Scholarships in Portugal Without IELTS are becoming very popular among international students who want affordable, high-quality education in Europe. Portugal offers many public universities, government grants, and institutional funding programs where IELTS is not always mandatory. Instead of IELTS, many universities accept alternatives such as a Medium of Instruction letter (MOI), previous English-taught degree proof, internal interviews, or other English tests.

Scholarships in Portugal Without IELTS do not mean you can skip English requirements completely. It usually means IELTS is not compulsory. Universities may accept other language proofs. If you prepare correctly and provide proper documents, you can study in Portugal without taking IELTS.

Portugal is also a smart choice because tuition fees are lower than many European countries, living costs are affordable, and the country is safe and welcoming. Students also get access to part-time work and post-study opportunities in Europe.

What “Without IELTS” Really Means in Portugal

Alternative English proofs are accepted

You can submit:

• MOI letter
• English-taught degree proof
• TOEFL / Duolingo / PTE
• University interview
• Internal assessment

List of Scholarships in Portugal Without IELTS

1) Government of Portugal Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master/PhD
Funding: Tuition reduction + stipend (varies)
Without IELTS angle: Universities accept MOI or alternatives

These are national schemes offered through public universities and ministries.

2) DGES – Direção-Geral do Ensino Superior Social Action Grants

Level: All levels
Funding: Living allowance + housing support
Without IELTS: Language depends on university admission

Best for low-income international students.

3) Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) Research Scholarships

Level: Master/PhD/Research
Funding: Monthly stipend + research funding
Without IELTS: Supervisor may accept MOI

Perfect for research students.

4) Camões – Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua Scholarships

Level: Language + Degree
Funding: Tuition + allowance
Without IELTS: Portuguese/English programs available

Good for Lusophone studies.

5) Universidade de Lisboa Merit Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition waiver
Without IELTS: MOI accepted for English programs

Portugal’s largest university with many international courses.

6) Universidade do Porto International Student Grants

Level: All levels
Funding: Partial tuition waiver
Without IELTS: Alternatives accepted

Offers many English-taught master’s degrees.

7) Universidade de Coimbra Excellence Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Fee reduction + awards
Without IELTS: MOI/English degree accepted

One of Europe’s oldest universities.

8) Universidade Nova de Lisboa NOVA Scholarships

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Tuition + stipend
Without IELTS: Program-based alternatives

Strong in business and science fields.

9) ISCTE – Instituto Universitário de Lisboa International Merit Awards

Level: Master
Funding: Tuition discounts
Without IELTS: MOI accepted

Popular for management and social sciences.

10) Universidade de Aveiro Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition support
Without IELTS: Internal language check allowed

Affordable coastal university.

11) Universidade do Minho Merit Grants

Level: All levels
Funding: Partial tuition
Without IELTS: English degree proof accepted

Good for engineering and tech.

12) Universidade do Algarve International Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition waiver
Without IELTS: Alternatives allowed

Great option for tourism and marine sciences.

13) Universidade da Beira Interior Grants

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Reduced tuition
Without IELTS: MOI accepted

Lower living costs for students.

14) Universidade de Évora Social Scholarships

Level: All levels
Funding: Financial aid
Without IELTS: Program-based

Ideal for agriculture and arts.

15) Universidade Católica Portuguesa International Excellence Awards

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Partial/full tuition
Without IELTS: Internal assessment possible

Top private university.

16) Instituto Politécnico de Leiria Grants

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Tuition support
Without IELTS: MOI accepted

Industry-focused programs.

17) Instituto Politécnico do Porto Scholarships

Level: Bachelor/Master
Funding: Fee discounts
Without IELTS: Alternatives accepted

Practical and technical degrees.

18) Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa International Support Grants

Level: Bachelor
Funding: Tuition reduction
Without IELTS: MOI allowed

Budget-friendly option.

19) Erasmus+ Mobility Grants (Portugal Host Universities)

Level: Master/Exchange
Funding: Travel + stipend
Without IELTS: Depends on host institution

Many Portuguese universities participate.

20) Department/Faculty Research Assistantships

Level: Master/PhD
Funding: Monthly salary
Without IELTS: Supervisor discretion

Paid research jobs plus study.

21) Private Foundation Scholarships (Corporate/NGO)

Level: Various
Funding: Partial support
Without IELTS: University rules apply

Extra funding source for living costs.

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

Step 1: Choose your program and university

Select:

• Field
• Level
• City
• Tuition cost

Focus on English-taught programs.

Step 2: Confirm IELTS alternatives

Check if they accept:

• MOI
• TOEFL
• Duolingo
• Interview

Step 3: Prepare documents

• Passport
• Transcripts
• SOP
• CV
• Recommendation letters
• MOI

Step 4: Write a strong SOP

Explain:

• Your goals
• Why Portugal
• Why this course
• Your career plan

Step 5: Apply for admission first

Admission approval is required before most scholarships.

Step 6: Apply for scholarships

Submit forms early. Deadlines are strict.

Step 7: Prepare for interview

Some universities test English through interviews.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming no English proof is needed
• Always submit MOI or equivalent.
• Using weak documents
• MOI must clearly say “medium of instruction was English”.
• Missing deadlines
• Portuguese universities are strict.
• Copy-paste SOP
• Always customize.

Why Choose Scholarships in Portugal Without IELTS

• Affordable tuition
• Lower than many European countries
• Low living costs
• Budget-friendly cities
• Safe environment
• Student-friendly lifestyle
• Part-time work
• Legal work options
• Schengen access
• Travel across Europe easily

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)