Let talk about getting a Fully Funded Masters Scholarship without IELTS. The truth is, IELTS is expensive.
As of 2026, sitting for one IELTS exam in Nigeria costs around ₦120,000 – ₦150,000. And if you do not hit the required score the first time, which happens to a lot of people, you are paying that again.
Then there is the preparation time. The anxiety. The retakes. The feeling of “why is my English being tested when I have been speaking and writing it my whole life?”
We hear you.
The good news is this: IELTS is not compulsory for every scholarship. A good number of fully funded masters scholarships either waive the IELTS requirement entirely or accept alternatives that many Nigerian students already have, like a degree taught in English, or a university transcript from an English-medium institution.
In this guide, we are going to walk you through 10 fully funded masters scholarships that do not require IELTS for Nigerian applicants; what they cover, who qualifies, and exactly how to apply.
Before we dive in, one important clarification: “no IELTS” does not always mean “no English proof.” Some scholarships waive IELTS but still ask for evidence that you studied in English, which your Nigerian university degree already satisfies. We will flag this clearly for each scholarship.
READ ALSO: How to Write a Winning Motivation Letter for a Masters Scholarship
Why Some Scholarships Do Not Require IELTS
IELTS (and its alternative, TOEFL) exists to verify that non-native English speakers can function in an English-language academic environment. But for many Nigerian students, English is already their medium of instruction from primary school through university.
Scholarship committees and universities recognise this. Many have policies that say: if your undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English, you do not need to prove your English proficiency through an external test.
This is especially common in:
- German universities and scholarships — Many German institutions exempt applicants from English-speaking countries or English-medium institutions from IELTS requirements
- Scholarships that fund pre-sessional English training — Some scholarships fund your English language training as part of the package, meaning you do not need a test score before applying
- Fellowships and research grants — These tend to focus more on your research capacity than your test scores
- Country-specific waivers — Some universities specifically list Nigeria as a country whose graduates are exempt from English testing
What They Accept Instead (Important)
When a scholarship says “no IELTS required,” they typically mean one or more of the following:
Medium of Instruction Letter A letter from your Nigerian university confirming that all your lectures, examinations, and coursework were conducted in English. This is the most common alternative. Your university’s academic affairs or registrar’s office issues this letter — it usually costs very little and can be obtained quickly.
Transcript from an English-Medium Institution Simply presenting your transcript and degree certificate from a Nigerian university (where English is the official medium of instruction) is sufficient for many programs.
Interview or Writing Sample Some universities assess your English through an interview or by reviewing your written application materials — your motivation letter, research proposal, or personal statement.
TOEFL or Duolingo English Test (DET) Some programs that waive IELTS still accept TOEFL iBT or the Duolingo English Test as alternatives. The Duolingo test costs approximately $59 (around ₦90,000 at recent rates) — cheaper and faster than IELTS.
Now let us get into the scholarships.
Top 10 Fully Funded Masters Scholarship without IELTS
1. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
Coverage: Full tuition + monthly stipend (€934 for graduates) + travel allowance + health insurance
IELTS Status: Not required in most cases
Why: DAAD accepts a letter confirming that your Nigerian degree was taught in English as proof of proficiency.
Since Nigerian universities teach in English, this is straightforward to obtain.
The DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) offers several scholarship programs for Nigerian students — including the EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses) scholarship and research grants. Most of these programs do not require IELTS, particularly for applicants from English-medium institutions.
Some German universities may still ask for English proof as part of their own admission requirements — but the DAAD scholarship itself does not mandate IELTS. You will need to check the specific university and program to confirm.
How to apply: Through the DAAD portal (daad.de). The scholarship your Nigerian university’s international relations office may also have bilateral DAAD agreements worth exploring.
READ ALSO: DAAD Scholarship Germany: Choosing the Right EPOS Course
2. Erasmus Mundus Scholarships (Europe)
Coverage: Full tuition + €1,400/month living allowance + travel allowance + installation costs
IELTS Status: Depends on the specific Erasmus Mundus Joint Degree (EMJD) program
Why: Many Erasmus Mundus programs accept a medium of instruction letter from your Nigerian university instead of IELTS.
Some programs require IELTS, always check the specific consortium.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Degree scholarships fund Nigerian students to study a Masters across two or three European universities simultaneously — moving between countries as part of the program. It is one of the most generous scholarship packages in Europe.
The key is that there are hundreds of different Erasmus Mundus programs across different fields. Some require IELTS; many do not. Your job is to find programs in your field that explicitly waive IELTS for students from English-medium institutions.
How to find IELTS-free Erasmus programs: Go to the Erasmus Mundus catalog (erasmus-masters.eu or the European Commission’s EMJD catalog) and filter by your field. Read the entry requirements for each program carefully. Look for phrases like “applicants from English-medium universities are exempt” or “medium of instruction letter accepted.”
3. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP)
Coverage: Full tuition + SEK 11,000/month living allowance + travel grant + insurance
IELTS Status: Varies — many Swedish universities accept medium of instruction letters
Why: Sweden’s top universities (Stockholm University, Uppsala, Lund, KTH) generally accept proof of English-medium instruction as a substitute for IELTS for applicants from qualifying countries. Nigeria is typically on that list.
The Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) is a fully funded scholarship for citizens of eligible countries to study a Masters at a Swedish university. Nigeria is eligible.
Check each Swedish university’s English language requirements page. You will typically find a list of countries whose nationals are exempt from IELTS — and Nigeria usually appears on it, or the university accepts a medium of instruction letter.
How to apply: Applications go through the Swedish Institute’s online portal (si.se). You apply to the university simultaneously and select courses that are eligible for SISGP funding.
4. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Coverage: CAD $50,000/year for 3 years
IELTS Status: Not universally required, many Canadian universities accept proof of English-medium instruction
Why: Canadian universities (particularly for research-based programs) often waive IELTS for graduates from English-speaking countries or institutions. Nigeria qualifies under many university policies.
While some Canadian universities do require IELTS or TOEFL for international applicants, a significant number accept a medium of instruction letter from your Nigerian university as proof of English proficiency. Check each university’s graduate admissions page for their English waiver policy.
READ ALSO: Canada Masters Scholarships for Nigerian Students (10 Best Options)
5. Australia Awards Scholarships
Coverage: Full tuition + living allowance + return flights + health cover + establishment allowance
IELTS Status: IELTS is typically required, BUT Australia Awards funds pre-course English training if your score is below requirement
Why: This one is slightly different. Australia Awards does have an English requirement, but if you do not meet it, they fund an English preparation course for you before your studies begin. This means you can apply even with a lower IELTS score or without one, and they will train you.
The practical implication: if you are worried about your English test score, Australia Awards is one of the few scholarships that actively removes this barrier by investing in your language preparation. Start the IELTS preparation process anyway, but do not let a borderline score stop you from applying.
READ ALSO: Australia Awards Scholarship for Nigerian Students (Full Guide)
6. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
Coverage: 50% grant + 50% loan (loan is later forgiven in many cases), covers tuition and living costs
IELTS Status: Not mandated by the scholarship itself, depends on the university
Why: The Aga Khan Foundation scholarship is assessed based on academic merit, financial need, and commitment to community development.
The scholarship body itself does not impose an IELTS requirement, the English requirement is determined by whatever university you apply to. Many universities their scholars attend accept medium of instruction letters.
This scholarship is available to Nigerian students for postgraduate study at top universities globally. The “loan” component sounds intimidating, but many scholars report it being manageable and often forgiven for those who return to community work.
How to apply: Through the Aga Khan Foundation website (akdn.org/agency/akf). Applications typically open in October for the following academic year.
7. Korean Government Scholarship (KGSP/GKS) — Graduate Program
Coverage: Full tuition + KRW 900,000/month living allowance (approximately ₦1.1 million) + airfare + Korean language training + health insurance
IELTS Status: Not required
Why: The Korean Government Scholarship Program (also called GKS — Global Korea Scholarship) explicitly does not require IELTS for most applicants. Instead, you study Korean language for one year (fully funded as part of the scholarship) before starting your Masters program.
For English-taught programs, your university transcript serves as English proof.
This is one of the most genuinely IELTS-free fully funded scholarships available to Nigerian students. Korea has world-class universities — Seoul National University, KAIST, Yonsei, Korea University — and the monthly allowance is competitive.
Additional perk: You learn Korean — a language increasingly in demand in tech, manufacturing, and diplomacy. Your resume gets a unique skill most Nigerian graduates do not have.
How to apply: Through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) in Korea or through the Korean Embassy in Nigeria. Applications typically open in September–October for the following year.
8. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
Coverage: Full tuition + RMB 3,000/month living allowance (approximately ₦600,000) + accommodation + health insurance + return airfare
IELTS Status: Not required for Chinese-taught programs; for English-taught programs, a medium of instruction letter or interview is often accepted
Why: The Chinese Government Scholarship (administered through the China Scholarship Council, CSC) is one of the largest scholarship programs in the world.
For programs taught in Chinese, there is no IELTS requirement, you study Chinese language as part of the scholarship. For English-taught programs (which many top Chinese universities now offer), IELTS is often waived for graduates of English-medium institutions like Nigerian universities.
China has world-class universities in STEM, Medicine, Business, and Engineering. Programs at Peking University, Tsinghua, Fudan, and Zhejiang University are globally recognised.
How to apply: Either through the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria (Embassy track) or directly through a Chinese university (University track). The university track can sometimes be more accessible because universities have more flexibility in their admission criteria.
9. Orange Knowledge Programme — Netherlands (OKP)
Coverage: Full tuition + monthly living allowance + travel + health insurance + visa costs
IELTS Status: Varies by Dutch university — many accept medium of instruction letters for Nigerian applicants
Why: As we covered in the Netherlands guide, several Dutch universities (including Wageningen, IHE Delft, and others) accept a medium of instruction letter from Nigerian universities instead of IELTS, because Nigeria is recognised as an English-speaking country with English as the medium of university instruction.
