Scholarships Without IELTS for Nigerian Students in 2027: Requirements and Alternatives

If you studied in English throughout school, paying for another English examination can feel unnecessary. You may also be worried that the cost of IELTS will stop you from applying for a scholarship abroad.

Nigerian students can qualify for some scholarships without IELTS. However, they usually still need to prove their English ability through another accepted route. Depending on the university, this could mean your WAEC English result, previous university studies or a different language test.

The important question is not simply whether a scholarship requires IELTS. It is whether the scholarship provider, university and relevant immigration rules accept the evidence you can provide.

This guide explains those differences, identifies scholarship routes worth understanding and shows you how to assess your documents before spending money. The FAQs also cover practical problems such as older qualifications, name differences and applications involving more than one university.

Planning note for 2027: A scholarship for studies beginning in 2027 may have an application deadline in 2026. As of 23 October 2026, the official pages for Chevening Nigeria and Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships state that their 2027–2028 applications are closed. They remain useful examples of how IELTS alternatives work, but they should not be treated as currently open opportunities.

What scholarships without IELTS actually mean

IELTS is one way to demonstrate your English skills. A scholarship described as “without IELTS” may fall into one of three situations.

First, the scholarship organisation may not require an English test itself. The university still decides what evidence you need for admission.

Second, the university may accept an existing qualification instead of IELTS. For example, it might accept a particular grade in your secondary school English examination.

Third, the university may require a language test but allow another examination, such as TOEFL or PTE Academic.

These situations are different. Only the second might allow you to avoid taking a new test altogether.

A useful way to assess any opportunity is to separate the following decisions:

For example, a scholarship could accept your application without an IELTS result while your chosen university makes admission conditional on an English test.

You would still need to satisfy that condition before starting the course.

Scholarship routes Nigerian students should understand

The following examples explain where IELTS flexibility can exist. They are not a promise that every course within a scholarship programme accepts the same alternative.

Chevening Scholarships: no separate Chevening English test requirement

Chevening supports eligible applicants from Nigeria to pursue qualifying one-year taught master’s degrees in the United Kingdom.

Chevening removed its own English-language requirement in 2020. However, applicants must still meet their chosen university’s requirements and obtain an unconditional offer from one of their three course choices by the required deadline. An unconditional offer means the university has confirmed that the admission conditions attached to that offer have been satisfied.

This creates a possible route without IELTS if your chosen course accepts another qualification you hold.

It does not mean that selecting Chevening automatically gives you an English test exemption.

Chevening funding normally includes tuition, an economy return journey and support for living expenses and other specified costs. Funding conditions matter: its published course guidance applies a £22,000 tuition contribution cap to MBA programmes, with any additional fee requiring other funding.

2027 application position: The Nigeria page states that applications for 2027–2028 are closed. Applicants who already submitted should focus on meeting their university conditions. New applicants should not mistake an old application announcement for an active round.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: IELTS is not required by the commission

Nigeria is an eligible country for Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships. The Commonwealth Scholarship Commission states that it does not require candidates to take IELTS.

The university’s admission requirements still apply.

The published academic requirement generally includes an upper second-class first degree, or a lower second-class degree with a relevant postgraduate qualification. Applicants must also meet residence and other eligibility conditions and be unable to afford the proposed UK study without the scholarship.

Funding includes approved tuition fees, approved return airfare and a living allowance. It does not cover every family expense; for example, dependants’ airfares are excluded.

Applicants must follow both the commission’s application process and the relevant nominating organisation’s process. A nominating organisation puts candidates forward for consideration; nomination does not guarantee selection.

2027 application position: Applications for 2027–2028 closed at 16:00 BST on 20 October 2026. A university’s later admission deadline does not reopen this scholarship deadline.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters: check the individual programme

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters welcome applicants from around the world, including Nigeria. These programmes involve study delivered jointly by several institutions.

The European Commission explains that scholarships can cover participation costs and contribute towards travel, visas and living expenses. Applicants generally need a bachelor’s degree or must complete their final year before the master’s programme begins.

However, Erasmus Mundus does not provide one universal IELTS exemption for every programme. Each programme publishes its own admission requirements.

