Scholarships Without IELTS: Alternatives and Application Guide

Every year, thousands of Nigerian applicants search for scholarships that do not need IELTS. The reasons are understandable. The test costs money, test centres can be fully booked, and many applicants studied entirely in English from primary school to university. It feels strange to prove something you have done all your life.

The honest answer is more useful than the headline. A few scholarships do not ask for an English test result at the application stage. Almost none remove the need to prove your English somewhere along the way. The proof usually moves to a different place, such as your university admission, and it often accepts a different form of evidence, such as a letter confirming that your degree was taught in English, your WAEC English grade, or another recognised test.

This guide is for Nigerian students and graduates who want to apply for international scholarships and need to understand where IELTS is genuinely required, where it can be replaced, and how to avoid losing a scholarship over a document you could have prepared months earlier. It explains the three separate English requirements that applicants confuse, the alternatives that universities actually accept, how specific programmes handle English, and a step-by-step process you can follow. It ends with common mistakes, scam warnings, and answers to practical questions.

A note on timing: this article was researched on 31 October 2026. Several of the best-known programmes closed their 2027/28 rounds in October 2026, and the status of each is stated clearly below so that you do not waste effort on a closed call.

Key Information at a Glance

Item	What to know
Short answer	Some scholarships do not require an English test for the scholarship application itself, but the university, programme, or visa process usually still needs English evidence.
Who this helps	Nigerian undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral applicants
Chevening 2027/28	Closed. The deadline was 6 October 2026.
Commonwealth Master’s 2027/28	Closed. The deadline was 20 October 2026.
Nigeria’s Commonwealth nomination exercise	Federal Ministry of Education notice set a 20 October 2026 deadline.
Stipendium Hungaricum 2027/28	The Hungarian Embassy in Abuja said the call had not yet been published when its page was checked.
Türkiye Bursları	The 2026 window ran in early 2026. Check the official portal for the next call.
Erasmus Mundus	Each joint master’s sets its own deadline and English rules.
Best official source	The scholarship provider’s own website, then the university’s English-language requirements page

The Honest Answer: “Without IELTS” Rarely Means “Without English Proof”

Think of English proof as something you must satisfy, not something you can skip. IELTS is only one way to satisfy it.

A listing that says “no IELTS required” can mean several different things:

The scholarship provider itself does not ask for a test score, but the university will.
The programme accepts a medium of instruction letter from your previous university instead of a test.
The programme accepts any of several tests, such as TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo, so IELTS is simply not named.
Applicants from some countries are exempt, but Nigeria may not be on the exemption list.
The programme gives conditional admission, with English to be proved before you start.

Treat “no IELTS” as a prompt to ask a more precise question: what exact evidence will be accepted, by whom, and by when?

Be sceptical of blanket claims. Some websites say most universities in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia waive English tests for Nigerians because English is Nigeria’s official language. That is an oversimplification. Real university policies vary widely. One US university’s published test requirements state that it does not accept a medium of instruction letter as a substitute for an English test, and that letters from applicants or institutions will not be accepted. San José State University says it does not accept English medium of instruction in place of an exam such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A UK university such as Cardiff, on the other hand, acknowledges that Nigeria is an English-speaking country but still asks students to show their English ability so the university can comply with UK immigration rules.

The practical lesson is that Nigeria’s official language status helps you in some places and not in others. Never assume.

Three Different English Requirements You Must Not Confuse

Most confusion comes from mixing up three separate requirements. Each one has its own rules, its own decision-maker, and its own acceptable evidence.

1. The scholarship provider’s requirement

This is what the funder asks for when you apply for the award. Some funders ask for a test score. Others ask for nothing at this stage. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission is a clear example. Its Master’s page states that it does not require any candidates to take an IELTS test.

2. The university or programme requirement

This is what the institution that will admit you requires before it makes an unconditional offer. This is where most applicants who thought they were “exempt” get caught. A scholarship can be funded and still collapse if your university does not accept your English evidence.

3. The immigration requirement

This applies if you need a student visa. For the UK, study at degree level or above requires English equivalent to CEFR level B2, while below degree level requires B1. Whether you need a specific test for the visa depends partly on your university, which the UK section below explains.

