15 Best Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS for 2027

Why You Don’t Always Need IELTS in 2027

The belief that an expensive English proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL is universally mandatory for studying abroad is outdated. For the 2027 academic intake, many of the world’s most prestigious funding bodies have diversified their language requirements to remove financial barriers for high-achieving international candidates.

When searching through the Fully Funded Scholarships Hub, you will find that programs waiving standard IELTS requirements generally categorize their exemptions into three official routes:

Category A: Mandatory Language Preparatory Year: Zero English proof is required at application. If selected, the government fully funds a 1-year local language course (e.g., Korean, Turkish, Romanian) before your academic degree begins.
Category B: Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate: The host university accepts an official stamped letter from your previous university’s registrar verifying that your prior degree was taught and assessed entirely in English.
Category C: Internal Embassy or University Assessment: Language proficiency is evaluated for free during a written test at the local embassy or via an online panel interview with the host university’s admission committee.

To quickly identify which route fits your profile, you can utilize the Scholarship Finder Tool. Otherwise, use the matrix below to navigate the top 2027 opportunities.

2027 Quick-Scan Comparison Matrix

Scholarship Name	Host Country	Supported Degrees	Exemption Route	Expected 2027 Deadline
Türkiye Bursları	Turkey	Bachelors, Masters, PhD	Category A: 1-Year Prep	Jan – Feb 2027
Global Korea (GKS)	South Korea	Bachelors, Masters, PhD	Category A: 1-Year Prep	Sept 2026 / Feb 2027
MEXT Scholarship	Japan	Bachelors, Masters, PhD	Category C: Embassy Test	May 2027 / Nov 2026
CSC Scholarship	China	Bachelors, Masters, PhD	Category B: MOI Certificate	Nov 2026 – Mar 2027
Stipendium Hungaricum	Hungary	Bachelors, Masters, PhD	Category C: Interview	January 15, 2027

The 2027 Fully Funded Scholarship Directory

1. Türkiye Scholarships (Türkiye Bursları)

Degree Type: [Bachelors Scholarships], [Masters Scholarships], [PhD Scholarships]
Host Country: [Turkey Scholarships Directory]
Financial Funding: 100% University placement & tuition fee, monthly stipend (6,500 TL for Masters), accommodation placement, comprehensive health insurance, and a one-time return flight ticket.
IELTS Exemption Route: Category A (Free 1-year Turkish language preparatory course is mandatory for all students who do not possess C1-level Turkish proficiency).
2027 Application Deadline: Expected January 10 – February 20, 2027.
Eligible Disciplines: Open to all academic fields (Engineering, Medical, Humanities, Social Sciences).
Grade / Academic Requirement: Minimum 75% academic achievement for Masters/Bachelors; minimum 90% for Medical, Dentistry, and Pharmacy degrees.
Best For (Target Demographics): Highly recommended for students globally who are willing to learn a new language and integrate into the local academic culture.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete Türkiye Scholarships 2027 Application Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official Türkiye Scholarships Portal

2. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS 2027)

Degree Type: [Bachelors Scholarships], [Masters Scholarships], [PhD Scholarships]
Host Country: [South Korea Scholarships Directory]
Financial Funding: Full tuition coverage, monthly allowance (approx. 1,000,000 KRW for graduates), return economy airfare, settlement grant, and medical insurance.
IELTS Exemption Route: Category A (Includes a mandatory 1-year Korean language training program at a designated language institution prior to degree commencement).
2027 Application Deadline: Undergraduate track opens September 2026; Graduate track opens February 2027.
Eligible Disciplines: All fields of study offered by participating GKS-affiliated Korean universities.
Grade / Academic Requirement: Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of at least 2.64/4.0, 80% on a 100-point scale, or rank in the top 20% of your graduating class.
Best For (Target Demographics): Outstanding candidates from developing nations seeking long-term technical or research integration in East Asia.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) 2027 Application Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official Study in Korea (NIIED) Portal

