Top 25 Scholarships Without IELTS 2026/2027 | Fully Funded, Apply Now 🎓

You want to study abroad without the stress and cost of IELTS. Good news: you can. Many top universities and governments now accept alternative proof of English or offer waivers if you studied in English before. Even better, several of these opportunities are fully funded, so your tuition, stipend, housing, and flights can be covered.

This curated list brings you the Top 25 Scholarships Without IELTS for the 2026/2027 cycle. These are real, competitive programs that welcome international students and often allow you to prove English proficiency through alternatives like TOEFL, Duolingo, Cambridge tests, or an official English Proficiency Letter from your university. Always check each program’s latest language policy before you apply.

Why these scholarships stand out in 2026/2027

You are not limited by a single test anymore. Across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America, universities recognize multiple ways to evidence English. Many accept:

• TOEFL iBT, PTE, Cambridge C1/C2, or Duolingo English Test
• An official English Proficiency Letter if your previous degree was taught in English
• University-administered language assessments or conditional admission with language courses

On top of that, most scholarships below are fully funded or highly funded. That means you can focus on your degree while your costs are largely taken care of.

What funding typically covers

• Full tuition fee coverage
• Monthly living stipend
• On-campus housing or housing allowance
• Health insurance
• Round-trip airfare or travel allowance
• Research support and conference grants in some cases

Eligibility at a glance

Top 25 Scholarships Without IELTS 2026/2027

1) Shanghai Government Scholarship

Study in Shanghai with full or partial funding at leading universities. Many English-taught programs accept alternative proof of proficiency or an English Proficiency Letter from your previous institution.

2) Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP)

Run by Academia Sinica with partner universities, TIGP funds international PhD students fully. Programs are in English, and multiple test options or waivers can satisfy language requirements.

3) Nanjing University Scholarships

Scholarships cover Bachelor to PhD through university and national funding. English-medium tracks often accept alternatives to IELTS or institutional proof of English.

4) University of Brunei Darussalam (UBD) Scholarship

The UBD Graduate Scholarship typically covers tuition, stipend, and housing. Programs may waive IELTS if you studied in English or present equivalent tests.

5) ANSO Scholarship (China)

The Alliance of International Science Organizations funds Master and PhD at CAS universities. Fully funded with a living allowance, and English proof can be met via alternatives.

6) Hokkaido University Scholarships (Japan)

Prestigious options like the President’s Fellowship support high-achieving graduates. English-track programs consider various test formats and waivers.

7) Toyohashi University of Technology Scholarships (Japan)

Strong engineering and technology focus, often linked with MEXT or university funding. English-taught graduate programs allow alternative proficiency proofs.

8) Azerbaijan Government Scholarship

Scholarships targeting international students for full-degree study. Language proof may be satisfied through alternatives or program-specific waivers. Availability can change by year, so confirm details.

9) Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) Scholarship, Qatar

Fully funded awards across science, engineering, public policy, and more. HBKU and its colleges accept several English tests and may waive IELTS if criteria are met.

10) Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship

Fully funded programs for students from IsDB member countries and Muslim communities worldwide, placed at partner universities. English proof follows host university policies and alternatives.

11) NYCU Scholarships in Taiwan (formerly NCTU)

Generous tuition waivers and stipends for Bachelor to PhD. English or Chinese tracks are available, with multiple accepted tests or English-medium waivers.

12) Gates Cambridge Scholarship, UK

One of the world’s top fully funded scholarships for Master and PhD at the University of Cambridge. You can meet language requirements through various approved tests or a formal waiver if eligible.

13) Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Thailand Scholarships

AIT offers full and partial scholarships for STEM, management, and development fields. English-language instruction with flexible proficiency options.

14) KAIST University Scholarships, South Korea

Top-tier science and engineering university offering full funding for Bachelor, Master, and PhD. KAIST accepts several English tests and may waive IELTS for English-medium graduates.

15) SIIT Scholarship (Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology), Thailand

Fully funded Master and PhD in engineering and technology. SIIT commonly accepts a range of English tests and alternative documentation.

