Study in Europe Without IELTS: Universities, Scholarships & English Alternatives

International students can study in Europe without IELTS, but “not requiring IELTS” doesn’t mean proof of English proficiency is unnecessary.

European universities set their own admission and language requirements. Depending on the university and programme, international students may be able to use alternatives such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English, previous education completed in English, a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate or another accepted form of English evidence.

The requirements can also differ between university admission, scholarships and student visas. A university may accept an alternative to IELTS for admission, while a scholarship or immigration process may have separate requirements.

This means there is no single rule for studying in Europe without IELTS. The correct approach is to check the requirements of your specific university, programme, scholarship and destination country.

This guide explains how international students can study in Europe without IELTS, the English-language alternatives universities may accept, major European scholarship opportunities, and what to check before relying on an IELTS waiver or MOI certificate.

Can you really study in Europe without IELTS?

Yes, it is possible.

However, there are three entirely unique situations that students often describe using the phrase “without IELTS”:

1. IELTS is not specifically required, but another English-language test is required.
2. IELTS can be replaced by alternative evidence of English proficiency.
3. The institution grants an English-language exemption based on an applicant’s previous education or other circumstances.

These situations are not the same.

For example, a university might not require IELTS but may require TOEFL instead. Technically, you are applying “without IELTS”, but you are applying with an English-language test.

Another university may accept evidence that your previous degree was taught entirely in English.

A third institution might require every applicant from your country to submit an approved standardised English-language test, regardless of the language used in their previous studies.

This is why students should avoid treating “no IELTS” as a universal scholarship condition.

Scholarship Requirements and University Language Requirements Are Different

This is one of the most important concepts to understand when searching for European scholarships.

A scholarship provider determines funding eligibility.

A university or academic programme determines admission eligibility.

Sometimes these processes are closely connected. In other cases, they are separate.

Imagine that a scholarship does not state that applicants must have IELTS. You meet the scholarship’s nationality, academic and professional requirements.

However, your chosen master’s programme requires an IELTS Academic score of 6.5.

You still need to satisfy that programme requirement unless the university accepts another qualification or grants you an exemption.

The absence of an IELTS requirement on a scholarship website should therefore never be interpreted automatically as an IELTS waiver from the university.

Before applying, investigate both:

• the scholarship’s eligibility requirements; and
• the university or programme’s English-language admission requirements.

You need to meet both requirements where they apply.

What Does “Alternative Proof of English” Mean?

European universities use different methods to determine whether international applicants have sufficient English proficiency to complete an English-taught degree.

IELTS is only one method.

Depending on the institution, alternatives may include:

• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge English qualifications
• Duolingo English Test in institutions that accept it
• Other recognised language certificates
• Previous education completed in English
• A Medium of Instruction certificate
• An institution-specific language assessment
• An exemption based on specified educational circumstances

The important word is “depending on the institution”.

There is no Europe-wide rule requiring universities to accept a Medium of Instruction certificate, and there is no general rule requiring every university to waive IELTS simply because your previous degree was taught in English.

Always check the specific programme’s policy before applying.

Can You Get a Student Visa in Europe Without IELTS?

Across Europe, there is no single IELTS requirement for student visas. European countries have different immigration systems, and the evidence required for a student visa or residence permit depends on the destination and the applicant’s circumstances.

In some cases, admission to an English-taught university programme may be part of the evidence considered during the visa process. In other situations, you may need to provide additional documentation relating to language ability.

Therefore, an IELTS waiver or admission by a university without IELTS does not automatically confirm that you have satisfied every immigration requirement.

Before applying for a student visa, check the official immigration requirements of the country where you will study and distinguish them from the university’s admission requirements.

What Is a Medium of Instruction Certificate?

A medium of instruction certificate, commonly called an MOI certificate, is a document confirming the language in which your previous education was taught.

For example, if you completed your bachelor’s degree at a university where lectures, examinations and academic work were conducted in English, the institution may be able to issue a letter confirming English as the language of instruction.