3. MEXT Scholarship (Japanese Government)

Degree Type: [Bachelors Scholarships], [Masters Scholarships], [PhD Scholarships]
Host Country: [Japan Scholarships Directory]
Financial Funding: Full admission and tuition fees, monthly subsistence allowance (approx. 144,000 JPY for graduates), and round-trip economy class airfare.
IELTS Exemption Route: Category C (Embassy Recommendation applicants take an English/Japanese written exam locally; University Recommendation applicants can often submit an MOI certificate).
2027 Application Deadline: University Recommendation (UR) track for September 2027 intake closes roughly November 5, 2026. Embassy track for 2028 opens around May 2027.
Eligible Disciplines: Open to all fields, heavily favoring STEM, advanced technology, and Japanese cultural studies.
Grade / Academic Requirement: Strict academic screening. Generally requires a GPA of at least 2.30 on a 3.00 scale from the most recent academic institution.
Best For (Target Demographics): Research-focused students capable of designing strong, independent research proposals.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete MEXT Scholarship 2027 Application Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official Study in Japan MEXT Portal

4. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

Degree Type: [Bachelors Scholarships], [Masters Scholarships], [PhD Scholarships]
Host Country: [China Scholarships Directory]
Financial Funding: Full tuition fee waiver, free on-campus accommodation, comprehensive medical insurance, and a monthly stipend (up to 3,500 RMB for doctoral students).
IELTS Exemption Route: Category B (For English-taught degree programs, the majority of Chinese universities accept a formal Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate. Chinese-taught programs require HSK scores).
2027 Application Deadline: Window typically opens from November 2026 through March 2027, depending on the specific university deadline.
Eligible Disciplines: Open across 280+ designated Chinese universities covering all majors including Engineering, Medicine, Economics, and Arts.
Grade / Academic Requirement: Requires strong academic standing and, for graduate levels, pre-acceptance letters from a Chinese university professor heavily increase selection odds.
Best For (Target Demographics): Students from Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe seeking engineering, manufacturing, and trade-related degrees.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete CSC Scholarship 2027 Application Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official Campus China CSC Portal

5. Stipendium Hungaricum

Degree Type: [Bachelors Scholarships], [Masters Scholarships], [PhD Scholarships]
Host Country: [Hungary Scholarships Directory]
Financial Funding: Tuition-free education, monthly stipend (approx. HUF 43,700 to HUF 140,000 for PhD), housing contribution, and medical insurance.
IELTS Exemption Route: Category C (While universities set specific rules, many waive IELTS if the applicant passes the mandatory online entrance interview/exam conducted by the host university).
2027 Application Deadline: January 15, 2027.
Eligible Disciplines: Varies by sending partner country agreements, but generally comprehensive across Medicine, IT, Engineering, and Business.
Grade / Academic Requirement: Competitive selection based heavily on the applicant’s performance during the university entrance interview and sending-partner nomination.
Best For (Target Demographics): Students from over 90 partner countries looking for a central European degree recognized across the EU.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete Stipendium Hungaricum 2027 Application Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official Stipendium Hungaricum Portal

6. Romania Government Scholarship

Degree Type: [Bachelors Scholarships], [Masters Scholarships], [PhD Scholarships]
Host Country: [Romania Scholarships Directory]
Financial Funding: Full tuition fee exemption, free accommodation in student dormitories, monthly stipend (ranging from €65 to €85), and medical coverage.
IELTS Exemption Route: Category A (Includes a mandatory 1-year Romanian language preparatory year for non-Romanian speakers. Studies are conducted in Romanian to promote the national culture).
2027 Application Deadline: Typically opens mid-January and closes mid-March 2027.
Eligible Disciplines: Architecture, Visual Arts, Journalism, Political Science, Engineering, and Technology. (Note: Medicine, Dental Medicine, and Pharmacy are strictly excluded from this scholarship).
Grade / Academic Requirement: Good academic standing; requires a minimum 7.00 (on a 10-point scale) equivalent from previous studies.
Best For (Target Demographics): Non-EU citizens willing to learn a new language for full tuition coverage in Eastern Europe.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete Romania Government Scholarship 2027 Application Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official Study in Romania Portal