16) Quest University Canada Scholarships

Merit awards and major scholarships for undergraduate study at a unique liberal arts and sciences institution. English proficiency can be shown via multiple tests or institutional options.

17) University of British Columbia (UBC) Scholarships, Canada

From the International Scholars Program to graduate awards, UBC offers strong funding. English requirements can be met through accepted alternatives or waivers per policy.

18) Koç University Scholarships, Turkey

Full scholarships available for research-led Master and PhD programs. English is the medium of instruction for many programs, and alternatives to IELTS are recognized.

19) University of Toronto Scholarships, Canada

Includes competitive awards at all levels, such as the Lester B. Pearson for undergraduates. U of T accepts several English tests, and waivers may be possible based on background.

20) Concordia University International Scholarships, Canada

Entrance awards and graduate funding across many disciplines. English proficiency can often be proven with multiple tests or formal waivers.

21) Russian Government Scholarships

State-funded places for international students at Russian universities. Programs may be in Russian or English, with alternatives to IELTS depending on the track.

22) Korean Government Scholarship (GKS)

Fully funded for Bachelor, Master, and PhD with Korean or English tracks. Language requirements can be fulfilled via multiple tests or after-language training where applicable.

23) Thailand International Postgraduate Program (TIPP)

Government-funded Master’s for professionals in development fields. English requirements are flexible, with accepted alternatives and program-specific rules.

24) Türkiye Bursları (Turkish Government Scholarships)

Fully funded Bachelor, Master, and PhD across Turkish universities. Programs typically accept alternatives to IELTS, with Turkish language courses provided where needed.

25) Stipendium Hungaricum, Hungary

Fully funded degrees in English across a national network of universities. Institutions accept multiple English tests and can offer preparatory courses.

Who can apply

Eligibility varies by scholarship and university, but you generally need:

• Strong academic record (GPA or class rank matters)
• Relevant degree for Master or PhD applicants
• Proof of English using accepted alternatives or an English Proficiency Letter
• Motivation letter or research proposal where required
• Recommendation letters
• Passport and supporting documents

How to apply (step by step)

1. Shortlist programs: Pick 5–8 scholarships from the list that match your degree level and field.
2. Check language rules: Confirm if your alternative test or English Proficiency Letter is accepted in 2026/2027.
3. Prepare documents: Transcripts, diplomas, CV, statement of purpose, research plan, recommendations, passport scan.
4. Secure proof of English: Book an accepted alternative test or request an official English Proficiency Letter from your university.
5. Apply online: Create accounts on each university or scholarship portal and submit before the deadline.
6. Track references: Remind referees early so their letters arrive on time.
7. Attend interviews: Some programs invite you for online interviews or tests. Prepare concise answers about your goals and research.
8. Visa planning: Once admitted, follow the university’s guidance for student visa and pre-departure steps.

Deadlines for 2026/2027

Deadlines differ by program and country. Many open in 2026 for study in the 2026/2027 academic year. Visit the official website for the current deadline.

FAQ

Do these scholarships really not require IELTS?

Yes, many accept alternatives like TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge C1/C2, Duolingo, or an official English Proficiency Letter. Each institution sets its own rules, so verify the accepted options for the 2026/2027 cycle.

Can I apply with only an English Proficiency Letter?

Often yes, especially if your previous degree was fully taught in English. Some universities may still ask for an alternative test. Check the exact policy of your target program.

Are all 25 scholarships fully funded?

Most are fully funded or offer comprehensive coverage. A few provide partial awards depending on merit and program. Always confirm the specific funding package on the official page.

What if my country is not eligible for a government scholarship?

Focus on university-funded options like KAIST, Koç, HBKU, AIT, UBC, and NYCU, which broadly welcome international applicants.

Do I need to contact professors before applying?

For research-heavy Master and PhD programs, it helps. Email a concise research pitch and CV to potential supervisors. Some scholarships require supervisor endorsement.

Final tip

Your path is clear: shortlist your target scholarships now, secure an accepted English alternative or waiver, and submit a sharp application. Fully Funded spots fill fast. Apply now and make 2026/2027 your study-abroad year.