The time to get ready for some of the top fully-funded international scholarships that don’t require the IELTS exam is now, if you’re in your last year of school and intend to study abroad. These scholarships will open in 2025 for the 2026 intake. These esteemed programs, which stretch from Asia to Europe and beyond, offer full financial support, including tuition, stipends, travel, and living expenses, in addition to waiving language test requirements.

Asia’s Fully Funded, IELTS-Waived Scholarships
Detailed information about the best Asian government and university scholarships available in the spring of 2026 that don’t require the IELTS, including requirements, coverage, application deadlines, and eligibility.

1.China Government, Provincial & University Scholarships
Through the China Scholarship Council (CSC), provincial governments, and individual universities, China provides one of the biggest pools of fully funded scholarships for students from other countries. If you can produce a Medium-of-Instruction (MOI) letter from your prior school, many of these programs will waive the IELTS/TOEFL requirement.
Overview of CSC National Scholarship
One of the main initiatives supported by the Chinese Ministry of Education is the CSC (China Scholarship Council) Scholarship. It includes:
- The cost of tuition at any Chinese state university
- Accommodations (dorm on campus)
- Stipend per month (2,500–3,500 RMB for master’s; 3,000–3,500 RMB for PhD)
- Complete health insurance
Eligibility
- Master’s degree (for PhD applicants) or bachelor’s degree (for master’s applicants)
- Under 35 for a master’s degree and under 40 for a doctorate
- A clean criminal record and good health
- Accepted in place of the IELTS or TOEFL is the MOI letter.
Application Timeline
Stage | Date Range | Notes |
---|---|---|
Online Registration & Upload | Nov 1, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026 | Via CSC portal: csc.edu.cn |
University Review | Feb – Mar 2026 | Shortlisted candidates notified by email |
Final Approval by CSC | Apr – May 2026 | Visa documents (JW202) issued |
How to Apply
- Choose “Bilateral Program” after registering on the CSC application portal.
- Upload the following files: two recommendation letters, a MOI letter, transcripts, degree certificates, a passport, and a study plan or research proposal.
- Under the terms of the bilateral agreement, choose up to three universities (such as Tsinghua University and Peking University).
- Track the progress of your application and submit before the deadline.
Tip: Make contact with potential Chinese professors as soon as possible; strong research endorsements increase your chances.
2. Jiangsu Provincial Government Scholarships
A provincial initiative, the Jiangsu Government Scholarship aims to draw top international talent to Jiangsu province’s universities, such as Southeast University and Nanjing University.
Overview of Jiangsu Provincial Government Scholarships
- Waiver of tuition, partial or full
- A free dorm or a subsidy for lodging
- A living allowance of RMB 2,000 per month
Eligibility
- Similar to CSC, you must have a relevant bachelor’s or master’s degree and a valid health clearance.
- No additional English test is needed; the MOI letter is accepted.
Deadlines & Application
Province Scholarship | Application Period | Submission Portal |
---|---|---|
Jiangsu Scholarship | Nov 1, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | Provincial Education Department website |
- Apply online via the Jiangsu Education Department’s website.
- Send scanned copies of the documents to the international office of the host university via email.
- Interview in January 2026, either in person or online.

Europe’s IELTS-Waived, Fully Funded Scholarships
Explore European scholarship schemes for Spring 2026 that waive IELTS, focusing on government and university funding.

