Scholarship guide

Published 2026-09-02 by Scholarships Central editorial team | Updated 2026-10-15

15 Best Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS for 2027

Last updated: October 15, 2026

Looking for fully funded scholarships without IELTS for 2027? You have several options, including government scholarships in Türkiye, South Korea, Japan, China, Brunei and Taiwan, as well as selected European master’s programmes.

Some of these scholarships offer a free language preparation year. Others accept previous education in English, alternative language qualifications or university-specific assessments.

However, a scholarship that does not require IELTS is not necessarily a scholarship that requires no language evidence at all.

The distinction matters. You might qualify for government funding without submitting an IELTS score but still need to satisfy the English-language requirements of your chosen university.

Application fees are another consideration. Some scholarship applications are completely free, while others involve separate university admission charges.

This guide compares eight scholarship pathways with comprehensive funding, explains which applicants may avoid IELTS, identifies application fees where officially confirmed, and provides direct links to the scholarship providers.

Best Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS for 2027: Comparison Table

The table below covers scholarships that either provide a recognised non-IELTS application route or allow alternative language evidence under specific conditions.

ScholarshipCountryStudy levelIELTS alternative2027 application status
Türkiye ScholarshipsTürkiyeBachelor’s, Master’s, PhDTurkish preparation; English-track conditions applyStandard annual window Jan 10–Feb 20
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)South KoreaBachelor’s, Master’s, PhDKorean preparation; track-specific language rulesGKS-U guidelines published
MEXT ScholarshipJapanUndergraduate, postgraduateEmbassy examinations; university-approved alternatives2027 embassy application period largely completed
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)ChinaBachelor’s, Master’s, PhDMOI accepted by selected universitiesNext university calls vary
Erasmus Mundus Joint MastersMultiple countriesMaster’sProgramme-specific alternativesMany applications Oct–Jan
Brunei Government ScholarshipBruneiDiploma, Bachelor’s, Master’sAccepted O-Level/IGCSE English qualifications2027/28 call not yet announced
TaiwanICDF ScholarshipTaiwanSelected degree programmesUniversity-specific language evidenceDec 1, 2026–Mar 15, 2027
Chevening ScholarshipUnited KingdomMaster’sNo Chevening IELTS requirement; university rules applyClosed in many countries; check exceptions

Status checked October 15, 2026. Where the 2027 application schedule has not been officially announced, no fixed deadline is assumed.

1. Türkiye Scholarships 2027 — Free Application and Full Funding

Türkiye Scholarships, also known as Türkiye Bursları, is one of the most useful options for international students seeking a comprehensive scholarship without taking IELTS.

The government-funded programme supports undergraduate, master’s and doctoral studies at participating Turkish universities.

What does Türkiye Scholarships cover?

The official full-time scholarship package includes:

  • University and department placement
  • Tuition fees
  • Monthly scholarship allowance
  • Accommodation
  • Health insurance
  • One-year Turkish language course
  • Flight-ticket support under the scholarship rules

The provider currently lists monthly stipends of 6,500 TL for undergraduate students, 9,500 TL for master’s students and 13,000 TL for PhD students. These published amounts may change for the 2027 intake.

Can you apply without IELTS?

Yes, when your chosen programme does not require an IELTS score or another specified English qualification.

Most importantly, Türkiye Scholarships provides a one-year Turkish language course. Recipients without C1-level Turkish proficiency are generally required to complete this course, including students entering English-taught programmes.

However, that course does not automatically replace the English-language requirements of an English-taught degree.

The official application instructions explain that some English-medium programmes require an internationally recognised language certificate.

Application fee and deadline

Application fee: Free. Türkiye Scholarships confirms that applications are submitted online without charge.

2027 deadline: The officially published standard annual application period is January 10–February 20. The separate 2027 announcement should be checked before applying.

Who should consider it? Students who want a comprehensive government scholarship, can meet the academic requirements, and are willing to complete Turkish language preparation where required.