A typical MOI document may identify:

• Your name
• Your degree
• The institution
• Your period of study
• The language in which the programme was taught

Students sometimes assume that obtaining an MOI automatically removes the need for IELTS.

It does not.

An MOI certificate is useful only if the university or programme to which you are applying accepts it as sufficient evidence of English proficiency.

Is an MOI Certificate the Same as an English-Language Test?

No.

IELTS, TOEFL and similar examinations directly assess language abilities such as reading, writing, listening and speaking.

An MOI certificate normally confirms that you previously studied in a particular language.

The two forms of evidence therefore establish different things.

Some institutions are satisfied that successful completion of previous education in English demonstrates sufficient proficiency. Others still require a standardised language test.

This is why applicants should never pay for documents, submit applications or assume eligibility before reading the actual language policy.

Major European Scholarship Routes to Investigate Without Assuming IELTS Is Mandatory

Several major European funding programmes are worth investigating if you do not currently hold an IELTS qualification.

But these should not be described as scholarships that universally “waive IELTS”.

The correct question is whether the programme or host institution accepts another way to demonstrate the required language proficiency.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are international master’s programmes that groups of higher education institutions jointly design and deliver.

They are particularly attractive to international students because applicants from around the world can apply, and full scholarships are available to highly ranked candidates.

An Erasmus Mundus programme typically involves study at multiple institutions and can lead to a joint or multiple degrees.

Scholarship support can cover participation costs and contribute toward:

• Living expenses
• Travel
• Visa-related costs

The EU scholarship contribution for individuals under the current programme structure is €1,400 per month for the duration of the scholarship, up to the applicable programme limit.

However, Erasmus Mundus does not have a single universal admission requirement for all joint master’s programmes.

Students apply directly to the consortium running their chosen master’s programme, and each individual programme publishes its own admission requirements.

That includes language requirements.

One Erasmus Mundus programme may require either IELTS or TOEFL. Another may accept additional forms of English-language evidence.

Therefore, never ask only:

“Does Erasmus Mundus require IELTS?”

Instead ask:

“What English-language evidence does this particular Erasmus Mundus programme accept?”

Students can search for current programmes and check the individual admission requirements on the official Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters information page.

How to Check an Erasmus Mundus Programme Properly

Once you have identified a programme that interests you, you can:

1. Open the official website of the programme.
2. Find the admission or eligibility section.
3. Locate the English-language requirements.
4. Check the minimum required level or score.
5. Look for accepted tests.
6. Look for whether previous education in English is accepted.
7. Determine whether an MOI certificate is acceptable.
8. Determine whether different rules apply according to nationality.
9. Please confirm the scholarship deadline.
10. Contact the programme directly if the published rules are still unclear.

This process is more reliable than relying on a general list of “Erasmus scholarships without IELTS”.

DAAD Funding in Germany: Why You Must Check the Specific Programme

DAAD is another name frequently found on lists of “scholarships without IELTS”.

There is an important problem with that description:

DAAD is not one scholarship.

The German Academic Exchange Service administers and supports numerous funding programmes for international students, graduates, doctoral candidates, researchers and academics.

Different programmes may have different requirements:

• Academic requirements
• Target groups
• Eligible countries
• Fields of study
• Work-experience requirements
• Funding levels
• Application procedures
• Language requirements

Therefore, a statement such as “DAAD does not require IELTS” is too broad.

Some DAAD-related programmes or participating courses may require specific evidence of English or German proficiency. Others may accept different recognised forms of language evidence.

The correct approach is to first identify the exact DAAD funding programme and then check both its language requirements and those of the university or course.

What If You Don’t Have IELTS?

Not having IELTS does not automatically make you ineligible for every DAAD opportunity.

Depending on the specific funding programme and university, other official evidence of English proficiency may also be accepted.

But applicants should never assume that an MOI certificate will automatically be accepted.

In Germany in particular, you should also pay attention to the language of instruction.

An English-taught programme and a German-taught programme naturally have different language requirements.

Stipendium Hungaricum: Language Requirements Depend on the Programme

Hungary’s Stipendium Hungaricum is another major European scholarship programme that attracts international applicants.

