2025 Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS and TOEFL
Introduction
For many international students, pursuing higher education abroad is a dream, but language proficiency requirements like IELTS or TOEFL scores can pose significant barriers. Fortunately, there are numerous fully funded scholarships for 2025 that do not require IELTS or TOEFL scores. These scholarships provide the opportunity for students from all over the world to access top-quality education, foster cultural exchange, and build global networks without the pressure of standardized language proficiency tests. In this guide, we will explore various fully funded scholarships that are available in 2025, how to apply for them, and what alternatives exist for demonstrating English language proficiency.

Understanding Fully Funded Scholarships
Fully funded scholarships offer a comprehensive financial package that covers the total cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, travel allowances, and sometimes even health insurance. These scholarships are typically awarded to international students based on merit, need, or specific program criteria. The main advantage of fully funded scholarships is that they alleviate financial stress, allowing students to focus entirely on their studies and academic development. Furthermore, they offer the chance to experience different cultures, gain global exposure, and create lasting connections with people worldwide. For international students looking to study abroad without worrying about the financial burden, these scholarships present an excellent opportunity.
Top Scholarships for 2025 Without IELTS and TOEFL
- DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers numerous fully funded scholarships for international students in Germany. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, health insurance, and travel costs. Many DAAD scholarships do not require IELTS or TOEFL scores. Instead, universities often assess the applicant’s English proficiency based on previous education or other qualifications.
Learn more about DAAD Scholarships - Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (European Union)
Erasmus Mundus offers fully funded scholarships to international students for various joint master’s and doctoral programs across multiple European universities. This program covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and insurance. English proficiency requirements may be waived for students who have completed prior education in English.
Explore Erasmus Mundus Scholarships - Turkey Burslari Scholarships (Turkey)
Turkey Burslari offers fully funded scholarships to international students from various countries, covering tuition fees, accommodation, living expenses, and travel. The program does not mandate IELTS or TOEFL scores for applicants. Students can demonstrate English proficiency through alternative methods such as their prior academic records in English-medium institutions.
Turkey Burslari Scholarships Details - University-Specific Scholarships Without English Proficiency Tests
Several universities around the world offer fully funded scholarships that do not require IELTS or TOEFL scores. Some examples include:- University of Vienna (Austria)
- University of Antwerp (Belgium)
- University of Milano-Bicocca (Italy)
These universities may accept students who have completed their previous education in English or offer alternative English proficiency assessments.
Explore University of Vienna Scholarships Explore University of Antwerp Scholarships Explore University of Milano-Bicocca Scholarships
- Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) offers fully funded scholarships for postgraduate studies in the UK. These scholarships cover tuition fees, airfare, and living allowances. While most universities in the UK require IELTS or TOEFL, the CSC provides alternative methods for proving English proficiency, such as a previous degree in an English-medium institution.
Commonwealth Scholarships Information - Chinese Government Scholarships (China)
China’s government offers various fully funded scholarships for international students to study at Chinese universities. These scholarships cover tuition fees, accommodation, and a living allowance. Some Chinese universities accept students without IELTS or TOEFL scores, provided they have a strong academic background or previous education in English.
Explore Chinese Government Scholarships - Australia Awards Scholarships (Australia)
The Australian Government offers the Australia Awards Scholarships to students from developing countries, providing full tuition, travel expenses, and living costs. Some Australian universities may waive IELTS or TOEFL requirements for students who have studied in English-medium institutions.
Learn about Australia Awards Scholarships
Additional list of the top scholarship programs-2025 Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS and TOEFL
1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
DAAD offers a wide range of scholarships for international students across various disciplines in Germany. Many DAAD scholarships do not require IELTS or TOEFL scores, and they can be replaced by proof of English proficiency from previous studies in English.
- Website: DAAD Scholarships
2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (European Union)
Erasmus Mundus provides fully funded scholarships for international students to pursue master’s and doctoral programs across Europe. English proficiency may be waived for students who have previously studied in English.
- Website: Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
3. Turkey Burslari Scholarships (Turkey)
These scholarships are available for international students wishing to study in Turkey. The program covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses, with no requirement for IELTS or TOEFL if the student has prior English education.
- Website: Turkey Burslari Scholarships
4. Chinese Government Scholarships (China)
The Chinese government offers scholarships that cover tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Some Chinese universities accept international students without IELTS or TOEFL, provided they have completed prior education in English.
- Website: Chinese Government Scholarships
5. Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
The Commonwealth Scholarships Commission offers fully funded scholarships for postgraduate studies in the UK. While IELTS or TOEFL scores are typically required, the commission allows for alternatives like proof of a previous degree in English.
- Website: Commonwealth Scholarships
6. University of Vienna Scholarships (Austria)
The University of Vienna offers various scholarships to international students. Some scholarships do not require IELTS or TOEFL if applicants provide proof of prior English language education.
