List Of Fully Funded Scholarships That Don’t Require IELTS Or TOEFL For Nigerians

One of the biggest problems many Nigerians face when trying to get fully funded scholarships to study abroad is the English test requirement. You may have seen this before, most schools ask for IELTS or TOEFL before you can apply. And the truth is, these exams are not easy. They are expensive, stressful, and not everyone can score high in them.

Many students who studied in English all their lives still find it difficult to pass IELTS or TOEFL because of the way the questions are set. And that alone stops a lot of people from applying for scholarships abroad.

But here’s the good news. There are several fully funded scholarships for Nigerians that don’t require IELTS or TOEFL at all. These scholarships allow you to study in top countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Europe without writing any English test. All you need is your academic record, recommendation letters, and other simple documents.

Why Some Scholarships Don’t Require IELTS Or TOEFL

Before we go into the list, let’s talk about why some scholarships do not ask for IELTS or TOEFL.

You see, many universities already know that Nigerian students are taught in English from primary school to university level. So they understand that Nigerians already speak, read, and write in English every day. Because of that, they accept other proofs of English proficiency instead of IELTS.

Some schools may ask for a letter from your university stating that you were taught in English. Others may just accept your WAEC result where you have a credit in English Language. So, you don’t always have to write IELTS to study abroad.

List Of Fully Funded Scholarships That Don’t Require IELTS Or TOEFL For Nigerians

Let’s look at the top fully funded scholarships that don’t require IELTS or TOEFL for Nigerians in 2026.

Chevening Scholarship (UK)

The Chevening Scholarship is one of the most popular scholarships for Nigerians who want to study in the United Kingdom. It is fully funded by the UK government and covers everything you need, including tuition fees, visa, flight ticket, and monthly living allowance.

The best part is that many UK universities that partner with Chevening do not require IELTS or TOEFL. Instead, they can accept an English proficiency letter from your university in Nigeria stating that you were taught in English.

To qualify, you must have at least two years of work experience and a bachelor’s degree. You should also show leadership skills and a plan to contribute to Nigeria when you return after your studies.

Commonwealth Scholarship (UK)

The Commonwealth Scholarship is another major program that does not always require IELTS or TOEFL. It is also fully funded and meant for students from Commonwealth countries like Nigeria.

This scholarship covers tuition, travel costs, visa, and living allowance. It is available for master’s and PhD students.

Some UK universities under the Commonwealth Scholarship accept WAEC results or university English certificates instead of IELTS. That means you can apply even if you have never written IELTS or TOEFL before.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship (UK)

This scholarship is one of the most prestigious in the world. It was created by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help brilliant students study at the University of Cambridge.

It is fully funded and covers all your expenses. Although Cambridge usually requires IELTS or TOEFL, the Gates Cambridge Scholarship allows Nigerian students to apply with an English proficiency letter from their university if their previous education was in English.

So if your undergraduate degree was taught in English, you can still qualify without IELTS.

DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

Germany is one of the best countries to study without IELTS because many universities there accept English-taught programs and other forms of proof of English.

The DAAD Scholarship is a fully funded program for international students, including Nigerians, who want to study for master’s or PhD degrees in Germany.

The scholarship covers tuition (which is already free in most German universities), travel allowance, monthly stipends, and health insurance.

Most DAAD programs do not require IELTS or TOEFL. Instead, they may accept a letter from your university in Nigeria confirming that your previous degree was taught in English.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarship (Europe)

The Erasmus Mundus Scholarship is funded by the European Union. It allows students to study in two or more European countries under one program.

It is fully funded and covers tuition, visa fees, travel tickets, and monthly living allowance.

Many Erasmus programs accept an English proficiency letter instead of IELTS or TOEFL, especially for students from English-speaking countries like Nigeria. So you can still apply easily.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program (USA)

The Fulbright Scholarship is a very popular fully funded program for international students who want to study in the United States.

It covers everything from tuition to accommodation and even monthly allowance.

Even though most US schools require IELTS or TOEFL, the Fulbright Program for Nigerians does not always ask for them. They can accept your WAEC English result or an official letter from your Nigerian university confirming that your previous studies were in English.

University of Saskatchewan Scholarship (Canada)

Canada is another country where you can study without IELTS if you are from Nigeria. The University of Saskatchewan offers several fully funded scholarships for international students.

They don’t always require IELTS. Instead, they accept WAEC results showing at least a credit in English Language. That is enough proof that you can speak and understand English.

This makes it easier for Nigerian students to apply without paying for expensive tests.