It supports eligible students across a large number of bachelor’s, master’s, one-tier master’s and doctoral programmes.

The scholarship can include:

• Tuition-free education
• Monthly stipend
• Accommodation contribution or dormitory placement according to programme conditions
• Medical insurance

But again, describing Stipendium Hungaricum simply as a “scholarship without IELTS” is misleading.

Applicants must meet the language requirements set for their chosen study programme.

For the 2026/2027 cycle, applicants were required to provide proof of language proficiency at the minimum level determined by the host institution.

This means the critical question is not:

“Does Stipendium Hungaricum require IELTS?”

It is:

“What proof of language proficiency does my selected Stipendium Hungaricum programme require?”

Applicants can verify the programme requirements and application information on the official Stipendium Hungaricum application portal.

Why This Matters

Two applicants applying for Stipendium Hungaricum may face different language requirements if they select different universities or programmes.

Never assume that your programme will accept the same MOI certificate just because another successful applicant used it.

Check your own programme.

What About Scholarships in France?

France also provides important funding opportunities for international students, including the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship Programme and university-specific awards.

But the same principle applies.

The scholarship’s funding rules and the university’s language requirements are separate questions.

If you are applying for an English-taught programme, please verify the English-language admission requirements of the French institution.

If the programme is taught in French, French-language proficiency may be more relevant.

Therefore, the useful question is not whether “France requires IELTS.”

It is whether your specific programme requires IELTS or accepts another form of language evidence.

What About Scholarships in Sweden?

Sweden offers scholarship opportunities for international master’s students through institutions including the Swedish Institute and individual universities.

Again, funding eligibility does not remove university admission requirements.

An applicant may satisfy the scholarship criteria but still need to demonstrate that they meet the English requirements for master’s admission.

When researching Sweden, check:

1. Scholarship eligibility
2. Programme eligibility
3. University admission requirements
4. English-language requirements
5. Accepted forms of English evidence

Do not treat these as one requirement.

The Three-Layer Test Before Applying Without IELTS

A simple framework can help you avoid mistakes.

Layer 1: Scholarship Eligibility

Ask:

• Is my nationality eligible?
• Is my degree level eligible?
• Is my field eligible?
• Do I meet academic requirements?
• Do I satisfy work-experience requirements where applicable?

Layer 2: Programme Admission

Then ask:

• Do I meet the academic entry requirements?
• Is my previous degree relevant?
• Are there prerequisite courses?
• Do I need professional experience?
• Are there programme-specific documents?

Layer 3: Language Eligibility

Finally ask:

• What is the language of instruction?
• Is IELTS specifically required?
• Which other tests are accepted?
• Is previous education in English accepted?
• Is an MOI certificate accepted?
• Are exemptions restricted to particular countries or qualifications?
• Is there an interview or internal assessment?

Only after passing all three layers should you consider the opportunity a realistic match.

Comparing Major European Funding Routes

Funding Route	Degree Level	Is There One Universal IELTS Rule?	What Applicants Should Check
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters	Master’s	No single programme-wide IELTS rule across all EMJMs	Individual consortium requirements
DAAD funding programmes	Master’s, PhD, research and others	Depends on specific funding programme/course	DAAD programme + university requirements
Stipendium Hungaricum	Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD and others	Language standards depend on the selected programme.	Host institution’s language criteria
Swedish scholarships	Mainly master’s depending on the award	Admission rules remain relevant.	Scholarship + university admission requirements
French scholarships	Varies	Depends on programme/institution	Language of instruction + institution requirements
University scholarships	All levels depending on the award	Institution-specific	University and programme policy

Notice that the useful answer is rarely a simple yes or no.

The European higher education system includes many countries, universities and independent programmes. Language requirements cannot responsibly be reduced to one rule.

How to Find European Scholarships If You Don’t Have IELTS

If you currently have no IELTS score, don’t start by searching random lists titled “100 Scholarships Without IELTS”.

Use a structured search.

Step 1: Identify Your Degree Level

Separate opportunities according to:

• Bachelor’s
• Master’s
• Research Master’s
• PhD
• Postdoctoral research

This immediately removes irrelevant results.

