If you are searching for Scholarships in Canada Without IELTS, you will be happy to know that many Canadian universities and scholarships do not strictly require IELTS. Canada offers thousands of fully funded and partially funded scholarships every year, and many institutions accept alternative English proofs instead of IELTS.

The most important thing to understand is that “without IELTS” does not mean “without English proficiency.” Canadian universities still need proof that you can study in English. However, instead of IELTS, you can often submit a Medium of Instruction letter, previous English-taught degree proof, Duolingo test, TOEFL, PTE, or sometimes pass an internal interview.

Every year, international students successfully win Scholarships in Canada Without IELTS using these alternatives. If you prepare correctly and follow the right steps, you can also study in Canada without taking IELTS.

What “Without IELTS” Really Means (Don’t Get Rejected)

Many students misunderstand this phrase and get rejected.

• IELTS is not compulsory
• Other English tests are accepted
• MOI letter may be allowed
• Some universities conduct interviews
• English pathway programs are available

Accepted IELTS Alternatives in Canada

Most Canadian universities accept one or more of these:

• Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter
• Previous English-taught degree
• Duolingo English Test
• Educational Testing Service TOEFL
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge English tests
• University interview or waiver

List of Scholarships in Canada Without IELTS (Minimum 20)

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Level: PhD
Funding: Fully funded (stipend for 3 years)
IELTS rule: Depends on university admission requirements
Best for: Research students with strong academic profiles

This is one of the most prestigious scholarships in Canada.

2. University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship

Level: Bachelor
Funding: Fully funded (tuition + living + books)
IELTS: Alternatives accepted by the university
Best for: Outstanding international students

3. University of British Columbia International Scholars Program

Level: Bachelor
Funding: Full financial support
IELTS: MOI or other tests often accepted

Includes merit-based awards for talented students.

4. University of Waterloo International Master’s Award of Excellence

Level: Master’s
Funding: Partial funding
IELTS: Alternatives possible

Great option for engineering and tech students.

5. University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowships (UMGF)

Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: High stipend
IELTS: MOI accepted in many cases

6. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarships

Level: Bachelor
Funding: Merit awards
IELTS: Alternatives accepted

7. York University Global Leader of Tomorrow Award

Level: Bachelor
Funding: Large tuition coverage
IELTS: University language policy applies

8. McGill University Entrance Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial and full awards
IELTS: MOI/alternatives often accepted

9. University of Alberta International Admission Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition awards
IELTS: Alternatives allowed

10. Carleton University Entrance Scholarships

Level: Bachelor
Funding: Automatic merit awards
IELTS: University alternatives available

11. Concordia University International Tuition Awards

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial tuition waivers
IELTS: Other tests accepted

12. University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarships

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Research stipends
IELTS: Depends on department

13. Simon Fraser University Graduate Fellowships

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Research funding
IELTS: Alternatives often accepted

14. University of Ottawa Differential Tuition Exemption Scholarship

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Reduced tuition
IELTS: MOI accepted

15. Dalhousie University Graduate Scholarships

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Research funding
IELTS: Department-based policy

16. Brock University International Awards

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition discounts
IELTS: Alternatives possible

17. University of Guelph Entrance Scholarships

Level: Bachelor
Funding: Merit awards
IELTS: Flexible requirements

18. Memorial University of Newfoundland International Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition support
IELTS: Other English proofs accepted

19. University of Victoria Graduate Awards

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Departmental funding
IELTS: Alternatives accepted

20. Government of Canada Study in Canada Scholarships

Level: Short-term/Exchange/Research
Funding: Fully funded
IELTS: Host university policy applies

21. Mitacs Globalink Research Internship

Level: Undergraduate research
Funding: Fully funded internship
IELTS: Often not required, interview based

22) Ontario Graduate Scholarship

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Stipend support
IELTS: University dependent

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada Without IELTS

Step 1: Choose Your Level and Field

Decide clearly:

• Bachelor / Master / PhD
• Your subject
• 3 to 5 target universities

Step 2: Shortlist Programs First

Do not start with scholarships.

First:

• Select programs taught in English
• Confirm MOI acceptance
• Then match scholarships

Step 3: Prepare Your MOI Letter Properly

Your letter must include:

• Official letterhead
• Degree name
• Duration
• Statement: “The medium of instruction was English”
• Stamp and signature

Step 4: Prepare Strong Documents

You need:

• Academic transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• CV
• Recommendation letters
• Passport
• English proof

Step 5: Write a Powerful SOP

Explain:

• Why Canada
• Why this program
• Career goals
• Leadership or achievements

Step 6: Apply Early

Most Scholarships in Canada Without IELTS close 6 to 10 months before intake. Early applicants get better chances.

Step 7: Track Deadlines

Make an Excel sheet with:

• University
• Scholarship
• Deadline
• Documents

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking IELTS is not needed at all
• Weak MOI letters
• Applying randomly
• Missing deadlines
• Poor SOP
• Not checking eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)