When a scholarship says no test is needed, always ask which of these three it is talking about.

What Can Replace IELTS? The Main Alternatives Explained

Universities and scholarship programmes accept a range of alternatives. Which ones count depends entirely on the institution, so use this as a menu of possibilities, not a guarantee.

Other recognised English tests

Many institutions accept tests other than IELTS. The most common are TOEFL iBT, Pearson PTE Academic, and Cambridge English qualifications. A 2026 UK government review, as summarised by one study-abroad guide, found that 94 percent of surveyed higher education providers accepted PTE and 89 percent accepted TOEFL. Duolingo English Test and some others are accepted by some institutions, but acceptance is much less consistent. For example, one Erasmus Mundus programme’s FAQ states plainly that Duolingo is not a valid test for that programme. A Canadian university’s policy lists a minimum Duolingo score of 120 as one of its accepted options.

Swapping IELTS for another test only helps if the specific programme accepts it. Check the exact list before you pay for any test.

If you already took IELTS and missed one component, ask about retakes. For example, the Royal Veterinary College says it accepts IELTS One Skill Retake if the scores achieved meet its requirements. This policy is not universal, but it can save you from retaking the whole test.

A medium of instruction (MOI) letter

An MOI letter is an official letter from your previous university stating that your degree was taught and assessed in English. It is one of the most useful documents for Nigerian postgraduate applicants. Several Erasmus Mundus programmes accept it. The PlantHealth joint master’s, for example, says that a letter from your university confirming that your bachelor’s degree was fully taught in English will be accepted. Another programme says that applicants who studied in English can provide an official confirmation or MOI certificate instead of a test result.

But MOI letters are not accepted everywhere. A Norwegian university’s admissions page states that letters of proficiency from universities are not approved to meet its English requirement. The same applicant may therefore succeed with a letter at one institution and be rejected at another.

WAEC or NECO English results

Many UK universities explicitly accept a WAEC or NECO English grade, often at C6 or above, as proof of English. Specific examples appear in the UK section below. Check three things: the minimum grade, the age of the result, and whether your course has a higher language requirement.

Be aware that some universities reserve this option for lower language requirements. One UK university’s Nigeria page says that for courses requiring IELTS 7.0 or above, WAEC or NECO results will not be accepted and a standard English test is required.

A degree taught in English

Your Nigerian bachelor’s or master’s degree may count on its own, especially for postgraduate entry. The University of Manchester states that for postgraduate applicants it can waive the English requirement when the applicant can show that a Nigerian degree was taught entirely in English. The University of Birmingham says that for postgraduate programmes, Nigerian nationals with a degree from Nigeria or another English-speaking country on its approved list are not required to submit an English test.

The university’s own assessment

Some institutions assess English through an interview, a written task, or another internal method. UK universities that hold a student sponsor licence have particular flexibility here, as explained below.

A pre-sessional English course

A pre-sessional is a course you take before your degree starts. If you pass, the English condition on your offer is considered met. Warwick’s FAQ explains that meeting the entry requirements and successfully completing the pre-sessional will satisfy the English condition of your offer, and the CAS for the main degree is issued only after completing it.

Pre-sessionals usually cost extra money and time, and some scholarships do not allow them. That is covered in the Chevening section.

Work or other experience evidence

A small number of institutions consider workplace or other evidence of English use on a case-by-case basis. For example, one UK medical school’s waiver form lists several categories of evidence and states that completing the form does not guarantee a waiver, and it reserves the right to include English as a condition of an offer. Do not count on this route unless the institution explicitly offers it.

Studying in the UK Without IELTS: How the Rules Really Work

The UK is the destination most Nigerians ask about, so it deserves its own section.

What UK immigration actually requires

For a UK Student visa at degree level or above, higher education institutions that are visa licence sponsors can choose how they assess a student’s English. The university’s own assessment is then recorded when it issues the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). The same guidance notes that for foundation, pathway, and other below-degree courses, you may need a Secure English Language Test.

