For students aiming to study overseas, the IELTS exam often feels like just another hurdle. It costs money, needs dedicated preparation, and sometimes means traveling to a specific test center. But what if you could bypass the IELTS requirement? The encouraging part is that certain universities and scholarship programs are open to alternative proofs of English proficiency. Depending on your specific circumstances, you might be able to submit evidence like a degree taught in English, a formal Medium of Instruction letter, your WAEC or NECO results, or scores from another recognized English language test.
It’s important to remember, though, that bypassing IELTS doesn’t mean English language requirements are entirely dropped. Every university and program has its own set of rules. This guide is designed to help you find legitimate opportunities, understand what alternatives might be acceptable, and how students from Nigeria and across Africa can get their documents ready for submission. We’ll also cover what details you should double-check before sending in your application.
What Does “Without IELTS” Actually Mean?
The phrase “without IELTS” is often used loosely online.
You may see scholarship websites promising opportunities where IELTS is supposedly not required. While some of these claims are legitimate, others leave out an important detail: the university may still require evidence that you can study in English.
IELTS is simply one way of demonstrating English proficiency.
Depending on the university, other possibilities may include:
- A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter.
- A previous degree taught in English.
- WAEC or NECO English results.
- TOEFL.
- PTE Academic.
- Duolingo English Test.
- Cambridge English qualifications.
- An institutional English assessment.
- An exemption based on your country or previous education.
Therefore, the real question is not always:
“Can I study abroad without IELTS?”
A better question is:
“What English-language evidence does my chosen university accept instead of IELTS?”
That small change in approach can make your scholarship search much more productive.
Scholarship Requirements and University Requirements Are Different
This is one of the most important things to understand before applying.
A scholarship organization and a university can have completely different requirements.
For example, a scholarship provider may not ask for IELTS when you submit your scholarship application. However, after receiving a scholarship, you may still need to satisfy the English-language requirements of the university offering your degree.
Chevening is a useful example. The program removed its own English-language requirement in 2020, but applicants must still meet the English requirements of their chosen UK university. Chevening English language requirement
This means you should investigate two things separately:
The scholarship:
Does the scholarship application require IELTS?
The university:
Does the university require IELTS or another form of English evidence for admission?
You need to satisfy both sets of requirements.
How to Find Scholarships That Do Not Require IELTS
Instead of relying on random lists on social media, start with official sources.
A reliable research process looks like this:
1. Find the scholarship
Look for government scholarships, university scholarships and international scholarship programs.
2. Read the official eligibility requirements
Check:
- Nationality requirements.
- Academic qualifications.
- Age restrictions, if applicable.
- Work experience requirements.
- Degree requirements.
- Language requirements.
- Application deadlines.
3. Identify the university
Some scholarships allow you to choose from several universities, while others are connected to particular institutions.
4. Check the university’s English requirements
Search the university website for terms such as:
- English language requirements
- English proficiency
- International students
- English language exemption
- Medium of Instruction
- Country-specific requirements
5. Check the specific course
Do not stop at the university’s general admission page.
Some courses have higher English requirements than others.
6. Confirm the alternative
If the university says IELTS can be waived, find out exactly what you need instead.
That could be an MOI letter, WAEC, NECO, another test or a specific academic qualification.
Can a Medium of Instruction Letter Replace IELTS?
For some applicants, an MOI letter can be one of the most useful alternatives.
MOI stands for Medium of Instruction.
It is an official document from your previous school or university confirming that your program was taught and assessed in English.
Imagine you completed a bachelor’s degree at a Nigerian university where all your lectures, assignments and examinations were conducted in English.
You may be able to request a letter from your university confirming this.
Some universities accept such documentation as evidence of English proficiency.
However, you should never assume that an MOI letter will automatically be accepted.
The receiving university makes that decision.
What Should an MOI Letter Contain?
Requirements vary, but an official letter may need to include:
- Your full name.
- Your degree program.
- The name of your institution.
- Your period of study.
- Confirmation that the program was taught in English.
- Confirmation that assessments were conducted in English.
- Official university letterhead.
- An authorized signature or stamp.
Before requesting one, check the university’s exact requirements.
Can WAEC or NECO Be Used Instead of IELTS?
For some Nigerian applicants, secondary-school English results may provide another possible route.
Some universities accept WAEC or NECO English results if the applicant meets the required grade and other conditions.
