How to Study Abroad Without IELTS

For thousands of Nigerians dreaming of studying abroad, one major roadblock has always stood in the way – IELTS. But what if you were told that you can now get international scholarships without IELTS for Nigerians and still gain admission into top universities globally? This is not some academic fantasy. It’s a rising reality.

Across Europe, Asia and parts of North America, institutions are waving goodbye to rigid language test requirements and opening doors to qualified Nigerian students using alternative methods of English proficiency.

The truth is, many Nigerians have strong command of English – after all, it’s our official language and the medium of instruction in secondary schools. So why should an expensive foreign test like IELTS be the gatekeeper to global education?

Universities and scholarship boards are catching on to this logic. In fact, several countries now accept WAEC English results or a letter from your university confirming English as the language of instruction. This makes international scholarships without IELTS for Nigerians not just possible – but accessible to more students than ever before.

What’s even more exciting is that these scholarships aren’t half-baked offers. We’re talking about full tuition coverage, monthly living stipends, flight tickets, accommodation and even health insurance – all available without needing to write IELTS.

Whether you’re aiming for a Master’s in Canada, a Bachelor’s in Germany or a PhD in Turkey, there are opportunities specifically designed for Nigerian students. And the best part? Many of these are government-funded programs that prioritize applicants from developing countries.

Countries Where Nigerians Can Apply for Scholarships Without IELTS

There’s a rising number of nations that now offer international scholarships without IELTS for Nigerians, opening their education systems to more African talent. These countries focus more on the quality of education received and your ability to function in English, rather than a test score. Below are some of the most accessible options:

Germany – Tuition-Free and IELTS-Free

Germany stands as one of the most popular destinations for Nigerians looking for international scholarships without IELTS. Public universities in Germany often waive IELTS if you studied in English at the undergraduate level or present a WAEC certificate with a credit in English Language.

Top Scholarships in Germany Without IELTS:

DAAD EPOS Scholarships
Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarship

These scholarships cover full tuition, living expenses and health insurance, with many not requiring an IELTS score. Instead, you can provide proof of English as the medium of instruction from your university or your WAEC English result.

Norway – Free Education & No IELTS Required

Norway offers international scholarships without IELTS for Nigerians across several universities. Education is free even for international students and many institutions accept alternative English proficiency proofs like WAEC or a letter from your previous university.

Popular Universities in Norway Accepting Nigerians Without IELTS:

University of Oslo
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)
University of Bergen

Scholarships may come through the Quota Scheme, NORPART or university-specific grants for Master’s and PhD students.

Canada – Hidden Gems for Nigerians Without IELTS

While many Canadian universities require IELTS, several institutions accept international scholarships without IELTS for Nigerians who provide a WAEC result with a C6 or better in English.

Top Universities in Canada Waiving IELTS for Nigerians:

University of Winnipeg
University of Regina
Memorial University of Newfoundland

Some scholarships like the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are open to students from English-speaking countries without requiring IELTS.

Turkey – Scholarships With No IELTS & Full Benefits

The Türkiye Burslari Scholarship is among the most generous international scholarships without IELTS for Nigerians. You don’t need to submit IELTS scores. Instead, your academic background and statement of purpose carry weight.

What the Türkiye Scholarship Covers:

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Flight tickets
Accommodation
One-year Turkish language training

This is a great route if you’re looking for a complete package to study abroad without going through the stress of IELTS.

Hungary – Study in Europe With Government Scholarships

Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is another standout opportunity for Nigerians who want international scholarships without IELTS. Many Hungarian universities accept WAEC or university instruction letters as proof of English proficiency.

Highlights of the Scholarship:

Covers full tuition and health insurance
Monthly stipend
Free dormitory accommodation
Offered for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD programs

Nigerian students are among the top recipients of this scholarship annually.

Top Scholarships Nigerian Students Can Apply for Without IELTS

Now that you know where to look, let’s break down some of the leading international scholarships without IELTS for Nigerians. These are verified, recurring opportunities offering complete financial support with relaxed language test requirements.

Chevening Scholarships (UK)

Though UK universities often require IELTS, Chevening allows applicants from English-speaking countries like Nigeria to skip IELTS if they have prior education in English. You must, however, confirm each university’s language policy.

Benefits:

Full Master’s tuition
Travel allowance
Monthly stipend
Leadership and networking opportunities

Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC)

China is fast becoming a destination for Nigerians seeking international scholarships without IELTS. With CSC scholarships, IELTS is usually not required. Instead, students may be asked to take a simple online English test or provide WAEC results.

What’s Covered:

Full tuition
Accommodation
Monthly living allowance
Medical insurance

Apply via the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria or through university portals.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EU)

Erasmus Mundus offers fully funded international scholarships without IELTS for Nigerians, especially for those who have a strong academic background. While some programs may ask for proof of English, many accept waivers based on your academic history.

Features:

Study in 2-3 European countries
Receive monthly stipend (€1,100+)
Covers travel, visa, health insurance

Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship

The IsDB scholarship supports students from OIC member countries, including Nigeria. This program is open to undergraduate, master’s, PhD and even post-doctoral students.

Perks:

Full tuition
Monthly stipend
Language support
No IELTS for Nigerians with WAEC or university English certificate.

The world is changing fast and with it, so are global education systems. The rise of international scholarships without IELTS for Nigerians is a game-changer – especially for talented students who’ve long been held back by unnecessary barriers.

Today, you can confidently apply to top universities, secure full funding and build a global career without writing a single IELTS exam. All it takes is the right strategy, the correct documents and the boldness to apply.

You no longer have to let IELTS fees or test anxiety stop you from chasing your academic goals abroad. From Europe to Asia and beyond, scholarships are now tailored to support English-speaking applicants from countries like Nigeria.

With WAEC results, letters of instruction or basic online interviews, you can meet language requirements and gain access to some of the world’s most competitive and fully funded international scholarships without IELTS for Nigerians.

So don’t wait for the “perfect time.” The opportunities are already here. Whether you’re just finishing secondary school, a university graduate or a young professional aiming for postgraduate study, there’s a scholarship with your name on it. Start your application today, ditch the IELTS burden and let your Nigerian education background speak for you. Your global academic journey is no longer out of reach – it’s just a few steps away.

How to Study Abroad Without IELTS