Step 2: Identify Countries You Would Actually Study In

Europe is not one education system.

Admission practices in Germany can differ from Hungary, France, Sweden, Italy and other countries.

Choose a realistic group of destinations.

Step 3: Find Scholarships You Are Eligible For

Check:

• Nationality
• Academic background
• Degree level
• Field
• Work experience
• Age restrictions, where applicable
• Other programme-specific conditions

Scholarship research becomes much more efficient when you eliminate opportunities you cannot apply for.

For a more systematic method, read our guide on how to find scholarships you actually qualify for.

Step 4: Check the Language of Instruction

Determine whether your chosen programme is taught in:

• English
• The country’s national language
• Another language
• A combination of languages

Do not assume that an English-language requirement exists if the programme itself is not taught in English.

Step 5: Read the Official Language Requirements

Look specifically for terms such as:

• English proficiency
• Language requirements
• Accepted English tests
• English-language exemptions
• Previous education in English
• Medium of Instruction
• Waiver
• Proof of proficiency

Read the details rather than relying on the heading.

Step 6: Contact the University When the Rule Is Unclear

If the website does not clearly say whether your particular qualification qualifies for an exemption, ask the admissions office.

A useful enquiry should include:

• Your country
• Previous degree
• University attended
• Language of instruction
• Programme you intend to apply for
• English evidence you currently possess

Ask whether that evidence satisfies the requirement.

Seek clarification before assuming that you are exempt.

When an MOI Certificate May Help

An MOI certificate can be particularly useful when a university explicitly states that applicants whose previous education was conducted in English may provide institutional evidence.

For example, your university may confirm that:

the language of instruction and examination throughout your bachelor’s degree was English.

If the receiving institution’s policy permits this type of evidence, the certificate can potentially satisfy the relevant requirement.

But the order matters:

First confirm that MOI is accepted. Then obtain the document.

Don’t reverse the process and assume that because you have an MOI certificate, every university must accept it.

When an MOI Certificate May Not Be Enough

You may still need a standardised test if you:

• The university explicitly requires IELTS, TOEFL or another specified examination.
• Your qualification does not meet its exemption criteria.
• The university accepts English-medium education only from specified countries.
• The programme has stricter language requirements than the university’s general admission criteria.
• A professional or regulatory body imposes additional requirements.
• The scholarship itself requires specified evidence.
• Your previous education cannot be sufficiently documented in English.

This is why “I studied in English” and “I am exempt from IELTS” are not equivalent statements.

IELTS Alternatives You May Encounter

TOEFL iBT

TOEFL is widely used as evidence of academic English, although acceptance and minimum scores vary.

PTE Academic

Some European institutions accept Pearson’s PTE Academic.

Again, check the programme’s accepted tests and minimum scores.

Cambridge English Qualifications

Certain institutions accept relevant Cambridge English qualifications.

The required qualification and score depend on the university.

Duolingo English Test

Some institutions accept the Duolingo English Test, but it should not be assumed to be universally accepted across Europe.

Previous Education in English

Universities may waive a standardised test if specified previous qualifications were completed in English.

Eligibility conditions vary significantly.

Medium of Instruction Certificate

As explained above, an MOI can provide institutional confirmation that your previous programme was taught in English, but acceptance is institution-specific.

University Assessment or Interview

Some programmes may use their language assessment or interview as part of the admissions process.

Only use this route if the programme explicitly permits it.

Should You Avoid IELTS Just Because a Waiver Is Possible?

Not necessarily.

This is an important strategic decision.

If one university accepts your MOI certificate, that may save you the cost and preparation time associated with IELTS.

But suppose ten programmes interest you and only two accept your existing English evidence.

In that situation, obtaining a widely accepted English-language qualification could substantially increase your options.

Therefore, don’t make “I don’t want to take IELTS” the main criterion for choosing a master’s programme or a scholarship.

Consider:

• Scholarship quality
• Programme quality
• Academic fit
• Funding
• Career relevance
• Country
• Admission probability
• Language requirements

Avoiding one test should not push you into a programme that does not fit your academic goals.

