Dreaming of studying in the United States but worried about taking IELTS or TOEFL? You’re not alone. For many international students, the cost and preparation for English language proficiency exams can be a significant barrier. The good news is that some U.S. universities and scholarship programs offer admission and funding without IELTS or TOEFL — especially if you meet alternative criteria.
In this 2025 scholarship guide, we’ll explore fully funded and partially funded U.S. scholarships that do not require IELTS or TOEFL, and share tips on how you can study in America without English tests.
Why Skip IELTS or TOEFL?
While IELTS/TOEFL are standard admission requirements for U.S. universities, they are:
- Expensive to take (up to $250)
- Time-consuming to prepare for
- Sometimes unavailable in rural or conflict-affected areas
Many institutions now waive the requirement if:
- Your previous education was in English
- You come from an English-speaking country
- You pass an alternative test (like Duolingo or university language interviews)
Top Scholarships in the USA Without IELTS/TOEFL – 2025
Below is a list of fully or partially funded scholarships where IELTS or TOEFL is NOT mandatory.
1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program (IELTS Waiver Possible)
Level: Master’s and PhD
Funding: Fully Funded
Deadline: Country-specific (Feb–May 2025)
While the Fulbright Scholarship typically requires TOEFL, many applicants get waivers if they studied in English or attended English-speaking institutions.
Key Benefits:
- Tuition
- Travel and living stipend
- Health insurance
- Placement assistance
How to Apply Without IELTS/TOEFL:
- Submit proof of English-medium instruction (EMI) from your university
- Request exemption via your local Fulbright Commission
🔗 https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/
2. University of Dayton Merit Scholarships – No IELTS Required
Level: Undergraduate
Funding: Up to $30,000/year
Deadline: Rolling (Fall 2025 intake)
The University of Dayton accepts students from English-medium high schools without IELTS or TOEFL, especially in countries like Nigeria, Ghana, India, Pakistan, and Kenya.
Alternative English Proof:
- English proficiency letter from school
- Duolingo English Test (optional)
3. Clark University Global Scholars Program
Level: Undergraduate
Funding: Up to $25,000/year + $5,000 stipend
Deadline: November 2024 – January 2025
Clark University offers generous financial aid and waives IELTS for applicants from English-instruction institutions.
Eligible Regions: Africa, Asia, Latin America
Accepted Alternatives:
- Letter of English proficiency
- Virtual interview
🔗 https://www.clarku.edu/offices/financial-aid/prospective-students/international/
4. State University of New York (SUNY) – TOEFL Waiver
Level: Undergraduate & Graduate
Funding: Partial & Full Scholarships
Deadline: Varies by campus
Many SUNY campuses (Buffalo, Albany, Cortland, etc.) allow you to submit a medium-of-instruction certificate (MOI) instead of IELTS/TOEFL.
Alternative Accepted:
- Duolingo English Test
- In-house English assessment
5. University of New Orleans (UNO) International Scholarship
Level: Undergraduate
Funding: Up to $16,000/year
IELTS/TOEFL: Waived for students from English-speaking countries or schools
UNO offers automatic scholarships based on GPA and waives English test scores for qualifying applicants.
You Must Provide:
- MOI certificate from your school
- Transcript indicating English instruction
🔗 https://www.uno.edu/international-admissions
6. University of Colorado – Boulder (IELTS Optional)
Level: Graduate
Funding: Departmental Scholarships
Alternative: Duolingo / MOI accepted in some cases
For graduate students, some departments at CU Boulder waive IELTS/TOEFL if:
- Undergraduate studies were in English
- You pass an online interview
7. Rice University Graduate Fellowships
Level: PhD / Master’s
Funding: Fully Funded + Stipend
Deadline: Nov–Jan
Rice is among top U.S. institutions offering fully funded PhDs and English test waivers for applicants with a medium of instruction letter.
Covers:
- 100% tuition
- Monthly stipend
- Health insurance
What is a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate?
An MOI Certificate is an official letter from your previous institution confirming that your education was conducted in English.
How to Get It:
- Ask your school registrar or dean
- Ensure it has a signature, official stamp, and letterhead
Sample Line:
“This is to certify that [Student Name] completed their Bachelor’s degree in [Course Name] with English as the medium of instruction.”
Most U.S. universities accept this as proof of English proficiency.
Other Alternatives to IELTS/TOEFL
Many U.S. universities are adopting flexible options to assess English language ability:
| Alternative Test | Description | Avg. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Duolingo English Test | Online, 1 hour, fast results | $59 |
| PTE Academic | Similar to IELTS/TOEFL | $150–$200 |
| Online Interview | University conducts own language test | Free |
| MOI Certificate | From former school/university | Free |
Tips to Strengthen Your Application Without IELTS/TOEFL
- Include an MOI Letter: Always attach this if you don’t have test scores.
- Write a Strong SOP: Show clear command of the English language.
- Ask for Recommendations in English: Adds to your language credibility.
- Join a Virtual Interview if Offered: Prove your speaking and listening skills.
- Check for Country-Specific Exemptions: Many African and South Asian nations are often eligible.
Common Myths About Studying in the USA Without IELTS
❌ You can’t study in the U.S. without IELTS/TOEFL.
✅ You can — if you provide an MOI or use alternatives like Duolingo.
❌ No top university accepts students without English tests.
✅ Many top schools now offer flexible admission policies post-pandemic.
❌ Scholarships are not available without IELTS.
✅ Several scholarships don’t require IELTS/TOEFL, especially merit-based or need-based options.
Fully Funded Scholarships in the USA for International Students – 2025 Guide
Final Thoughts
Don’t let IELTS or TOEFL stop you from pursuing your academic dreams. With the growing number of USA scholarships and universities accepting alternatives, you can now apply confidently without worrying about standardized English exams.
By preparing a strong application, getting your MOI letter, and applying early, you can earn a fully or partially funded scholarship in the USA in 2025 — no IELTS or TOEFL needed!
Call to Action
Need help writing your MOI certificate, scholarship essays, or selecting universities that waive English tests?
👉 I can create a custom list of 2025 programs that fit your background – just let me know your academic level and field of interest.
Or would you like a free downloadable checklist of U.S. universities and scholarships with no IELTS requirement?