In plain terms:

If you are going to a UK university for a bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD, the university generally decides what proof of English it accepts. It does not have to be IELTS.
If your course is below degree level, such as some foundation or pathway courses, you may need an approved Secure English Language Test (SELT).
Whatever the university uses must still show English at the required level.

Immigration rules change, so check the current gov.uk page for the Student visa before you rely on any summary, including this one. Your admissions team can also confirm how it will record your English on your CAS.

What UK universities accept from Nigerians

The following examples come from the universities’ own published Nigeria or English-language pages, as found during research. They show how much policies differ. Confirm each current rule before relying on it.

University	Published position for Nigerian applicants (as found)
University of Aberdeen	Applicants from Nigeria can use a WASSCE (WAEC or NECO) certificate with English at minimum C6 to meet its English requirement.
University of Manchester	Postgraduate English requirement can be waived where the Nigerian degree was taught entirely in English.
University of Birmingham	Postgraduate Nigerian applicants with a degree from Nigeria on its approved list do not need an English test; WAEC English at C or above is sufficient for foundation and undergraduate programmes.
University of Gloucestershire	Considers an English proficiency or MOI letter from Nigerian students who completed their degree at a recognised Nigerian university, with the degree valid for 10 years.
University of Stirling	Its postgraduate waiver table lists Nigeria WAEC, C6 or above in English.
Heriot-Watt University	Its Nigeria postgraduate guidance states that there is no time limit on the WAEC, WASSCE, or NECO qualification.
Leeds Beckett University	WAEC or NECO C6 can meet requirements, but not for courses requiring IELTS 7.0 or above.
Cardiff University	Asks students from Nigeria to demonstrate English ability to comply with UKVI rules.

Notice the pattern. Some universities waive English for degrees taught in English. Some rely on WAEC grades. Some want an MOI letter. Some still want evidence for compliance reasons. Your target university’s own Nigeria page is the only reliable source.

Why you should still check the validity period

Where tests are required, they usually have a shelf life. The University of Bristol’s policy states that if an English test is required, it must have been obtained within the past two years. Exeter likewise says its accepted tests are valid for two years before the programme starts. An old certificate can quietly become useless. Timing matters even when you hold a result.

Scholarship by Scholarship: How Major Programmes Treat English

This section covers the programmes Nigerians ask about most. Each entry says what English evidence is needed, what is open, and what to watch for. None of this is an endorsement, and ElitesPortal has no partnership with any of these programmes.

Chevening (UK Government)

English rule for the scholarship application: Chevening’s own FAQ states that its English language requirement was removed in 2020. You do not upload a test score to apply.

The catch: Chevening still requires you to obtain an unconditional offer from a UK university. One guide that summarises Chevening’s official position explains that candidates must still meet all of their chosen university’s requirements and obtain an unconditional offer from one of their three course choices by the deadline. If your university attaches an English condition, you must meet it.

Pre-sessional warning: The same guide reports that Chevening’s course guidance does not permit applicants to meet a university’s English requirement by enrolling in or paying for a pre-sessional English course. I read this through a secondary summary. Check the current statement on chevening.org before you plan around a pre-sessional.

Current status: The 2027/28 round is closed. Applications closed on 6 October 2026 at 11:00 UTC. Per the published timeline, results come from mid-June 2027, and the deadline for an unconditional offer is 17:00 BST on 8 July 2027. If you applied, your English plan is now urgent, because your chosen universities’ conditions must be cleared before July 2027. If you did not apply, the next cycle is expected around the same time next year, but confirm this on the official site when it is announced. The 2027/28 round opened on 4 August 2026, and the previous round closed on 7 October 2025.

Practical lesson: Chevening without IELTS is a real thing. Chevening without any English evidence is not.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (UK)

English rule: The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission’s Master’s page says directly that the CSC does not require any candidates to take an IELTS test.

The catch: Like Chevening, the scholarship eventually depends on a UK university admitting you. The CSC states that applicants must apply for admission to their preferred universities in advance of the scholarship application, and that if a selected candidate has not applied and been accepted for a course, it may not be possible to proceed. Your university’s English requirements therefore still apply.

