Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS

Hey everyone! Are you worried about the IELTS test or struggling to afford the practice and test fees? Don’t fret! I’ve compiled a list of fully funded scholarships for international students that don’t require the IELTS test. Whether you’re applying for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program, these scholarships are definitely worth considering.

If you’re still searching for fully funded scholarships to apply for in 2025 and 2026, look no further! I’ve put together a comprehensive list of scholarships that waive the IELTS requirement. Take a look at the list below and see which ones you qualify for.

There are several scholarships available for international students to study abroad without IELTS or other English language proficiency tests.

Scholarships Without IELTS:

#1 DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarships are available for international students who wish to study in Germany. These scholarships cover a range of disciplines and are available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs.

One of the benefits of DAAD scholarships is that some programs do not require IELTS scores. However, applicants are expected to have a good command of the German/ English language, as many courses are taught in German and English.

#2 Erasmus+ Scholarships (Europe)

Erasmus+ scholarships are available for international students who wish to study in Europe. This program is funded by the European Union and offers various opportunities for students to study, train, or volunteer abroad.

Unlike other scholarship programs, Erasmus+ scholarships do not require a specific language test, such as the IELTS. However, applicants are expected to have a good command of the language of instruction at their host institution. In some cases, students may need to provide language certificates or take language tests as part of their application.

#3 Fulbright Scholarships (United States)

Fulbright scholarships are prestigious awards granted to international students, scholars, and professionals who wish to study, teach, or conduct research in the United States. These scholarships are funded by the US government and offer various opportunities for academic and cultural exchange.

#4 Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)

Chevening Scholarships are awarded to individuals who have shown strong academic backgrounds and the potential for leadership, and are funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and partner organizations. This scholarship provides full financial support to pursue an eligible master’s degree at any UK university, while also gaining access to a range of exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.

Since its creation in 1983, more than 50,000 outstanding professionals have had the opportunity to develop their skills in the UK through the Chevening program. For the 2025 academic year, there are over 1,500 scholarships available globally, which underscores the UK’s ongoing commitment to developing the leaders of the future.

#5 Joint Japan World Bank Scholarship (various countries)

For over three decades, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJWBGSP) has supported over 6,000 mid-career professionals from 160 developing countries, as well as Japan, to obtain graduate degrees in fields related to development. The program is solely funded on an annual basis by the Government of Japan.

#6 Chinese Government Scholarships (China)

The Chinese Government Scholarship is a program that offers full or partial scholarships to international students who wish to pursue their studies at Chinese universities. This scholarship aims to promote academic exchange and cooperation between China and other countries.

There are different types of Chinese Government Scholarships available, including scholarships for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. The scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and even medical insurance. Some scholarships may also cover international travel expenses. Applicants are not required to provide an IELTS score.

#7 Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)

The Holland Scholarship is a program supported by the government of the Netherlands and Dutch universities. This scholarship is intended for international students who wish to study in the Netherlands.

#8 Adelaide Scholarships International (Australia)

The University of Adelaide is currently accepting applications for the 2025 edition of the Adelaide Scholarships International (ASI), which is open to both Master’s and PhD students from all over the world. The ASI is a highly competitive scholarship program that awards several scholarships each year to outstanding students with exceptional academic records.

The application process for the ASI is straightforward, and interested applicants should carefully review the eligibility criteria before applying. The scholarships are open to students in all fields of study, and there are no restrictions on nationality or gender.

#9 University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships (United Kingdom)

International postgraduate students can receive scholarships for tuition fees of £6,500, £13,000, or £26,000 per year. They may also receive a living cost bursary of £3,000 in their first year of study if they meet the eligibility requirements.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must be classified as overseas students for fee purposes and must have applied to start a full-time, one-year master’s program or one of the eligible two-year programs in Social Work (MSc) and Law (MA) that begin in September 2025.

#10 University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships (United Kingdom)

The University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships are highly competitive and cover tuition fees and a stipend for living expenses.

There are up to 25 Chancellor’s International Scholarships available each year, and they are awarded on the basis of academic merit and potential. Applicants must hold or expect to achieve a first-class honors degree or equivalent from a recognized institution of higher education.

#11 University of Westminster Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarships (United Kingdom)

The University of Westminster offers a scholarship aimed at supporting students of Black and Mixed Black backgrounds in their higher education journey. Students who don’t meet this criteria may apply for other scholarships available. The scholarship is valued at £15,000 and is awarded for a maximum of three years, with £5,000 given for each eligible year of study. The payment is subject to students’ progression to the next year of their course and completion of the yearly career development session. The scholarship is paid in two installments of £2,500 in October and February or towards tuition fees in November each academic year. Students on a repeat year or placement/sandwich year will not receive the yearly allowance.

#12 University of Geneva Excellence Master Fellowships (Switzerland)

The Excellence Fellowship provides a grant ranging from CHF 10,000 to CHF 15,000 per year and does not involve teaching responsibilities. It is granted for one year and can be renewed for the standard duration of the Master’s program chosen (three or four semesters), subject to the academic performance of the student at the end of the first semester of study.

#13 Amsterdam Excellence Scholarship (Netherlands)

International students interested in pursuing a master’s degree at the University of Amsterdam can apply for the Merit Scholarship for the 2025-2026 academic year. The scholarship is available across different faculties and can range from €2,000 to €25,000 in value.

The University of Amsterdam is highly regarded in various global university rankings, making it an attractive destination for international students seeking high-quality education.

#14 Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (Sweden)

The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) is a program that provides fully-funded scholarships to talented international students from selected countries who wish to pursue a master’s degree in Sweden. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and insurance. The aim of the scholarship program is to encourage global leaders to contribute to the development of their countries and create strong bonds between Sweden and the scholarship recipients’ home countries.