Best scholarships for Nigerian students without IELTS

Pursuing higher education abroad presents a wealth of opportunities for Nigerian students, from accessing world-class academic resources to experiencing diverse cultures. However, the financial burden and stringent language proficiency requirements, such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), often pose significant challenges. Fortunately, numerous fully funded scholarships are available for Nigerian students that do not mandate IELTS scores, thereby easing the pathway to international education.

Many universities and scholarship programs recognize that proficiency in English can be processed through alternative means beyond standardized tests like IELTS. Common alternatives include:

• Medium of Instruction Confirmation: A letter from your previous institution stating that English was the medium of instruction throughout your studies.
• Other English Proficiency Tests: Acceptance of scores from tests such as TOEFL or the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• Interviews: Some institutions assess language proficiency through interviews, conducted either online or over the phone.

These alternatives make it more feasible for Nigerian students to apply for scholarships without the added pressure of obtaining an IELTS score.

Top Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS for Nigerian Students

Below is a selection of scholarships that Nigerian students can apply for without the need for an IELTS score. These scholarships typically cover tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other associated expenditures.

1. Türkiye Scholarships (Turkey)

The Turkish government offers the Türkiye Scholarships program to international students, including Nigerians, for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD studies. Applicants can provide proof that their previous education was conducted in English instead of submitting IELTS scores. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.

• Eligibility: Open to Nigerian students applying for undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs.
• Benefits: Full tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance, accommodation, and round-trip travel expenses.
• Application Process: Apply online via the Türkiye Scholarships official website.

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2. Chinese Government Scholarships (China)

China offers the Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) to international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. Nigerian applicants can submit an English Proficiency Certificate from their previous institution instead of IELTS scores. The scholarship includes tuition fees, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance.

• Eligibility: Nigerian students applying for degree programs in China.
• Benefits: Full tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly allowance.
• Application Process: Submit applications through the China Scholarship Council website or the Chinese embassy in Nigeria.

3. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers fully funded scholarships for international students, including Nigerians, pursuing master’s and PhD programs. Many German universities do not require IELTS for students from English-speaking countries, accepting an English Proficiency Certificate instead.

• Eligibility: Nigerian students applying for master’s or PhD programs in Germany.
• Benefits: Full tuition, a monthly living stipend, health insurance, travel allowance, and additional research grants.
• Application Process: Applications are submitted through the DAAD portal.

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4. Swedish Institute Scholarships (Sweden)

The Swedish Institute (SI) provides scholarships to highly qualified international students aiming to study at the master’s level in Sweden. Nigerian students can demonstrate their English proficiency through previous education conducted in English, eliminating the need for IELTS. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

• Eligibility: Nigerian students applying for a master’s program in Sweden.
• Benefits: Full tuition, living allowance, health insurance, and travel expenses.
• Application Process: Apply through the Swedish Institute website.

5. Russian Government Scholarships (Russia)

The Russian Government offers fully funded scholarships to international students under the ‘Open Doors’ program, with no IELTS requirement for Nigerians. This scholarship is available for master’s and PhD programs and covers tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses.

• Eligibility: Nigerian students applying for master’s or PhD programs in Russia.
• Benefits: Full tuition, living stipend, and accommodation.
• Application Process: Submit applications through the Open Doors Scholarship portal.

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6. Hungarian Government Scholarships (Hungary)

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship is Hungary’s most prestigious government-funded program, open to Nigerian students. An English Proficiency Certificate can replace the IELTS requirement. This scholarship covers undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.

• Eligibility: Nigerian students applying for undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs in Hungary.
• Benefits: Full tuition, health insurance, a monthly stipend, and accommodation.
• Application Process: Apply through the official Stipendium Hungaricum website.

7. Chevening Scholarships (UK)

The UK government offers the prestigious Chevening Scholarship for master’s programs across various UK universities. While IELTS is commonly required, Nigerian students may present alternative evidence of English proficiency.

• Eligibility: Nigerian students applying for a one-year master’s program in the UK.
• Benefits: Full tuition, living allowance, travel costs, and visa fees.

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