Nigeria-specific route: You do not apply to the CSC alone. The CSC’s page explains that applications go through a nominating body, and that the CSC does not accept direct applications for these scholarships. The Federal Ministry of Education’s 2027/28 notice invited Nigerian graduates to apply through the Electronic Application System. It required a first degree of at least Second Class Upper for a master’s, admission into at least two UK institutions, and evidence of NYSC.

Current status: The 2027/28 call is closed. The CSC page says the closing date was 16:00 BST on Tuesday 20 October. The Ministry’s notice set 20 October 2026 as the submission date for its own exercise. Nominators were expected to send candidates to the CSC by December 2026, with outcomes expected by July 2027, according to the CSC page.

What it covers (verified from the CSC page): Tuition fees, approved airfare, a monthly stipend of £1,712 or £2,000 for universities in the London area, and a study travel grant. The CSC states that it does not charge a fee to apply through its system.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (Europe)

Erasmus Mundus is not one scholarship. It is a family of joint master’s programmes, each run by a consortium of universities. Each programme sets its own English rules, deadlines, and scholarship selection. That makes it a promising route for applicants who studied in English but also a minefield.

Here is what I found in the programmes’ own published materials:

Some accept an MOI letter instead of a test. PlantHealth says a letter from your university confirming that your bachelor’s was fully taught in English will be accepted. The MATHS-DISC call says the same for applicants who carried out their studies in English with an official confirmation or MOI certificate.
Some say the letter is acceptable but a certificate strengthens the application. PlantHealth also notes that including an English certificate will help strengthen the application.
Some programmes accept a list of tests or an MOI, with exemptions for graduates of universities in certain English-speaking countries. ME3+ lists approved tests or medium of instruction attested by the university.
Some programmes reject certain tests. EU-CONEXUS states Duolingo is not a valid test for that programme.

What to do: Choose two or three programmes in your field and read each programme’s own application page, not a third-party list. Look for the exact words “medium of instruction,” and check whether the letter must be on letterhead, signed, or issued within a certain period. I did not verify any currently open Erasmus Mundus call, so check each programme’s page for deadlines.

DAAD and German universities

DAAD scholarships for study in Germany are tied to the English-taught programme you choose, and the proof of English follows the programme. DAAD does not publish a single rule that fits every case.

What I found shows the range. DAAD’s Ghana office states that for courses taught entirely in English, applicants must show proof through TOEFL or IELTS scores, but a letter of proof of English proficiency in place of scores will suffice in most cases for those whose entire bachelor’s and secondary education were in English. That is useful guidance, but it comes from a regional office and not from each programme.

Individual programmes can be stricter. A DAAD-funded master’s programme at one German university requires certified proof of English proficiency such as a TOEFL or IELTS report, and, separately, a university certificate confirming English as the language of instruction if the entire bachelor’s was in English. Another programme’s FAQ asks applicants unable to take a test before a short deadline to provide whatever proof they have, such as a university confirmation of English instruction, but states that this does not replace TOEFL or IELTS.

Takeaway: For DAAD-related awards, read the specific programme’s document list. An MOI letter can help, but do not assume it removes the test requirement.

Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)

English rule: Language requirements are set by the host university and the programme. A Hungarian medical school’s page notes that applicants must meet the Tempus Public Foundation’s requirement of B2 on the CEFR. Individual faculties then list which certificates or exemptions they accept, and these differ by programme.

Nigeria-specific process: The Hungarian Embassy in Abuja states that for Nigerian applicants, you must submit a complete online application and be nominated by Nigeria’s sending partner, the Federal Scholarship Board. The embassy does not receive applications or carry out nominations. The Federal Scholarship Board may set an earlier local deadline.

Current status: The embassy page says that the deadline for the 2026/2027 academic year was 15 January 2026, and that the call for 2027/2028 had not yet been published, so there was no open application. Monitor the official Stipendium Hungaricum website and the Federal Scholarship Board for the 2027/28 call.

Funding note: The embassy explains that Nigeria’s BEA funding has been discontinued, and since 2025/2026 the scholarship has been covered only by the Hungarian government. Read the current call for exactly what is covered.