1.Turkiye Bursları Scholarship
International students studying for undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees in Turkey are eligible to apply for the fully funded Türkiye Bursları scholarship.Every year, more than 5,000 students from more than 170 nations gain from the assistance of the Turkish government.If you submit a valid English Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate for Spring 2026, you will not need to take the IELTS or TOEFL.
Coverage
- The cost of tuition at any participating Turkish university
- Monthly stipend of approx. 1,600 TRY
- Return airfare between home country and Turkey
- Accommodation allowance or on-campus housing
- Health insurance covering medical expenses
- Free Turkish language course (if needed)
Eligibility
- Citizenship in any nation, including Pakistan
- Undergraduate or graduate student in their final year
- 2.5/4.0 cumulative GPA (or above) across all programs
- MOI certificate as an alternative to the TOEFL or IELTS
- Good health and no criminal history
Key Dates & Timeline
Activity | Date Range | Notes |
---|---|---|
Online Application Opens | Jan 10, 2026 | Free online portal at turkiyeburslari.gov.tr |
Application Deadline | Feb 20, 2026 | Late applications are generally not accepted |
Shortlisting & Interviews | Mar–Apr 2026 | Online assessments; may include Turkish test |
Final Results Announcement | May 2026 | Successful candidates notified via email |
Programme Commencement | Sep–Oct 2026 | Turkish academic year starts |
How to Apply
- Register on the official portal (nothing to pay):
https://turkiyeburslari.gov.tr/applysteps facebook.com - Complete the online form with personal details, education history, and intended program.
- Upload required documents:
- Passport copy
- Degree certificates & transcripts (attested)
- MOI certificate (English medium)
- Statement of Purpose (500–1,000 words)
- Two recommendation letters
- Submit applications before the deadline and track status through your dashboard.
Americas & Beyond — Global Scholarships Without IELTS
Cover non-Asian/European options that waive IELTS, including Latin America, North America, and Middle East programs.
1.Mexican Government Scholarship
The Mexican Government Scholarship Program, run by the Mexican Agency for International Cooperation for Development (AMEXCID), offers fully funded opportunities to study at over 80 participating Mexican universities. Unlike many other programs, it waives IELTS/TOEFL if you submit a valid Medium-of-Instruction (MOI) certificate in Spanish or English
Coverage
- The entire cost of tuition for your degree program
- The monthly maintenance stipend, which is currently ≈ MXN 13,200/month, is four times the Unit of Measure and Update (UMA) iyesf.com
- Health insurance
- Round-trip airfare
- Waivers of registration and exam fees
Eligibility & Requirements
- Must be a citizen of a nation other than Mexico.
- Possess a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree (or be qualified for academic mobility)
- Exhibit superior academic standing (minimum GPA ≈ 8.0/10).
opportunitiesforAfricans.com - Present a certificate of MOI from your former school.
- Apply directly to the host institution or through the Mexican embassy in your nation.
Timeline
- Application Window: April 15 – August 31, 2025 serveafrica.info
- Selection & Notification: Rolling, through your embassy or the institution
How to Apply
- Gather documents: passport copy, transcripts, MOI certificate, SOP, recommendation letters.
- Translate all materials into Spanish or submit official translations.
- Apply at your local Mexican embassy or designated university portal.
- Track your status via email or embassy announcements.Schwarzman Scholars Progra
2.Schwarzman Scholars Program
Schwarzman Scholars is a prestigious one-year Master’s program in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University, Beijing, fully funded by philanthropist Stephen A. Schwarzman. The program waives IELTS/TOEFL if you have completed at least two years of English-medium instruction at the bachelor’s or master’s level schwarzmanscholars.orgschwarzmanscholars.org.
Coverage
- Full tuition
- Room & board at Schwarzman College
- Living stipend for personal expenses
- Round-trip airfare
- Health insurance
Eligibility & Requirements
- Non-Chinese nationals with a Bachelor’s degree by the application deadline
- Outstanding leadership potential and academic record (GPA ≥ 3.7/4.0)
- English proficiency requirement waived if you’ve studied in English for ≥ 2 years schwarzmanscholars.org
- Demonstrated commitment to global cooperation and public service
Timeline
- Opens: May 2025
- Deadline: September 20, 2025 (EDT) schwarzmanscholars.org
- Interviews: Dec 2025 – Jan 2026
- Program Starts: Aug/Sept 2026
How to Apply
Participate in interviews if shortlisted.
Secure an application spot via the official platform.
Prepare your SOP, CV, transcripts, MOI letter, and recommendations.
Submit your application and test-waiver documentation.
Step-by-Step Application Blueprint Without IELTS
Objective: Offer a comprehensive, actionable roadmap to apply successfully — from document prep to visa.
Core Sections:
Timeline Planning
Back-planning from Spring 2026 intake; key milestones (research, applications, interviews, visa)
Choosing Scholarships:
Matching your profile (field, level, region) to programs
Document Checklist (Table): DocumentPurposeNotesPassport copyID/Visa6+ months validityAcademic transcriptsEligibility proofAttestedMedium of InstructionIELTS waiverUniversity-issuedStatement of PurposeGoals & motivationTailored per scholarshipLetters of RecommendationAcademic & leadership2–3 referees
English Proficiency Alternatives:
MOI letters, university interviews, Duolingo English Test
Crafting SOP & CV:
Emphasize leadership, community impact, and career vision
Interview Prep:
Typical questions and mock practice tips
Avoiding Common Pitfalls:
Late submissions, generic SOPs, missing MOI proof
Visa Application:
Document pack for student visas, IHS, health checks
Post-Offer Action Steps:
Accept offer, arrange housing, pre-departure checklist
Conclusion & Recap
Now that you’ve studied the best IELTS-waived scholarships available in Asia, Europe, and the Americas, as well as those funded by HEC and NGOs, you’ve also mastered a comprehensive application process that includes everything from MOI certificates to exceptional SOPs and visa preparation. For up-to-date advice, network with former students, join WhatsApp or Telegram groups, and bookmark deadlines. Keep in mind that most winners don’t succeed on their first attempt, so apply to several programs, refine your responses, and remain tenacious. You are prepared to submit your application and obtain a fully funded, IELTS-free scholarship for the spring of 2026 if you have the necessary materials and this roadmap. Your future is waiting for you, so get started now!
What’s an MOI certificate?
An official letter from your university confirming your program was taught in English (or required language).
Can I apply to multiple IELTS-waived scholarships?
Yes—just customize each application to that scholarship’s criteria.
Are these scholarships for all degree levels?
Many cover Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD, but always check each program’s eligibility.
When should I start preparing?
About 9–12 months before your intended intake to secure all documents and refine your SOP.
What if I don’t win the first time?
Reapply—use feedback to strengthen your application; persistence pays off.