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Introduction
Best Scholarships Without IELTS in 2026: Do I Really Need IELTS to Win a Scholarship?
That was the first question my cousin asked me after receiving an admission offer from a European university.
And Like many international students, he believed taking the IELTS exam was unavoidable.
He had already started saving money for the registration fee and preparing for months of study.
Then something surprising happened.
The university informed him that because his previous education had been conducted entirely in English, he could submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate instead of an IELTS result.
He got admitted.
He received financial support.
And he never sat for the IELTS exam.
Now, how do you see this?
It should not be so surprising because Stories like this are becoming increasingly common.
While IELTS remains one of the world’s most recognized English language tests, many universities and scholarship providers now offer alternative ways to prove English proficiency.
Some accept TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, PTE, Cambridge English qualifications, or a Medium of Instruction letter.
Others waive English test requirements entirely for applicants from eligible countries or English-medium institutions.
If you have been delaying your dream of studying abroad because of IELTS, this guide may change your perspective.
Let’s explore the best scholarships that may not require IELTS and how you can improve your chances of securing one.
