Studying abroad is a dream for many students, but the IELTS or TOEFL requirement can be a barrier, especially for African students. Fortunately, in 2026, many universities and scholarship programs do not require English proficiency tests if you meet certain conditions.

This guide will show you how to study abroad without IELTS, the best scholarships for African students, and practical strategies to increase your chances of winning a fully funded scholarship.

Why Scholarships Without IELTS Are Important for African Students

Many students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and other African countries face difficulties in taking IELTS or TOEFL due to:

• High costs of exams

• Limited test centers in some regions

• Limited preparation resources

Scholarships that waive English tests make education abroad more accessible while still offering world-class opportunities.

Types of Scholarships That Don’t Require IELTS

1. Government-Funded Scholarships

Some governments provide full funding and waive English requirements if applicants:

• Are from an English-speaking country

• Have studied in English previously

• Provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate

Examples include:

• DAAD (Germany) – Some programs accept MOI instead of IELTS.

• CSC (China) – Many programs are in English; IELTS not always required.

• Türkiye Burslari (Turkey) – English waiver possible with prior education in English.

• MEXT (Japan) – English proficiency test may be waived for some programs.

• Taiwan ICDF & MOE – Many scholarships accept students without IELTS.

2. University-Specific Scholarships

Several universities worldwide accept students without IELTS if they provide evidence of English instruction:

• University of Debrecen (Hungary) – Accepts MOI for English-taught programs.

• Seoul National University (South Korea) – Waives IELTS for prior English instruction.

• University of Bologna (Italy) – Accepts English MOI certificate.

• Politecnico di Milano (Italy) – English instruction proof accepted instead of IELTS.

• Nanjing University (China) – Many English programs without IELTS requirement.

3. Online & Short-Term Scholarships

Some scholarships are offered for online programs or short-term international courses that do not require IELTS. These are ideal for students who want international exposure without travel immediately.

Top Countries Offering Scholarships Without IELTS in 2026

Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships Without IELTS

Even if IELTS is waived, most scholarships still require:

1. Strong academic record – High GPA or top class in previous education.

2. Proof of English medium education – MOI certificate from your school/university.

3. Recommendation letters – From teachers, lecturers, or employers.

4. Statement of Purpose / Motivation Letter – Explaining your goals and motivation.

5. Passport – Valid for the duration of the study program.

6. Age requirement – Varies by scholarship (common for undergraduate programs).

Step-by-Step Strategy for Nigerian Students

Step 1: Identify Scholarships

Look for scholarships that explicitly waive English tests. Focus on government programs, universities, and international organizations.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Even without IELTS, you need:

• MOI certificate

• Academic transcripts

• Passport

• SOP / motivation letter

• Recommendation letters

• CV/Resume

Step 3: Apply to Multiple Programs

Don’t rely on one program. Applying to 5–10 scholarships increases your chances.

Step 4: Write an Outstanding SOP

Show your achievements, leadership skills, career goals, and how the scholarship will benefit your country.

Step 5: Submit Early

Deadlines can be strict. Submit your applications at least 2–3 months before the official deadline.

Step 6: Prepare for Interviews

Some scholarships conduct interviews for shortlisted candidates. Practice answers to common questions about your motivation and future goals.

Top Scholarships Without IELTS for African Students 2026

1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany) – English MOI accepted

2. CSC Scholarship (China) – English-taught programs

3. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s (Europe) – IELTS sometimes waived

4. MEXT (Japan) – English test may be waived

5. GKS (South Korea) – MOI accepted

6. Taiwan ICDF/MOE Scholarships – IELTS not mandatory for some programs

7. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary) – English MOI accepted

8. Türkiye Burslari (Turkey) – English MOI accepted

9. Malaysian Government Scholarships – English-taught programs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Assuming all scholarships waive IELTS (check carefully)
❌ Submitting incomplete MOI certificates
❌ Waiting until the last minute to apply
❌ Using a generic SOP for multiple scholarships
❌ Ignoring deadlines

Tips to Increase Your Chances

• Apply widely to scholarships in multiple countries

• Highlight leadership and community service in your SOP

• Get recommendation letters from credible sources

• Prepare academic documents early

• Maintain good communication with scholarship offices

Conclusion

Scholarships without IELTS are a game-changer for Nigerian and African students who want to study abroad in 2026. By carefully choosing programs, preparing strong applications, and demonstrating leadership and academic excellence, you can secure fully funded opportunities without the stress of English proficiency exams.

Start early, gather your documents, and apply strategically. Studying abroad without IELTS is not only possible—it’s achievable in 2026.