2. Global Korea Scholarship 2027 — South Korea

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is the South Korean government’s international scholarship programme, administered through the National Institute for International Education (NIIED).

The scholarship supports eligible international students at undergraduate and graduate levels through different application tracks.

What does GKS cover?

The programme provides a substantial funding package that generally includes:

  • Tuition support
  • Monthly living allowance
  • Airfare support
  • Korean language training
  • Other scholarship allowances according to the applicable guidelines

Benefits, eligibility and selection procedures depend on the scholarship track.

Is IELTS required for GKS 2027?

Not universally.

GKS includes Korean language training for eligible scholarship recipients, and language-test requirements differ according to the degree level, university and department.

Some applicants can apply without IELTS, while others may need an English-language qualification for their intended degree programme. An IELTS or TOPIK score may also strengthen particular applications.

Do not assume that every GKS-affiliated university accepts an MOI certificate instead of IELTS.

GKS 2027 application deadline

NIIED officially published the 2027 GKS Undergraduate guidelines on September 9, 2026.

The undergraduate competition has two main routes:

  1. Embassy Track: Applications are processed according to the relevant Korean embassy’s procedures.
  2. University Track: Participating universities determine their own application arrangements.

Applicants should download the official guidelines and check the exact deadline for their track.

The graduate scholarship follows a separate application cycle, and its 2027 requirements should be checked when officially released.

Application fee

Do not assume that all GKS application arrangements are identical. Check whether the university route requires any additional admission-related payments or document authentication expenses.

Students preparing for an undergraduate degree should use the published GKS-U 2027 instructions rather than older scholarship guides.

3. MEXT Scholarship 2027 — Japan

The Japanese Government MEXT Scholarship is another important option for international students who have not taken IELTS.

MEXT supports several categories of international students, including undergraduate students and research students who may progress to master’s or doctoral study.

There are two principal selection routes: Embassy Recommendation and University Recommendation.

What does MEXT cover?

According to Japan’s official Study in Japan website, the scholarship includes:

  • Tuition exemption
  • Monthly scholarship allowance
  • Airfare under the applicable scholarship conditions

The monthly amount and travel arrangements depend on the award category.

Can you apply without IELTS?

For the Embassy Recommendation route, MEXT uses its own examinations as part of the selection process.

For example, research applicants sit Japanese and English examinations. Undergraduate applicants have additional examinations depending on their category.

This makes Embassy Recommendation a possible route for students without an IELTS certificate.

University Recommendation works differently. Applicants must meet their university’s published language and academic requirements. Some institutions recognise alternative language evidence, but an MOI certificate is not automatically valid everywhere.

MEXT 2027 application dates

The official 2027 Embassy Recommendation process for research students seeking arrival in April or September/October 2027 began between April and May 2026, depending on the country.

Therefore, the main Embassy Recommendation application period for 2027 has already passed.

University Recommendation schedules are different and must be checked with the nominating institution.

There is no universal MEXT deadline for all countries, degrees and application routes.

Useful advice: If the 2027 embassy deadline has passed in your country, prepare for the next Embassy Recommendation cycle or investigate universities with an applicable recommendation route.

4. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) 2027 — MOI Alternative at Selected Universities

The Chinese Government Scholarship offers full scholarship opportunities for international students studying at participating Chinese universities.

It is particularly relevant to students searching for a fully funded scholarship without IELTS because some universities officially accept evidence of previous English-medium education.

Scholarship benefits

A full CSC scholarship can include:

  • Tuition fees
  • On-campus accommodation or equivalent support
  • Living allowance
  • Comprehensive medical insurance

The exact package depends on the scholarship category and host institution.

Can you apply with an MOI certificate?

Yes, at selected universities.

A useful officially documented example is Southwest Jiaotong University.

Its published 2026/27 CSC postgraduate scholarship requirements state that applicants to English-taught programmes may provide one of several types of language evidence, including:

  • An accepted English test result
  • A certificate from their former university confirming that the previous degree was taught in English
  • Other approved evidence demonstrating English proficiency

This proves that an MOI-based route exists at a participating CSC university.

