No-IELTS Scholarships for Asian Students are a game-changer for those dreaming of studying abroad without the burden of expensive English proficiency tests. Many students across Asia face challenges with IELTS, whether due to cost, limited test centers, or time constraints. Fortunately, top universities and governments around the world now offer fully funded scholarships that don’t require IELTS or TOEFL.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best no-IELTS scholarships for Asian students, how to qualify using alternatives like the Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, and which countries and institutions offer the most accessible IELTS-free study options for 2025.
What Are No-IELTS Scholarships?
These are fully funded scholarships that:
- Do not require IELTS or TOEFL scores
- Accept alternative English proficiency proof (e.g., MOI, Duolingo, internal tests)
- We are open to students from Asia (South, Southeast, Central, and East Asia)
Why Some Scholarships Don’t Require IELTS
- English-medium universities in non-English-speaking countries
- Institutions that accept MOI from your previous school
- Countries offering scholarships with language prep included, e.g., Korea and Turkey.
- Universities using their own English proficiency tests
Top Fully Funded Scholarships That Waive IELTS
| Scholarship | Country | Degree | IELTS Required? | Coverage | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GKS (Global Korea Scholarship) | South Korea | UG, PG, PhD | ❌ (MOI accepted) | Tuition, flight, stipend | studyinkorea.go.kr |
| NEXT | Japan | UG, PG, PhD | ❌ (MOI accepted) | Tuition, flight, stipend | studyinjapan.go.jp |
| CSC Scholarship | China | UG, PG, PhD | ❌ (MOI accepted) | Tuition, dorm, stipend | campuschina.org |
| Turkey Burslari | Turkey | UG, PG, PhD | ❌ | Tuition, stipend, housing | turkiyeburslari.gov.tr |
| MIS (Malaysia) | Malaysia | Master’s, PhD | ❌ | Tuition, allowance, and flight | mohe.gov.my |
| UoPeople | Online/USA | UG, PG | ❌ | Tuition-free MOI or Duolingo | uopeople.edu |
| ADB–Japan Scholarship | Japan + Asia | Master’s | ❌ (MOI accepted) | Tuition, airfare, stipend | adb.org |
| University of Debrecen | Hungary | UG, PG | ❌ (MOI accepted) | Tuition, housing | unideb.hu |
| Russian Government Scholarship | Russia | UG, PG, PhD | ❌ | Tuition, stipend, and dorm | education-in-russia.com |
Universities That Accept Medium of Instruction (MOI)
The following universities allow you to skip IELTS if you provide a Medium of Instruction certificate:
- Korea University (South Korea)
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China)
- University of Debrecen (Hungary)
- Istanbul University (Turkey)
- University of the People (USA/Online)
- Sunway University (Malaysia)
- Bilkent University (Turkey)
- Huazhong University of Science & Tech (China)
- Chulalongkorn University (Thailand)
- Asia Pacific University (Malaysia)
Always confirm the latest policy on their admissions pages.
Countries Where You Can Study Without IELTS
These countries have government or institutional scholarships that accept MOI or other alternatives:
- South Korea—GKS allows MOI or the university’s internal test
- Japan—MEXT accepts MOI + language prep
- China—CSC & others waive IELTS for English-taught courses
- Turkey—No IELTS required
- Malaysia—MOI is widely accepted
- Hungary—Debrecen, Pécs, and others accept MOI
- Russia—No IELTS required at all
- Online programs—e.g., University of the People
No-IELTS Scholarships by Degree Level
Undergraduate
- GKS (Korea)
- CSC (China)
- Turkey Burslari
- Russian Government Scholarship
Master’s
- MEXT (Japan)
- DAAD EPOS (some accept MOI)
- ADB–Japan Scholarship
- MIS (Malaysia)
- Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum (MOI optional)
PhD
- GKS, MEXT, CSC, Turkey, ADB–Japan, Vanier (if language proof is waived)
Eligibility Criteria
- Citizens of any Asian country (e.g., India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Nepal, etc.)
- Completed previous education in English
- Able to provide MOI or take an alternative test
- Meet academic and document requirements
Accepted IELTS Alternatives
- MOI (Medium of Instruction certificate)
- Duolingo English Test
- The university’s internal language test
- Proof of an English-medium degree
- Cambridge English, CEFR B2/C1 certificates
Tips to Study Abroad Without IELTS
✅ Request MOI early from your school registrar or principal
✅ Apply to scholarships that explicitly list IELTS as optional
✅ Highlight your English fluency in your SOP or interviews
✅ Practice for alternative tests like Duolingo or internal exams
✅ Apply to at least 3–5 different programs to boost your chances
Real Student Success Stories
Fatima (Pakistan): Received a MEXT scholarship to study engineering in Tokyo using her MOI letter—no IELTS needed.
Nandini (India): Gained admission to Korea University on GKS using the Duolingo English test + MOI from her college.
Rahul (Nepal): Studied data science in Hungary under the Stipendium Hungaricum program—the university waived IELTS based on English instruction.
Their common theme? Preparation, persistence, and using what they already had: MOI certificates.
No-IELTS scholarships FAQS
Q: Can I apply for these scholarships without any English test?
Yes. Most accept MOI or use other alternatives.
Q: Will skipping IELTS lower my admission chances?
No—if you submit valid proof of English proficiency through MOI or other accepted methods.
Q: How do I write a medium of instruction letter?
Get it issued on your school’s official letterhead, stating that your courses were taught in English.
Q: Is the Duolingo English Test accepted?
Yes—especially by UoPeople, Hungary, Korea, and some U.S. universities.
Q: Are these scholarships open to Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi students?
Absolutely. Most programs actively include South and Southeast Asia.
Q: Can I work after graduation if I study without IELTS?
Yes, but be aware that some countries might require English tests for work visas.
Q: What happens if I don’t meet the language requirement?
Some programs provide foundation courses or allow you to retake their internal exam.
Related Guides
- PhD Scholarships for Asians (Fully Funded)
- Fully Funded Government Scholarships for Asian Students
- Study Abroad Without IELTS or TOEFL—Full List
- Fully Funded Scholarships for International Students
Final Thoughts
IELTS shouldn’t stand between you and a world-class education. With smart planning, alternative documents like MOI, and the right scholarships, you can study abroad fully funded, without ever taking the IELTS exam.
Apply smartly. Leverage your English-medium education. Your journey starts here—IELTS-free.