7. DSU Regional Grants (Italy)

Degree Type: [Bachelors Scholarships], [Masters Scholarships]
Host Country: [Italy Scholarships Directory]
Financial Funding: University tuition fee waiver, free accommodation in university residences, free daily meals at dining halls, and a cash stipend (up to €7,000 annually based on financial need).
IELTS Exemption Route: Category B (Language requirements are dictated by the host university, not the DSU office. Many Italian public universities like Pisa, Siena, and Florence accept MOI Certificates for English-taught programs).
2027 Application Deadline: Usually opens in July and closes in early September 2027.
Eligible Disciplines: All degree fields offered by participating public universities in regions like Tuscany (DSU Toscana), Piedmont (EDISU Piemonte), and Apulia (ADISU Puglia).
Grade / Academic Requirement: Primarily need-based. Selection relies heavily on your family’s financial situation (ISEE Parificato index) rather than pure GPA.
Best For (Target Demographics): Low-to-middle-income students who can secure university admission via an MOI certificate.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete DSU Toscana Regional Grant Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official DSU Toscana Portal

8. Open Doors Russian Scholarship Project

Degree Type: [Masters Scholarships], [PhD Scholarships]
Host Country: [Russia Scholarships Directory]
Financial Funding: 100% tuition-free education at leading Russian universities. (Stipends and accommodation vary by the specific host university’s state funding).
IELTS Exemption Route: Category A & B (English-taught tracks accept MOI or internal evaluation; Russian-taught tracks include a free 1-year Russian language preparatory course).
2027 Application Deadline: December 2026.
Eligible Disciplines: STEM, Computer Science, Engineering, Clinical Medicine, Earth Sciences, and Business & Management.
Grade / Academic Requirement: Selection is entirely merit-based through competitive online Olympiad exams and portfolio evaluations, removing GPA screening biases.
Best For (Target Demographics): Students with strong technical backgrounds who test well in competitive academic Olympiads.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete Open Doors Russian Scholarship Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official Open Doors Global Uni Portal

9. DAAD EPOS & Helmut-Schmidt-Programme

Degree Type: [Masters Scholarships], [PhD Scholarships]
Host Country: [Germany Scholarships Directory]
Financial Funding: Monthly stipend of €934 (Masters) to €1,200 (PhD), comprehensive health insurance, and a travel allowance.
IELTS Exemption Route: Category B (Certain English-taught development courses within the DAAD EPOS and Helmut-Schmidt networks accept an MOI Certificate. Always verify with the specific course coordinator).
2027 Application Deadline: Varies widely by university course; typical deadlines run from July through October 2026 for the 2027 intake.
Eligible Disciplines: Public Policy, Good Governance, Economics, Development-related studies, and Public Health.
Grade / Academic Requirement: An upper second-class degree (2:1). EPOS applicants specifically require at least 2 years of relevant professional work experience.
Best For (Target Demographics): Professionals from developing countries aiming for public sector, government, or NGO leadership roles.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete DAAD Scholarships 2027 Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official DAAD Scholarship Database

10. Belgium ARES Scholarships

Degree Type: [Masters Scholarships] (Advanced/Specialized), Continuing Education
Host Country: [Europe Scholarships Hub]
Financial Funding: International travel costs, living allowance (approx. €1,150/month), full tuition fees, indirect mission fees, and an installation allowance.
IELTS Exemption Route: Category B (Waives standard English tests if your prior higher education was completed entirely in English).
2027 Application Deadline: Mid-January 2027 (via the GIRAF platform).
Eligible Disciplines: Public Health, Environment, Water Management, Human Rights, and Agricultural Development.
Grade / Academic Requirement: Must have a relevant academic degree and at least 2 years of professional experience in an ARES partner country.
Best For (Target Demographics): Mid-career professionals exclusively from ARES partner countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete Belgium ARES Scholarships 2027 Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official ARES Belgium Portal

11. Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship (BDGS)