It does not mean every university in China accepts MOI certificates.

For Chinese-taught programmes, universities generally require an appropriate Chinese-language qualification unless an applicable exemption exists.

Does CSC charge an application fee?

This is where applicants need to pay attention.

Southwest Jiaotong University’s published 2026/27 CSC announcement required an additional university application fee of 400 RMB.

That was the fee for that specific admission cycle and should not be assumed to apply to every university or future intake.

The important distinction is that a government scholarship may cover full tuition after selection, while the university charges an application fee before admission.

CSC 2027 deadline

There is no single application deadline shared by all CSC universities and scholarship categories.

For the forthcoming admission cycle, applicants must follow the new announcement published by the selected university, embassy or authorised application channel.

Who should consider it? Applicants with an English-taught previous degree who are prepared to compare individual universities’ scholarship, English-language and application-fee requirements.

5. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters 2027 — No Application Fee

For students interested in a fully funded master’s scholarship in Europe without IELTS and without an application fee, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters deserves particular attention.

The Erasmus Mundus programme supports master’s degrees jointly delivered by international university partnerships.

Students normally complete study periods in more than one country and receive a joint or multiple degree qualification.

Funding benefits

The European Commission lists an individual scholarship contribution of €1,400 per month for up to 24 months under the applicable Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters funding rules.

The scholarship is intended to support expenses such as:

  • Living costs
  • Travel
  • Visa-related costs
  • Installation expenses

Scholarship holders are not charged tuition fees or other mandatory programme participation costs under the programme rules.

Are Erasmus Mundus applications free?

Yes.

The official Erasmus+ programme guide states that selected Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters projects cannot charge student application fees.

This is an important difference from some university-based scholarships where an admission application fee may apply.

However, applicants should still plan for any personal costs of obtaining documents, translations or recognised language qualifications.

Can you apply without IELTS?

Possibly, but this is not a universal Erasmus Mundus IELTS waiver.

Each master’s consortium determines its own admission and language requirements.

Some may accept previous English-medium education, other recognised language tests or specified exemptions. Others require IELTS, TOEFL or another particular examination.

The correct approach is to select a master’s programme first, then read its official English-language requirements.

Erasmus Mundus 2027 deadline

The European Commission states that applications for many master’s programmes are generally submitted between October and January for courses beginning in the following academic year.

Therefore, October 2026 is an important preparation period for students targeting a September 2027 intake.

Each consortium publishes its own exact deadline.

Best next step: Use the official Erasmus Mundus catalogue to identify your degree programme, then confirm its accepted English qualifications before starting the application.

6. Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship

The Government of Brunei Darussalam Scholarship for Foreign Students supports eligible international applicants who want to study at participating Brunei institutions.

The latest official call available as of this update covers the 2026/27 academic session.

What funding does Brunei provide?

The official 2026/27 scholarship terms include:

  • Tuition, registration, examination and orientation fee exemptions
  • Economy-class travel to and from Brunei
  • BND 500 monthly personal allowance
  • BND 150 monthly meals allowance
  • BND 600 annual book allowance
  • University or polytechnic accommodation
  • Insurance coverage
  • A baggage allowance under the scholarship terms

The scholarship is available for specified diploma, undergraduate and master’s programmes.

Can you apply without IELTS?

Yes, provided you satisfy an accepted alternative English qualification.

The official eligibility requirements include the following English-language options:

  • Credit 6 at GCE O-Level English
  • Grade C in IGCSE English as a second language
  • IELTS 6.0
  • TOEFL with the specified minimum score

This means IELTS is not the only recognised route.

However, the official conditions do not establish that a general MOI certificate is automatically accepted instead of these qualifications.

Applicants should not rely solely on a university MOI letter unless the responsible authority confirms it is acceptable.

Brunei Scholarship 2027 deadline

The most recent officially available call opened December 15, 2025 and closed February 15, 2026 for the 2026/27 academic session.

A new deadline for the 2027/28 session has not yet been announced on the official scholarship page.

