Many international students dream of studying in the United Kingdom but worry about English language tests. The good news is that several Scholarships in UK Without IELTS allow students to apply without submitting an IELTS score. Many UK universities now accept alternative proofs of English proficiency such as a Medium of Instruction letter, previous English-taught education, Duolingo, or internal interviews. This makes it easier and more affordable for students to start their study journey in the UK.

Finding Scholarships in UK Without IELTS is becoming easier every year as universities focus more on academic merit, leadership skills, and overall student potential rather than only test scores. Instead of spending money and time on IELTS preparation, students can use documents from their previous studies to prove their English ability. With fully funded and partially funded scholarships available, the UK remains one of the best destinations for international students who want quality education and global career opportunities.

In this complete step-by-step guide, you will learn how to apply for Scholarships in UK Without IELTS, which universities and scholarship programs accept alternatives, and how to prepare strong documents that increase your chances of selection. Whether you plan to apply for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree, this article will help you find the best funding opportunities and successfully study in the UK without IELTS.

What “Without IELTS” Really Means in the UK

Before applying, you must understand this clearly to avoid rejection.

Without IELTS usually means:

• IELTS is not compulsory
• You can submit an MOI letter
• You can provide proof of an English-taught degree
• You may submit Duolingo, TOEFL, or PTE
• Some universities conduct interviews instead of tests

Most Accepted IELTS Alternatives

Here are the common options accepted by many UK universities:

MOI (Medium of Instruction)
An official letter stating your degree was taught in English.

English-taught degree transcript
A document confirming English as the teaching language.

Other tests
Duolingo / TOEFL / PTE / Cambridge.

Interview or internal test
Some departments assess your English directly.

Foundation or pre-sessional course
You may study English first, then start your degree.

List of Scholarships in UK Without IELTS (Minimum 20 Opportunities)

1. Chevening Scholarships

Level: Master’s
Funding: Fully funded (tuition + stipend + flights)
IELTS angle: Follows university rules. If the university accepts MOI/alternatives, IELTS is not required.
Best for: Leadership and future change-makers

2. Commonwealth Scholarship Commission Scholarships

Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: Fully funded
IELTS angle: Language proof depends on host university
Best for: Students from Commonwealth countries

3. Gates Cambridge Trust

Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: Fully funded
IELTS angle: University language rules apply
Best for: Outstanding academic profiles

4. University of Oxford Clarendon Fund

Level: Master’s/PhD
Funding: Fully funded
IELTS angle: Alternatives accepted in some departments

5. University of Westminster International Scholarships

Level: Master’s
Funding: Partial/full tuition
IELTS angle: Accepts MOI for many countries

6. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships

Level: Undergraduate/Master’s
Funding: Tuition support
IELTS angle: Alternatives accepted case by case

7. University of Glasgow Global Excellence Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate/Master’s
Funding: Partial fee waiver
IELTS angle: MOI accepted for many applicants

8. University of Birmingham Global Masters Scholarship

Level: Master’s
Funding: Tuition support
IELTS angle: Other proofs allowed

9. University of Nottingham Developing Solutions Scholarship

Level: Master’s
Funding: 50 to 100 percent tuition
IELTS angle: Depends on admission requirements

10. University of Sheffield International Merit Scholarship

Level: Master’s
Funding: Partial fee discount
IELTS angle: Alternatives accepted

11. University of Manchester Global Futures Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate/Master’s
Funding: Merit awards
IELTS angle: MOI often accepted

12. University of Leeds International Excellence Scholarship

Level: Master’s
Funding: Tuition reduction
IELTS angle: Alternative tests allowed

13. Queen Mary University of London Global Talent Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate/Master’s
Funding: Tuition awards
IELTS angle: English proof alternatives possible

14. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarship

Level: Master’s
Funding: 50 percent tuition
IELTS angle: MOI accepted for some countries

15. University of East Anglia International Excellence Scholarship

Level: Master’s
Funding: Partial fees
IELTS angle: Alternatives accepted

16. University of York Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate/Master’s
Funding: Tuition support
IELTS angle: Depends on department

17. University of Kent International Scholarships

Level: Master’s
Funding: Fee reductions
IELTS angle: MOI allowed

18. University of Stirling International Excellence Awards

Level: Undergraduate/Master’s
Funding: Partial support
IELTS angle: English proof alternatives available

19. University of Hull Fairer Future Global Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate/Master’s
Funding: Tuition discounts
IELTS angle: MOI accepted

20. University of Portsmouth Chancellor’s Global Academic Merit Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate/Master’s
Funding: Partial fee waiver
IELTS angle: Alternative English proof allowed

Why This Matters for Students Targeting Scholarships in Germany Without IELTS

If you are already applying for Scholarships in Germany Without IELTS, the preparation process is very similar:

• MOI letter
• English degree proof
• Strong SOP
• Academic transcripts
• Recommendation letters

Step-by-Step: How to Apply Without IELTS

Step 1: Choose your degree and field

Decide clearly:

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

Step 2: Shortlist universities first

Do not start with scholarships.

First:

• Check programs taught in English
• Confirm they accept MOI or alternatives
• Then find scholarships linked to those programs

Step 3: Prepare a strong MOI letter

Your letter must include:

• Your full name
• Degree title
• Duration
• Statement: “Medium of instruction was English”
• Official stamp and signature

Step 4: Prepare documents early

Collect:

• Passport
• Transcripts
• Degree certificates
• SOP
• CV
• Recommendation letters

Step 5: Write a powerful SOP

Explain:

• Why this course
• Why this university
• Career goals
• Leadership or impact

Step 6: Apply before deadlines

Most UK scholarships close early. Apply 3 to 4 months before deadlines.

Step 7: Apply to multiple options

Do not depend on one scholarship. Apply to:

• 4 to 6 universities
• 5 to 10 scholarships

This increases acceptance chances.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Students often:

• Think no English proof is needed
• Submit weak MOI letters
• Apply late
• Copy SOPs
• Ignore eligibility rules

Final Tips for Success

If your goal is studying abroad without IELTS, apply smartly:

• Use MOI
• Apply to UK + Germany together
• Focus on merit scholarships
• Prepare strong documents
• Start early

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)