Degree Type: [Bachelors Scholarships], [Masters Scholarships]
Host Country: [Asia Scholarships Hub]
Financial Funding: Full tuition fee waiver, return economy airfare, BND 500 monthly personal allowance, BND 600 annual book allowance, and free on-campus accommodation.
IELTS Exemption Route: Category B (Applicants can submit proof that their secondary or tertiary education was conducted in an English medium, equivalent to an IGCSE/O-Level passing grade in English).
2027 Application Deadline: Expected mid-February 2027.
Eligible Disciplines: Offered across UBD, UNISSA, UTB, and PB covering Engineering, Islamic Finance, Business, and Arts.
Grade / Academic Requirement: Varies by institution, typically requiring an upper second-class honors degree or high secondary credentials.
Best For (Target Demographics): OIC nationals and students seeking heavily funded Islamic finance or engineering degrees in Southeast Asia.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official Brunei MFA Portal

12. Taiwan ICDF Scholarship

Degree Type: [Bachelors Scholarships], [Masters Scholarships], [PhD Scholarships]
Host Country: [Asia Scholarships Hub]
Financial Funding: Return airfare, free on-campus housing, full tuition fees, health insurance, and a monthly allowance (NT$15,000 to NT$20,000).
IELTS Exemption Route: Category B (Taiwan ICDF accepts an MOI Certificate proving that the applicant’s prior degree was taught entirely in English).
2027 Application Deadline: Expected mid-March 2027.
Eligible Disciplines: Tropical Agriculture, Business Administration, IT, Engineering, and Healthcare.
Grade / Academic Requirement: Must meet the specific admission criteria of the partner university offering the chosen ICDF degree program.
Best For (Target Demographics): Nationals from Taiwan’s diplomatic allies and eligible friendly developing nations.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete Taiwan ICDF Scholarship Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official Taiwan ICDF Portal

13. CERN Student Fellowships (Technical & Doctoral)

Degree Type: [Masters Scholarships], [PhD Scholarships] (for ongoing students)
Host Country: [Europe Scholarships Hub]
Financial Funding: A substantial living allowance (approx. 3,400 CHF/month), travel allowance, and comprehensive CERN health insurance coverage.
IELTS Exemption Route: Category C (CERN does not require IELTS/TOEFL. English or French language fluency is evaluated directly through the application materials and panel review).
2027 Application Deadline: Committees meet bi-annually. Applications for 2027 intakes will close in October 2026 and March 2027.
Eligible Disciplines: Applied Physics, IT, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. (Pure theoretical physics is excluded).
Grade / Academic Requirement: Must have completed at least 18 months of undergraduate studies or be actively enrolled in a PhD program.
Best For (Target Demographics): Elite engineering and computer science students seeking world-class practical placement rather than traditional classroom learning.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete CERN Technical Student Programme Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official CERN Careers Portal

14. Chevening Scholarship

Degree Type: [Masters Scholarships]
Host Country: [United Kingdom Scholarships Directory]
Financial Funding: Full university tuition fees, monthly living allowance, return economy flight to the UK, and arrival/departure allowances.
IELTS Exemption Route: Category B (Chevening officially removed its overarching IELTS requirement in 2020. However, you must still meet the English requirements of your chosen UK universities, many of which accept MOI certificates).
2027 Application Deadline: Early November 2026.
Eligible Disciplines: All disciplines, provided they are 1-year taught master’s courses at UK universities.
Grade / Academic Requirement: Undergraduate degree equivalent to a UK upper second-class 2:1 honors, plus exactly 2,800 hours of documented work experience.
Best For (Target Demographics): Future leaders, influencers, and decision-makers with proven leadership track records in their home countries.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete Chevening Scholarship 2027/28 Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official Chevening Portal

15. SBW Berlin Scholarship

Degree Type: [Bachelors Scholarships], [Masters Scholarships]
Host Country: [Germany Scholarships Directory]
Financial Funding: Full tuition fees, accommodation in shared SBW student flats in Berlin/Potsdam, and a monthly living allowance.
IELTS Exemption Route: Category B & C (English proficiency can be verified via an MOI letter for English tracks, and is further evaluated during the mandatory selection interview).
2027 Application Deadline: Expected December 31, 2026, and June 30, 2027 (Bi-annual application windows).
Eligible Disciplines: All fields, heavily favoring degrees that support social impact.
Grade / Academic Requirement: Strong academic performance; equivalent to a GPA of 2.0 on the German grading scale.
Best For (Target Demographics): Socially engaged students who must design and implement a non-profit social project in their home country during/after their studies.
Detailed Guide: Read our complete SBW Berlin Scholarship Guide.
Official Source & Apply: Official SBW Berlin Portal

How to Obtain Your Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate

If you are targeting Category B scholarships, you cannot simply state that you speak English; you must provide institutional proof. An English Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate is a formal document issued by your previous university’s registrar.