Applicants should check both the scholarship requirements and any separate procedures required by their selected Brunei university.

7. TaiwanICDF Scholarship 2027 — Confirmed Application Dates

The Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF) operates an International Higher Education Scholarship Programme with participating universities.

The programme provides full scholarships to eligible students from partner countries and supports education and capacity-building in fields relevant to international development.

What does the scholarship cover?

The programme provides scholarship funding for eligible academic and living costs, including tuition, accommodation-related support, insurance, travel and living allowances according to its award conditions.

The exact benefits and available degrees should be checked in the current scholarship guidebook.

Is IELTS mandatory?

TaiwanICDF does not establish a universal IELTS exemption for every participating university and degree.

Applicants must meet the admission requirements of their selected programme.

If your previous degree was taught entirely in English, check whether the university accepts an MOI certificate. If it does not, you may need IELTS, TOEFL or another accepted qualification.

Official TaiwanICDF 2027 dates

TaiwanICDF has already published the application period:

Opening date: December 1, 2026

Closing date: March 15, 2027

Unlike estimated scholarship deadlines circulating online, these dates are displayed on the official TaiwanICDF website.

Who can apply?

Applicants must satisfy TaiwanICDF nationality eligibility conditions and the academic requirements of the participating degree programme.

Not every nationality is automatically eligible.

Before applying, check the official eligible-country list and the latest available partner-university programme information.

8. Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 — United Kingdom

Chevening is the UK Government’s international scholarship programme for emerging leaders who want to complete an eligible one-year master’s degree in the United Kingdom.

It is a fully funded scholarship, but the 2027/28 application cycle has already closed in many countries as of October 15, 2026.

What does Chevening cover?

The award typically includes:

  • Tuition funding subject to applicable scholarship terms
  • Monthly living allowance
  • Travel to and from the United Kingdom
  • Visa-related and other specified allowances

Applicants must also meet the eligibility requirements, including the required qualifying work experience and university admission conditions.

Does Chevening require IELTS?

Chevening officially removed its own English-language requirement in 2020.

This is a confirmed policy, not simply an informal scholarship waiver.

However, candidates must still meet their chosen UK university’s English-language requirements and eventually secure an unconditional admission offer.

For example, one university may accept particular previous English-medium qualifications, while another may require IELTS or a different test.

Is Chevening open for 2027/28?

The standard application period in many countries closed on October 6, 2026.

However, some country-specific applications remain open until October 20, 2026, at 11:00 UTC.

Therefore, applicants should use Chevening’s country-specific application directory rather than assuming that every country has the same deadline.

Applicants who missed the deadline can use the coming months to review university admission requirements and prepare for the next cycle.


Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS and Application Fee

If you are trying to avoid both the cost of IELTS and scholarship application fees, it is important to compare these two requirements separately.

Not every scholarship advertised as “IELTS free” is also free to apply for.

The following table explains the differences.

ScholarshipApplication-fee informationIELTS situation
Türkiye ScholarshipsOfficial scholarship application is freeNon-IELTS routes available, depending on degree
Erasmus Mundus Joint MastersOfficial rules prohibit student application feesAlternative English evidence depends on programme
CheveningNo scholarship application feeNo Chevening English test requirement, but universities set admission rules
CSCSeparate university fees may applyMOI accepted at selected universities
GKSCheck the relevant track and institutionIELTS not universally required
Brunei Government ScholarshipCheck the annual instructions and university processAccepted O-Level/IGCSE alternatives
TaiwanICDFVerify the applicable partner-university arrangementsEnglish evidence depends on degree programme

Which option should you check first?

For an applicant without IELTS who also wants to avoid paying an application fee, Türkiye Scholarships is one of the clearest starting points, provided the selected degree does not require an English test.

For master’s applicants, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters is another valuable option. Its application-fee policy is clearly established, although the English requirement still depends on the consortium.

Chevening is also worth considering for future application cycles because it does not impose its own IELTS requirement.

