Scholarships in Australia Without IELTS (2026) | How to Apply Step-by-Step

If you are searching for Scholarships in Australia Without IELTS, you are not alone. Every year, thousands of international students want to study in Australia but feel worried about IELTS requirements. The good news is that many Australian universities and government scholarships do not strictly require IELTS. Instead, they accept alternative English proofs like a Medium of Instruction letter, previous English-taught degree, Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE, or an internal interview.

Australia is one of the best destinations for higher education. It offers world-class universities, modern campuses, strong research facilities, and excellent career opportunities. At the same time, many scholarships are fully funded or partially funded, which helps students cover tuition fees and living expenses.

In this detailed guide, you will learn everything about Scholarships in Australia Without IELTS, including what “without IELTS” really means, which scholarships you can apply for, and a simple step-by-step process to increase your chances of success.

What “Without IELTS” Really Means (Important to Understand)

Many students misunderstand the term without IELTS and get rejected.

It usually does NOT mean:
No English proof needed

It usually means:
IELTS is not compulsory
You can submit alternative English proof
Or the university may give you a language waiver

Accepted IELTS Alternatives in Australia

Most Australian universities accept:

• MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter
• Previous degree taught in English
• TOEFL
• PTE Academic
• Duolingo English Test
• Internal interview or assessment
• English preparation pathway program

List of Scholarships in Australia Without IELTS (2026)

1. Australia Awards Scholarships

Provided by Australian Government

Level: Bachelor, Master, PhD
Funding: Fully funded (tuition, living stipend, flights, health insurance)
Without IELTS angle: Some partner universities accept MOI or alternative tests

This is one of the most famous scholarships. It supports students from developing countries and focuses on leadership and development impact.

2. Destination Australia Scholarship

Offered by Australian Department of Education

Level: Diploma to Master
Funding: Up to AUD 15,000 per year
Without IELTS angle: Depends on university language rules

Encourages students to study in regional campuses with lower living costs.

3. Research Training Program (RTP)

Funded by Australian Government Research Training Program

Level: Master by Research, PhD
Funding: Fully funded stipend + tuition
Without IELTS angle: Many supervisors accept MOI or alternatives

Excellent for research students.

4. University of Melbourne Graduate Research Scholarships

At University of Melbourne

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Full tuition + living allowance
Without IELTS angle: English waiver possible with MOI

Highly competitive and prestigious.

5. Sydney International Scholarships

At University of Sydney

Level: Postgraduate research
Funding: Fully funded
Without IELTS angle: Accepts alternative English proof

Great option for research degrees.

6. Monash International Merit Scholarships

At Monash University

Level: Undergraduate/Master
Funding: Partial tuition reduction
Without IELTS angle: Language waiver possible

Based on academic excellence.

7. ANU Chancellor’s Scholarship

At Australian National University

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial to full tuition support
Without IELTS angle: MOI often accepted

One of Australia’s top-ranked universities.

8. Deakin International Scholarship

At Deakin University

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: 25% to 100% tuition
Without IELTS angle: English waiver or alternatives

Suitable for high-achieving students.

9. Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor Scholarship

At Macquarie University

Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Funding: Partial tuition
Without IELTS angle: MOI accepted in many cases

Popular among business and IT students.

10. Griffith Remarkable Scholarship

At Griffith University

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: 50% tuition
Without IELTS angle: Alternatives accepted

Strong programs in health and business.

11. Adelaide Global Academic Excellence Scholarship

At University of Adelaide

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Up to 50% tuition
Without IELTS angle: Depends on admission rules

Rewards excellent academic scores.

12. La Trobe Excellence Scholarship

At La Trobe University

Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Funding: Tuition discounts
Without IELTS angle: English waiver possible

Good for regional study options.

13. Flinders International Scholarships

At Flinders University

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Tuition + stipend (varies)
Without IELTS angle: MOI accepted for many programs

Great for research students.

14. Bond University Scholarships

At Bond University

Level: Undergraduate/Master
Funding: 25% to 50% tuition
Without IELTS angle: Alternatives available

Private university with smaller classes.

15. University of Tasmania Scholarships

At University of Tasmania

Level: All levels
Funding: Merit-based tuition waivers
Without IELTS angle: MOI often accepted

Affordable living costs.

16 Charles Darwin University Scholarships

At Charles Darwin University

Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Funding: Up to 50% tuition
Without IELTS angle: Alternative proof allowed

Good for regional campus students.

17. Swinburne International Excellence Scholarship

At Swinburne University of Technology

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition reduction
Without IELTS angle: MOI accepted

Strong in engineering and technology.

18. Western Sydney International Scholarships

At Western Sydney University

Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Funding: Partial tuition
Without IELTS angle: English waiver possible

Good for affordable study in Sydney region.

19. Curtin International Scholarships

At Curtin University

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Merit-based discounts
Without IELTS angle: Alternatives accepted

Popular among engineering and mining students.

20. UNSW International Scholarships

At University of New South Wales

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial/full tuition
Without IELTS angle: Language waivers available

Highly ranked globally.

21. Federation University Global Excellence Scholarship

At Federation University Australia

Level: Undergraduate/Master
Funding: Tuition support
Without IELTS angle: MOI accepted

Less competitive and easier acceptance.

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

Step 1: Choose your level and field

Decide clearly:
Bachelor, Master, or PhD
Your field (IT, business, nursing, engineering, public health)

Focus on 3 to 5 universities only.

Step 2: Shortlist programs first

Do not start with scholarships.

First:
Find English-taught programs
Confirm they accept MOI or alternatives
Then check scholarships linked to them

Admission comes first. Scholarship comes second.

Step 3: Get your MOI letter correctly

Your MOI letter must include:
• Degree name
• Study duration
• Statement saying “Entirely taught in English”
• Official stamp and signature
• University letterhead

Weak or unclear letters cause rejection.

Step 4: Prepare documents

You usually need:
Passport
Transcripts
CV
Statement of Purpose
Recommendation letters
MOI or alternative test
Research proposal (for PhD)

Step 5: Apply early

Apply 6 to 9 months before intake.
Scholarships are limited and competitive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Thinking no English proof is needed
• Sending weak SOP
• Copy-paste applications
• Missing deadlines
• Not checking eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I get Scholarships in Australia Without IELTS?

Yes, many universities and government programs in Australia offer scholarships without IELTS. You can submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, TOEFL, PTE, or other accepted English proofs instead..

Are Scholarships in Australia Without IELTS fully funded?

Some scholarships like Australia Awards, RTP, and university-specific merit scholarships can be fully funded, covering tuition, living costs, and sometimes flights. Others may offer partial tuition support.

Can work experience improve my chances for Scholarships in Australia Without IELTS?

Yes, for leadership or research-focused scholarships, relevant work experience can strengthen your application and improve your chances of receiving the award.

Which universities offer Scholarships in Australia Without IELTS?

Top universities like the University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, Monash University, and UNSW provide scholarships where IELTS is not mandatory if you meet alternative English requirements.

How do I apply for Scholarships in Australia Without IELTS?

First, shortlist English-taught programs that accept MOI or alternatives. Then, check scholarship eligibility and submit documents such as transcripts, SOP, recommendation letters, and proof of English proficiency.

Related Posts