Many African students face the hurdle of English proficiency tests, such as IELTS or TOEFL, when applying for international scholarships. But there’s good news: numerous high-quality scholarships waive these requirements, either by accepting alternative proof of English ability or from countries where English tests are optional.
This in‑depth guide covers:
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Why do some scholarships waive English tests
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Scholarships by region without IELTS/TOEFL requirements
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Alternative ways to prove proficiency
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Application tips to strengthen your candidacy
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Full details: eligibility, coverage, deadlines, links
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University-specific insights and exceptions
Section 1: Why Do Some Scholarships Waive IELTS/TOEFL?
🔹 Accreditation of Previous Education
Scholarships may accept degrees from English-medium institutions as proof of proficiency (e.g., universities in English-speaking African countries).
🔹 Institutional Partnerships & Pathways
Some partner universities (DAAD, Erasmus, Chevening) may offer language waiver pathways, especially for students from anglophone countries.
🔹 Government Policies for Inclusivity
Cultural diplomacy initiatives (e.g., Turkey, Russia, Belarus) often remove test requirements to encourage applications from deserving students globally.
🔹 Online Language Assessments
Some programs conduct in-house English interviews or assessments, bypassing standardized tests.
Section 2: Scholarships Without IELTS/TOEFL (By Country/Region)
Chevening Scholarships (UK)
Requirement Exception: No IELTS if you’ve completed a degree in English or your university provides proof of instruction in English.
Eligibility: Citizens of every African country.
Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, travel, visa, and more.
Application: August–November.
Tip: Upload university letter confirming English-language instruction.
DAAD In‑Country/In‑Region Scholarships
Requirement Exception: DAAD may waive tests if your previous education was in English or you’ve studied/worked in English.
Eligible Countries: Most African nations.
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel, insurance.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
Requirement Exception: IELTS/TOEFL waived if applying to Canadian universities that use alternative assessments or English-only coursework.
Eligibility: Master’s/PhD students.
Coverage: CAD C$50,000/year for up to 3 years.
Russian Government Scholarships
Requirement Exception: Often waived—programs may conduct Russian or English interviews or require a few-month pre-academic Russian language course (fully funded).
Eligible Fields: Engineering, Medicine, Sciences, Humanities.
Türkiye Bursları (Turkish Government Scholarships)
Requirement Exception: No IELTS/TOEFL—students can take a free 1-year Turkish language course, then continue English-medium instruction.
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, language course.
Belarusian Government Scholarships
Requirement Exception: Test waiver provided, with applicant assessed on Russian-language or interview basis.
Fields: Engineering, Agriculture, Medicine.
Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Requirement Exception: English test waiver if you have prior English-degree (sometimes a meeting/interview is required)
Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, airfare, Korean language training
 Section 3: University-Specific Scholarships with Test Waivers
University of Toronto (Canada) – Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship
Test Waiver: IELTS/TOEFL may be waived if you’ve studied in English for 2+ years.
Eligibility: International undergraduates.
Coverage: Tuition, books, incidental fees, full residence support.
University of Oxford – Clarendon Scholarships
Test Waiver: Not automatic but can be requested; indemnity via alternative English credentials (e.g., prior degree).
Coverage: Full tuition + generous living stipend.
Deadline: Varies by department (typically December 2024).
Commonwealth Scholarships (UK)
Test Waiver: If studied in English for at least 3+ years or from specific English-speaking countries (list provided).
Coverage: Tuition, living allowance, travel, ESTC.
Section 4: Alternative Ways to Prove Proficiency
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University Certificate stating “degree taught in English”
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Transcripts showing English-taught coursework
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IELTS FIT/in-house test/interview hosted by the scholarship authority
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TOEFL Essentials Practice Recordings
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CEFR B2/C1 assessments via institutional peers
Attach the required documents along with your motivation letter to strengthen your case.
Section 5: How to Improve Your Application Without IELTS
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Get an English instruction letter from your university
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Prepare for the scholarship interview convincingly (show proficiency orally)
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Highlight English-medium projects, internships, or volunteer work
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Undertake free online proficiency courses (e.g., Coursera, EdX certificates)—upload them
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Practice recorded interviews to get comfortable speaking
Section 6: Checklist Before Applying
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Have you verified test waiver policies?
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Legislated letter of English instruction included?
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Mentioned alternative language evidence in your CV/motivation letter?
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Highlighted future research/projects conducted in English?
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Practiced speaking: mind your fluency, clarity, and professionalism?
Section 7: Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them
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❌ Assuming a waiver automatically applies to everyone
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❌ Skipping test due to “time-saving”—not a good strategy for selective programs
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❌ Missing the chance to explain waiver rationale in the application
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❌ Submitting incorrect or unsigned instruction letters
N/B:
English test requirements can feel like a major barrier, but many excellent scholarships eliminate this hurdle for qualified candidates. Start preparing early:
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Know your scholarship’s waiver policy
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Prepare your documents appropriately
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Amplify your English proficiency in other ways
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And always highlight why qualifying without a test shows your resourcefulness
Need help drafting the waiver explanation or preparing for an English proficiency interview? Let us know—we’re here to help!
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