Quick Summary
Many Nigerian students miss out on international scholarships because they assume IELTS is mandatory. It is not — for many programs. This guide lists 10 fully funded scholarships that either waive IELTS for Nigerians or accept alternatives like Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or a letter from your university confirming English-medium instruction.
Why Many Nigerians Can Skip IELTS
English is Nigeria's official language and the language of instruction at all Nigerian universities. Many international scholarship programmes and universities acknowledge this and either waive IELTS entirely for Nigerian applicants or accept a letter from your Nigerian university confirming that your degree was taught in English.
Additionally, several scholarships accept cheaper, faster alternatives to IELTS such as the Duolingo English Test (DET), which costs about $65 compared to IELTS at roughly $250+ in Nigeria.
10 Fully Funded Scholarships That Don't Require IELTS
1. Commonwealth Shared Scholarship
The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (UK) does not require IELTS from Nigerian applicants because Nigeria is a majority English-speaking country. Your Nigerian university degree certificate serves as proof of English proficiency.
- IELTS status: Waived for Nigerians
- Value: Full tuition + £1,164–£1,347/month stipend
- Official site: cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk
2. DAAD Scholarship (Germany)
DAAD does not require IELTS for most English-taught programmes. Instead, you can submit a letter from your Nigerian university confirming English-medium instruction, or a TOEFL score. DAAD also sometimes funds German language courses prior to the programme.
- IELTS status: Not required — English instruction letter accepted
- Value: €850–€1,200/month stipend + tuition
- Official site: daad.de
3. Turkish Government Scholarship (Türkiye Bursları)
The Turkish Government Scholarship is one of the most accessible for Nigerians. It does not require IELTS for undergraduate or Masters programmes taught in English. Turkish language courses are provided free before the programme.
- IELTS status: Not required
- Value: Tuition + accommodation + monthly stipend + flights
- Official site: turkiyeburslari.gov.tr
4. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) scholarship offers fully funded undergraduate, Masters, and PhD positions for Nigerians in China. Many English-taught programmes do not require IELTS — an interview or online test may substitute.
- IELTS status: Often not required for English programmes
- Value: Tuition + accommodation + monthly stipend
- Official site: campuschina.org
5. Korean Government Scholarship (KGSP)
The South Korean Government offers fully funded scholarships to Nigerians through the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS/KGSP). IELTS is not required — they accept TOPIK (Korean language test) or conduct an English interview. Korean language courses are provided.
- IELTS status: Not required
- Value: Tuition + accommodation + KRW 900,000/month stipend
6. Eiffel Excellence Scholarship (France)
The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs offers the Eiffel Excellence Scholarship for Masters and PhD studies in France. Many programmes are taught in English and IELTS is not a Eiffel requirement — individual universities set their own language requirements which sometimes accept alternatives.
- IELTS status: Not required by Eiffel itself
- Value: €1,181/month + flights + insurance
7. Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
The Aga Khan Foundation does not list IELTS as a requirement. Their focus is on candidates from developing countries who demonstrate academic excellence and financial need. English-speaking Nigerian university graduates are generally accepted without IELTS.
- IELTS status: Not required
- Value: 50% grant + 50% loan (loan forgiven for top performers)
8. Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program
Partner universities in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program often waive IELTS for Nigerian applicants. The programme is designed to support talented students from Sub-Saharan Africa and has a flexible English proficiency policy.
- IELTS status: Often waived — varies by partner university
- Value: Full funding (tuition, living, travel)
- Official site: mastercardfdn.org/scholars
9. Japanese Government Scholarship (MEXT)
Japan's MEXT scholarship for Nigerian students does not require IELTS. Applications involve a written exam and interview conducted by the Japanese Embassy in Abuja. Many research programs are available in English.
- IELTS status: Not required
- Value: Tuition + ¥117,000–¥145,000/month + flights
10. Many Scholarships Now Accept the Duolingo English Test
Where IELTS is technically required, many scholarships and universities now accept the Duolingo English Test (DET) as an alternative. The DET costs ~$65, takes 1 hour, and results are available in 2 days. Scholarships/universities accepting DET include many US universities (for Fulbright nominations), several European universities, and Canadian institutions.
Getting an English Instruction Letter
For scholarships that accept a letter confirming English-medium instruction, request this from your Nigerian university's registrar or academic affairs office. The letter should state that your undergraduate or postgraduate degree was taught and assessed entirely in the English language. Most universities issue this for free or a small administrative fee.
| Scholarship | Country | IELTS Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Commonwealth Shared | UK | Waived for Nigerians |
| DAAD | Germany | English letter accepted |
| Turkish Government | Turkey | Not required |
| CSC | China | Often not required |
| KGSP/GKS | South Korea | Not required |
| Eiffel Excellence | France | Not required by Eiffel |
| Aga Khan Foundation | Various | Not required |
| Mastercard Foundation | Various | Often waived |
| MEXT Japan | Japan | Not required |