Does the UK offer fully funded scholarships without IELTS? However, one of the challenges that many students face is meeting the English language proficiency requirements, often demonstrated through exams like IELTS. The good news is that there are several fully funded scholarships in the UK for the academic year that do not require an IELTS score. In this comprehensive post, we will explore the top fully funded scholarships in the UK for which you can apply without IELTS.
See Also: Top Degrees Highly Demanded In The USA
Advertisement
Top fully funded scholarships in the UK without IELTS include
1. Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK government and provide opportunities for students from Commonwealth countries to study in the UK. These scholarships cover tuition fees, travel costs, and a monthly living allowance. They do not require IELTS, but applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English through an alternative test or interview.
Advertisement
- Program: Bachelor and Doctorate Degree
- Place of Study: UK
- Deadline: Click here to verify the deadline
Eligibility:
- Be a citizen of a Commonwealth nation that has approved your application for refugee status.
- Applicants will be permanent residents in one of the Commonwealth’s member nations.
- Be prepared to begin studying in the UK by September 2024, when the academic year begins there.
- possess a first degree with at least an upper second-class (2:1) honors standard by September 2024, or a lower second-class degree with an appropriate postgraduate degree (often a Master’s degree)*. Normally, the CSC wouldn’t pay for a second master’s degree. Those who are applying for a second Master’s degree need to explain why they want to pursue this course of study.
- Lack the funds to study in the UK in the absence of this scholarship.
- Possess the necessary supporting documentation in the format requested.
2. Chevening Scholarships
The Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program for outstanding scholars and future leaders. These scholarships cover tuition fees, a living allowance, airfare, and other essential costs. While IELTS is commonly accepted, you can also prove your English proficiency by taking an alternative English language test, such as TOEFL or the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
- Program: Doctorate Degree
- Place of Study: UK
- Deadline: November 7, 2023
- Fields of Study: Health research, Natural sciences, Engineering, Social sciences, and Business Management.
Eligibility:
Advertisement
- possess nationality from a nation or area that qualifies for Chevening.
- After your award has finished, you must spend at least two years returning to your country of citizenship.
- have finished all requirements for an undergraduate degree by the time you submit your application, in order to be admitted to a postgraduate program at a university in the United Kingdom. Depending on your study and university of choice, this could be different from an upper second-class 2:1 honors degree in the UK.
- possess a minimum of two years’ worth of job experience, or 2,800 hours.
- By the deadline indicated on the application timeline, submit applications to three separate qualifying UK university courses and secure an unconditional offer from one of these options.
3. University of Bristol
The University of Bristol offers the Think Big Scholarships, which are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. While English language proficiency is important, candidates may be exempt from IELTS if they have a strong academic background or can demonstrate their English language skills through an interview.
- Program: Doctorate Degree
- Place of Study: UK
- Deadline: 24 April 2023
Eligibility:
Applying is possible if you:
- are a foreign student for the purposes of expenses
- have submitted an application to begin a two-year program that is eligible, either law (MA) or social work (MSc), or any one-year full-time master’s degree, beginning in September 2023.
4. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
The Gates Cambridge Scholarships are highly competitive awards for international students pursuing a postgraduate degree at the University of Cambridge. These scholarships cover the full cost of tuition, a maintenance allowance, airfare, and other necessary expenses. While the usual requirement is to demonstrate proficiency in English, some candidates from English-speaking countries or those with a strong academic background may be exempt from IELTS.
- Program: Doctorate Degree
- Place of Study: UK
- Deadline: 4 January 2024
Eligibility:
- Candidates may be nationals of any nation that is not the United Kingdom.
- Candidates will submit an application to enroll in any of the following University of Cambridge courses:
- PhD (full-time, part-time, or full-time with MLitt).
- Postgraduate program lasting one year, full-time.
5. Rhodes Scholarships
Opportunities for postgraduate studies at the prestigious University of Oxford are offered through the highly sought-after Rhodes Scholarships. Though IELTS is a typical requirement, outstanding academic performance, and a thorough selection process may qualify certain candidates for exemptions.
- Program: Doctorate Degree
- Place of Study: UK
- Deadline: July – October, Annually
Eligibility: This is determined by your country of origin. Click here to confirm
6. Clarendon Scholarships
The University of Oxford provides Clarendon Scholarships for outstanding graduate students from all over the world. These scholarships cover tuition and college fees, as well as a generous annual grant for living expenses. While many applicants will need to meet the English language requirements, exceptions can be made for those with strong academic qualifications.
- Program: Doctorate Degree
- Place of Study: UK
- Deadline: January 2024
Eligibility: Click here to learn more
7. Great Scholarships
The UK government, in collaboration with British universities, offers the Great Scholarships to students from various countries. These scholarships provide financial support for a wide range of academic programs and cover tuition fees and other related costs. Many of these scholarships do not specifically require IELTS but may have alternative language proficiency requirements.
- Program: Doctorate Degree
- Place of Study: UK
- Deadline: Click here to verify
8. University of Warwick
The University of Warwick provides the Warwick Chancellor’s International Scholarships for postgraduate students. While they prefer applicants to have IELTS scores, the university may waive the requirement for candidates with a strong academic background or a previous degree from an English-speaking institution.
- Program: Postgraduate and Undergraduate Degrees
- Place of Study: UK
- Deadline: Click here to verify
Eligibility:
- For the purpose of paying tuition, be classified as an overseas or international-fee paying student.
- have submitted their application before the January 25, 2023, UCAS application deadline for a full-time undergraduate program at the University of Warwick beginning in 2023.
- Any topic area is acceptable for the course including our Foundation courses, but not the MBChB course. Please visit our study website to view a complete list of our undergraduate courses.
- Apply for a scholarship by Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. BST.
- You must receive an offer of a spot at Warwick beginning in September 2023 by May 18, 2023.
See Also: Companies Offering Visa-Sponsored Jobs In Canada
9. Loughborough University
Loughborough University offers a range of scholarships for international students, including the Full-fee Development Trust Scholarships. While IELTS scores are encouraged, candidates may be exempt from the requirement if they can provide alternative proof of English proficiency, such as a previous degree in English.
- Program: Postgraduate and Undergraduate Degrees
- Place of Study: UK
10. Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London offers the International Science and Engineering Excellence Awards. While IELTS scores are preferred, candidates with a strong academic record may request an English language waiver.
- Program: Undergraduate, Masters and PhD
- Place of Study: UK
Conclusion
Studying in the UK through a fully funded scholarship is a fantastic opportunity, and not having to take the IELTS exam can be a relief for many applicants. These scholarships not only cover your educational expenses but also open doors to diverse cultural experiences and invaluable networks. While English language proficiency is essential, many scholarship programs and universities recognize that outstanding candidates may possess the necessary skills in other ways. So, if you dream of studying in the UK, explore these opportunities, prepare a strong application, and make your academic aspirations a reality without IELTS.