If you’re searching for scholarships in Europe without IELTS, the good news is that many European scholarships do not require IELTS specifically. The important detail is that most universities still require proof of English proficiency, but you can often submit alternatives (like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, previous English-taught degree proof, Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge, or an internal university assessment).
What “Without IELTS” Really Means (Don’t Get Rejected)
Most rejections happen because students misunderstand the phrase “without IELTS.”
“Without IELTS” usually means:
IELTS is not mandatory
You can submit another accepted English proof
Or the scholarship provider says: “Meet the university’s language requirement” (and that university allows MOI/alternatives)
The most accepted IELTS alternatives:
- MOI (Medium of Instruction) letter
A letter from your previous institution confirming that your degree was taught entirely in English. - English-taught degree evidence
Transcript or diploma supplement stating the language of instruction. - Other tests
Duolingo / TOEFL / PTE / Cambridge (depends on university). - University waiver or interview
Some universities waive tests after an interview or internal assessment. - Local language programs
If you apply to German/French/Italian programs, you may need their language instead of English.
List of Scholarships in Europe Without IELTS
Below are major scholarships and funding routes commonly pursued by international students and often possible without IELTS if you use MOI or accepted alternatives.
1) Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM)
Level: Master’s
Funding: Often fully funded (tuition + stipend + travel)
Why “without IELTS” can work: Many EMJM programs accept MOI or other English tests, but each program sets its own policy.
Best for: Students who want to study in 2–3 European countries in one degree.
Key requirement tips:
- Strong SOP and clear career goal
- Good academic records
- Leadership/community impact helps a lot
- Details about the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship
2) EIT Digital Master School
Level: Master’s
Funding: Scholarships/fee reductions (varies)
Why it can work without IELTS: Some tracks accept language waivers based on previous education in English or other accepted proof.
Best for: Tech + innovation + entrepreneurship profiles.
3) EIT Manufacturing / EIT InnoEnergy (depending on intakes)
Level: Master’s
Funding: Scholarships/fee support (varies)
Without IELTS angle: Often university-based language rules; many accept alternatives.
4) DAAD EPOS (Development-Related Postgraduate Courses)
Level: Master’s
Funding: Usually fully funded
Without IELTS angle: Some EPOS programs accept MOI/alternatives, but it depends on the course.
Details about the DAAD EPOS Scholarship
Best for: Public policy, development, economics, engineering management, health, environment, etc.
Special tip: Many EPOS courses prefer applicants with relevant experience.
5) Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship)
Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s (at German universities)
Funding: Partial monthly support
Without IELTS angle: Language requirement depends on your university program; scholarship itself isn’t an IELTS scholarship.
6) University Scholarships in Germany (varies by university)
Many German universities offer:
- Tuition support/fee waivers (where applicable)
- Semester support grants
- Merit scholarships for international students
Without IELTS angle: Depends on program language requirements.
7) Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
Level: Master’s/PhD (mostly Master’s)
Funding: Monthly allowance + other support (tuition often handled by program/university)
Without IELTS angle: Eiffel is usually applied through a university nomination; language proof follows the university’s rules.
Details about the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship
Best for: Strong academics + clear international career plan.
8) Campus France / Regional / University Scholarships (France)
France has many funding routes:
- University excellence scholarships
- Regional government scholarships
- School-specific scholarships (business schools, engineering schools)
Without IELTS angle: Many institutions accept alternatives or allow internal assessment.
9) Italian Government Scholarships (MAECI)
Level: Master’s/PhD/Research/Italian language courses
Funding: Stipend + possible benefits
Without IELTS angle: Often asks for CEFR proficiency proof; not “IELTS only.” Alternatives can work.
10) DSU Regional Scholarships (Italy)
Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s
Funding: Can include tuition waiver + stipend + accommodation/meal benefits (varies by region)
Without IELTS angle: Primarily based on income/merit and enrollment; language depends on the program.
Best for: Students looking for affordable Italy study with strong benefits.
11) University of Bologna Scholarships / Unibo Grants (example of major uni funding)
Many top Italian universities offer:
- Tuition waivers
- International student grants
- Merit awards
Without IELTS angle: Many English-taught programs accept MOI/alternatives.
12) Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Tuition + stipend + accommodation support (varies)
Without IELTS angle: Many partner universities accept MOI or other English proof, sometimes with interviews.
Details about the stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship
Best for: High acceptance opportunities if you apply carefully and early.
13) Hungarian Diaspora Scholarship (if applicable)
Level: Multiple levels
Without the IELTS angle: Similar logic, program requirements may accept alternatives.
14) Türkiye Scholarships (Government)
Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Fully funded (tuition + stipend + accommodation + health + flights in many cases)
Without IELTS angle: Many programs include Turkish/English preparation or accept alternatives; language rules vary by program.
15) Romanian Government Scholarships
Level: Bachelor’s/Master’s/PhD
Funding: Often includes tuition coverage + stipend (varies)
Without IELTS angle: Programs may be Romanian/English/French; language proof depends on track; alternatives may apply.
16) NAWA Scholarships (Poland)
Level: Varies (Bachelor/Master/PhD/research, depending on scheme)
Funding: Varies by program
Without IELTS angle: Many Polish universities accept MOI/alternative English tests; scholarship is often tied to program admission.
17) University Scholarships in Poland
Many Polish universities offer:
- Tuition discounts
- Merit scholarships for international students
- Research assistant roles for Master’s/PhD candidates
18) Swedish Institute Scholarships (SISGP)
Level: Master’s
Funding: Fully funded (highly competitive)
Without IELTS angle: Scholarship typically follows university admission language requirements. If the university accepts alternatives, it can work; otherwise, you may need a test.
Best for: Strong work/leadership background + clear development impact.
