For many international students, IELTS can feel like one of the biggest barriers to studying abroad. The good news is that IELTS is not the only way universities can assess English proficiency.
In 2026, some universities accept alternatives such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English qualifications, previous education taught entirely in English, or an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) document. Some institutions may also provide exemptions based on where or how you previously studied.
This creates an important opportunity for students searching for scholarships abroad.
However, there is an important distinction: “studying without IELTS” does not necessarily mean that a university requires no proof of English at all. You must meet the university’s accepted English-language requirement, and scholarship applicants must still satisfy the academic and scholarship criteria.
Below are some universities and systems worth considering in 2026.
Can You Really Get a Scholarship Without IELTS?
Yes, potentially.
A scholarship application is usually connected to admission requirements, and universities determine how applicants demonstrate English proficiency.
If a university allows you to satisfy its English requirement through previous education in English, an alternative test, or an exemption, you may not need IELTS specifically.
For example, the University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies lists exemptions for certain applicants who obtained their admitting degree from a recognized institution where the language of instruction and examination was uniformly English. It also recognizes applicants who completed their admitting degree in several countries, including Nigeria, subject to the university’s conditions.
This means that an applicant may be able to pursue university admission without submitting an IELTS score if they qualify for the institution’s exemption.
The same principle can apply to scholarship opportunities attached to the university.
1. University of Toronto — Canada
The University of Toronto is one of Canada’s best-known research universities and offers numerous scholarships and funding opportunities for international students.
Its English-language requirements are program-specific, but the School of Graduate Studies provides several ways applicants can demonstrate English proficiency.
Importantly, some applicants can be exempt from an English-language proficiency examination if they obtained their admitting degree from a recognized institution where English was uniformly the language of instruction and examination. The university also lists several countries where completing the admitting degree can satisfy its exemption criteria, including Nigeria.
For applicants who do need a test, the university accepts more than IELTS. Its graduate admissions information includes TOEFL, Cambridge English and COPE among accepted options.
What this means for scholarship applicants
You should not automatically assume that you need IELTS simply because you are applying as an international student.
First determine whether your previous education qualifies you for an exemption. If it does not, check whether your program accepts another approved English test.
The scholarship itself may have additional requirements, so always check the specific award conditions.
2. Concordia University — Canada
Concordia University in Montreal is another institution worth investigating if you are looking for opportunities without IELTS.
Its School of Graduate Studies provides English-proficiency exemptions for applicants who have completed at least three full years of undergraduate or graduate study at an accredited university in certain countries where English is the primary language of instruction.
The university’s exemption list includes countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, South Africa, Uganda and the United Kingdom.
Concordia also accepts several alternatives to IELTS, depending on the program. These can include TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, PTE and CAEL.
This makes Concordia particularly interesting for applicants who have already completed substantial university education in an English-speaking academic environment.
Important condition
An exemption is not automatic for every applicant simply because they are from an English-speaking country or because their university uses English.
The university can require proof of English proficiency if it considers it necessary.
3. University of Portsmouth — United Kingdom
The University of Portsmouth is another option for international students searching for alternatives to IELTS.
The university accepts a range of English qualifications and specifically provides alternative ways to demonstrate English proficiency.
For example, its published requirements recognize certain overseas courses that were fully taught in English, provided the applicant supplies evidence from the institution confirming that the course was delivered in English for the duration of the study period.
Certain postgraduate courses also provide exemptions for applicants who already hold a UK degree or a degree from a majority English-speaking country.
Portsmouth also offers scholarships and bursaries for eligible international students, meaning students should examine both the university’s funding opportunities and its English-language requirements when planning an application.
Why this matters
A student who has already completed a degree in an English-speaking academic environment may have an alternative route to demonstrating English ability instead of automatically taking IELTS.
4. German Universities — Germany
Germany deserves serious consideration for students searching for affordable international education and alternative English-language proof.
However, Germany is different from the previous examples because admission requirements are determined by individual universities and programs.
The official uni-assist guidance explains that universities can accept different forms of English-language proof and specifically recognizes documentation showing that English was the language of instruction during previous university studies. A degree certificate or transcript can sometimes provide this evidence.
This means students should not search for a blanket list of “German universities that don’t require IELTS.”
Instead, search for English-taught programs and then examine the individual university’s accepted proof of English proficiency.
Some programs may accept an English-medium degree or other recognized evidence, while another university may still require IELTS or another standardized test.
5. Universities Accepting Duolingo English Test
If your main reason for avoiding IELTS is the cost, location or testing process, another possibility is taking an alternative English test rather than relying on an exemption.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) is accepted by some universities as an English-proficiency option.
For example, Concordia University lists the Duolingo English Test among its accepted English assessments for applicable graduate admissions. Its published requirements include a minimum DET score for relevant programs.
The advantage is that students may have another standardized testing option without taking IELTS.
However, acceptance varies by university and program. A test accepted by one institution may not be accepted by another.
6. Universities Accepting PTE Academic
PTE Academic is another alternative that international students should investigate.
Some universities accept PTE scores instead of IELTS. Concordia University’s graduate admissions information, for example, lists PTE among accepted English-language tests.
PTE can be useful for students who prefer computer-based testing or who already have a valid PTE result.
Again, check the exact program requirements before booking the examination.
7. Universities Accepting Cambridge English Qualifications
Cambridge English qualifications can also provide an alternative to IELTS.
The University of Toronto’s School of Graduate Studies lists Cambridge C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency among its accepted English-language qualifications, with minimum scores specified by the university.