However, acceptance varies.
For example, a university might require a particular grade in English, while another institution might accept a Nigerian university degree taught in English instead.
The important thing is to check the university’s country-specific requirements rather than assuming that every institution follows the same rule.
If you already have:
- WAEC,
- NECO,
- a bachelor’s degree,
- an English-medium diploma,
you may already have evidence that could be useful for your application.
English Proficiency Alternatives You Should Know
IELTS is only one of several recognized English tests.
Here’s how some common alternatives compare:
| Alternative | What it provides | Who might use it |
|---|---|---|
| MOI letter | Confirmation that previous education was taught in English | Students who studied in English |
| WAEC | Secondary-school English result | Eligible Nigerian applicants |
| NECO | Secondary-school English result | Eligible Nigerian applicants |
| TOEFL | Standardized English assessment | International applicants |
| PTE Academic | Computer-based English test | Applicants whose university accepts PTE |
| Duolingo English Test | Online English assessment | Applicants to participating institutions |
| Cambridge English | Recognized English qualification | Applicants who already hold the qualification |
Remember that acceptance depends on the university.
One institution may accept Duolingo while another may not. One may accept an MOI letter while another insists on a standardized test.
Major Scholarships to Research
There are several major international scholarship programs worth researching. However, applicants should avoid assuming that one English-language rule applies to all universities participating in a particular program.
Chevening Scholarship
Chevening is a UK government scholarship program for eligible international applicants.
As mentioned earlier, Chevening itself no longer has a separate English-language requirement. Nevertheless, your chosen university can still have its own English requirement.
Therefore, applicants should check the admission conditions of each university they select.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are another major opportunity for international students.
They involve master’s programs delivered by partnerships between higher-education institutions.
Some selected programs offer scholarships that can contribute towards tuition, travel and living costs.
However, there is no single English-language requirement that applies to every Erasmus Mundus program.
Each master’s program publishes its own requirements.
You can review the official Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters information when researching individual programs.
MEXT Scholarship
Japan’s MEXT scholarship is another government-funded opportunity that attracts international applicants.
The scholarship covers different categories and study levels, so requirements vary according to the particular route.
Applicants should read the current application guidelines for their country and scholarship category rather than relying on an old article claiming that MEXT universally does not require IELTS.
Global Korea Scholarship
South Korea’s Global Korea Scholarship is another program worth researching.
The scholarship can provide significant financial support depending on the program and category.
Again, applicants should check both the current scholarship guidelines and the admission requirements of their selected university.
What Documents Should You Prepare?
Finding an opportunity is only the beginning.
Once you find a suitable scholarship, you need to prepare your documents early.
Common requirements include:
- International passport.
- Academic certificates.
- Academic transcripts.
- WAEC or NECO certificate.
- CV.
- Personal statement.
- Motivation letter.
- Recommendation letters.
- Research proposal, where applicable.
- Proof of English proficiency.
- Medium of Instruction letter, where applicable.
- Employment documents, where required.
Not every scholarship requires all these documents.
Always follow the official checklist.
Why Should You Start Early?
Some documents can take longer than expected.
For example, obtaining:
- an official transcript,
- recommendation letter,
- MOI letter,
- certified academic document,
may require contacting your university.
Waiting until two days before the deadline can put unnecessary pressure on you.
How to Request a Medium of Instruction Letter
If your university accepts requests for MOI letters, contact the appropriate office.
This could be:
- Registry.
- Academic Affairs.
- Exams and Records.
- Graduate School.
- Faculty office.
- International office.
Explain that you need an official document confirming that your program was taught and assessed in English.
Make sure the information on the document matches your academic records.
If the university abroad has specified wording for the letter, provide those instructions to your former institution.
How Nigerian Students Can Approach the Process
Nigerian students should pay particular attention to country-specific admission pages.
Some universities publish separate guidance for applicants from Nigeria.
This can tell you whether they accept:
- WAEC.
- NECO.
- Nigerian university degrees.
- English-medium qualifications.
- MOI letters.
This is useful because you may discover that you do not need to immediately pay for an English test.
But do not assume that one university’s policy applies to another.
For example, having an English-medium Nigerian degree accepted by University A does not automatically mean University B will accept it.
Always verify the current policy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Trusting every “No IELTS” list
Some websites publish long lists of scholarships without explaining the university requirements.