This document explicitly states that the language of instruction, exams, and course evaluation for your prior degree was strictly English.

Step-by-Step to Request Your MOI:

Contact the Registrar: Send a formal email to the examination office or registrar of the university where you completed your last degree.
Provide Your Details: Include your student ID, exact graduation year, and degree title.
Request Official Formatting: The letter must be printed on official university letterhead, bear an official stamp/seal, and include the signature of an authorized official.

Copy & Paste Email Template to Your Registrar:

Subject: Request for Official English Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate – [Your Name] – [Student ID]

Dear Registrar / Examination Office,

I am a graduate of [Your University Name], having completed my [Bachelor’s / Master’s Degree Name] under Student ID [Your ID] in [Year of Graduation].

I am preparing applications for fully funded international scholarships for the 2027 intake. Several institutions accept an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate in place of IELTS scores.

Could you please issue an official statement on institutional letterhead confirming that the language of instruction, examinations, and course evaluation for my degree program was entirely in English? 

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Contact Number]

For a broader breakdown of required application materials, review our guide on Essential Documents Required for Study Abroad.

5 Critical Mistakes Students Make When Applying Without IELTS

Navigating scholarship applications without standard test scores requires extra attention to detail. Avoid these five common pitfalls that cause otherwise qualified applicants to be rejected:

1. Assuming Scholarship Approval Equals University Approval

The Mistake: A scholarship program (e.g., Chevening or DSU Italy) may not require IELTS, but the specific university or department you select might.
The Fix: Always cross-reference the admission requirements on the specific university’s department portal. If the scholarship accepts an MOI but the university strictly demands an IELTS score, your application will be rejected at the university admission stage.

2. Submitting an Unverified or Informal MOI Letter

The Mistake: Uploading a generic letter written by a professor or a simple email confirmation from your department head.
The Fix: Admissions committees reject unofficial documents. Your MOI Certificate must come from the central Registrar or Examination Office, be printed on official university letterhead, feature an official embossed or colored stamp, and include a verifiable reference number.

3. Confusing “Medium of Instruction” with “English Subject Taken”

The Mistake: Claiming exemption because you studied English as a single subject or course during your degree.
The Fix: An MOI Certificate is only valid if your entire program (all lectures, coursework, exams, and thesis) was conducted in English. If your degree was bilingual or taught in a local language with an English subject, you cannot use an MOI exemption.

4. Poor Written Quality in the Statement of Purpose (SOP)

The Mistake: Submitting an SOP with grammatical errors, awkward phrasing, or poor structure while claiming you are fluent in English via an MOI.
The Fix: When you do not submit an IELTS score, reviewers pay closer attention to your written essays. Treat your SOP, CV, and research proposal as your practical English exam. Have your essays proofread by academic peers before submission.

5. Ignoring Language Preparatory Commitments

The Mistake: Applying for Category A government scholarships (such as Türkiye Burslari, GKS, or Romania) without realizing that the 1-year language preparatory course is mandatory, even if your degree courses are in English.
The Fix: Read the fine print of government awards. If the scholarship mandates a 1-year language course, you must budget an extra year into your educational timeline.

Pro Tips to Guarantee Your Exemption Approval

Attach Transcripts as Secondary Proof: When uploading your MOI Certificate, include official transcripts that explicitly state “Language of Instruction: English” at the bottom or on the transcript key/legend page.
Keep Duolingo English Test (DET) as a Budget Backup: If a university hesitates on your MOI, check if they accept the Duolingo English Test. It costs significantly less than IELTS and can be taken from home in 1 hour.
Highlight English Research & Publications: If you have published a thesis, conference paper, or article in an English-language journal, link it directly in your CV. This provides undeniable proof of academic English proficiency.