- Website: University of Vienna Scholarships
7. University of Antwerp Scholarships (Belgium)
The University of Antwerp provides scholarships for international students, and certain programs do not require IELTS or TOEFL if the student has studied in an English-medium institution.
- Website: University of Antwerp Scholarships
8. University of Milano-Bicocca Scholarships (Italy)
University of Milano-Bicocca offers scholarships for international students, especially in graduate programs. English proficiency may be assessed via previous English language education.
9. University of Geneva Excellence Scholarships (Switzerland)
The University of Geneva offers fully funded scholarships to international students. Some programs waive IELTS or TOEFL requirements if previous education was in English.
10. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
The Chevening Scholarships provide full funding for international students to study in the UK. IELTS or TOEFL may be waived for students who meet the university’s requirements for English proficiency through other means.
- Website: Chevening Scholarships
11. Rhodes Scholarships (UK)
The Rhodes Scholarships offer full financial support for international students to study at the University of Oxford. Some applicants may qualify for an English proficiency waiver based on their academic background.
- Website: Rhodes Scholarships
12. Gates Cambridge Scholarships (UK)
Gates Cambridge Scholarships are awarded to international students pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Cambridge. English proficiency requirements may be waived for certain students.
- Website: Gates Cambridge Scholarships
13. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) (Singapore)
The SINGA award offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing Ph.D. programs in Singapore. Applicants may not need IELTS or TOEFL if they have prior English-medium education.
- Website: SINGA Scholarships
14. Monash University International Leadership Scholarships (Australia)
Monash University offers fully funded scholarships for international students with no IELTS or TOEFL requirement if applicants have completed an English-medium degree.
- Website: Monash University Scholarships
15. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships (Australia)
These scholarships cover full tuition, living costs, and other expenses for international students. If you have completed previous education in English, you may not need IELTS or TOEFL.
- Website: University of Melbourne Scholarships
16. University of Toronto International Scholarships (Canada)
The University of Toronto offers various fully funded scholarships for international students. Some programs may waive the IELTS/TOEFL requirement for students who have completed their undergraduate degree in English.
- Website: University of Toronto Scholarships
17. McGill University Scholarships (Canada)
McGill University provides scholarships for international students, including those without IELTS/TOEFL, depending on prior English-medium education.
- Website: McGill University Scholarships
18. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholarships (Canada)
UBC offers fully funded scholarships for international students. In certain cases, students can bypass IELTS/TOEFL if they have an English-based academic background.
- Website: UBC International Scholarships
19. University of New South Wales (UNSW) International Scholarships (Australia)
UNSW provides fully funded scholarships for international students. English proficiency requirements may be waived for students with a degree from an English-speaking institution.
- Website: UNSW Scholarships
20. University of Sydney International Scholarships (Australia)
The University of Sydney offers fully funded scholarships to international students. Students with prior English education may not need IELTS or TOEFL scores.
- Website: University of Sydney Scholarships
21. University of Queensland International Scholarships (Australia)
The University of Queensland offers fully funded scholarships for international students. English proficiency may be proven with prior English-medium education.
22. Duke University Scholarships (USA)
Duke University offers scholarships for international students through various programs, including merit-based scholarships. IELTS/TOEFL may be waived for students who studied in English.
- Website: Duke University Scholarships
23. Stanford University Scholarships (USA)
Stanford offers various fully funded scholarships for international students. English proficiency can sometimes be proven through previous English-based education.
- Website: Stanford Scholarships
24. Harvard University Scholarships (USA)
Harvard offers a range of financial aid and scholarships for international students, which may not require IELTS/TOEFL scores under certain conditions.
- Website: Harvard University Scholarships
25. Yale University Scholarships (USA)
Yale University provides fully funded scholarships for international students. English proficiency may be waived based on academic history in English.
- Website: Yale University Scholarships
26. Princeton University Scholarships (USA)
Princeton offers fully funded scholarships for international students. TOEFL/IELTS waivers are available for students with an English-based education.
- Website: Princeton University Scholarships
27. University of Oxford Scholarships (UK)
Oxford offers fully funded scholarships for international students, and some programs may waive IELTS/TOEFL if students have completed an English-language degree.
- Website: Oxford Scholarships
28. Imperial College London Scholarships (UK)
Imperial College offers fully funded scholarships for international students. Some programs waive the need for IELTS/TOEFL based on previous education in English.
- Website: Imperial College Scholarships
29. University of California, Berkeley (USA)
UC Berkeley offers scholarships that cover full tuition and living expenses for international students. IELTS/TOEFL waivers are available for students who have studied in English.
