Scholarships Without IELTS in Europe 2026 — Fully Funded List

Europe is the most plausible “without IELTS” region in the world — and still, the slogan needs unpacking. There is no European IELTS rule. Each scholarship consortium, university and programme sets its own English evidence, and each country sets its own student visa or residence-permit requirements, including how much money you must show. What makes Europe distinctive is the number of legitimate alternatives: many English-taught programmes accept a prior degree taught entirely in English as proof, many accept TOEFL, PTE or Cambridge instead of IELTS, some Erasmus Mundus consortia exempt defined groups of applicants from submitting a certificate at all, and in Germany a large share of English-taught programmes will consider an official Medium of Instruction (MOI) confirmation — programme by programme, never as a blanket national rule.

This fully funded list works through the major European funding routes one by one — Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, DAAD (Germany), France Excellence Eiffel (France), and the English-taught tuition-free or low-tuition routes in countries such as Germany, Norway-adjacent EEA options and the Netherlands — stating for each one what the official sources actually say about English evidence. Where a programme requires a certificate, this guide says so plainly. Where an exemption exists, it states the exact condition. It also covers the money side honestly, including the current UK Student visa maintenance figures for readers comparing a UK leg of a joint programme: £1,529 per month in London and £1,171 per month outside London, for up to nine months, under the current gov.uk Appendix Student rules — with the announced rise to £1,570 (London) and £1,203 (outside London) for applications on or after 30 November 2026.

Browse programmes in the StudyGraduate scholarships directory, compare destinations in study abroad, and explore German profiles such as TU Berlin, TU Darmstadt and the Free University of Berlin as you build your list.

At a Glance: The Main Fully Funded Routes and Their English Rules

Erasmus Mundus: Fully Funded, Consortium-by-Consortium English Rules

Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are the centrepiece of any honest European list. The official Erasmus+ Programme Guide page for the Erasmus Mundus action confirms the scholarship structure: it is a contribution to travel, visa, installation and subsistence costs, calculated at €1,400 per month for the full duration of the joint master’s (12, 18 or 24 months), awarded only for full-time enrolment, and students who have previously held an Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship cannot receive a second one. Consortia must also observe geographical balance — normally no more than 10% of scholarships in a project to candidates of the same nationality (top-up scholarships for targeted regions excepted). You apply to the consortium running the specific joint programme, not to the EU centrally, and each consortium publishes its own eligibility, documents, deadline and — critically — its own English rule.

That last point is where “IELTS not required” headlines both help and mislead. Take the Mundus MAPP consortium (public policy, with partners including Central European University, the University of York, IBEI in Barcelona and ISS in The Hague) as a documented example of an exemption model: MAPP does not require a language certificate from applicants who are citizens of its listed English-speaking countries, or who hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree taught exclusively in English. For everyone else, English proficiency must still be demonstrated as the consortium instructs. Other consortia run the opposite model: programmes such as MARIHE state that English proof is mandatory, accept IELTS Academic (with a stated minimum and per-band floor), TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1/C2, allow exemptions only for degrees completed entirely in English in specific countries, and warn that an application will not be considered without valid proof — although a late-submission request for the certificate may be possible under that programme’s instructions. Both models are “Erasmus Mundus.” Neither can be generalised to the other. Your job is to open the exact consortium’s “eligibility / how to apply” page, find the English paragraph, and follow that paragraph — not a summary on a scholarship blog, including this one.

Practical consequences: you may apply to up to the number of Erasmus Mundus programmes each consortium permits (applying to several consortia is normal), but you can hold only one EMJM scholarship; a waiver from one consortium does not transfer to another; and if a consortium requires a certificate, book the test early enough that the result exists before its deadline, because “IELTS not required” in a headline often meant “not required for exempt applicants” in the fine print. Our dedicated profile is Erasmus Mundus.

Germany and DAAD: MOI Sometimes, Certificate Often

Germany attracts “without IELTS” searches for two good reasons: public universities charge no tuition for most consecutive programmes (semester contributions still apply), and a large catalogue of English-taught master’s programmes exists. Neither fact removes English evidence. For DAAD EPOS — the development-related postgraduate courses scheme — the funding is €992 per month for master’s scholars and €1,300 per month for doctoral scholars, rising to €1,400 per month from February 2026 in current calls, with insurance and travel components under the programme’s terms; EPOS also normally requires at least two years of relevant professional experience after your first degree and a first degree completed within the time limits the call states. English, however, is set by the individual EPOS course. The pattern across official course pages is consistent: most English-taught EPOS courses require IELTS (commonly a minimum around 6.0) or TOEFL, certificates must meet a stated maximum age, and some courses additionally accept documented alternatives.

