An IELTS test costs a lot of money for many African students. The good news: some scholarships and universities don’t require it, or accept other proof of English.
Option 1: Scholarships that don’t ask for an English test
Some scholarship providers don’t require any English test at application. For example, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship does not require IELTS. Note that your chosen university may still have its own English rules for admission.
Option 2: A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter
Many European universities accept an official letter from your university confirming that your degree was taught entirely in English. If you studied in an English-speaking system (for example in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda or South Sudan), ask your registrar for this letter. It usually needs:
- Your full name and student number
- Your degree title and years of study
- A clear sentence that all teaching and exams were in English
- Official letterhead, stamp and signature
Option 3: Nationality or country exemptions
Some universities exempt applicants from countries where English is an official language. Each university publishes its own list, so look for a page called “English language requirements” or “country-specific requirements”.
Option 4: Cheaper or online tests
Some universities accept alternatives such as TOEFL, Cambridge English exams, Pearson PTE or the online Duolingo English Test. Only take one of these if the university’s website lists it as accepted.
How to ask for an English waiver
- Read the programme’s English requirements page carefully. The answer is often already there.
- If it isn’t clear, email the admissions office. Attach your MOI letter and transcript and ask politely whether it meets their requirement.
- Keep their written reply and include it with your application.
Watch out
- Visa rules can be different from university rules. Even if a university waives IELTS, an embassy may ask about your English in an interview.
- Never buy a certificate. Fake IELTS or MOI letters are easy to check and can get you banned.
Browse all opportunities tagged No IELTS.