Use these lists for ideas, but verify everything on the official scholarship and university websites.
Mistake 2: Confusing admission with scholarship eligibility
You might qualify for a scholarship but still fail to meet the university’s admission requirements.
Both matter.
Mistake 3: Assuming an MOI letter works everywhere
It doesn’t.
Always confirm acceptance before relying on it.
Mistake 4: Using outdated information
University requirements change.
A scholarship article published several years ago may no longer reflect current requirements.
Mistake 5: Ignoring your course requirements
The university may have one general English policy but a particular course may have additional requirements.
Mistake 6: Waiting until the deadline
Give yourself enough time to obtain documents and correct mistakes.
Mistake 7: Paying people who promise guaranteed scholarships
Be cautious about anyone promising guaranteed admission or scholarships in exchange for money.
Use official application channels whenever possible.
How to Make Your Scholarship Application Stronger
Not needing IELTS does not automatically make a scholarship application competitive.
Your application still needs to tell a convincing story.
Write a focused personal statement
Your statement should explain:
- Your academic background.
- Your career goals.
- Why you chose the program.
- Why the opportunity matters.
- What you intend to accomplish afterwards.
Avoid filling the essay with generic statements.
Choose relevant referees
Select people who actually know your academic or professional work.
A detailed recommendation is generally more useful than a generic letter.
Show evidence of your achievements
Instead of simply saying that you are hardworking, demonstrate it through:
- Academic projects.
- Leadership.
- Volunteering.
- Employment.
- Community involvement.
- Research.
- Professional achievements.
Follow instructions carefully
Scholarship applications are often detailed.
Check every requirement before submitting.
A Simple Four-Step Application Strategy
If you are new to scholarship applications, don’t make the process unnecessarily complicated.
Step 1: Research
Create a spreadsheet containing:
- Scholarship name.
- Country.
- University.
- Degree.
- Deadline.
- Funding.
- English requirement.
- Application website.
Step 2: Shortlist
Remove opportunities where you clearly do not meet the eligibility requirements.
This saves time.
Step 3: Prepare
Start gathering documents before the application opens or well before the deadline.
Step 4: Apply
Complete the application carefully and review everything before submitting.
Applying to fewer suitable programs can be more productive than sending rushed applications everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a scholarship without IELTS?
Some scholarships and universities do let you show English skills in ways other than the standard tests. But what exactly they accept really comes down to the specific program and school you’re looking at.
What can I use instead of IELTS?
You could also consider things like an MOI letter, or exams like WAEC, NECO, TOEFL, PTE Academic, or the Duolingo English Test, among other recognized qualifications. Just remember that different universities will accept different things.
Can Nigerian students study abroad without IELTS?
Yes, some universities provide exemptions or accept other forms of English evidence from Nigerian applicants. You should check the current requirements of your chosen institution.
What is an MOI letter?
An MOI letter is an official document confirming the language in which your previous program was taught and assessed.
Does every university accept an MOI letter?
No. Some universities accept it, while others require IELTS or another recognized English qualification.
Can WAEC replace IELTS?
In some cases, yes. Certain universities accept WAEC English results if the applicant meets their conditions. Always check the university’s specific requirements.
Are scholarships without IELTS fully funded?
Not necessarily. “Without IELTS” describes an English-language requirement, while “fully funded” describes financial coverage. They are two separate things.
Is IELTS the only English test accepted by universities?
No. Depending on the institution, alternatives may include TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test and Cambridge English qualifications.
Should I take IELTS before applying for scholarships?
Not necessarily. First check whether your target universities accept an alternative. If IELTS is required and you do not have another accepted qualification, you may need to take the test.
Final Thoughts
The idea of studying abroad without IELTS can sound complicated because scholarship requirements and university admission requirements are often mixed together online. Once you separate the two, the process becomes much easier to understand.
You do not necessarily need to take IELTS before researching international opportunities. Start by checking what your existing qualifications can do for you. Your WAEC, NECO, university degree or an official Medium of Instruction letter may be accepted by some institutions.
The most important thing is verification.
Don’t rely solely on a social-media post or an old scholarship article. Go to the official scholarship website, identify the university, check the exact course requirements and confirm what the institution accepts as proof of English proficiency.
With careful research, proper documentation and a strong application, you may find opportunities that fit your academic background without making IELTS the first step in your study-abroad journey.