Fully Funded Scholarships You Can Apply For Without IELTS or TOEFL

One of the most common questions we get is simple: "I don't have IELTS or TOEFL yet. Can I still apply for a fully funded scholarship?" The honest answer is yes, for a growing number of programs, but you need to know exactly which ones and why.

Why Some Scholarships Waive the English Test

Universities and funders drop the IELTS/TOEFL requirement for a few clear reasons:

• Alternative proof of English proficiency. If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, many institutions accept a letter from your university confirming this (often called a Medium of Instruction, or MOI, letter) instead of a test score.
• Institutional confidence in admissions screening. Some universities assess English ability through the application essays, interviews, or academic transcripts rather than a separate test.
• Program design. Certain government and university scholarships are built to reduce entry barriers for international applicants, especially at bachelor's and master's level.

It's important to note that "no IELTS/TOEFL" almost never means "no English requirement at all." It usually means the requirement is satisfied a different way. Always read the fine print for each program.

Two Fully Funded Options Worth Checking Right Now

Kaohsiung Medical University's scholarship covers medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, life sciences, and public health programs. If you don't have an IELTS or TOEFL score, alternative proof such as a prior degree taught in English can be submitted instead. It's open to bachelor's, master's, and PhD applicants of all nationalities except China, though note the financial sustainability requirement and the residency rule for Medicine and Dentistry applicants.

NTHU's scholarship is broader in scope, spanning engineering, science, life sciences, humanities, and technology management. No IELTS/TOEFL score or admission letter is required to apply, and there's no application fee either. The one thing to budget for carefully is the stipend gap: bachelor's and master's awards are modest compared to PhD stipends, so plan your living costs accordingly.

How to Prove English Proficiency Without a Test

If you're targeting a program that waives IELTS/TOEFL, here's what to prepare instead:

1. A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous university, on official letterhead, confirming your degree was taught in English.
2. Transcripts and diplomas that clearly show the language of instruction, in case the MOI letter alone isn't enough.
3. A strong personal statement, since some institutions use your writing as an informal gauge of your English level.
4. A backup test option, like Duolingo English Test, which some programs accept as a faster, cheaper alternative to IELTS or TOEFL even when a full test is still required.

A Word of Caution

Don't assume a scholarship has no English requirement just because it isn't advertised prominently. Requirements can differ by degree level within the same scholarship, and by department within the same university. Before you skip test prep entirely, confirm directly with the admissions office or the official scholarship page.

If you're building your own list of no test, fully funded options, start with the two above, then work outward from your target country and field. And if a scholarship you're eyeing insists on a test, it doesn't hurt to have Duolingo as a faster path while you decide whether IELTS or TOEFL is worth the extra cost and time.