Türkiye Bursları (Türkiye Scholarships)

English rule: The official Türkiye Scholarships application page says that for programmes needing a language certificate, candidates must provide an internationally recognised language certificate such as TOEFL or an equivalent. Whether a certificate is required depends on the programme you choose. Some third-party guides say a document confirming English-medium education is generally accepted. Treat that as unverified until the official portal says so for your chosen programme.

The Turkish language year: Awardees who do not hold a C1 Turkish certificate, including those placed in English-taught programmes, must attend a one-year Turkish preparatory course. If you are looking at this scholarship to avoid language effort, note that you will need to study Turkish.

Current status: I could not verify the next application window. The 2026 round ran from January into February, with one report that the deadline was extended from 20 February to 25 February 2026. Check the official portal early in 2027 and do not rely on third-party “expected” dates.

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

GKS is another programme where the answer depends on level and track. The 2027 undergraduate application checklist states that official language test certificates are not required for all GKS applicants, though TOPIK or recognised English test reports may be considered in evaluation if submitted.

For graduate degrees, the 2024 guidelines I found show that an English-score requirement applied to a specific major, with exemptions for applicants from a country where English is an official language, or who earned a degree at a university whose medium of instruction was English. That was a 2024 document, so check the 2027 graduate guidelines for current rules. Also remember that universities may have their own requirements beyond the GKS minimum.

I did not verify a currently open GKS call. Check the official NIIED and Korean embassy announcements.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Fulbright is a poor fit if your goal is to avoid English tests. One earlier Nigeria call reproduced by a Nigerian university said that applicants needed to meet the minimum score on required standardised tests, including a TOEFL score of 90. That was from the 2021/22 cycle, and I could not confirm the current Nigeria call or its English rules. If you plan to apply, read the current U.S. Mission Nigeria announcement, and expect to need a recognised test.

Studying in the US, Canada, and Elsewhere Without IELTS

Outside the UK, the same principle holds: policy is institutional.

US universities mostly use TOEFL, IELTS, or other tests, and waiver rules vary. Some accept an MOI document. Others, as the San José State example shows, do not accept letters of medium of instruction as a substitute for an exam. If your target is a US scholarship, start with the university’s graduate admissions page and search for “English proficiency waiver.”

Canadian universities often have a waiver process. The University of Winnipeg’s policy explains that students may request a waiver and must provide supporting documentation to the Admissions Office. Requirements differ by programme, and professional programmes may have stricter language benchmarks.

Application platforms sometimes handle waivers on behalf of universities. ApplyBoard’s Nigeria FAQ says that English tests are generally waived for Nigerian applicants on its platform, but some schools may still request official proof during review, and some institutions accept WAEC results only at a credit pass or higher. Remember that a platform’s general statement does not override a specific university’s decision.

If a university grants a waiver by email, keep that email. Ask for the waiver confirmation in writing and upload it with your scholarship application where possible.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Scholarship Without Taking IELTS

This process works for most programmes. Adjust it to the provider’s own instructions.

Step 1: Define your target programme and level

Decide whether you are applying for undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral study, and choose the destination countries. English evidence differs sharply by level. Doctoral applicants often face different rules from master’s applicants, and below-degree courses in the UK can need a SELT.

Step 2: Read the scholarship provider’s English rule

Go to the scholarship provider’s official page and find the sentence that deals with English. Write it down exactly. Note whether it says the scholarship needs a score, whether the university decides, or whether the rule depends on your programme. If the page is vague, note that and move to Step 3.

Step 3: Read your target university’s English rule for your nationality

Go to the university’s own international or English-language requirements page and look for a Nigeria page or a country-specific table. Identify exactly which of these it accepts: a test, a WAEC or NECO grade, an MOI letter, a degree taught in English, or an internal assessment. Record the minimum grade or level, any time limit, and whether a higher course requirement overrides the waiver.

