Fully Funded Scholarships 2025 Without IELTS
Last updated: August 18, 2025 • Editor: Chgr Team
Studying abroad is more accessible in 2025 as many programs accept IELTS alternatives such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL iBT (including Home Edition), or a university internal assessment. Below are fully funded options with clear funding, deadlines, eligibility, and how to apply. Policies vary by university and program—always verify on the official page before you apply.
Quick Comparison Table (Top Fully Funded, IELTS Alternatives Accepted)
| Program | Country/Region | Degree | Funding highlights | English/IELTS policy (2025) | Deadline window |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAAD (EPOS & others) | Germany | Master’s, PhD | Stipend, insurance, travel; some tuition waivers | Varies by course; TOEFL often accepted; MOI sometimes | Dec–Mar (program‑specific) |
| Chevening | UK | Master’s | Tuition, stipend, flights, visa fees | No single test mandated by Chevening; meet university’s English requirement (waivers possible) | Aug–Nov |
| Türkiye Bursları | Turkey | UG, Master’s, PhD | Tuition, housing, stipend, insurance | IELTS not required; alternatives accepted; Turkish prep if needed | Jan–Feb |
| CSC | China | Master’s, PhD | Tuition, dorm, stipend | Many unis accept MOI for English‑taught; verify | Feb–Apr |
| MIS | Malaysia | Master’s, PhD | Tuition, monthly allowance | Alternatives (MOI/other tests) accepted by many unis; check MIS/uni page | Apr–May |
| Erasmus Mundus (EMJM) | EU (multi‑country) | Master’s | Tuition, monthly stipend, travel | Program‑specific; many accept Duolingo/TOEFL/MOI | Oct–Feb |
| MEXT | Japan | UG, Master’s, PhD | Tuition waiver, stipend, flights | English proof varies; MOI often accepted; check embassy/university | Varies by embassy/track |
| KAUST Fellowship | Saudi Arabia | Master’s, PhD | Tuition, monthly stipend, housing, health | TOEFL/IELTS or waiver for English‑medium degree (program‑dependent) | Rolling (prioritized windows) |
| MBZUAI | UAE | Master’s, PhD (AI) | Full tuition, stipend, housing | IELTS/TOEFL/EmSAT; waivers in specific cases | Multiple rounds yearly |
DAAD Scholarships 2025 (Germany)
Funding & benefits: Monthly stipend, health insurance, travel allowance; some programs also waive tuition (depends on the state/university).
English/IELTS policy: Varies by course. Many accept TOEFL or an MOI certificate for English‑taught programs. Always confirm on the specific program page.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s (for master’s), strong academics, relevant experience (for EPOS), admission to eligible programs.
Documents: CV, motivation letter, transcripts, LoRs, language proof.
Deadlines: Typically December–March (program‑specific).
Official page: daad.de
Chevening Scholarships 2025 (UK)
Funding & benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, flights, visa fees, arrival allowance.
English/IELTS policy: Chevening itself doesn’t mandate a single test; you must meet your university’s English requirement. Many universities accept TOEFL/Duolingo or offer waivers for English‑medium degrees.
Eligibility: Undergraduate degree, 2+ years’ work experience (can include internships/volunteering), leadership potential.
Deadlines: Usually August–November.
Official page: chevening.org
Türkiye Bursları 2025 (Turkey)
Funding & benefits: Tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance; Turkish‑language prep year if needed.
English/IELTS policy: IELTS not required for application; alternatives or university assessments may be used for English‑taught programs.
Eligibility: Open to UG/Master’s/PhD; minimum GPA thresholds by level.
Deadlines: January–February.
Official page: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2025
Funding & benefits: Tuition, on‑campus accommodation (or subsidy), monthly stipend, medical insurance.
English/IELTS policy: For English‑taught programs, many universities accept MOI from prior English‑medium degrees. Requirements vary by university.
Deadlines: Typically February–April (varies by university/track).
Official page: campuschina.org
Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS) 2025
Funding & benefits: Tuition coverage and a monthly allowance (amounts vary by year).
English/IELTS policy: Many Malaysian universities accept MOI or alternative tests (Duolingo/TOEFL). Check both the MIS guideline and the host university’s policy.
Deadlines: Usually April–May.
Official page: mis.moe.gov.my
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (EMJM) 2025
Funding & benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel and installation support across multiple EU partner universities.
English/IELTS policy: Program‑specific; many accept Duolingo, TOEFL, or MOI from prior English‑medium degrees.
Deadlines: Most open October–January/February (by program).
Catalogue: Search the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue on the EU portal.
MEXT Scholarship 2025 (Japan)
Funding & benefits: Tuition waiver, monthly stipend, airfare, potential preparatory language study.
English/IELTS policy: Varies by embassy/university track; MOI often accepted for English‑taught programs, or alternative tests.
Deadlines: Vary by country and track (Embassy/University/University Recommendation).
Official page: mext.go.jp
KAUST Fellowship 2025 (Saudi Arabia)
Funding & benefits: Full tuition, competitive monthly stipend, on‑campus housing, health insurance, research support.
English/IELTS policy: TOEFL/IELTS accepted; waivers possible for degrees completed at accredited English‑medium institutions (confirm with admissions).
Deadlines: Rolling; earlier submission recommended for priority review.
Official page: kaust.edu.sa
MBZUAI Scholarship 2025 (UAE)
Funding & benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, on‑campus housing, transport, and health insurance for AI MS/PhD.
English/IELTS policy: Accepts IELTS/TOEFL/EmSAT; waivers may be granted in specific cases (see MBZUAI policy).
Deadlines: Multiple intakes with phased deadlines.
Official page: mbzuai.ac.ae
How to Get an MOI Certificate + IELTS Alternatives
- Ask your university registrar for an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter stating your degree was taught in English.
- For Duolingo or TOEFL iBT (Home/Center), schedule early; some programs have minimum scores.
- Check if your target university offers an internal English assessment or accepts English‑medium waivers.
- Always upload the exact proof required on the program’s application portal.
Visa, Funds, and Insurance (High‑Value Tips)
These practical steps help you get admitted and can save money. They also match premium advertiser interests (finance, insurance, telco, travel), improving page CPM.
- Proof of funds: Some countries require a blocked account or guaranteed investment certificate (GIC). Amounts and rules change yearly—check the official embassy site.
- Student health insurance: Verify visa‑compliant insurance (country‑specific) and what your scholarship covers.
- Housing: Compare on‑campus vs. private housing; look for early booking windows.
- Connectivity: Consider a student eSIM/SIM for immediate data on arrival.
- Banking: Open a local/online student account; check international transfer fees and card costs.
FAQs: Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS (2025)
Can I study abroad without IELTS in 2025?
Yes. Many programs accept MOI, TOEFL, Duolingo, or university assessments. Requirements are program‑specific.
Is MOI accepted everywhere?
No. Acceptance varies by country, university, and program. Always confirm on the official page.
What does “fully funded” usually cover?
Typically tuition, a monthly stipend, health insurance, and sometimes housing and flights. Details vary.
Which countries offer the most options without IELTS?
Germany, Turkey, Malaysia, China, and some EU programs are the most flexible in 2025. The UK depends on university policy.
When should I start preparing?
6–9 months before the deadline: draft SOP/LoR, order transcripts, secure English proof, and contact potential supervisors (for PhD).
2025 offers excellent fully funded scholarships without IELTS for international students. Shortlist 3–5 programs, secure your English proof (MOI/Duolingo/TOEFL), and apply ahead of deadlines. Explore more opportunities in our No IELTS and Fully Funded labels.