Are you an African student looking for fully funded undergraduate scholarships that don’t require IELTS? Do you dream of studying abroad but worry about high tuition fees and strict language tests? You’re in the right place.
In this guide, we explore the best fully funded scholarships available to African undergraduate students who want to study abroad without the burden of IELTS. Whether you’re aiming for Europe, Asia, North America, or elsewhere, this comprehensive article breaks down everything you need to know — including eligibility requirements, application tips, and a detailed list of scholarships you can apply for today.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap to help you move closer to achieving your academic goals abroad — without the usual language test barriers.
If you’ve ever asked questions like “Which countries accept African students without IELTS?” or “How can I get a full scholarship without IELTS?”, this guide will answer those questions and introduce you to some of the best fully funded scholarships for African undergraduate students that do not require IELTS.
Why Choose Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS?
Studying abroad can transform your life. But many African students face two big challenges: money and language tests. Fully funded scholarships help you overcome both.
Benefits of Fully Funded Scholarships:
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They cover your tuition fees, accommodation, books, and sometimes living expenses.
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You don’t need to spend money on expensive IELTS exams.
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You can study in top universities without worrying about financial stress.
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Some scholarships even include monthly stipends and travel costs.
Why Do Some Scholarships Not Require IELTS?
Not every university insists on IELTS. Many schools accept alternatives like:
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Proof that you studied in English before (e.g., your WAEC/NECO results or an English proficiency letter from your school).
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Other tests such as TOEFL, Duolingo, or internal university assessments.
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Some universities in countries like Germany, China, Turkey, and parts of Eastern Europe offer programs entirely in English and waive language tests for African students.
List of Fully Funded Scholarships for African Students Undergraduate Without IELTS
Below is the complete list of scholarships, their details, and how to apply.
1. Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC)
What it Offers:
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Full tuition fees
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Free accommodation
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Monthly living allowance
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Medical insurance
Why No IELTS?
Many Chinese universities accept African students based on WAEC/NECO English results or their own English tests.
How to Apply:
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Visit the CSC website or your chosen Chinese university.
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Prepare your documents and apply online.
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Choose “English–taught program” to avoid language barriers.
2. Turkey Türkiye Burslari Scholarship
What it Offers:
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Full tuition
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Accommodation
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Monthly stipend
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Flight ticket
Why No IELTS?
Türkiye scholarships only require proof that you studied in English at secondary school.
How to Apply:
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Apply through the Türkiye Scholarships portal during their annual application period.
3. Russian Government Open Doors Scholarship
What it Offers:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Accommodation
Why No IELTS?
Many Russian universities teach in English and accept African students without IELTS, especially if they have an English proficiency letter.
How to Apply:
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Register on the Open Doors Scholarship portal.
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Pass their entrance exam.
4. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
What it Offers:
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Full tuition
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Living allowance
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Health insurance
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Travel allowance
Why No IELTS?
Some German universities accept African students if they can prove their secondary education was in English.
How to Apply:
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Search for DAAD undergraduate programs and apply directly on the DAAD portal.
5. Hungarian Government Scholarship (Stipendium Hungaricum)
What it Offers:
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Full tuition
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Accommodation
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Monthly stipend
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Health insurance
Why No IELTS?
Hungarian universities often waive IELTS if you submit proof of English from your previous school.
How to Apply:
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Register on the Stipendium Hungaricum website and choose your desired program.
6. Mauritius Government Scholarship
What it Offers:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Return air ticket
Why No IELTS?
Mauritius accepts WAEC/NECO as proof of English.
How to Apply:
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Apply through the Mauritius Ministry of Education website.
7. Romanian Government Scholarship
What it Offers:
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Full tuition
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Free accommodation
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Monthly stipend
Why No IELTS?
Romanian universities often assess students themselves instead of requiring IELTS.
How to Apply:
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Submit your application through the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs portal.
8. Azerbaijan Government Scholarship
What it Offers:
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Tuition fees
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Accommodation
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Monthly stipend
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International travel costs
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Medical insurance
Why No IELTS?
They consider English proficiency certificates from your secondary school.
How to Apply:
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Apply through your country’s Ministry of Education or directly on their official site.
9. Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Scholarship
What it Offers:
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Full tuition
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Monthly living allowance
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Health and travel support
Why No IELTS?
They only require an English proficiency certificate from school or their own test.
How to Apply:
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Apply directly on the IsDB portal.
10. Indonesian Government Scholarship (KNB)
What it Offers:
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Tuition fees
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Living allowance
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Airfare
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Health insurance
Why No IELTS?
They offer English‑taught programs and accept proof of English from previous education.
How to Apply:
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Visit the KNB scholarship website and submit your application.
Summary Table of Fully Funded Scholarships Without IELTS
Scholarship | Country | Benefits | Why No IELTS? |
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Chinese Govt (CSC) | China | Tuition, living, housing | Accepts WAEC/NECO |
Türkiye Burslari | Turkey | Tuition, stipend, flight | English from school |
Open Doors | Russia | Tuition, housing, stipend | English from school |
DAAD | Germany | Tuition, living, insurance | Proof of English accepted |
Stipendium Hungaricum | Hungary | Tuition, stipend, housing | Accepts school English |
Mauritius Govt | Mauritius | Tuition, stipend, flight | WAEC/NECO accepted |
Romanian Govt | Romania | Tuition, stipend, housing | Own English test |
Azerbaijan Govt | Azerbaijan | Tuition, stipend, housing | School certificate |
IsDB | Various | Tuition, stipend, travel | English proof from school |
KNB | Indonesia | Tuition, housing, living | School English accepted |
Tips to Improve Your Chances of Winning
If you want to secure a scholarship, here are some helpful tips:
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Start early and keep track of deadlines.
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Prepare all required documents neatly.
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Write a strong personal statement.
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Get good recommendation letters.
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Apply to more than one scholarship to improve your odds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I really get a full scholarship without IELTS?
Yes. Many universities accept African students if they can show proof of English from their previous education.
2. Do I need to pay any fees to apply?
No. Most government scholarships are free to apply. Be careful of scams asking for money.
3. Which countries are best for African students without IELTS?
China, Turkey, Germany, Hungary, Russia, and Mauritius are all excellent options.
4. What documents do I need?
You’ll usually need your passport, academic certificates, transcripts, personal statement, and sometimes a medical certificate.
5. Can I work while studying?
This depends on the country. Some allow part‑time work, others don’t.
6. When should I apply?
Most scholarships open applications between November and March for the next academic year.
7. How can I prove my English proficiency?
You can request an English proficiency letter from your secondary school or WAEC/NECO certificate.
8. What if my country is not listed?
You can still apply as long as the scholarship is open to all African countries.
9. Are these scholarships competitive?
Yes. That’s why you should prepare thoroughly and apply to multiple opportunities.
10. Can I apply after secondary school?
Yes. Many of these scholarships are designed for students moving straight from secondary school to undergraduate studies.
Conclusion
Getting a fully funded undergraduate scholarship without IELTS is very possible for African students. Countries like China, Turkey, Germany, and Hungary welcome African students and offer programs that don’t require IELTS as long as you can prove you’ve studied in English before.
With the right preparation and determination, you can secure a scholarship that pays for your tuition, living expenses, and more — without worrying about expensive language tests.
Start researching, gather your documents, and apply before the deadlines. Education abroad is within your reach — take the first step today.