A concrete official example shows both the standard and the flexibility. The University of Göttingen EPOS course page lists accepted verification that includes: education at an English-speaking school evidenced on a transcript/diploma supplement or by a school letter; successful completion of a degree programme taught entirely in English, evidenced the same way; a study or work stay of at least two years in an English-speaking country within the last five years; and test options including IELTS Academic 7, TOEFL iBT 95, Pearson Academic 76 and Cambridge at 180 points on the Cambridge English Scale for that particular (demanding) programme — with test results no older than three years at application. Other EPOS courses set lower test minima (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 79 appear on official TH Köln programme information, with certificates generally no more than five years old there). The lesson is not the particular number; it is that the number, the accepted alternatives and the evidence form are course property. An MOI-style route genuinely exists at Göttingen-type courses because prior English-medium study is listed as verification — but it must be evidenced on a transcript, diploma supplement or university letter, exactly as specified.

Outside EPOS, the same principle governs ordinary English-taught master’s applications in Germany, including at universities such as FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg: many programmes accept an official confirmation that your bachelor’s was taught entirely in English, many accept TOEFL/PTE/Cambridge instead of IELTS, and some require a test regardless. For the visa, DAAD scholarship holders use their award letter as financial evidence; self-funded students in Germany must show the blocked account (Sperrkonto) amount — €11,904 for a year in 2026 — or an accepted alternative. A scholarship from DAAD is profiled at DAAD Scholarship. Note carefully: a German university accepting your MOI letter for admission does not create a German-language exemption for everyday life, part-time work or post-study job hunting — learning German remains a decisive advantage, and German-taught programmes require German proficiency (typically DSH/TestDaF level) with no MOI shortcut in English.

France and Eiffel: The Scholarship Does Not Set the Language Bar — Your Programme Does

The France Excellence Eiffel programme, run by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and managed by Campus France, funds master’s and doctoral study in seven fields across science/technology and humanities/social sciences. The official Campus France call for the 2027 Eiffel campaign confirms two structural facts: applications are submitted solely by French higher-education institutions (you cannot apply directly), and the institutional deadline for the 2027 campaign is in early January 2027 (Campus France lists the call as open until 8 January 2027 for institutions). Current amounts — confirmed against Campus France implementation information — are €1,200 per month at master’s level and €2,100 per month at doctoral level from January 2026, with international transport, national transport, insurance, housing-search support and cultural activities provided as services. Tuition fees are explicitly not covered by Eiffel; France’s low public-university tuition (and possible institutional arrangements) is a separate matter, so budget accordingly and do not describe Eiffel as covering tuition.

On language: Eiffel requires you to meet the requirements of the programme you will join. For an English-taught master’s in France, that programme will state whether it wants IELTS, TOEFL, another test, or will accept a prior English-medium degree — practices differ by institution and by selective programme (grandes écoles and international master’s programmes are often stricter). For a French-taught programme, expect to evidence French at the level the programme sets (commonly B2/C1 via DELF/DALF or TCF). There is no “Eiffel IELTS waiver” to claim; there is only the admitting programme’s rule, plus the institution’s decision to nominate you. Start by securing interest from a French institution well before its internal deadline, which will be weeks or months before the January Campus France deadline.

Other European Routes Worth Checking — With Their Real Conditions

Netherlands. Dutch research universities teach extensively in English and commonly accept IELTS, TOEFL or Cambridge, with exemptions for defined prior-education backgrounds (for example, a previous degree in English in a listed country, or specific school diplomas). University scholarships (tuition waivers and excellence awards) are competitive and programme-specific; the former Holland Scholarship model for non-EEA students has changed over time, so verify the current scheme on the university and Study in NL official pages rather than relying on older summaries. Do not assume a Dutch MOI letter from any country is automatically accepted — Dutch admissions are notably document-precise.

Sweden. Swedish universities accept several English proofs for master’s admission, including prior university study meeting Sweden’s English-6-equivalent routes and standard tests; the Swedish Institute Scholarship targets master’s applicants from eligible countries with work and leadership experience and is fully funded in structure (tuition plus living grant under its terms). English evidence still follows University Admissions Sweden’s published routes — a scholarship does not invent a new one.

Italy. Regional and university scholarships (such as Invest Your Talent in Italy and DSU regional grants) can fund study substantially, and many international master’s programmes taught in English accept MOI confirmation or alternative tests under their call. Italian calls are document-heavy (legalisation, translations, income documentation for DSU) — start early.