In contrast, CSC applicants should check the selected university carefully. A fully funded CSC award does not guarantee a fee-free admission application.

How to Get a Scholarship Without IELTS Using an MOI Certificate

A Medium of Instruction certificate, commonly called an MOI certificate, is an official statement from an educational institution confirming the language in which a student completed their studies.

It is particularly useful for students whose previous university degree was taught in English.

What should an MOI certificate include?

Depending on the receiving university’s requirements, it may include:

  • Your full name
  • Degree programme and study dates
  • Name of your previous institution
  • Confirmation of the language of instruction
  • Official institutional authorisation or signature
  • Institutional contact details for verification

A stamp or specific reference number may be required by some receiving universities, but these are not universal conditions for every MOI-based admission route.

How to request an MOI certificate

Contact the registrar, academic records office or another authorised department at the institution where you completed your previous studies.

Explain that you need official confirmation of the language of instruction for an international university or scholarship application.

Before requesting the certificate, check the receiving institution’s admission requirements to make sure it will accept an MOI document.

Important: An MOI certificate is evidence of your previous language of study. It does not automatically exempt you from English-language testing at every university.

Other Scholarships Often Advertised as “Without IELTS”

Several programmes from the original scholarship list are still worth investigating, but their funding or language conditions need clearer explanation.

Romania Government Scholarship

Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides scholarships for eligible non-EU applicants.

For bachelor’s and master’s scholarship recipients, the programme uses Romanian-taught degree pathways and provides language preparation where applicable. This can make IELTS unnecessary for those routes.

However, its financial support should not be confused with an unrestricted living-cost allowance. Students must assess whether the stipend and accommodation provisions cover their actual expenses.

The 2026 application period ran from February 16 to March 31, 2026. The next intake’s dates should not be treated as confirmed until the authorities publish the new call.

Stipendium Hungaricum — Hungary

Stipendium Hungaricum provides tuition-free study, monthly stipend support, accommodation assistance and health-related benefits.

However, its published accommodation contribution and monthly stipend are not guaranteed to cover all living expenses.

English-language exemptions depend on the host university and programme. An admission interview should not automatically be interpreted as replacing all language documentation.

Open Doors Russian Scholarship 2027

Open Doors offers international applicants a competition-based route to tuition-free higher education in Russia through the applicable government quota.

The competition is conducted online, with English and Russian as competition languages.

Registration deadline: November 1, 2026.

The key limitation is funding: tuition-free study and eligible preparatory education do not mean that every student’s accommodation, flights and living expenses are fully covered.

What About DAAD EPOS?

DAAD EPOS provides substantial postgraduate funding for eligible professionals from developing and newly industrialised countries.

However, its current official requirements call for language evidence, and the listed application documents include IELTS or TOEFL for English-language courses, subject to the rules of the specific programme.

For that reason, DAAD EPOS should not be promoted as universally available without IELTS. Applicants need direct confirmation of any accepted alternative from the programme concerned.

Documents Required for Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS

Even where IELTS is not required, international scholarship applications involve document checks.

Common documents include an academic transcript, graduation certificate or diploma, identification document, recommendation letters and a statement of purpose.

For certain master’s and doctoral programmes, applicants may also need a research proposal, CV, academic writing sample or proof of professional experience.

If applying through an MOI-based route, obtain the certificate according to the receiving university’s instructions.

Some programmes require certified translations, document authentication or additional country-specific forms.

The official application checklist should always determine which documents you submit.

How to Apply for Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS in 2027

The most efficient application strategy is to check language eligibility before investing time in a complete scholarship application.

Step 1: Choose the scholarship that matches your degree.

Undergraduate applicants can investigate Türkiye Scholarships, GKS-U, MEXT and other qualifying government-funded routes.

Master’s applicants can also consider Erasmus Mundus, Chevening and selected CSC or TaiwanICDF programmes.

Step 2: Confirm your nationality is eligible.

Nationality requirements vary significantly. TaiwanICDF restricts eligibility to designated partner countries, while other scholarship schemes operate broader international or country-specific competitions.