Fully Funded Does Not Mean No IELTS

Another common misunderstanding is connecting the level of scholarship funding with the language requirement.

These are separate issues.

A fully funded scholarship can still require IELTS.

A partial scholarship may accept an MOI certificate.

A tuition-free programme may also require TOEFL.

A scholarship provider can also have one requirement while the university has another.

Always investigate funding and language separately.

How to Evaluate Whether a Scholarship Is Really Fully Funded

When a scholarship is advertised as “fully funded”, check whether it actually covers the main costs of studying abroad.

Look for:

• Tuition or participation costs
• Monthly living support
• Accommodation
• Health insurance
• Travel
• Visa-related costs
• Research costs where relevant
• Duration of funding

Some scholarships provide excellent financial support without paying every expense.

Others provide only tuition.

For that reason, don’t judge a scholarship from the phrase used in a blog headline. Read the official funding conditions.

Documents to Prepare for European Scholarship Applications

Requirements differ, but students commonly need some combination of:

• Passport or national identification
• Academic transcripts
• Degree certificate
• CV or résumé
• Motivation letter or personal statement
• Recommendation letters
• English-language evidence
• Research proposal for certain research programmes
• Employment evidence where required
• Programme-specific forms

If you intend to request an English-language exemption, you may also need evidence such as an MOI certificate.

Prepare documents early, but always follow the specific instructions of the scholarship and institution.

Building a Strong Application Beyond Language Requirements

Receiving an IELTS waiver does not make an applicant competitive for a scholarship.

It simply addresses one possible admission requirement.

Scholarship selection may still consider:

• Academic achievement
• Research potential
• Professional experience
• Leadership
• Community engagement
• Career plans
• Programme fit
• Quality of written responses
• Recommendations

This distinction is important.

Students sometimes spend so much time searching for “no IELTS scholarships” that they overlook the factors that actually determine scholarship selection.

Before applications open, assess your broader academic and professional profile. Our guide on how to build a strong scholarship application profile explains how to identify strengths, weaknesses and evidence that can support future applications.

Common Mistakes When Searching for Scholarships Without IELTS

Believing a Scholarship Blog Instead of Checking the University

Use scholarship articles for discovery and explanation.

Use official programmes and university information to make your final decision.

Requirements change.

Assuming MOI Is Universally Accepted

It isn’t.

Acceptance depends on the institution or programme.

Confusing “No IELTS” With “No English Requirement”

A university may accept TOEFL instead of IELTS.

That is not the same as having no language requirement.

Checking the Scholarship but Not the University

Always verify both when they have separate requirements.

Assuming One Erasmus Mundus Programme Represents All Erasmus Mundus Programmes

Individual joint master’s programmes have their own detailed entry requirements.

Treating DAAD as One Scholarship

DAAD offers numerous funding programmes.

Identify the exact programme before assessing your eligibility.

Choosing a Programme Only Because It Does Not Require IELTS

Academic fit and funding should remain major considerations.

Applying Without Checking the Current Rules

Admission policies can change between academic years.

Information from a successful applicant two years ago may no longer apply.

A Practical Application Timeline

There is no universal European scholarship calendar.

Different programmes open at different times.

However, this framework can help with preparation:

Period	What to Do
12–18 months before study	Identify countries, degree programmes and major scholarship routes.
10–12 months before the study	Check academic and language eligibility.
8–12 months before the study	Prepare transcripts, CVs, references and English evidence.
6–10 months before the study	Submit your applications according to the individual programme deadlines.
After shortlisting	Prepare for interviews or additional assessments.
After receiving an offer	Complete admission, visa, funding and travel requirements

For Erasmus Mundus specifically, many programmes accept applications between approximately October and January for courses beginning the following academic year, although students must verify the deadlines of the individual programmes.

A Better Way to Research “No IELTS” Opportunities

Before applying, create a simple spreadsheet with these columns:

Programme	Scholarship	Country	Language of Instruction	IELTS Required?	Alternatives Accepted	MOI Accepted?	Funding	Deadline

Then fill each row using official information.