- Website: UC Berkeley Scholarships
30. Australian National University (ANU) Scholarships (Australia)
ANU provides fully funded scholarships to international students. English proficiency may be demonstrated through prior academic records in English.
- Website: ANU Scholarships
31. University of Warwick Scholarships (UK)
Warwick offers fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate degrees. Some scholarships waive the IELTS/TOEFL requirement for those with English-medium degrees.
- Website: University of Warwick Scholarships
32. University of Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships (UK)
The University of Edinburgh offers research scholarships for international students. English proficiency can be waived for those who have completed their education in English.
- Website: University of Edinburgh Scholarships
33. KU Leuven Scholarships (Belgium)
KU Leuven offers fully funded scholarships for international students. Some programs accept students with previous English education without requiring IELTS or TOEFL.
- Website: KU Leuven Scholarships
34. Humboldt University of Berlin Scholarships (Germany)
Humboldt University offers a range of fully funded scholarships, and some programs do not require IELTS/TOEFL if students have prior English education.
- Website: Humboldt University Scholarships
35. University of Copenhagen Scholarships (Denmark)
The University of Copenhagen offers scholarships for international students in various fields of study. Some programs may exempt students from English proficiency tests.
36. University of Oslo Scholarships (Norway)
The University of Oslo offers fully funded scholarships for international students, and English proficiency may be waived for students with previous degrees in English.
- Website: University of Oslo Scholarships
37. University of Helsinki Scholarships (Finland)
The University of Helsinki provides scholarships for international students. Some scholarships do not require IELTS/TOEFL for students from English-medium institutions.
- Website: University of Helsinki Scholarships
38. KAIST University Scholarships (South Korea)
KAIST provides fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing undergraduate and graduate programs. English proficiency may be waived for students with prior English education.
- Website: KAIST Scholarships
39. Seoul National University Scholarships (South Korea)
Seoul National University offers fully funded scholarships for international students in various disciplines. Students who have studied in English-medium schools can bypass IELTS/TOEFL.
40. Chalmers University of Technology Scholarships (Sweden)
Chalmers offers fully funded scholarships for international students in various technical fields. IELTS/TOEFL may be waived if students have previously studied in English.
- Website: Chalmers University Scholarships
41. University of Gothenburg Scholarships (Sweden)
The University of Gothenburg offers scholarships to international students, and some programs may not require IELTS or TOEFL if prior studies were conducted in English.
42. Stockholm University Scholarships (Sweden)
Stockholm University offers various scholarships for international students, with IELTS/TOEFL waivers available for students with English academic backgrounds.
- Website: Stockholm University Scholarships
43. Aalto University Scholarships (Finland)
Aalto University offers scholarships for international students pursuing postgraduate studies. Students with previous English education may be exempt from IELTS/TOEFL.
- Website: Aalto University Scholarships
44. University of Auckland Scholarships (New Zealand)
The University of Auckland offers fully funded scholarships for international students. IELTS/TOEFL can be waived if the applicant’s previous education was in English.
- Website: University of Auckland Scholarships
45. Victoria University of Wellington Scholarships (New Zealand)
Victoria University of Wellington offers scholarships for international students with full funding. Students who have studied in English may be exempt from IELTS or TOEFL.
46. Leiden University Scholarships (Netherlands)
Leiden University offers fully funded scholarships for international students, and some programs do not require IELTS or TOEFL if students have studied in English.
- Website: Leiden University Scholarships
47. Radboud University Scholarships (Netherlands)
Radboud University offers fully funded scholarships for international students, and IELTS/TOEFL may be waived for applicants who have prior English education.
- Website: Radboud University Scholarships
48. University of Twente Scholarships (Netherlands)
The University of Twente offers scholarships for international students with full funding. IELTS/TOEFL waivers are available for students from English-medium institutions.
- Website: University of Twente Scholarships
49. University of St Andrews Scholarships (UK)
St Andrews offers a variety of scholarships for international students, and certain programs do not require IELTS/TOEFL for students with English education backgrounds.
50. University of Sussex Scholarships (UK)
The University of Sussex offers fully funded scholarships for international students, with the possibility of waiving IELTS/TOEFL for applicants with English-medium education.
- Website: University of Sussex Scholarships
This comprehensive list of scholarships offers a variety of opportunities for international students to pursue fully funded studies without the need for IELTS or TOEFL. Ensure you check the specific eligibility requirements and application details for each scholarship program through the provided links.
Eligibility Criteria for Scholarships
Eligibility requirements for fully funded scholarships vary by program and country but generally include:
- Academic Qualifications: Most fully funded scholarships require applicants to have a strong academic record, often with a specific minimum GPA or degree qualifications. For instance, some scholarships may require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree for postgraduate scholarships.