Treat it as a scholarship route to investigate, rather than a confirmed no-IELTS option for every applicant. A specific programme belongs on your shortlist only after its language rules match your qualifications.

Many applications fall between October and January for the following academic year, but individual deadlines and scholarship availability must be checked separately.

Suggested sentence: For a broader explanation of this funding route, read our guide to Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2027; guide to Erasmus Mundus Scholarships 2027

Which IELTS alternatives can Nigerian students use?

Start with the documents you already have. Then compare them with the exact policy for your course.

WAEC, WASSCE, NECO or NABTEB English results

Some universities accept Nigerian secondary-school English qualifications.

For example, UWE Bristol lists WAEC/WASSCE, NECO or NABTEB English Language at C6 or higher under its Nigerian qualification requirements. It also warns that some courses have higher language requirements.

The University of Sheffield’s Nigeria guidance says WASSCE English at Grade C or above can be accepted instead of IELTS, subject to its detailed English-language guidance.

These examples show why you should check the university’s actual wording.

A policy mentioning WAEC does not automatically include NECO. A general university requirement may also differ from the requirement for a particular professional course.

Before relying on your result, establish:

• Whether your examination board is accepted.
• Which English Language grade is required.
• Whether your course has a higher requirement.
• Whether there are restrictions involving the age of the qualification.
• How the university will verify the result.

Acceptance of your English result also does not mean the university has accepted your full academic qualification or awarded you funding.

A previous degree that satisfies the English requirement

Your university education may provide another route.

Sweden’s University Admissions guidance states that applicants with a completely documented four-year bachelor’s degree from a recognised Nigerian university are considered to have sufficient English for the relevant general requirement.

This depends on providing the required degree documents. It is not an exemption based only on Nigerian nationality.

This is an admission route. You must separately establish whether a Swedish scholarship accepts Nigerian applicants, covers your chosen programme and provides enough financial support.

A Medium of Instruction letter

A Medium of Instruction letter, often called an MOI letter, confirms the language used to teach your previous course.

However, an MOI letter is not a universal replacement for IELTS. A university must explicitly accept it for your circumstances.

Sweden’s general admissions guidance, for example, says a school or university letter simply confirming English proficiency is not sufficient by itself, apart from a specified exception. Applicants qualifying through Nigerian university studies need to document those studies properly.

Where an institution accepts an MOI letter, ask which office should issue it and what it must say. Do not pay for a letter first and assume it will work everywhere.

Another accepted English test

You may be able to use TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English or another recognised examination instead of IELTS.

Sheffield lists several alternatives, including TOEFL, PTE Academic and Cambridge English qualifications. UWE Bristol also publishes Duolingo English Test requirements. Acceptance and required scores depend on the institution and course.

Check the exact test version before booking. Acceptance of one version does not necessarily cover every online, home-based or test-centre format.

Also check individual skill requirements. A sufficient overall score may not compensate for a writing or speaking score below the course minimum.

A university’s own assessment or preparatory course

Some universities provide their own English assessment.

UWE Bristol offers an online English Language Test for eligible international offer holders. It can satisfy the requirement for many of its courses, but it cannot be used for applications to other universities.

A preparatory English course may be another option. Sheffield, for example, accepts successful completion of an appropriate university pre-sessional English course under its published conditions.

Before choosing this route, establish the entry requirements, course fee and whether your scholarship covers it. Avoid assuming that a preparatory course is free or that it requires no initial language evidence.

How to prepare your English evidence properly

A strong application makes your documents easy to understand and verify.

Obtain official documents

If you intend to rely on your degree, prepare the certificate and complete transcript required by the receiving institution.

A transcript is the academic record showing the subjects you studied and the grades you received. A certificate confirms the qualification awarded. They serve different purposes.

If an accepted route requires an MOI letter, contact your former institution’s registrar, academic records office or other authorised office.

Ask for a letter that accurately identifies you, your qualification and the language of instruction. Useful details may include your study dates, student number and whether teaching and examinations were conducted in English. The receiving institution’s instructions should determine the final wording.

Never create a university letter yourself or add an unofficial signature or stamp.

Separate your request from the supporting evidence

A waiver request and an MOI letter are different documents.

