The high cost of the IELTS exam, preparation time, and test pressure have become major challenges for many international students. To reduce this barrier, several countries and universities are now offering scholarships without IELTS for the 2026 academic year.
Countries like Canada, Germany, Sweden, Hungary, Qatar, and France are offering fully funded and partially funded scholarships without IELTS.
Can You Study Abroad Without IELTS in 2026?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most widely accepted standardized tests to measure English language proficiency. It evaluates four skills: Speaking, Listening, Writing, and Reading. For many students, IELTS is a mandatory requirement for studying abroad, applying for jobs, or immigration purposes.
Below is a verified and organized list of major scholarships available without IELTS in 2026.
1. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
The Swedish Institute Scholarships are among the most prestigious government-funded scholarships in Europe. These scholarships aim to develop future global leaders.
Scholarship Benefits
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Full tuition fee coverage
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Monthly stipend of 12,000 SEK
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Medical insurance
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Travel grant
IELTS Requirement
IELTS is not mandatory if you can provide alternative English proficiency proof, such as:
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Previous degree taught in English
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TOEFL or other accepted tests
Application Link
🔗 https://si.se/en/apply/scholarships/
2. SBW Berlin Scholarship (Germany)
The SBW Berlin Scholarship is designed for talented international students who want to pursue higher education in Germany.
Scholarship Benefits
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Full tuition fee
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Free accommodation
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Living expenses and monthly allowance
IELTS Requirement
IELTS is not compulsory. Universities may accept:
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Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
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Other English language proof
Application Link
🔗 https://www.sbw.berlin/scholarship/
3. Doha Institute Scholarships – Tamim & SANAD (Qatar)
The Doha Institute for Graduate Studies offers two major scholarship types: Tamim Scholarship and SANAD Scholarship.
Scholarship Benefits
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Full tuition fee
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Free accommodation
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Monthly stipend
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Comprehensive health insurance
IELTS Requirement
IELTS is not always required. English proficiency may be assessed through:
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Academic background
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Institutional evaluation
Application Link
🔗 https://www.dohainstitute.edu.qa/EN/Admissions/Pages/Scholarships.aspx
4. University of Debrecen – Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship at the University of Debrecen is a fully funded program supported by the Government of Hungary.
Scholarship Levels
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Bachelor’s
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Master’s
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PhD
Scholarship Benefits
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100% tuition fee waiver
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Monthly stipend
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Accommodation support
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Medical insurance
IELTS Requirement
IELTS is not mandatory for many programs. Alternative English proof is accepted, including:
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English-medium prior education
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University English assessment
Application Link
🔗 https://stipendiumhungaricum.hu/
5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship allows students to study in multiple European countries under a single master’s program.
Scholarship Benefits
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Full tuition fee waiver
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Monthly living allowance
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Travel and relocation costs
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Insurance coverage
IELTS Requirement
IELTS is not compulsory for all programs. Many Erasmus programs accept:
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TOEFL
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Duolingo
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English-medium certificates
Application Link
6. ENS International Selection Scholarship (France)
The École Normale Supérieure (ENS) in France offers the International Selection Scholarship to outstanding students.
Scholarship Benefits
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Monthly allowance of €1,000
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Duration: 3 years
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Accommodation support
IELTS Requirement
IELTS is not strictly required. English proficiency may be proven through:
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Academic records
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Internal evaluation
Application Link
🔗 https://www.ens.psl.eu/en/academics/admissions/international-selection
7. University of Pécs Scholarship 2026 (Hungary)
The University of Pécs Scholarship 2026 offers international students the opportunity to study in Hungary without tuition fees.
Scholarship Benefits
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Fully funded program
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100% tuition fee waiver
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Covers all study-related expenses
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Available for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD programs
IELTS Requirement
IELTS is not mandatory for many study programs. English proficiency alternatives are accepted.
Application Link
🔗 https://international.pte.hu/scholarships
8. University of Szeged Scholarships 2026 (Hungary)
The University of Szeged is one of Hungary’s top-ranked public universities and a popular destination for international students. The university offers several institutional scholarships and government-supported funding options that allow students to study without IELTS.
Available Study Levels
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Bachelor’s
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Master’s
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PhD
Scholarship Benefits
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Full or partial tuition fee waiver
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Monthly stipend (program-dependent)
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Accommodation support
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Health insurance
IELTS Requirement
IELTS is not mandatory for many programs. Students may submit:
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Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
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Previous degree taught in English
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University English proficiency assessment or interview
Application Link
🔗 https://u-szeged.hu/english/scholarships
9. Charles University Scholarships 2026 (Czech Republic)
Charles University, the oldest and most prestigious university in Central Europe, offers multiple faculty-based and government-supported scholarships for international students, many of which do not strictly require IELTS.
Available Study Levels
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Bachelor’s
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Master’s
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Doctoral programs
Scholarship Benefits
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Tuition fee reduction or full waiver
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Monthly financial support (varies by faculty)
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Access to student dormitories
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Health insurance options
IELTS Requirement
IELTS is not compulsory for all programs. Accepted alternatives include:
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English-medium prior education
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Internal language examination
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TOEFL or other recognized tests
Application Link
🔗 https://cuni.cz/UKEN-726.html
10. University of Milan Scholarships 2026 (Italy)
The University of Milan is one of Italy’s leading public universities and offers merit-based scholarships for international students enrolling in English-taught programs.
Available Study Levels
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Bachelor’s
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Master’s
Scholarship Benefits
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Tuition fee waivers
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Annual scholarships covering living costs
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Accommodation assistance
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Access to regional (DSU) scholarships
IELTS Requirement
Many programs allow students to apply without IELTS by submitting:
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Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
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Alternative English tests
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University language evaluation
Application Link
🔗 https://www.unimi.it/en/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships
Accepted Alternatives to IELTS (Important)
Most universities listed above accept one or more of the following:
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Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate
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TOEFL iBT
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Duolingo English Test
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University English proficiency certificate
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Online interview or internal assessment
Always check the specific university requirements before applying.
The availability of scholarships without IELTS in 2026 has opened new doors for international students who previously struggled with English test requirements. From Sweden and Germany to Hungary, France, Qatar, and across Europe, students can now pursue fully funded or partially funded education using alternative language proof.
