Scholarships for Nigerians to Study Abroad in 2025 with No IELTS or Application Fees

Scholarships for Nigerians to Study Abroad in 2025 with No IELTS or Application Fees

For many Nigerian students, studying abroad is a dream that often seems financially impossible due to the high cost of tuition, visa applications, and standardized English language tests like IELTS or TOEFL. However, several international scholarships now offer fully funded opportunities without requiring an IELTS score or application fees, making it easier for Nigerians to access quality education abroad.

This article explores the best scholarships available for Nigerian students in 2025 that do not require IELTS and have no application fees, as well as detailed application procedures, eligibility criteria, and success stories of past beneficiaries.

1. Why Consider Scholarships Without IELTS and Application Fees?

IELTS and TOEFL exams are expensive and often pose a barrier for students who cannot afford the cost of taking these tests multiple times. Application fees for universities and scholarship programs can also be discouraging, as some institutions charge as much as $50 to $200 per application, making it financially challenging to apply to multiple programs.

To encourage global education access, many universities and governments now accept alternative proofs of English proficiency, such as:

1. A letter from your previous university stating that your education was conducted in English.
2. Online interviews or university-specific English language assessments instead of IELTS.
3. Exemptions for students from English-speaking countries like Nigeria.

By applying for scholarships that do not require IELTS and waive application fees, Nigerian students can increase their chances of studying abroad for free in 2025.

2. Fully Funded Scholarships for Nigerians Without IELTS in 2025

Below are some of the top fully funded scholarships that do not require IELTS and waive application fees for Nigerian students in 2025:

a. Türkiye Burslari (Turkish Government Scholarship) – Turkey

1. Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, health insurance, round-trip airfare, and a monthly stipend.
2. Eligibility: Open to Nigerian students applying for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs.
3. IELTS Waiver: Accepts an English proficiency certificate from Nigerian universities.
4. Application Fee: None.
5. Deadline: January – February 2025.

b. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – China

1. Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, medical insurance, and a monthly stipend of up to $500.
2. Eligibility: Undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
3. IELTS Waiver: English proficiency certificate from a previous degree is accepted.
4. Application Fee: None.
5. Deadline: December 2024 – March 2025.

c. Russian Government Open Doors Scholarship – Russia

1. Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
2. Eligibility: Master’s and PhD students in all fields.
3. IELTS Waiver: English proficiency from a previous degree is accepted.
4. Application Fee: None.
5. Deadline: September – December 2025.

Scholarships for Nigerians to Study Abroad in 2025 with No IELTS or Application Fees

d. DAAD EPOS Scholarships – Germany

1. Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses, health insurance, and travel allowance.
2. Eligibility: Open to master’s and PhD students in specific development-related fields.
3. IELTS Waiver: English proficiency letter from Nigerian universities.
4. Application Fee: None.
5. Deadline: October – December 2025.

e. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Canada

1. Coverage: $50,000 per year for three years.
2. Eligibility: PhD students in various disciplines.
3. IELTS Waiver: Proof of English proficiency from Nigerian universities is accepted.
4. Application Fee: None.
5. Deadline: September – November 2025.

f. Malaysian Government Scholarship (MIS) – Malaysia

1. Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, monthly stipend, and travel allowance.
2. Eligibility: Master’s and PhD students in various fields.
3. IELTS Waiver: Accepts alternative English proficiency proof.
4. Application Fee: None.
5. Deadline: April – June 2025.

g. Hungary Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship – Hungary

1. Coverage: Full tuition, medical insurance, accommodation, and monthly stipend.
2. Eligibility: Open to undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
3. IELTS Waiver: Accepts English proficiency letter from Nigerian universities.
4. Application Fee: None.
5. Deadline: January – February 2025.

h. Kazakhstan Government Scholarships – Kazakhstan

1. Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, and a monthly stipend.
2. Eligibility: Open to all degree levels.
3. IELTS Waiver: English language proficiency certificate accepted.
4. Application Fee: None.
5. Deadline: March – May 2025.

3. How to Apply for These Scholarships

Step 1: Research and Identify Suitable Scholarships

1. Visit official scholarship websites and verify eligibility and deadlines.
2. Look for programs that waive IELTS requirements and do not charge application fees.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

1. Academic transcripts and certificates from previous studies.
2. A well-written personal statement explaining why you need the scholarship.
3. Letters of recommendation from lecturers or employers.
4. Proof of English proficiency from your previous institution.

Step 3: Apply Online Through Official Portals

1. Ensure you submit all required documents before the deadline.
2. Avoid using third-party agents—apply directly through the official scholarship websites.

Step 4: Prepare for Scholarship Interviews

1. Some scholarships may require an online interview as an alternative to IELTS.
2. Practice common scholarship interview questions and articulate your academic and career goals.

4. Success Stories of Nigerians Who Won These Scholarships

1. Adewale O. – Turkish Government Scholarship (Turkey)

“I could not afford IELTS, but the Turkish government accepted my university’s English proficiency letter. Today, I am studying Computer Science in Turkey for free.”

2. Blessing E. – DAAD Scholarship (Germany)

“I never thought I could study in Germany without paying a dime. DAAD funded my tuition and living expenses, and I did not need an IELTS score!”

3. Chuka M. – Chinese Government Scholarship (China)

“With my English proficiency letter, I got a full scholarship to study Engineering in China without paying application fees.”

4. Fatima K. – Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship (Hungary)

“Hungary’s scholarship program covered everything, including my accommodation and monthly expenses. I didn’t need to take IELTS!”

5. Ibrahim T. – Malaysia International Scholarship (Malaysia)

“I won a scholarship to Malaysia without taking IELTS. I just provided an English proficiency letter, and it was accepted!”

6. Grace O. – Russian Open Doors Scholarship (Russia)

“I applied for a PhD in Environmental Science in Russia. The scholarship covered my full tuition and monthly stipend. I didn’t need IELTS!”

Final Thoughts

Winning a fully funded scholarship without IELTS or application fees is a life-changing opportunity for Nigerian students. By applying to the right programs, preparing strong applications, and meeting deadlines, you can study abroad for free in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

 Many scholarships do not require IELTS for Nigerian students.
 Universities accept English proficiency letters instead of standardized tests.
Application fees are waived for several top scholarships.
Apply early and follow all instructions carefully.

Start your application today and take the first step toward free international education!