You don’t need to let IELTS or TOEFL stop you from studying in the UK. Many UK universities and scholarship programs now accept alternative ways to prove your English skills. These may include a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your previous school, or other English tests like Duolingo, PTE, or university-specific exams. This guide lists the top UK scholarships where you don’t need IELTS or TOEFL and explains what you can use instead.
1. Chevening Scholarships
- Eligibility: For outstanding international students with leadership potential, applying for a one-year master’s degree in any subject at a UK university.
- Covers: Full tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, and other expenses.
- Language Alternative: Although Chevening lists English proficiency as a requirement, many participating universities allow students to provide alternatives like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, proof of study in English-speaking institutions, or other recognized language tests.
- Extra Tip: Visit the specific university’s website where you plan to study under the Chevening scheme and check their English requirement section. Some allow internal assessments or waive the requirement based on previous education.
2. Commonwealth Scholarships
- Eligibility: Available to students from low and middle-income Commonwealth countries applying for master’s or Ph.D. programs.
- Covers: Tuition, airfare, thesis grant, and monthly stipend.
- Language Alternative: IELTS/TOEFL is not always compulsory. Many UK universities accept a MOI letter or English-medium academic background as a valid alternative.
- Extra Tip: Each host university sets its own language requirements. Make sure to confirm what documents they’ll accept before you apply.
Read: Universities That Offer Automatic Scholarships Upon Admission
3. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
- Eligibility: Open to international undergraduate and postgraduate students with strong academic records.
- Covers: Tuition fee discounts ranging from £5,000 to £20,000.
- Language Alternative: The University of Bristol accepts various alternatives including the Duolingo English Test, PTE Academic, or a MOI letter if your previous education was in English.
- Extra Tip: If you’re applying from a country where English is the official language or you studied in an English-medium school, highlight this early in your application.
4. University of Glasgow International Scholarships
- Eligibility: Open to international students across many undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
- Covers: Tuition fee waivers or scholarships ranging up to full funding depending on the program.
- Language Alternative: Accepts MOI letters or allows students to take internal English tests if they come from countries with English as an official language or have English-medium education.
- Extra Tip: Use the university’s language exemption list to check if your country or previous institution qualifies for a waiver.
5. University of Essex International Scholarships
- Eligibility: Available for international undergraduate and master’s students based on academic excellence.
- Covers: Scholarships up to £5,000.
- Language Alternative: Applicants from select countries can submit a Medium of Instruction letter or take alternative tests like PTE or Duolingo instead of IELTS.
- Extra Tip: Make sure your MOI letter includes your full name, degree program, and a statement confirming all instruction was in English.
6. University of Portsmouth Global Development Scholarships
- Eligibility: Master’s students from developing countries.
- Covers: Up to £5,000 in fee reductions.
- Language Alternative: Accepts alternative English proficiency tests like Duolingo or university language interviews. Also allows MOI letters from approved institutions.
- Extra Tip: If you’re unsure whether your documentation qualifies, contact Portsmouth’s international admissions office directly for a quick check.
Read: Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS
7. University of Bolton Scholarships
- Eligibility: Open to all international undergraduate and postgraduate students.
- Covers: Partial scholarships for tuition, with some support available for living expenses.
- Language Alternative: IELTS is not required if you can show that your previous studies were completed in English. A Medium of Instruction letter works here.
- Extra Tip: Include academic transcripts that show your coursework was in English alongside your MOI letter for better credibility.
8. Rhodes Scholarship (Oxford University)
- Eligibility: High-achieving students from select countries who demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, and commitment to service.
- Covers: Full tuition, living expenses, and travel.
- Language Alternative: Some Oxford colleges accept alternative proofs such as MOI letters if your undergraduate program was fully in English. However, this depends on the specific faculty.
- Extra Tip: Before applying, contact the specific department at Oxford to confirm if they’ll waive the English requirement based on your MOI or past education.
9. Gates Cambridge Scholarship
- Eligibility: International students applying for postgraduate programs at the University of Cambridge.
- Covers: Full tuition fees, travel, and monthly stipend.
- Language Alternative: Cambridge allows some exemptions for IELTS/TOEFL if the applicant studied in an English-speaking country or submits a strong MOI letter.
- Extra Tip: Submit your MOI letter early and provide academic transcripts from your English-based institution to strengthen your application.
10. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- Eligibility: Available to postgraduate students with strong academic backgrounds.
- Covers: 50% tuition fee reduction.
- Language Alternative: Accepts MOI letters, Duolingo, and other proof of English-medium education in place of IELTS or TOEFL.
- Extra Tip: Double-check the university’s official English requirements page as they update their accepted alternatives regularly.
What You Can Use Instead of IELTS or TOEFL
To study in the UK without IELTS or TOEFL, use any of these commonly accepted alternatives:
- Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter: This is a letter from your previous university or school confirming your education was in English. It should include your full name, course name, and dates of study.
- Duolingo English Test: A fast, affordable test accepted by many UK universities.
- PTE Academic or CAE: Other popular English proficiency tests that many institutions accept.
- University-Specific Language Tests: Some UK universities allow you to take an internal English language test either online or on campus.
- Education in an English-Speaking Country: If you studied in an English-speaking country or at an institution where English was the official language of instruction, many UK schools will waive the language requirement.
Read: How to Apply for Scholarships Without Agents
Tips for a Strong Scholarship Application Without IELTS or TOEFL
Here are the helpful tips below:
- Start Early: Some universities take time to process MOI letters or alternative test results.
- Provide Complete Documents: Always attach transcripts and certificates that support your claim of English proficiency.
- Email Admissions Directly: Don’t be afraid to reach out to the admissions team to confirm what language proofs they accept.
- Tailor Your Personal Statement: Highlight your academic strengths, leadership activities, and why you’re a good fit for the scholarship.
- Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Increase your chances by applying to several programs that allow IELTS/TOEFL waivers.
Studying in the UK without IELTS or TOEFL is entirely possible. Many top scholarships like Chevening, Commonwealth, and university-specific awards accept alternative language documents such as a Medium of Instruction letter or other English tests. These scholarships provide full or partial funding to help cover your education and living expenses. By understanding each program’s language requirements and preparing strong applications with all necessary documents, you can take the next step toward earning a world-class degree in the UK without the need for IELTS or TOEFL. Don’t let language test requirements hold you back use the options available and apply with confidence.