United Kingdom legs of joint programmes. Some Erasmus Mundus tracks include a UK semester. UK universities set their own English requirements (tests, prior study and, for some, pre-sessional courses), and the UK Student visa has separate rules. On money: if you need a Student visa, the current maintenance requirement under gov.uk Appendix Student (ST 12) is £1,529 per month for study in London and £1,171 per month outside London, for up to nine months, plus any outstanding tuition for the first year — the older £1,483 / £1,136 figures from January 2025 are superseded and should not be used. The government has announced a rise to £1,570 per month (London) and £1,203 per month (outside London) for applications on or after 30 November 2026 (Statement of Changes HC 584); if your application falls after that date, budget at the higher rate and re-confirm on gov.uk before you apply.

Eligibility Checklist for This List

• A completed bachelor’s degree (for master’s routes) in a relevant field, with the grade the programme states — Erasmus Mundus consortia often expect a strong second-class or better equivalent; EPOS expects above-average results plus two years of relevant professional experience.
• English evidence in one of the forms your specific programme lists: test certificate, documented entirely-English prior degree, listed-country citizenship/education exemption, or a specified school qualification.
• Nationality/residence eligibility where the scheme has it (EPOS is for applicants from listed developing/emerging countries; Swedish Institute and Eiffel have their own nationality and age/programme conditions — Eiffel master’s and doctoral age limits are stated in each call and must be checked there).
• No previous Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship, if applying to EMJM.
• Ability to meet visa/residence financial requirements for any non-scholarship portion (blocked account in Germany, maintenance in the UK as above, and each country’s own proof-of-funds rule).

Benefits and Coverage Compared

How to Apply Step by Step

1. Pick programmes, not countries. List 5–8 specific programmes (consortia, EPOS courses, French programmes, Dutch/Swedish/Italian calls) whose curriculum fits your background.
2. Extract the English paragraph for each. Copy the exact accepted evidence, minima, per-skill floors, certificate age limits and exemption conditions into your tracker. If a programme is ambiguous, email the coordinator before you rely on a waiver.
3. Secure your evidence. Order MOI / language-of-instruction confirmation on letterhead or via diploma supplement where that route exists; otherwise book IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Cambridge early enough for results (and a possible retake) before the earliest deadline.
4. Prepare the core file. Degree and transcripts (with certified translations and, where required, legalisation/APS-type verification), CV in the format requested (Europass is common for DAAD), motivation letter tailored per programme, recommendations, passport, and for EPOS the DAAD application form and work-experience certificates.
5. Apply in the right channel. Consortium portal for Erasmus Mundus; course + DAAD portal/forms for EPOS as the course instructs; institution-led nomination for Eiffel (your task is to be selected by a French institution before its internal deadline).
6. Plan the visa money in parallel. Blocked account (€11,904/year, 2026) for self-funded Germany; UK maintenance at £1,529/£1,171 per month (up to 9 months) if a UK visa is needed, rising to £1,570/£1,203 for applications on or after 30 November 2026; each other country’s published amount for its residence permit.
7. Track decisions and conditions. Scholarship offers can be conditional on final degree results or on producing a language certificate by a stated date — diarise every condition.

Required Documents

• Passport; degree certificate and full transcripts (certified copies/translations as the call requires)
• English evidence for your route: test report, or official entirely-English-degree confirmation (transcript/diploma supplement/registrar letter), or exemption evidence (citizenship/education history) exactly as the programme specifies
• CV, motivation/statement letter(s), two recommendations (academic/professional as instructed)
• Work-experience certificates (mandatory for EPOS; valuable for Swedish Institute)
• Proof of residence (required by some Erasmus Mundus consortia), language certificates for the language of instruction where applicable (e.g. French for French-taught programmes)
• Financial evidence for visa/residence permit for any unfunded portion

Deadlines and Timeline

If a consortium or course has not yet published its next-cycle deadline when you read this, plan around the last cycle’s month and re-check the official page — this guide does not invent dates for unpublished calls.

Selection Criteria and Tips

European funded selection is criteria-driven. Erasmus Mundus consortia typically score academic excellence, the fit and quality of your motivation, relevant experience, and the coherence of your mobility track. EPOS adds development relevance and professional experience, and expects you to show how the course serves your country’s needs and your employer’s work. Eiffel is an excellence nomination: the institution puts forward candidates it judges outstanding in the seven fields. Across all three, a valid-but-bare-minimum English file is weaker than a confident one — if you are claiming an exemption, make the evidence impeccable (official, explicit, complete); if you are submitting a test, a score comfortably above the floor removes doubt. Tailor each motivation letter: a consortium wants to hear why the joint structure and mobility matter; EPOS wants development impact; a French institution wants academic excellence and a precise programme fit. Generic letters are the most common self-inflicted wound.