Your waiver request asks the receiving university to accept an alternative to a test. Your former institution’s letter supplies evidence about your studies.

Your request should explain which published rule you believe applies and identify the supporting documents attached.

For example, you can state that you completed a named degree at a named institution and ask whether those studies satisfy the English requirement for your exact course and intake.

Avoid relying on the statement “Nigeria speaks English.” Admissions staff need evidence that matches their policy.

Suggested sentence: For help explaining your request clearly, read our guide to an English proficiency waiver letter; guide to an English proficiency waiver letter

Keep a record of the decision

Save any written confirmation that your evidence has been accepted.

Make sure the confirmation relates to your course, intake and application. General advice from an agent or a previous student is not the same as a decision on your application.

If your offer still contains an English condition after you submit the documents, ask whether the assessment is complete. Uploading a document does not automatically remove the condition.

Requirements you still need to meet without IELTS

An English-test exemption solves only one part of the application.

You may still need an eligible academic qualification, relevant subject knowledge, references, a personal statement and evidence of work or leadership experience where the scholarship requires it.

The exact combination depends on the award.

For example, a university may accept your English result but reject your academic application because your previous degree does not contain the subjects needed for the proposed course.

A scholarship provider may also decide that you meet the minimum criteria but that other candidates have stronger applications.

For your personal statement, explain what you want to study, how your experience prepared you and what you intend to do with the knowledge. Use specific examples instead of broad claims such as “I am passionate about development.”

 

How to shortlist suitable opportunities for 2027

A small, carefully checked shortlist is more useful than a long list of scholarships with unclear conditions.

Start with your study level and subject

Decide whether you need undergraduate, master’s or doctoral funding.

Do not spend time preparing an application for a master’s scholarship if you have only completed secondary school. Likewise, a scholarship limited to certain subjects will not become suitable because it accepts your English evidence.

Record the scholarship and course rules separately

Create a simple application record for each option.

Include the course name, scholarship name, eligible nationalities, required qualification, accepted English evidence, funding coverage and all relevant deadlines.

For the language section, record the exact alternative you plan to use. “English accepted” is too vague. “WASSCE English, required grade confirmed for this course” gives you a useful action point.

Resolve uncertainty before paying

If a policy is unclear, ask the admissions team a precise question.

Provide your course name, intended start date, qualification, awarding institution and completion year. If you are relying on a school result, identify the examination board and grade.

Ask whether those documents meet the requirement or whether you need an additional test.

A precise enquiry is easier to answer than “Can I study without IELTS?”

Work backwards from each deadline

Allow time to obtain transcripts, request references, correct document problems and complete any required test.

Keep separate dates for admission, scholarship submission and final supporting documents.

Do not assume that an application portal remaining accessible means new scholarship applications are still accepted. Some portals remain available so existing applicants can view submissions.

Understand what the funding will actually pay

“No IELTS” tells you nothing about the size of a scholarship.

A full-tuition award pays the tuition covered by its terms. It may leave you responsible for accommodation, food, travel and immigration expenses.

A partial award pays only part of the costs. For example, if an illustrative scholarship reduces tuition from £20,000 to £12,000, you still need to fund the remaining £12,000 plus living expenses. This is an example, not a quoted award.

Even a scholarship described as fully funded has defined benefits and limits.

Before accepting, separate costs into three groups:

1. Costs paid directly by the provider.
2. Costs reimbursed after you pay.
3. Costs you must fund yourself.

This matters if you need money before the first allowance arrives. Avoid committing to flights, accommodation or non-refundable payments based only on an expected scholarship.

Does an IELTS exemption also cover your student visa?

Do not assume that a university’s decision settles every immigration requirement.

For the UK, official guidance allows a Higher Education Provider to assess English itself for degree-level study or above. The assessed level must still be equivalent to CEFR B2, a defined level of language ability.

Nigeria is not listed among the nationalities automatically exempted under the UK Student visa’s nationality-based English rule. Being Nigerian therefore does not, by itself, remove the need to demonstrate English through an accepted route.

Ask your university how its English assessment will be recorded for your student sponsorship documents. If you are studying in another country, establish that country’s rules separately.

Avoid buying an additional test solely because someone says every scholarship student needs it. Equally, do not ignore a test specifically required for your circumstances.