Step 4: Ask the university in writing

If the page is unclear, email the admissions or international office. Be specific. A vague question such as “Can I apply without IELTS?” gets a vague answer. A good message names your course, your degree, the language of instruction, and the evidence you can supply. For example, you can say that you completed a four-year bachelor’s degree at a named Nigerian university, taught and assessed in English, and ask whether an MOI letter from the registrar’s office would satisfy the English requirement for a named programme and intake.

Keep the reply. If the answer is “yes,” ask whether the confirmation can be noted on your application.

Step 5: Obtain your evidence early

If the university accepts an MOI letter, request it from your university right away (see the next section). If it accepts WAEC or NECO, locate your certificate and check whether your English grade meets the minimum. Do not wait until the scholarship deadline to discover that your university letter takes weeks.

Step 6: Decide whether you need a backup test

If the evidence is uncertain, consider whether sitting a test as a safety net is worth the cost. The cost of an unexpected English condition can be a lost scholarship place. Do not book a test in a hurry. First confirm which tests your target programmes accept.

Step 7: Apply to the university and the scholarship in the right order

Some scholarships need university admission before or alongside the scholarship application. Chevening, for example, requires an unconditional offer by a later deadline. The CSC expects you to have applied for admission in advance. Read the sequence on the official timeline and plan backwards from the final date.

Step 8: Submit using the official portal

Complete the application on the provider’s official portal. Do not use agents who ask you for money to “unlock” a waiver. Upload the required documents in the format asked, and keep copies and confirmation emails.

Step 9: Prepare for conditions

If you receive a conditional offer with an English condition, ask how it must be met and by when. Confirm whether a pre-sessional is allowed under your scholarship. Do not sign up for a paid pre-sessional until you have checked with the scholarship provider.

Step 10: Check your application status through the official channel

Where the provider has an applicant account, use it. Where no public tracking exists, use the provider’s stated contact channel. Do not trust unofficial “status checkers.” For Hungary, the embassy says it does not provide updates on individual cases and sends applicants to the Federal Scholarship Board. Always follow the instructions shown on the official website, because portal layouts change.

How to Get a Medium of Instruction Letter From a Nigerian University

An MOI letter is one of the most common substitutes for IELTS, so here is how to approach it. I am describing the general approach, because I could not verify a single standard process across Nigerian universities. Each institution handles these requests its own way, so ask your university what applies.

Who to contact: Start with your university’s registrar’s office, academic affairs, or the department that handles transcripts and certificates. If you are unsure, ask your department’s administrative officer which office issues letters of this kind.

What the letter should say:

Your full name exactly as on your certificate
The degree awarded and the programme title
The years of study
A clear statement that the language of instruction and assessment was English
The university’s name, address, and contact details
A signature, an official stamp or seal if the university uses one, and a date

What to check against the receiving institution’s rules:

Whether the letter must come directly from the university to the admissions office
Whether it must be on letterhead
Whether it must be recent. For example, one US university states that MOI letters must indicate that instruction occurred within the previous five years.
Whether the receiving institution keeps a list of approved universities. Aberdeen, for example, refers applicants to an approved MOI universities list.
Whether a statement on the transcript or degree certificate is enough

Timing: Ask early and ask in writing. Universities can be slow, and you may need several copies.

Never alter the letter. Do not edit, forge, or generate an MOI letter yourself. Some sites advertise “MOI certificate generators.” A fabricated document can lead to rejection, revoked scholarships, and bans from future applications. Only the awarding institution can issue a genuine letter.

Documents and Preparation Checklist

Document	Why it matters
Degree certificate and transcripts	Show your qualification and the programme taught
MOI letter	Can replace a test where accepted
WAEC or NECO certificate	Accepted by some universities at a set English grade
Passport	Needed for identity and eligibility checks
NYSC evidence (if required)	Required by Nigeria’s Commonwealth nomination notice
References	Many scholarships need academic or professional referees
Personal statement or study plan	Core selection document
Written university replies about English	Evidence of any waiver you were granted
Backup English test result (optional)	Protects you if a waiver is refused

Costs and Money Matters

Be realistic about money, because “no IELTS” does not mean “no cost.”