If the website doesn’t answer a question, write “Not confirmed” rather than assuming the answer.

This method prevents a common problem: finding a scholarship that looks perfect, preparing the application and discovering later that you misunderstood the language requirement.

Final Checklist Before Applying Without IELTS

Before submitting an application, confirm:

• I meet the scholarship’s nationality requirements.
• My degree level is eligible.
• My chosen programme is eligible for the scholarship.
• I meet the university’s academic requirements.
• I know the programme’s language of instruction.
• I have checked the official English-language requirements.
• I know whether IELTS is specifically required.
• I know which alternative tests are accepted.
• I have confirmed whether my previous English-medium education qualifies.
• I have confirmed whether an MOI certificate is accepted.
• I understand exactly what the scholarship funds.
• I have checked the current application deadline.
• I have prepared all required documents.

If you are unable to confirm any of these points, please look into them before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Study in Europe Without IELTS?

Yes, this depends on the university and programme. Some institutions accept other English tests, previous education in English, or other approved evidence. Others specifically require IELTS or another standardised test.

Can I Get a Fully Funded Scholarship in Europe Without IELTS?

It is possible to get a fully funded scholarship if you qualify and the university or programme accepts an alternative form of English-language evidence.

Full funding and English-language requirements are separate issues.

Does Erasmus Mundus Require IELTS?

There is no single IELTS rule covering every Erasmus Mundus Joint Master.

Students apply directly to individual programmes, which publish their admission and language requirements.

Check the requirements for the specific Erasmus Mundus programme you want to join.

Can I Apply for Erasmus Mundus With an MOI Certificate?

That depends on the specific Erasmus Mundus programme.

If a programme explicitly accepts previous English-medium education or an MOI certificate as evidence, you may be able to use it. Do not assume that another Erasmus Mundus programme will follow the same rule.

Does DAAD Require IELTS?

There is no single answer that covers every DAAD funding programme and university course.

Requirements depend on the particular funding opportunity, language of instruction and institution. Some programmes may accept different forms of recognised language evidence, while others require specific tests.

Does Stipendium Hungaricum Require IELTS?

Stipendium Hungaricum applicants must meet the language criteria set by their selected programme and host institution.

IELTS should therefore not be treated as a universal requirement—or a universal exemption—across all programmes.

Is an MOI Certificate Enough to Study in Europe?

Sometimes, but not universally.

An MOI certificate is sufficient only if the institution or programme accepts it as evidence of language proficiency.

Can I study in Europe without an English-language test?

In some cases, an institution may accept previous education in English or another approved form of evidence instead of a standardised test.

However, the answer depends entirely on the programme’s admission policy.

Which European Country Is Best for Studying Without IELTS?

There is no single country where every university allows international students to study without IELTS.

Requirements are usually determined at the university or programme level. It is more useful to compare individual programmes than to assume that an entire country follows a single policy.

Should I Take IELTS Even If Some Universities Accept MOI?

It depends on your target programmes.

If most of the programmes you want accept your existing evidence, IELTS is probably unnecessary. If a standardised English test would make you eligible for substantially more programmes, taking one could broaden your options.

Final Thoughts

“Study in Europe without IELTS” sounds simple, but the reality is more nuanced.

The important question is not whether Europe, Erasmus Mundus, DAAD or another scholarship “requires IELTS”. Europe has different national education systems, and major scholarship programmes often involve universities with their own admission rules.

The better approach is to separate three questions:

Do I qualify for the scholarship?

Do I qualify for the academic programme?

Does the institution accept my evidence of English proficiency?

Once you answer those questions separately, finding realistic opportunities becomes much easier.

If you completed your previous education in English, check whether your target programmes accept that background or an MOI certificate. If they don’t, please check which approved English test you need. And if taking IELTS or another widely accepted test would significantly expand your programme choices, consider the broader benefit rather than treating “no IELTS” as the goal itself.

The goal is not simply to avoid IELTS.

The goal is to find a well-funded European programme that fits your academic background, satisfies your career goals and accepts the language evidence you can legitimately provide.