The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirement is one of the most frequently cited barriers for African scholarship applicants — both in terms of cost (the test costs $250–$300 per sitting) and logistics (test centres are limited in some countries, and popular slots book out months in advance). Many scholarships without IELTS requirements exist across Europe, Asia, and elsewhere, and several major scholarship destinations — most notably Germany and France — offer funded study in English or French without requiring IELTS at all.

There are three main categories of scholarships without IELTS requirements:

  1. Scholarships where instruction is not in English — Germany (German-medium programmes), France (French-medium programmes), China (Chinese-medium), South Korea (Korean-medium), Japan (Japanese-medium), and Italy all offer scholarships where the instruction language is not English, eliminating the IELTS requirement entirely.
  2. English-medium scholarships with IELTS exemptions — Many scholarships waive IELTS for applicants whose previous degree was conducted entirely in English. This exemption applies to most African students who studied at English-medium universities in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, South Africa, Uganda, and other anglophone African countries.
  3. Scholarships that accept alternative evidence — Some programmes accept letters from previous institutions confirming English as the medium of instruction, or accept IELTS equivalent tests (TOEFL, Cambridge, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test) that may be more accessible than IELTS in certain locations.

This guide covers all three categories for African applicants, with specific attention to major scholarship destinations that do not require IELTS.

Germany: The Strongest Destination for IELTS-Free Scholarships

Germany is the single most valuable destination for African students seeking scholarships without IELTS. German public universities charge no tuition fees (or very low administrative fees of €100–€350 per semester) even for international students — without any scholarship. For African students admitted to German universities who also wish to pursue DAAD funding, the DAAD scholarship programme provides a living stipend of approximately €900–€1,200 per month, health insurance, and travel costs.

For German-medium programmes, German language proficiency at B2 or C1 level (typically demonstrated via the TestDaF or DSH examination) replaces the IELTS requirement. For the growing number of English-medium Masters programmes at German universities (TU Munich, RWTH Aachen, Heidelberg, and others now offer 100+ English-medium programmes), no language test is required if your previous degree was in English.

The DAAD Africa scholarship programme includes the DAAD In-Region Scholarship Programme (for study at African universities with DAAD partner institutions), the DAAD Development-Related Postgraduate Courses (for study in Germany), and country-specific bilateral programmes. None require IELTS for applicants who studied in English.

France: Campus France Scholarships

French government scholarships administered through Campus France cover study at French grandes écoles and universities. For French-medium programmes, French language proficiency (typically DELF B2) is required; IELTS is not. For English-medium programmes at French institutions (Sciences Po Paris, several engineering schools, business schools including HEC Paris and ESSEC), the medium of instruction exemption applies for prior English-medium degree holders, or English proficiency tests other than IELTS are accepted.

China: Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

The Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) is one of the largest scholarship programmes in the world and a major funder of African students. For Chinese-medium programmes, Chinese language proficiency (HSK test) replaces IELTS. For English-medium programmes — which Chinese universities increasingly offer — English medium of instruction exemptions and, in some cases, no English test at all are accepted. Check the specific university requirements, as these vary. The CSC scholarship covers full tuition, accommodation, and a living stipend.

South Korea: KGSP

The Korean Government Scholarship Programme (KGSP) is one of the most comprehensive fully funded scholarships available to African students. It covers tuition, accommodation, living stipend, flights, and Korean language training (one year of Korean language instruction is provided before the academic programme begins). For applicants who will study in Korean after the language year, IELTS is not required. For English-medium tracks, English proficiency requirements vary — check the NIIED (National Institute for International Education) KGSP guidelines for current requirements by academic track.

IELTS Exemption: How to Claim It

If your undergraduate (or postgraduate) degree was conducted entirely in English at an English-medium institution, follow these steps to claim an IELTS exemption where available:

  • Request an official letter from your university registrar confirming that English was the sole medium of instruction for your degree programme. The letter should be on institutional letterhead and signed by the Registrar or an authorised officer.
  • Check whether the scholarship programme explicitly lists "medium of instruction exemption" in its language requirements section. If it does, include the institutional letter in your application.
  • If the exemption is not explicitly mentioned, contact the scholarship's programme coordinator before applying to ask whether an exemption is available. Many programmes grant exemptions without listing them publicly.