19) University Scholarships in Sweden
Most Swedish universities offer:
- Tuition waivers (partial/full)
- Departmental scholarships
Without IELTS angle: Depends on admission rules.
20) Finnish Government / EDUFI Scholarships (Mainly Doctoral/Research)
Level: PhD/Research
Funding: Research-based support
Without IELTS angle: Often depends on university and supervisor requirements.
21) Finland University Scholarships (Tuition Waivers)
Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial/full tuition waivers + sometimes living support
Without IELTS angle: Universities may accept MOI/alternatives depending on policy.
22) University/Department Scholarships + Research Positions (Norway)
Level: Mainly PhD + research jobs
Funding: Many PhD opportunities are paid positions
Without IELTS angle: Depends on institution; MOI or alternatives may be accepted.
23) Danish Government Scholarships (via universities)
Level: Master’s
Funding: Tuition waiver + sometimes stipend
Without IELTS angle: University decides language proof; MOI sometimes helps.
24) Holland Scholarship (Netherlands)
Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial (one-time or limited support)
Without IELTS angle: Admission requirements are strict in many Dutch universities; some accept alternatives, but many require formal tests. Still possible depending on the program and background.
25) University Excellence Scholarships (Netherlands)
Many Dutch universities offer:
- Merit scholarships
- Faculty excellence scholarships
26) VLIR-UOS Scholarships (Belgium)
Level: Master’s/Training
Funding: Often fully funded
Without IELTS angle: Language proof rules apply; some cases accept alternatives depending on the program.
27) University Scholarships (KU Leuven, Ghent, etc. – scholarship types vary)
Belgian universities have departmental awards and tuition support. In many cases, these scholarships do not require IELTS.
28) Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships
Level: Mostly PhD/Postdoc/Research (some arts programs)
Funding: Usually stipend + research support
Without IELTS angle: Depends on host professor/university requirements; not always IELTS-specific.
29) Austrian Government Scholarships / OeAD Programs
Level: Multiple levels (often research/master’s)
Funding: Varies
Without IELTS angle: Depends on program language requirements and host institution.
30) Spanish Government / University Scholarships (varies)
Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: Varies
Without IELTS angle: Many programs are Spanish-taught; English-taught programs may accept alternatives.
31) University Scholarships + Foundation Funding (Portugal)
Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Often partial, sometimes research-based
Without IELTS angle: Many programs accept MOI/alternatives depending on the school.
32) Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
Level: Mainly Master’s/PhD (depending on call)
Funding: Stipend + tuition fee waiver (commonly)
Without IELTS angle: Many Irish universities still require English tests, but some accept alternatives if the previous education was in English. Program-specific.
33) Czech Government Scholarships
Level: Various
Funding: Varies
Without IELTS angle: Program language rules apply; many programs are Czech-taught, but English options exist with alternative proof sometimes accepted.
34) National Scholarship Programme of the Slovak Republic
Level: Master/PhD/research mobility
Funding: Monthly stipend support
Without IELTS angle: Depends on host and program; often IELTS is not the “named” requirement.
35) Latvia Government Scholarships
Level: Bachelor/Master/PhD + summer schools
Funding: Varies
Without IELTS angle: Many programs accept alternatives depending on the university.
36) Lithuania State Scholarships
Level: Master’s/Research (varies by scheme)
Funding: Varies (Details about Lithuania State Scholarships)
Without IELTS angle: Similar program-based language proof.
37) Estonia Scholarships (various national/university routes)
Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Often tuition waivers + stipends, depending onthe scheme
Without IELTS angle: Depends on university policy.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Scholarships in Europe Without IELTS
Step 1: Choose your target level + field
Be clear:
- Bachelor / Master / PhD
- Your field (CS, business, nursing, public health, engineering, law, social sciences)
- Your preferred countries (3–5 is ideal)
Why: Scholarships are competitive. A tight list leads to stronger SOPs.
Step 2: Shortlist programs first (then match scholarships)
Don’t start with scholarships only.
Instead:
- List universities/programs taught in English
- Confirm they accept MOI or alternative English proof
- Then match scholarships to those programs
Pro tip: A scholarship can only help if you qualify for the program’s admission rules.
Step 3: Get your MOI letter the right way
Your MOI letter should include:
- Your full name + passport number (optional but helpful)
- Degree name and duration
- A clear statement: “The medium of instruction for this degree was English.”
- Official letterhead + stamp + signature
- Date + contact details
Avoid weak MOI letters like “English was one subject.” That usually gets rejected.
Common Mistakes (Avoid These)
- Assuming “without IELTS” means “no English proof needed”
- Using a weak MOI letter
- Applying to too many scholarships with a copy-paste SOP
- Ignoring eligibility (age limits, experience requirements, nationality restrictions)
- Missing deadlines and document formats (PDF naming rules matter!)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a scholarship in Europe without IELTS?
Yes, many students do. You usually need an alternative, such as an MOI, an English-taught degree proof, or another accepted test. The key is meeting the university’s language requirement.
Is MOI accepted everywhere in Europe?
No. Some universities accept MOI, others do not. MOI acceptance depends on the university/program, and sometimes on your country/institution type.
Which scholarships are best for studying in Europe without IELTS?
Popular scholarships without IELTS are Erasmus Mundus (program-dependent), Stipendium Hungaricum, DAAD EPOS (course-dependent), Italian DSU + university grants, and Swedish Institute + university waivers (depends on admission rules)
What should my MOI letter say exactly?
It must clearly state that your program was taught entirely in English (not partially). It should be on official letterhead with a stamp and signature.
Do I need work experience for scholarships in Europe?
For many Master’s scholarships, not always. But for some (especially certain DAAD tracks or leadership-focused scholarships), experience can significantly improve your chances.