Test fees vary by test, provider, and exchange rate. Check the official booking page of any test you consider.
Document costs can include transcripts, certified copies, translations if a document is not in English, and courier fees.
Pre-sessional courses can add significant cost and may not be fundable by your scholarship. Check this before you accept.
Application fees: The CSC says it does not charge a fee to apply through its online system. Many other scholarships also charge nothing. Be suspicious of anyone who charges you to “secure” a scholarship.
Visa costs and funds: These are separate from the scholarship and vary by country. A scholarship may or may not cover them. Read the benefits section of the provider’s call.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Treating the scholarship’s rule as the only rule. The scholarship may not need a test, but the university may. Always check both.

Assuming Nigeria is exempt everywhere. It is not. Policies differ by institution and by course.

Relying on a blog list of “no IELTS scholarships.” Such lists are often outdated or oversimplified. Even lists that carry caveats can mislead. Use them only as a starting point and verify on the official site.

Waiting too long to ask for an MOI letter. Letters can take time. Start months before the deadline.

Ignoring the validity of old results. Many institutions only accept recent test results, often within two years.

Choosing programmes with higher language requirements. A demanding course can override a general waiver. Always read the course-level page.

Planning to use a pre-sessional when the scholarship forbids it. Check this before you accept an offer.

Applying for a closed call. Several major 2027/28 rounds closed in October 2026. Do not spend time on closed applications. Use that time to prepare for the next cycle.

Ignoring the nominating body. The Commonwealth and Stipendium Hungaricum routes for Nigerians go through the Federal Scholarship Board. Missing the local deadline can end your application, even if the central deadline is later.

Submitting a weak English document. Make sure the letter is signed, dated, and says what the receiving institution requires.

Safety, Legitimacy, and Scam Prevention

Scholarship scams often target people searching for “easy” routes, and “no IELTS” is a popular hook. Protect yourself with these checks.

Official source only. Apply only through the provider’s official website. Check the web address carefully, because scam sites imitate real ones.
Do not pay for a promised waiver. No genuine scholarship provider sells exemptions from English requirements.
Be cautious with agents. A legitimate agent can help you apply to universities, but should never promise guaranteed scholarships or take money to “release” an award.
Never share passwords or full banking details with anyone claiming to process your scholarship.
Question guarantees. No one can guarantee you a scholarship.
Verify email addresses and phone numbers against the official website before responding. For Nigerian nominations, use the Federal Scholarship Board contact details published on official government pages.
Never use forged documents. Fake MOI letters or certificates can disqualify you permanently.
Check “nomination” claims. If someone says they can get you nominated for a scholarship that uses a national nominating body, verify with that body.

If a message pressures you with extreme urgency, asks for money, or contacts you from a free email address while claiming to represent a major scholarship, stop and verify independently.

A Realistic Timeline for the Next Cycle

Based on verified 2026 dates, here is a planning outline for applicants who missed the 2027/28 deadlines. Dates for later cycles are unconfirmed and are shown only as patterns, not promises.

Programme	Verified 2026 pattern	What to do now
Chevening	2027/28 round ran 4 August to 6 October 2026	Prepare documents, shortlist courses, and watch the official site for the next call
Commonwealth Master’s	Closed 20 October 2026	Prepare early, watch the Federal Scholarship Board and CSC for the next call
Stipendium Hungaricum	2026/27 closed 15 January 2026; 2027/28 call unpublished when the embassy page was checked	Watch the official site and the Federal Scholarship Board
Türkiye Bursları	2026 window ran early in the year	Check the official portal early in 2027
Erasmus Mundus	Varies by programme	Shortlist programmes and read each one’s English rules
GKS	Not verified	Check NIIED and Korean embassy announcements

Use the time before the next call to gather documents, request your MOI letter, and decide whether to take a backup test. Applicants who prepare in the quiet months usually avoid the panic that causes avoidable mistakes.

Alternatives If You Cannot Avoid an English Test

Sometimes the honest answer is that you will need a test. If so, consider these options:

Check whether your target programmes accept a test other than IELTS that is easier for you to book.
Ask whether a one-skill retake is possible if you narrowly missed one band.
Confirm whether a conditional offer is allowed, and what the deadline for clearing the condition is.
Compare programmes whose English requirements are lower.
Look at scholarships that assess English through their own process, but verify that process on the official site.