This can be particularly useful for students who have already completed an accepted Cambridge English qualification.
What Is a Medium of Instruction Certificate?
One of the most frequently discussed IELTS alternatives is the Medium of Instruction certificate, commonly called an MOI certificate.
An MOI document is generally an official letter from your previous educational institution confirming the language used to teach your program.
For example, the document might state that:
The language of instruction and examination for the program was English.
The exact wording and requirements vary between universities.
Some institutions may accept an MOI document directly, while others may require a standardized English test even if your previous education was conducted in English.
For example, uni-assist explains that English-medium university education can be demonstrated through documents such as a degree certificate or transcript confirming English as the language of instruction.
What Should an MOI Certificate Contain?
If a university accepts an MOI document, it should ideally be issued officially by your educational institution.
It may include:
- Your full name
- Name of the institution
- Name of your program
- Dates of study
- Confirmation that English was the language of instruction
- Confirmation that examinations were conducted in English, where applicable
- Official signature or authorization
- Institutional stamp or verification
- Contact details for verification
Do not create an MOI document yourself.
The university may contact your previous institution to verify the information.
Other IELTS Alternatives Universities May Accept
Depending on the institution and program, alternatives may include:
TOEFL
TOEFL is one of the most widely recognized alternatives to IELTS.
PTE Academic
PTE is accepted by a growing number of universities and can be an alternative to IELTS for eligible programs.
Duolingo English Test
Some universities accept the DET, particularly for certain academic programs.
Cambridge English
C1 Advanced and C2 Proficiency may be accepted by some institutions.
Previous Education in English
Some universities allow applicants to demonstrate that they previously completed their education in English.
University English Tests
Some universities may offer their own assessment or pathway program instead of requiring an external test.
English Language Pathway Programs
Students who do not meet the direct English requirement may sometimes complete an approved English-language program before beginning their main academic program.
Does “No IELTS” Mean “No English Requirement”?
No.
This is one of the most important things students need to understand.
A university advertising an application pathway without IELTS may still require proof that you can study successfully in English.
For example, a university may accept:
IELTS OR TOEFL OR PTE OR Duolingo OR an English-medium degree.
In this situation, IELTS is not mandatory, but English proficiency is still required.
Other universities may offer exemptions for applicants who meet specific educational or nationality-based criteria.
Always read the official admission requirements before assuming that you qualify.
Does the Scholarship Also Have an English Requirement?
Potentially.
Scholarships can have requirements separate from the university’s general admission requirements.
A scholarship may require:
- Academic excellence
- Leadership experience
- Community involvement
- Research achievements
- Financial need
- Specific nationality
- A particular field of study
- Admission to a specific program
- A personal statement
- Recommendation letters
- Proof of English proficiency
Therefore, being eligible for an IELTS exemption at a university does not automatically mean that every scholarship offered by that university will have identical requirements.
Read the scholarship’s official terms carefully.
How to Find Scholarships Without IELTS in 2026
Instead of searching only for the phrase “scholarships without IELTS,” use a more effective strategy.
Search for:
“University name + English language requirements”
Then search:
“University name + international scholarships 2026”
Finally, compare the two sets of requirements.
Look specifically for phrases such as:
- English proficiency exemption
- English-medium education
- Medium of Instruction
- Previous degree taught in English
- Alternative English tests
- TOEFL accepted
- PTE accepted
- Duolingo accepted
- Cambridge English accepted
- University English assessment
This approach is more reliable than relying on websites that publish long lists of universities supposedly offering “IELTS-free scholarships.”
Documents You May Need
If you are applying without IELTS, prepare your documentation carefully.
Depending on the university, you may need:
- Academic transcripts
- Degree certificates
- Medium of Instruction letter
- Proof of previous English-medium education
- TOEFL/PTE/DET/Cambridge results, if applicable
- Passport
- CV or résumé
- Statement of purpose
- Recommendation letters
- Research proposal for certain graduate programs
- Scholarship-specific documents
Make sure names and dates are consistent across your documents.
Can Nigerian Students Apply Without IELTS?
Potentially, yes.
This is especially important because several universities have specific English-language exemption policies that may apply to applicants who completed their previous education in Nigeria.
For example, the University of Toronto lists Nigeria among the countries whose applicants may qualify for an English-language exemption when the relevant admitting-degree conditions are satisfied.
Concordia University also includes Nigeria on its graduate English-proficiency exemption list for applicants who meet its study-duration and institution requirements.
However, Nigerian citizenship alone does not automatically guarantee an IELTS exemption. The university may require evidence of your previous education and the language of instruction.
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad without IELTS is possible in some circumstances, but students should understand that “without IELTS” does not mean “without English proficiency requirements.”
The most realistic alternatives include previous education conducted entirely in English, a Medium of Instruction certificate, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge English qualifications, or an approved university pathway.
Universities such as the University of Toronto, Concordia University and the University of Portsmouth provide examples of institutions where certain applicants can meet English-language requirements through alternatives or exemptions. Germany also offers opportunities where individual universities may recognize previous English-medium education, although requirements vary by program.
If you are searching for a scholarship, do not focus exclusively on finding an institution that says “IELTS not required.”
Instead, identify universities offering scholarships in your field, check their official English requirements, determine whether you qualify for an exemption or alternative test, and then review the scholarship’s separate eligibility conditions.
Most importantly, verify everything directly with the university before paying an application fee, accepting an offer or submitting immigration documents.
No IELTS does not mean no opportunity. It means you need to find the English-proof pathway that matches your academic background.