Check each Dutch university’s English language requirements page. Most have a specific list of countries whose graduates are exempt from language testing — Nigeria frequently appears.
READ ALSO: Netherlands Scholarships for Nigerian Students: Orange Tulip & Beyond
10. TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship (India)
Coverage: Monthly stipend + accommodation (on campus) + health care access
IELTS Status: Not required
Why: The TWAS (The World Academy of Sciences) fellowship for postgraduate study in India through the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) does not require IELTS. India’s academic system uses English as its medium of instruction, and TWAS recognises that Nigerian universities also teach in English.
This fellowship is specifically for scientists and researchers from developing countries who want to pursue postgraduate research (Masters or PhD by research) at one of India’s leading scientific institutions.
Fields covered: Natural Sciences, Engineering, Agricultural Sciences, Medical Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and related STEM fields.
How to apply: Through the TWAS website (twas.org). Applications are typically open from January to March each year.
READ ALSO: TWAS Scholarship: Application for TWAS-CSIR Postgraduate Fellowship Scheme (India)
Tips for Strengthening an Application Without IELTS
Even though these scholarships do not require IELTS, your application still needs to demonstrate that you can handle an international postgraduate program. Here is how to do that:
Write an Exceptional Motivation Letter Your motivation letter and personal statement are written in English — and they are your best opportunity to demonstrate your language ability. A well-written, clear, and compelling letter says more about your English proficiency than any test score.
Get Your Medium of Instruction Letter Early Visit your university’s registrar or academic affairs office and request a letter confirming that all your lectures, examinations, and coursework were conducted in English. This letter is your primary evidence of English proficiency — keep several certified copies.
Strong Academic Transcripts Your transcript shows that you successfully completed a demanding academic program in English. Make sure your transcripts are certified, clear, and accompanied by your degree certificate.
Research Proposal or Writing Sample For research scholarships, a well-written research proposal demonstrates your ability to think and write at postgraduate level in English. Put serious effort into this document.
Consider the Duolingo English Test as a Backup If any of your target programs prefer an English test, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is a faster and cheaper alternative to IELTS. It is accepted by thousands of universities globally, costs around $59, and results come within 48 hours.
FAQs
Will not having IELTS hurt my application even if it is not required?
No — if the scholarship explicitly does not require IELTS and you meet their alternative English requirement (medium of instruction letter, etc.), your application will not be disadvantaged. The selection committee evaluates based on the criteria they set, not criteria they have waived.
What exactly is a Medium of Instruction Letter and how do I get one?
It is a formal letter from your Nigerian university confirming that the language of instruction for your program was English. Go to your university’s Registrar’s office or Academic Affairs department and request it. Some universities charge a small administrative fee. It is usually issued within a few days.
Are there any scholarships on this list that I should still get IELTS for, just to be safe?
The Australian Awards (No. 5) is the one where having an IELTS score — even a modest one — strengthens your application, because they use it to determine whether you need pre-course English training. For the others, a medium of instruction letter is genuinely sufficient where stated.
If I get IELTS anyway, does it help?
Yes — having IELTS (especially a score of 6.5 or above) opens up more scholarship and university options than not having it. If you can afford it and prepare well, getting IELTS is still worth it in the long run. But it should not be the reason you miss the application window for a great scholarship.
Is TOEFL easier to pass than IELTS?
They test the same skills — listening, reading, writing, and speaking — but in different formats. TOEFL iBT is entirely computer-based, while IELTS has a face-to-face speaking component. Some people find TOEFL easier because it is more standardised. Both are widely accepted.
Try a free practice test for each and see which format suits you better.
In Summary
IELTS is not the gate it once was. A growing number of the world’s most generous fully funded scholarships, from Germany to Korea to China to India to Canada — either do not require it at all, or accept your Nigerian degree as sufficient proof of English proficiency.
The 10 scholarships in this guide represent real, fully funded pathways to postgraduate education abroad, without the financial and logistical stress of IELTS preparation and registration fees.
Your next steps:
- Choose 2–3 scholarships from this list that align with your field
- Visit each scholarship’s official website and confirm the current English language requirements for Nigerian applicants
- Get your Medium of Instruction Letter from your university today — even if your target deadline is months away
- Start drafting your motivation letter
You have more options than you think. Do not let an exam registration fee be the reason you do not apply.
Which scholarship on this list are you most interested in? Drop it in the comments and let us know your field, we may write a more detailed guide for it.
Disclaimer: English language requirements for scholarships and universities change. Always verify the current requirements on each scholarship’s official website before applying. A scholarship waiving IELTS does not necessarily mean the host university waives it — check both. Campus Hustle Nigeria does not charge for scholarship guidance and is not affiliated with any of the programs mentioned.