Common Mistakes

• Generalising one consortium’s waiver to all of Erasmus Mundus. Exemptions are consortium property.
• Presenting Eiffel as covering tuition. Campus France states tuition is not covered.
• Using superseded UK maintenance figures (£1,483/£1,136). Current rates are £1,529 London / £1,171 outside London (up to 9 months), rising to £1,570/£1,203 for applications on or after 30 November 2026.
• Assuming Germany means “no documents for English.” EPOS and English-taught programmes specify evidence precisely — tests, entirely-English-degree confirmation, or defined stays abroad — with certificate age limits.
• Applying directly for Eiffel. Only institutions submit Eiffel applications.
• Forgetting certificate validity. A strong but expired score (beyond the programme’s stated maximum age) is treated as no score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is IELTS required for Erasmus Mundus?

There is no single answer. Each consortium sets its rule: some exempt citizens of listed English-speaking countries and graduates of degrees taught exclusively in English (MAPP is a documented example); others require a certificate from IELTS/TOEFL/PTE/Cambridge with only narrow exemptions (MARIHE is a documented example). Read your consortium’s page.

Can I apply for DAAD EPOS with only an MOI certificate?

Only if your chosen EPOS course lists documented English-medium prior study as accepted verification — some do (Göttingen’s page lists a degree taught entirely in English, evidenced on a transcript, diploma supplement or university letter, among its routes). Many courses require IELTS/TOEFL. The course page decides.

Does Eiffel require IELTS?

Eiffel sets no IELTS bar of its own. You must meet the language requirement of the French programme admitting you — a test or accepted alternative for English-taught programmes, French proficiency evidence for French-taught programmes.

How much is the Erasmus Mundus scholarship in 2026?

The official Erasmus+ calculation is €1,400 per month multiplied by the programme duration (12, 18 or 24 months), as a contribution to travel, visa, installation and subsistence costs, for full-time scholarship holders.

What are the current UK Student visa maintenance funds?

£1,529 per month in London and £1,171 per month outside London, for up to nine months (gov.uk Appendix Student ST 12), plus outstanding first-year tuition. The January 2025 figures (£1,483/£1,136) are superseded. For applications on or after 30 November 2026 the announced rates are £1,570 (London) and £1,203 (outside London).

I studied in English in Bangladesh/India/Pakistan. Am I automatically exempt in Europe?

No. You are exempt only where a programme’s rule covers your case — typically a degree taught entirely in English, evidenced officially. Citizenship-based exemption lists usually name specific English-speaking countries and do not include South Asian countries, so your route is the prior-degree-evidence route where the programme offers it, or a test where it does not.

Can I hold Erasmus Mundus and another EU scholarship together?

You cannot receive a second Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship if you have held one before, and consortia require disclosure of other funding. Combining rules differ — declare everything and follow the consortium’s instruction.

Do I need German to win a DAAD EPOS place on an English-taught course?

For admission to an English-taught EPOS course, the English requirement is the operative one; German is not normally required at application for those courses, though DAAD supports German learning and it materially helps daily life and employment. German-taught courses, by contrast, require German proficiency evidence.

Sources & Verification

• Erasmus+ Programme Guide — Erasmus Mundus action (erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu): €1,400/month scholarship calculation, full-time rule, prior-scholar ineligibility, 10% nationality balance rule.
• Individual Erasmus Mundus consortium pages (e.g. Mundus MAPP exemption list; MARIHE mandatory-proof rules) — cited as contrasting examples of consortium-level English policies.
• University of Göttingen — EPOS required documents page (uni-goettingen.de): accepted English verification routes and test minima for that course; TH Köln EPOS programme information for contrasting lower minima.
• Campus France — France Excellence Eiffel programme and 2027 call (campusfrance.org): institution-only submission, early-January 2027 institutional deadline, €1,200/€2,100 monthly amounts from January 2026, services covered, tuition not covered.
• DAAD EPOS programme information via official course pages: €992/month master’s, €1,300 doctoral rising to €1,400 from February 2026 in current calls; Germany blocked account €11,904/year (2026).
• GOV.UK — Appendix Student (ST 12) maintenance: £1,529/month London, £1,171/month outside London, up to 9 months (current); Statement of Changes HC 584 announced rates £1,570/£1,203 for applications on or after 30 November 2026.

Disclaimer: StudyGraduate is an information portal, not an agency. We never promise selection, admission or visa approval. Scholarship amounts, English-evidence rules and visa funds change — always confirm deadlines, amounts and requirements on the official consortium, university, DAAD, Campus France and government websites before applying.