What is the IELTS and Do You Really Need It for Scholarships?
Every year, thousands of students dream of studying abroad with the help of fully funded scholarships. One of the questions that often pops up is: "Do I need to write IELTS for scholarships?" If you’re wondering the same thing, this guide will help you understand what the IELTS is, whether you need it, and how to deal with it smartly.
What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It’s a standardized test that measures your English language proficiency across four areas:
- Listening
- Reading
- Writing
- Speaking
There are two types of IELTS tests:
- IELTS Academic – For those applying for higher education or professional registration.
- IELTS General Training – For migration and work purposes.
Your results come as a band score (0–9), and most universities or programs usually require a score between 6.0 to 7.5.
Do You Really Need IELTS for Scholarships?
Not always. Some scholarships and universities require it — others don’t. Here’s how it breaks down:
When IELTS is required:
- If the university is in an English-speaking country (UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) and has strict language proficiency rules.
- If you’re from a country where English is not the official language.
- Some competitive scholarships (like Chevening or Commonwealth) may prefer or require it.
When IELTS is not required:
- If you studied in English and can get a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your school.
- Some countries/universities accept alternatives like TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, or Cambridge exams.
- Many scholarships now waive English tests entirely — especially for African and Asian students.
Tip: Always check the official scholarship website or university admission page to know their exact language requirements.
Scholarships That Don’t Require IELTS (or Offer Alternatives)
Here are some popular scholarship programs that either waive IELTS or accept alternatives:
- Türkiye Burslari Scholarships (link)
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany) – MOI is often accepted (link)
- Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC) (link)
- Hungary Government Scholarships (Stipendium Hungaricum) (link)
- Russian Government Open Doors Scholarship (link)
- Mexican Government Scholarships (link)
Some universities in countries like France, Poland, Norway, Finland, and Malaysia also offer English-taught programs without requiring IELTS.
What You Should Do Instead
- Check if your chosen scholarship or university accepts a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter.
- Search for scholarships by filtering "no IELTS" or "no language test" on platforms like:
If you still want to take IELTS:
- Prepare with free resources like IELTS Liz, IELTS Buddy, and British Council Practice.
FAQs About IELTS and Scholarships
Q: Is IELTS mandatory for every scholarship?
A: No. Many scholarships do not require IELTS or accept other proofs of English proficiency.
Q: Can I use a WAEC/NECO English result instead of IELTS?
A: Some universities accept WAEC/NECO as proof if you studied in an English-speaking environment. Always confirm with the school.
Q: Is Duolingo Test easier than IELTS?
A: It’s more affordable and can be done at home, but not all institutions accept it.
Conclusion
IELTS can be important, but it’s not always necessary. With smart research, you can find many scholarship programs that don’t require it or accept other forms of English proof. Focus your energy on finding the right opportunities — and if you ever need IELTS, start early and prepare smart.