Make your final checks before applying

Before submitting, make sure the scholarship and course agree with your plan.

Confirm that Nigerian applicants are eligible, your study level is covered, your English evidence is accepted and the application round is still active. Check the funding terms against the expenses you can realistically manage.

For UK options, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship requirements and funding conditions explain the commission’s position on IELTS, eligibility, nomination and covered costs. Its 2027–2028 application round is already closed, so use that information accordingly.

If you are considering a joint European master’s, the official Erasmus Mundus student guidance explains how to identify programmes and apply to the institution running each one. The individual programme must still confirm your language route and scholarship deadline.

Conclusion

Studying on a scholarship without IELTS can be possible for Nigerian students, but the route depends on the evidence accepted for your particular course.

Start with your existing English result and academic documents. Match them to a university’s published requirements, then check scholarship eligibility, funding and deadlines separately.

Your most useful next step is to shortlist three suitable programmes and establish the accepted English route for each before paying for a new test.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will a weaker IELTS result affect an application if my WAEC result already qualifies?

It can, depending on the university’s policy. UWE Bristol, for example, says it uses the most recent English qualification when assessing ability. A newer, lower test result can therefore affect an application even when an older qualification was stronger.

Answer application questions honestly and do not assume the university will automatically select your best result.

2. Can an HND holder use the Nigerian degree route for English exemption in Sweden?

Do not assume an HND meets that particular route. Sweden’s Nigerian master’s guidance specifies a completely documented four year bachelor’s degree from a recognised university.

If you completed an HND followed by a degree, submit the required records for the complete qualification pathway. Meeting the English requirement and meeting the academic entry requirement remain separate assessments.

3. What if my passport name differs from my WAEC or degree certificate?

Prepare an explanation and ask what supporting evidence the receiving institution requires. A name change, omitted middle name or spelling difference may need documentary clarification.

Do not alter scanned certificates to make the names match. Submit authentic records and resolve the difference through the institution’s document-checking process.

4. Can I apply before my final degree result is available?

Some programmes allow this. Erasmus Mundus guidance permits applicants in their final bachelor’s year, provided they graduate before the master’s programme starts.

That does not mean every scholarship accepts final-year applicants. You may need an interim transcript and evidence of your expected completion date, depending on the programme’s instructions.

5. Can I use one university’s English-test result for another university?

Not necessarily. A university’s own assessment may be valid only for its admissions process.

For example, UWE Bristol explicitly states that its internal English Language Test cannot be used for applications to other universities. If you are applying to several institutions, establish how widely your chosen evidence will be accepted before relying on it.

6. Does an old WAEC result automatically become invalid for admission?

There is no single acceptance period shared by every university. The receiving institution may apply its own rules about qualification age, recent study or additional evidence.

The question is whether that university accepts your result for the proposed intake. Give admissions staff the examination year when requesting clarification.

7. Can I use IELTS General Training if an alternative route fails?

Do not assume so. Academic admissions may require IELTS Academic or another specifically listed qualification.

Sweden’s University Admissions guidance, for example, accepts specified Academic versions but does not accept IELTS General Training. The correct examination type matters as much as the score.

8. Can I postpone a scholarship if I cannot meet the English condition in time?

Do not assume you can. A university may allow an admission deferral while the scholarship provider refuses to transfer funding to another year.

Ask both organisations for written decisions before changing your study plans. An extension or deferral is only useful when it covers every part of your offer that you need.

9. What if the application form requires an IELTS upload even though I qualify for an alternative?

Ask the admissions or scholarship team which document should go in that field. Explain the alternative route you believe applies and provide your application number.

Do not invent a score, upload a blank result or label another document as an IELTS certificate. A mandatory field may require staff guidance or a specific alternative-document procedure.

10. Will avoiding IELTS make me less prepared for studying abroad?

Your readiness depends on your actual skills, not simply on whether you take IELTS.

Practise reading academic material, summarising arguments, writing clear paragraphs and discussing your subject aloud. You will need to follow lectures, understand assignment instructions and explain your ideas.

An accepted alternative can remove an examination requirement. It does not remove the need to use English confidently during your studies.