Choose the cheapest reliable route that the programme definitely accepts, and avoid paying for any test before you confirm acceptance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a fully funded scholarship without any proof of English?
It is very unlikely. Even where a scholarship asks for no test score, the university and the visa process usually require some evidence. That evidence may be a letter, a WAEC grade, or a degree taught in English instead of a test.

Does Chevening require IELTS?
No. Chevening’s English language requirement was removed in 2020. But you still need an unconditional university offer, and your university may require English evidence.

Does the Commonwealth Scholarship need IELTS?
The CSC says it does not require any candidates to take an IELTS test. Your chosen university may still set its own English requirement.

Is WAEC English enough?
Sometimes. Aberdeen accepts WASSCE English at C6 or above from Nigerian applicants, for example. But other universities do not, and some courses with higher requirements reject WAEC. Check the specific course page.

Is an MOI letter accepted everywhere?
No. Some institutions and programmes accept it. Others, such as the Norwegian university and the US university cited above, do not. Always check before relying on it.

Is the Duolingo English Test accepted?
By some institutions only. One Canadian university lists it with a minimum score, while one Erasmus Mundus programme rejects it. Confirm the specific programme.

Do I need IELTS for a UK student visa?
Not necessarily. For degree-level study at a licensed higher education provider, the university can choose how it assesses your English. Below degree level, you may need a Secure English Language Test. Check the current gov.uk guidance and ask your university.

Can a pre-sessional course replace IELTS?
At many universities, passing a pre-sessional satisfies the English condition. But Chevening reportedly does not permit this route, so check your scholarship’s rules before enrolling.

How long do English test results stay valid?
Often two years. Bristol’s policy, for example, requires that a test, if required, have been obtained within the past two years.

What if my transcript does not say my degree was taught in English?
Request an MOI letter from your university. Where the receiving institution accepts it, the letter is the document that states this clearly.

Are “scholarships without IELTS” lists reliable?
Treat them as starting points only. Some list scholarships that do not need IELTS for the application but require English evidence later. Always confirm on the official provider and university pages.

Should I take IELTS anyway as insurance?
It depends on cost, time, and risk. If your target programme definitely accepts your alternative evidence in writing, you may not need to. If acceptance is uncertain and the scholarship is valuable, a backup test can be a reasonable safeguard.

Conclusion

The idea of getting a scholarship without IELTS is valid, but only when you understand what it means. A scholarship may not ask for a test score, yet the university, the programme, or the visa process will still want proof of your English. For many Nigerian applicants, that proof can be a letter confirming English-medium study, a WAEC or NECO grade, a degree taught in English, or a different recognised test, depending on the institution.

Your next step is concrete. Choose three target programmes. For each one, read the scholarship provider’s English rule and the university’s rule for Nigerian applicants. Email the admissions office for written confirmation of what it will accept. Then start collecting the documents, beginning with your MOI letter. Do this before the next call opens, and treat any claim you cannot verify on an official site as unconfirmed.

PART 4: INTERNAL LINKING PLAN

All items below are proposed future articles, not verified existing pages. Confirm the URLs before publishing.

Suggested article title	Suggested anchor text	Placement
How to Write a Scholarship Personal Statement (Nigerian Applicants)	write a strong personal statement	Step 7 and Conclusion
Scholarship Application Checklist and Document Guide	scholarship application checklist	Documents section
Chevening Scholarship Guide for Nigerians	Chevening application guide	Chevening section
Commonwealth Scholarship for Nigerians: Full Guide	Commonwealth scholarship guide	Commonwealth section
Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: How to Choose a Programme	Erasmus Mundus programme guide	Erasmus Mundus section
Stipendium Hungaricum for Nigerians: Step-by-Step	Hungary scholarship guide	Hungary section
How to Spot Fake Scholarship Offers	scholarship scam warning signs	Scam section
How to Write Scholarship Recommendation Letters	recommendation letter guide	Documents section

Use each link once or twice at most, with descriptive anchors.