University of Winnipeg Scholarship (Canada)

The University of Winnipeg in Canada offers the President’s Scholarship for World Leaders. It is open to international students from Nigeria and other countries who have excellent academic records.

The scholarship covers full or partial tuition fees and is available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

The university accepts WAEC results or proof that you studied in English instead of IELTS or TOEFL.

Humboldt Research Fellowship (Germany)

The Humboldt Research Fellowship is for postgraduate students and researchers who want to study or do research in Germany.

It is fully funded and covers all expenses, including travel, accommodation, and monthly stipends.

Most programs under this fellowship do not require IELTS. You can provide a letter from your university confirming that you were taught in English.

Hungary Government Scholarship (Stipendium Hungaricum)

This is another great option for Nigerians who don’t want to write IELTS or TOEFL.

The Hungarian Government Scholarship (also called Stipendium Hungaricum) offers full funding for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees. It covers tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and monthly stipends.

Most Hungarian universities under this program accept a letter from your school or WAEC result as proof of English proficiency.

Turkey Government Scholarship

The Turkish Government Scholarship is one of the best fully funded scholarships for international students. It covers tuition, accommodation, monthly allowance, and even flight tickets.

The scholarship is available for bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees.

Turkish universities do not require IELTS or TOEFL. Nigerians can apply using their WAEC results or a certificate from their university stating that their previous studies were in English.

Shanghai Government Scholarship (China)

The Shanghai Government Scholarship provides full funding for international students who want to study in China.

It covers tuition fees, accommodation, medical insurance, and monthly stipends.

Most Chinese universities under this program accept other proofs of English proficiency, especially for students from English-speaking countries like Nigeria. That means you don’t need IELTS or TOEFL to apply.

University of Oulu Scholarship (Finland)

Finland is another European country where many schools accept Nigerian students without IELTS.

The University of Oulu offers several scholarships for international students. These scholarships cover tuition fees and sometimes include monthly allowances.

If your previous education was taught in English, you can apply without IELTS or TOEFL by presenting a certificate of English proficiency from your university.

Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)

The Malaysian Government offers fully funded scholarships to international students through the Malaysia International Scholarship program.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, travel allowance, health insurance, and monthly living allowance.

Most Malaysian universities do not require IELTS or TOEFL from Nigerians. They accept a certificate from your previous school showing that you studied in English.

Brunei Darussalam Government Scholarship

The Brunei Government Scholarship is another fully funded program that does not require IELTS or TOEFL.

It covers tuition, accommodation, travel tickets, and a monthly allowance for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Nigerian students can apply with their WAEC English result or a letter from their previous school confirming they studied in English.

Korean Government Scholarship (GKS)

The Korean Government Scholarship, also known as GKS, is one of the most generous scholarships for international students.

It is fully funded and covers tuition, airfare, accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly living stipend.

Korean universities under the GKS program accept English proficiency letters from your university instead of IELTS or TOEFL.

Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)

The Chinese Government Scholarship is one of the biggest fully funded scholarships for international students.

It covers tuition, accommodation, travel allowance, and health insurance.

Many Chinese universities under this scholarship do not require IELTS or TOEFL for Nigerians. You can apply using an English proficiency letter from your university in Nigeria.

University of Alberta Scholarship (Canada)

The University of Alberta in Canada is another great option for Nigerians. It offers several fully funded scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate students.

You don’t need IELTS if your previous education was in English. You can apply using your WAEC result or an English proficiency letter from your university.

How To Apply For Scholarships Without IELTS Or TOEFL

If you want to apply for these scholarships, follow these simple steps:

• Choose the scholarship that fits your level and course of study.
• Visit the official website and check the list of required documents.
• Prepare your English proficiency letter or WAEC result showing you were taught in English.
• Get your academic transcripts, certificates, and reference letters ready.
• Write a strong personal statement explaining why you deserve the scholarship.
• Submit your application before the deadline.

What You Can Use Instead Of IELTS Or TOEFL

If the school asks for proof of English, here are the things you can use instead:

• An official letter from your university stating that you were taught in English.
• Your WAEC result showing at least a credit in English Language.
• A certificate of English proficiency issued by your previous school.

FAQs

Conclusion

Studying abroad without IELTS or TOEFL is possible for Nigerian students. You don’t have to let those exams stop your dream of getting a world-class education. Many countries now accept WAEC results or English proficiency letters instead of expensive language tests.

If you are serious about studying abroad, start applying for these scholarships early. Prepare your documents, write your essays, and believe in yourself. There are hundreds of Nigerians studying abroad today without writing IELTS or TOEFL, you can be one of them too.