Can Pakistani Students Get Scholarships Without IELTS? (2026)
Table of contents
How scholarships handle the IELTS rule
Scholarships and universities ask for proof that you can study in English. IELTS is the most common proof, but it is not the only one. Where your bachelor’s or intermediate was taught in English, many institutions accept a medium of instruction letter from your school or university instead. Others run their own English test or assess your English during the admission interview. So the question is not whether you can avoid IELTS entirely, it is which scholarship accepts the alternative you can provide.
This matters for Pakistani students because most of our degrees are delivered in English, which makes the medium of instruction letter a realistic substitute in many cases.
Scholarships that often skip IELTS
Several well-known funded routes either waive IELTS or accept alternatives, though rules change each year, so always confirm on the official page.
Germany and DAAD-linked programmes
Many German master’s programmes, including some backed by DAAD funding, accept a medium of instruction letter or other English proof. Plenty of English-taught degrees still ask for IELTS, so check each programme, but the door is genuinely open for those whose studies were in English.
Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The CSC route frequently does not require IELTS. Chinese universities often accept a medium of instruction certificate, and many programmes are taught in English or Chinese with their own language arrangements.
Turkiye Burslari (Turkey)
Turkey’s flagship scholarship generally does not demand IELTS at the application stage. Language ability is assessed through the process, and Turkish language preparation is built into many awards.
Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary) and Italian regional scholarships
Hungary’s scholarship and several Italian university scholarships accept English proof in different forms, sometimes a medium of instruction letter, sometimes an internal test. Many students from Pakistan use these without an IELTS certificate.
Accepted alternatives to IELTS
When a scholarship waives IELTS, it usually accepts one of these instead.
- Medium of instruction letter: an official letter confirming your previous studies were taught in English.
- University English test: an internal test set by the admitting institution.
- Interview assessment: your English is judged during an admission or scholarship interview.
- Other accepted tests: some places accept PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo English Test in place of IELTS.
Having a clean medium of instruction letter ready makes you flexible, because you can apply to several programmes without waiting for a test slot.
With IELTS vs without IELTS
It helps to see the trade-off clearly.
- Applying with IELTS: opens the widest set of scholarships, including some that have no alternative, and removes any doubt about your English. The cost is the test fee and preparation time.
- Applying without IELTS: saves money and time, and works well for English-medium graduates, but it limits you to programmes that accept alternatives and may require an internal test or interview.
If you have the time and budget, sitting IELTS still gives you the most options. If you do not, the no-IELTS route is real and many Pakistani students use it every year.
How to apply without IELTS
Start by listing scholarships and universities that accept a medium of instruction letter or an internal test. Request that letter from your last institution early, since admin offices can be slow. Prepare the rest of your file to a high standard, because without an IELTS score the admissions team will lean harder on your transcripts, statement of purpose and references. If a programme offers an English interview, practise speaking clearly about your studies and goals. Keep a backup plan, since one scholarship may insist on IELTS while another does not.
If the choices feel overwhelming, a verified consultancy can shortlist the no-IELTS options that suit you. Border and Bridges, a Johar Town, Lahore firm checked by SECP, FBR, ICEF and the British Council, helps students find funded programmes that match their profile and prepare the documents that replace an IELTS score.
Key takeaways
Pakistani students can secure scholarships without IELTS in 2026, mainly through programmes in Germany, China, Turkey, Hungary and Italy that accept a medium of instruction letter, an internal test or an interview. Always confirm the rule for each programme, since some still require IELTS. Keep a medium of instruction letter ready and make the rest of your file strong, because it carries more weight when there is no test score.
Looking for funded study without IELTS?
Tell us your background and we will shortlist scholarships and universities that accept alternatives to IELTS.
Frequently asked questions
Can I really get a fully funded scholarship without IELTS?
Yes. Several funded routes, including the Chinese Government Scholarship and Turkiye Burslari, often accept alternatives to IELTS, though you should confirm the current rule for your programme.
What is a medium of instruction letter?
It is an official letter from your school or university confirming that your studies were taught in English. Many institutions accept it instead of IELTS.
Does DAAD require IELTS?
It depends on the programme. Some DAAD-linked master’s accept a medium of instruction letter or other English proof, while others ask for IELTS. Check each course page.
Is IELTS needed for the Chinese Government Scholarship?
Often not. Many Chinese universities accept a medium of instruction certificate, and programmes may be taught in English or Chinese with their own language arrangements.
Can I use PTE or Duolingo instead of IELTS?
Sometimes. A number of universities accept PTE, TOEFL or the Duolingo English Test as alternatives, but acceptance varies by institution and programme.
Will skipping IELTS hurt my visa application?
Not if the university accepted your English proof for admission. Visa officers focus on your admission, finances and study plan more than the specific English test.
Should I still take IELTS if I can afford it?
If time and budget allow, yes. An IELTS score opens the widest range of scholarships and removes any doubt about your English level.
Find funded programmes that fit your profile
Border and Bridges, a verified consultancy in Johar Town, Lahore, helps Pakistani students target scholarships, including no-IELTS options, and prepare a complete, convincing file. Send your details to begin.
