEFL in 2025

1. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)

• Countries covered: Most developing Commonwealth nations

• English language waiver: If your undergraduate degree was taught in English, an IELTS may not be required

• Level: Master’s and PhD

• Deadline: Usually October–December each year

2. Turkiye Burslari Scholarships (Turkey)

• No IELTS/TOEFL required if you can prove your previous education was in English or if you’re applying for a Turkish-taught program

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

• Degree level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD

3. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)

• IELTS/TOEFL not mandatory for English-taught programs if MOI is available

• Includes: Tuition, accommodation, stipend, and health insurance

• Offered by: CSC in collaboration with Chinese universities

4. DAAD EPOS Scholarships (Germany)

• Germany is tuition-free at most public universities

• IELTS not always required for English-taught programs if you provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter

• Level: Postgraduate (Master’s/PhD), especially in development-related fields

• Covers: Full tuition, monthly allowance, travel, insurance

5. Ozyegin University Scholarships (Turkey)

• No TOEFL/IELTS needed if you submit MOI or pass the university’s internal English test

• Covers: Partial to full tuition waiver

• Available to: Undergraduate and postgraduate international students

6. Hungarian Government Scholarships (Stipendium Hungaricum)

• Accepts MOI as proof of English proficiency

• Covers: Tuition, accommodation allowance, health insurance, monthly stipend

• Degree level: All levels, including medicine and arts

• Deadline: Typically January each year

7. University of People (USA – Online Degrees)

• No IELTS/TOEFL required

• Offers tuition-free degrees, with scholarships available to waive assessment fees

• Programs: Business, Health Science, Computer Science, Education

📝 How to Get a Scholarship Without IELTS or TOEFL

1. Use a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter

• Request it from your previous school/university stating your courses were taught in English

• It should be on official letterhead and signed by an authority (principal, registrar, etc.)

2. Look for Universities With Internal Language Tests

Some schools will let you take an online English test or interview during the admission process instead of an IELTS/TOEFL.

3. Apply to Countries That Don’t Emphasize IELTS

• Germany, Norway, Turkey, China, Hungary, and Malaysia are known for flexible language requirements

4. Check Scholarship Criteria Carefully

Some scholarships are tied to specific universities that have their own rules. Don’t assume every school has the same requirement.

5. Use Alternative Tests

Some universities now accept:

• Duolingo English Test

• Cambridge English Certificate

• PTE Academic

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Assuming IELTS/TOEFL is mandatory everywhere

• ❌ Submitting poorly written MOI letters

• ❌ Ignoring internal admission language exams

• ❌ Missing deadlines due to confusion about language requirements

Final Thoughts

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to get a scholarship without IELTS or TOEFL in 2025. With a bit of planning, the right documents, and strategic applications, you can bypass traditional language tests and still achieve your dream of studying abroad.

The world is opening up—and you don’t need a standardized test score to walk through the door.