Step 3: Verify your IELTS alternative.

Read the actual language requirements for the university and course. Determine whether your qualifications satisfy an approved exemption.

Step 4: Check funding and fees.

Confirm what the scholarship pays and whether a separate university admission fee applies.

Step 5: Prepare the required documents.

Request academic records, recommendation letters, authorised language evidence and translations early enough to meet the deadline.

Step 6: Apply through the official website.

Use the scholarship provider’s verified portal, and keep copies of submitted documents and confirmation messages.

You can also explore the Scholarships Central Scholarship Finder to compare opportunities based on your degree level, nationality, funding needs and English-language preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can international students get a fully funded scholarship without IELTS in 2027?

Yes. Several government scholarship programmes allow non-IELTS application routes, while certain universities accept previous English-medium education or alternative qualifications.

Applicants must still satisfy the applicable language requirements.

Which fully funded scholarships without IELTS have no application fees?

Türkiye Scholarships provides a free official scholarship application. Selected Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are prohibited from charging student application fees under the applicable EU funding rules.

Chevening also has no scholarship application fee, although applicants must meet their chosen universities’ separate admission requirements and possible charges.

Can I apply for the Chinese Government Scholarship without IELTS?

Yes, if your chosen Chinese university officially accepts another form of language evidence.

Southwest Jiaotong University’s published CSC rules provide one example of an accepted English-medium qualification route. Other universities may apply different requirements.

Can I apply for Türkiye Scholarships without IELTS and TOEFL?

Yes, when the selected programme does not require those qualifications.

However, some English-taught degree programmes require recognised English-language evidence. The Turkish preparatory course is not a universal replacement for English admission requirements.

Which scholarship accepts an MOI certificate instead of IELTS?

Selected universities participating in programmes such as CSC accept previous English-medium education.

An MOI-based exemption must be confirmed for the actual university and course rather than assumed for an entire scholarship system.

Can I apply for a fully funded master’s scholarship without IELTS?

Yes. Eligible master’s applicants can investigate Türkiye Scholarships, selected CSC programmes, Erasmus Mundus degrees and other government-funded awards with approved language alternatives.

The language requirement should be checked before applying.

Can Pakistani students apply for scholarships without IELTS?

Yes. Pakistani students may be eligible for a number of these programmes, depending on the official nationality, academic and language requirements.

However, nationality eligibility does not automatically establish an IELTS exemption.

Does “without IELTS” mean no English test is required?

No.

It may mean IELTS is optional, another English qualification is accepted, a prior English-taught degree satisfies the requirement, or the programme uses a different language assessment.

Do all fully funded scholarships pay for accommodation and flights?

No. Funding packages vary.

Some programmes cover tuition, accommodation, travel and monthly allowances. Others provide tuition-free study with limited living support.

Always read the actual funding conditions.

Final Thoughts: Which Scholarship Should You Choose?

For international students searching for fully funded scholarships without IELTS for 2027, the right option depends on three questions:

Can you meet the language requirements without IELTS? Is the funding sufficient? And can you complete the application before the deadline?

Türkiye Scholarships is particularly relevant for students willing to complete Turkish language training. Erasmus Mundus offers strong master’s funding and a confirmed no-application-fee policy, but requires checking individual programmes’ English requirements.

The Chinese Government Scholarship offers a documented MOI-based route at selected universities. GKS and MEXT are also valuable government-funded options, although their selection routes and language requirements differ.

For applicants planning ahead, TaiwanICDF has confirmed application dates from December 1, 2026 to March 15, 2027.

Avoid relying on unconfirmed deadline predictions or general statements that every scholarship accepts MOI certificates.

Use the Scholarships Central Finder to narrow your choices, review the related scholarship guides, and apply through the official programme websites linked throughout this article.

The goal is not simply to find a scholarship without IELTS. It is to find a genuinely funded programme for which you are eligible and can meet every admission requirement.

Continue exploring

Compare current opportunities, narrow them to your profile, or read the latest application guides.