Scholarships Without IELTS for Nigerians

Some scholarships and universities do not require IELTS — but ‘without IELTS’ does not mean ‘without English proof’. Most programmes that waive IELTS still require proof of English in another form: a previous degree taught in English, a medium-of-instruction letter, or another approved test. This guide explains the waivers honestly, names the routes, and tells you how to verify each programme for the current cycle — because waiver rules change every year, and no waiver is asserted for any specific programme here, deliberately.

How IELTS waivers actually work

• Previous degree in English — many universities waive IELTS where your previous degree was taught in English. Proof is usually a medium-of-instruction (MOI) letter from your previous institution.
• English-medium country — some programmes waive IELTS for applicants from English-medium education systems, as the programme states. Nigeria’s English-medium system qualifies for some programmes, not all.
• Alternative tests — TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, PTE, and others are accepted by some programmes as IELTS alternatives. Check each programme’s accepted-tests list.
• Programme-specific waivers — some programmes (notably DAAD, some Erasmus Mundus programmes, and some German universities) waive IELTS where the programme itself is taught in English and your prior study was in English.
• No waiver — many programmes (notably Chevening and Commonwealth) require IELTS or an approved alternative, with no waiver. Do not assume a waiver exists.

Destinations where without-IELTS routes are most common

• Germany — many programmes taught in English accept MOI letters or alternative tests; DAAD programmes vary by programme.
• Europe (Erasmus Mundus) — joint programmes vary; some accept MOI letters, others require IELTS or an alternative.
• Asia (MEXT, some Chinese and Korean programmes) — English-taught programmes often accept MOI letters or alternative tests.
• Africa (Mastercard Foundation partners) — English-medium programmes often accept prior English-medium study.
• UK — waivers exist but are narrower; most UK programmes require IELTS or an approved alternative.

How to apply without IELTS, in order

1. Shortlist programmes and check each one’s English requirement for the current cycle — waiver, alternative test, or IELTS required.
2. Get your MOI letter early from your previous institution, where the programme accepts it.
3. Take an alternative test where the programme accepts one and your MOI letter is not enough.
4. Apply through the official portal only.
5. Do not pay anyone who promises an IELTS waiver — waivers are granted by the programme, not sold by agents.

Related Guides & Next Steps

• How University Admission Works in Nigeria
• Scholarships for Nigerian Students in 2026/2027
• Scholarships That Pay Monthly Stipends
• Scholarships With No Application Fee
• Scholarships to Study Abroad for Nigerians

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a scholarship without IELTS? Yes, for some programmes — but ‘without IELTS’ usually means another form of English proof (MOI letter, alternative test, prior English-medium degree), not no proof at all. Check each programme’s requirement for the current cycle.

What is a medium-of-instruction letter? A letter from your previous institution confirming your degree was taught in English. Many programmes accept it as IELTS waiver proof, where the programme states it does.

Does Nigeria’s English-medium system waive IELTS automatically? No — not automatically. Some programmes waive IELTS for Nigerian applicants, others do not. Check each programme’s requirement.

Do Chevening and Commonwealth waive IELTS? Most UK programmes, including Chevening and Commonwealth, require IELTS or an approved alternative, with no general waiver. Check each programme’s requirement for the current cycle.

Can an agent sell me an IELTS waiver? No. Waivers are granted by the programme, not sold by agents. Anyone selling a waiver is running a scam.

Sources and last update

• Scholarship programmes named here are established programmes as reported; amounts, deadlines, and eligibility change every cycle — the official programme page for the current cycle governs, and no amount or deadline is asserted anywhere in this article, deliberately.
• Scholarship-vs-loan distinction from the NELFUND cluster guides (Batches 6–10): a scholarship is not repaid; NELFUND is a loan, repayable from 2 years after NYSC at 10% of income.
• Scam patterns from the fake-agents guide (Batch 12): application fees, guaranteed awards, and payment to personal accounts are red flags.
• No admission, award, or visa outcome is promised anywhere in this article.

Last updated: 24 October 2026. Guide — review every 3–6 months and on every scholarship-cycle update.