- Age Limits: Some scholarships may have age restrictions, particularly for postgraduate programs. Typically, scholarships targeting postgraduate students will specify age limits, such as applicants being under 35 years old.
- Nationality Requirements: Many scholarships are country-specific or targeted at students from particular regions. However, some scholarships are open to applicants worldwide.
- Program-Specific Requirements: Certain scholarships may be available only for specific fields of study or research areas, such as STEM programs or social sciences.
- Language Proficiency: Although many scholarships waive the IELTS and TOEFL requirement, students may still need to meet alternative language proficiency criteria, such as proof of prior education in English.
Application Process for Scholarships
Applying for fully funded scholarships typically involves several steps:
- Prepare Your Documents:
- Transcripts and Academic Records: You will need to submit your academic transcripts and certificates from your previous institutions.
- Recommendation Letters: Most scholarships require two or three letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or mentors who can vouch for your academic or professional abilities.
- Personal Statement or Essay: A compelling personal statement or essay is often required to explain why you are a suitable candidate for the scholarship. It should highlight your achievements, goals, and how the scholarship aligns with your aspirations.
- Proof of English Proficiency: If the scholarship requires an English proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL, you may need to submit your scores. Alternatively, you may need to show evidence of previous education in English.
- Submit Your Application: Carefully follow the instructions provided by each scholarship program. Ensure you meet all deadlines and submit the correct documents through the appropriate application portals.
- Interview Process: Some scholarships may include an interview as part of the selection process. Prepare for potential interviews by reviewing your application, the scholarship’s goals, and how the program aligns with your future plans.
- Meet the Deadlines: Ensure you submit your applications well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues. Many scholarship programs have strict deadlines that must be adhered to.
Language Proficiency Alternatives
While IELTS and TOEFL are the most common English language proficiency tests, some scholarships provide alternatives. Here are some options:
- English Language Programs: Some universities offer pre-sessional English language programs that help students improve their English before starting their degree programs.
- Previous Education in English: If you have completed your previous education in an English-medium institution, you may be exempt from language proficiency tests. Some scholarships accept a letter from your previous institution confirming that your education was conducted in English.
- Other Language Tests: Some universities and scholarships accept other language tests like the Pearson Test of English (PTE) or Cambridge English qualifications.
Tips for Securing Scholarships
To increase your chances of receiving a fully funded scholarship:
- Build a Strong Academic Profile: Ensure you maintain a high GPA, participate in extracurricular activities, and develop skills relevant to your chosen field of study.
- Network with Alumni and Current Students: Networking can provide valuable insights and tips about applying for scholarships. Alumni and current students can share their experiences and advice on how to stand out in your application.
- Use Scholarship Search Engines: Websites like Scholarships.com, Fastweb, and Chegg Scholarships offer databases of scholarships you can search based on criteria such as location, field of study, and language proficiency.
- Write a Strong Personal Statement: Your personal statement or essay should clearly explain why you are a good fit for the scholarship, your academic goals, and how the scholarship will help you achieve them.
Success Stories of Scholarship Recipients
Many students have successfully received fully funded scholarships without IELTS or TOEFL by following the right steps and preparing their applications thoroughly. For example, Aisha from Pakistan received a DAAD Scholarship to study in Germany. She had completed her undergraduate degree in an English-medium university and was able to waive the IELTS requirement. She advises future applicants to highlight their academic achievements and experiences in their personal statement to stand out.
Another success story is James from Nigeria, who won an Erasmus Mundus Scholarship. James did not have TOEFL scores but was able to demonstrate his English proficiency through his English-taught bachelor’s degree. He credits his success to strong letters of recommendation and persistence in the application process.
Section 8: Frequently Asked Questions
How can I find fully funded scholarships without IELTS or TOEFL?
You can search for these scholarships by visiting scholarship portals, university websites, and checking with government-sponsored scholarship programs like DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, or Turkey Burslari.
What documents are required for these scholarships?
Typical documents include academic transcripts, recommendation letters, personal statements, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), and application forms.
Are there scholarships available for postgraduate studies as well?
Yes, many fully funded scholarships are available for both undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Programs like Erasmus Mundus and DAAD provide opportunities at the master’s and Ph.D. levels.
How can I improve my chances of receiving a scholarship?
To improve your chances, maintain strong academic performance, engage in extracurricular activities, and submit a well-written personal statement that highlights your goals and achievements.
Conclusion
Fully funded scholarships provide an excellent opportunity for international students to pursue higher education without the burden of financial worries. With numerous scholarships available for 2025 that do not require IELTS or TOEFL, students can focus on their studies and immerse themselves in new cultures without language barriers. Make sure to carefully follow the application guidelines, prepare your documents in advance, and explore all available resources to increase your chances of securing a scholarship. Good luck with your scholarship journey!