For many international students, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) has long been a barrier to studying abroad. Whether it’s due to high testing fees, limited access to testing centers, or test anxiety, IELTS requirements can be a significant hurdle. But the good news is that in 2025, many countries now offer free or low-cost education to international students without requiring an IELTS score.
Thanks to flexible admission policies, alternative language assessments, and partnerships with institutions from around the world, students can pursue fully funded or tuition-free degrees without needing to pass the IELTS exam. This guide will take you through the best destinations where you can earn a degree without IELTS—and often without tuition fees either.
Why Some Countries No Longer Require IELTS
Countries and universities are recognizing that English proficiency can be demonstrated through various other means. These include:
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English-medium prior education
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Alternative English tests like TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo
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University-conducted interviews or language assessments
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Foundational language courses offered alongside degree programs
This shift has opened doors for students from non-English speaking countries who are otherwise fully qualified but lack standardized test credentials.
Top Countries Offering Free Education Without IELTS
1. Germany
Germany is a top destination for free higher education and does not universally require IELTS for admission.
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Tuition: Public universities offer tuition-free education to all students, including internationals, with minimal administrative fees.
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Alternatives to IELTS:
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Proof of English-medium instruction (EMI) from previous studies
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Other accepted tests: TOEFL, PTE Academic, Duolingo (depending on the university)
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Some programs offered entirely in German
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Top Universities: University of Freiburg, University of Bonn, TU Munich
Visa Tip: German student visa processes generally accept proof from universities regarding language proficiency.
2. Norway
Norway’s public universities offer tuition-free education for both domestic and international students.
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Tuition: No tuition fees at public institutions; students pay only a semester registration fee.
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Alternatives to IELTS:
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English-medium education proof (at least three years)
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TOEFL or equivalent test
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Some universities conduct Skype interviews to assess language skills
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Top Universities: University of Oslo, NTNU, University of Bergen
Living Costs: Though education is free, Norway has a high cost of living. Scholarships and part-time work can help offset this.
3. Finland
Finland offers free education to EU/EEA students and a growing number of scholarships for non-EU/EEA students.
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Tuition: Free for EU/EEA; full scholarships available for international students
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No IELTS? Many universities accept:
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English-medium education
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University interviews
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Duolingo or PTE
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Top Universities: University of Helsinki, Aalto University, Tampere University
Bonus: Many master’s programs are in English and focused on innovation, technology, and sustainability.
4. France
France is well known for affordable public education—even for international students—and offers multiple English-taught programs.
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Tuition: Nominal fees for public universities (approx. €200–€600/year)
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No IELTS Needed If:
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Your previous education was in English
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You can pass an internal language evaluation
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You present TOEFL or other equivalent tests
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Top Universities: Sorbonne University, University of Paris-Saclay, Sciences Po
Visa Support: French consulates accept university-issued proof of language proficiency during student visa applications.
5. Italy
Italy’s public universities offer low-cost education, and many programs are now taught in English.
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Tuition: Ranges from €0–€3,000/year; full scholarships and fee waivers available
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Language Flexibility:
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Many programs accept students without IELTS if they’ve studied in English previously
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In-house English tests often replace IELTS
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Top Universities: University of Bologna, Sapienza University, Politecnico di Milano
Scholarship Tip: Look for "Invest Your Talent in Italy" or regional grants like “DSU Toscana” that cover both tuition and living expenses.
6. Spain
Spain is increasingly becoming a hub for affordable English-taught programs at public universities.
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Tuition: Typically low; around €1,000–€3,000/year
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IELTS-Free Pathways:
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Proof of prior English-medium study
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Language assessment interview
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Top Universities: University of Barcelona, Autonomous University of Madrid, University of Valencia
Pro Tip: Many Spanish universities also offer beginner Spanish courses alongside the degree to ease local integration.
7. Malaysia
Malaysia offers low-cost, high-quality education and many English-taught programs.
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Tuition: Very affordable (approx. $1,500–$4,000/year)
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No IELTS? Many Malaysian universities accept:
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Medium of Instruction letters (MOI)
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In-house English placement tests
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Top Universities: University of Malaya, UCSI University, Taylor’s University
Bonus: Malaysia’s strategic location and cost of living make it ideal for students from Asia and Africa.
8. Turkey
Turkey’s public and private universities offer generous scholarships and affordable education without a strong emphasis on IELTS.
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Tuition: Free for scholarship recipients; low for others
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Language Requirements:
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Medium of instruction proof
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Turkish or English preparatory programs available
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Top Universities: Middle East Technical University, Istanbul University, Bilkent University
Scholarship Alert: Türkiye Burslari Scholarship covers tuition, visa fees, housing, and living costs.
9. Russia
Russia offers tuition-free opportunities and hundreds of English-medium programs.
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Tuition: Free via Russian Government Scholarship (Open Doors)
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Language Flexibility:
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Prior English-medium education accepted
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Internal university language assessments replace IELTS
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Top Universities: Lomonosov Moscow State University, St. Petersburg State University
Visa Support: Scholarships often include visa processing assistance.
How to Apply Without IELTS
Here’s how you can successfully apply to these universities:
1. Get a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter
Ask your previous institution for a letter stating that English was the language of instruction.
2. Use Alternative Tests
Prepare for and take tests like:
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TOEFL iBT
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PTE Academic
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Duolingo English Test
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Cambridge English Qualifications
3. Attend Online Interviews
Some universities assess English proficiency via Skype or Zoom interviews instead of written tests.
4. Apply for Foundation or Pathway Programs
These include a language component and grant you direct access to full degrees afterward.