If you are looking for Scholarships in Estonia Without IELTS, you are not alone. Many international students want to study in Estonia but worry about English tests like IELTS. The good news is that a growing number of Estonian universities and government programs offer scholarships that accept alternative proof of English proficiency, such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, previous English-taught degree, Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge tests.

Applying for Scholarships in Estonia Without IELTS can open doors to fully funded tuition, living stipends, and research opportunities. However, many students misunderstand the term “without IELTS.” It does not mean that no proof of English is required. Most programs still require you to meet the university’s language requirements, but they allow alternatives like MOI letters or other recognized English tests.

To succeed in obtaining Scholarships in Estonia Without IELTS, it is important to know which scholarships are available and how to apply step-by-step. From the University of Tartu to Tallinn University, from Estonian government grants to Erasmus+ exchange programs, there are numerous options for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD students. By carefully selecting programs, preparing a strong MOI letter, and submitting a compelling SOP, you can significantly increase your chances of success in 2026.

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

Many students misunderstand the phrase “without IELTS.”

It usually means:

• IELTS is not mandatory
• You can submit another accepted English proof
• Some scholarship providers require you to meet the university’s language requirement, which may accept MOI or other alternatives

Most Accepted IELTS Alternatives in Estonia

• MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter: Letter from your previous institution confirming your degree was taught entirely in English
• English-taught degree evidence: Transcript or diploma stating the language of instruction
• Other English tests: Duolingo / TOEFL / PTE / Cambridge (university-dependent)
• University waiver or interview: Some universities may waive language tests after an internal assessment

Top 20 Scholarships in Estonia Without IELTS

Scholarships in Estonia Without IELTS:

1. Estonian Government Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master/PhD
Funding: Tuition + monthly stipend
Without IELTS angle: MOI or other accepted proof can be used
Best for: Students aiming for research or development-oriented programs

2. University of Tartu Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master/PhD
Funding: Tuition waivers, monthly stipends
Without IELTS angle: MOI letters often accepted for English-taught programs

3. Tallinn University Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial/full tuition coverage
Without IELTS angle: Programs may accept alternative English proof

4. Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Merit-based tuition waivers
Without IELTS angle: MOI or English-taught degree proof accepted

5. Estonian Academy of Arts Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition reduction + grants for international students
Without IELTS angle: MOI letters valid for English programs

6. Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition and living support
Without IELTS angle: English-taught program evidence accepted

7. Stipendium Hungaricum – Estonia Partners

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Tuition + stipend
Without IELTS angle: MOI or other English alternatives

8. Erasmus+ Exchange Scholarships in Estonia

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Travel grant + tuition support
Without IELTS angle: MOI letters widely accepted for partner universities

9. Fulbright Estonia Scholarships

Level: Master/PhD/Research
Funding: Tuition + monthly allowance + travel
Without IELTS angle: Other proof of English proficiency accepted

10. CIMO-Estonia Exchange Scholarships

Level: Master
Funding: Tuition + living allowance
Without IELTS angle: MOI or English-taught degree acceptable

11. European Solidarity Corps Programs

Level: Short-term learning & volunteering
Funding: Travel, food, accommodation
Without IELTS angle: English alternatives usually allowed

12. Tallinn University of Applied Sciences Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Merit scholarships for tuition
Without IELTS angle: MOI letters accepted for English-taught programs

13. Estonian Business School Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition waivers and merit awards
Without IELTS angle: MOI or English-taught degree evidence

14. University of Tartu Global Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial to full tuition coverage
Without IELTS angle: MOI or Duolingo proof accepted

15. Baltic-American Freedom Foundation (BAFF) Scholarships

Level: Master/Research
Funding: Tuition + monthly stipend
Without IELTS angle: MOI letters accepted for English programs

16. Estonian Research Council Grants

Level: PhD / Postdoctoral
Funding: Research stipend + living support
Without IELTS angle: Language proof may be waived based on prior English studies

17. Tallinna Tehnikaülikooli International Grants

Level: Master
Funding: Tuition support + partial stipend
Without IELTS angle: Alternative English tests accepted

18. EduEstonia Scholarships for International Students

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition and living grants
Without IELTS angle: MOI letters recognized

19. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees in Estonia

Level: Master
Funding: Tuition + stipend + travel support
Without IELTS angle: MOI and other English alternatives accepted

20. European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) Scholarships – Estonia Tracks

Level: Master
Funding: Partial/Full scholarships
Without IELTS angle: MOI or prior English degree recognized

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

Step 1: Choose your target level and field

• Bachelor / Master / PhD
• Field: CS, engineering, business, law, social sciences, health
• Preferred universities in Estonia (3–5 recommended)

Step 2: Shortlist programs first, then match scholarships

• List English-taught programs
• Confirm MOI or alternative English proof accepted
• Match scholarships to programs

Step 3: Get your MOI letter the right way

Your MOI letter should include:

• Full name + passport number (optional)
• Degree name and duration
• Clear statement: “The medium of instruction for this degree was English”
• Official letterhead + signature + stamp
• Contact details + date

Step 4: Prepare strong SOP and documents

• Clear career goals
• Relevant experience
• Academic transcripts
• Letters of recommendation

Avoid common mistakes for scholarship in Estonia without IELTS

• Assuming “without IELTS” means no English proof needed
• Using weak MOI letters
• Copy-paste SOPs
• Ignoring eligibility (age, experience, nationality)
• Missing deadlines or mislabeling files

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)