For international students, pursuing higher education abroad is a life-changing opportunity—but it often comes with two major hurdles: proving English language proficiency through exams like TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and securing enough financial support. Fortunately, many universities and organizations now offer fully funded scholarships that don’t require TOEFL, making it easier than ever for deserving students from all over the world to study in top-tier institutions.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about fully funded scholarships that don’t require TOEFL in 2025, including eligible countries, alternative requirements, and a list of top programs that cover tuition, living expenses, travel, and more—all without needing a TOEFL score.
Why Some Scholarships Don’t Require TOEFL
While TOEFL is one of the most widely accepted English proficiency exams, many institutions now recognize other ways to demonstrate language skills:
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Previous education in English (proof via a Letter of English Proficiency or LOI)
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Alternative tests like IELTS, Duolingo, PTE Academic
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University-administered English assessments
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Interviews conducted by admission panels
Due to these flexible requirements and the rise of inclusive international education policies, many scholarship providers are removing TOEFL as a strict criterion.
Key Features of Scholarships Without TOEFL
Fully funded scholarships that waive TOEFL often offer:
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✅ Full tuition coverage
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✅ Monthly living stipend
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✅ Visa and airfare support
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✅ Health insurance
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✅ Language training (if needed)
Some even offer family support or relocation assistance for graduate-level students with dependents.
Top Fully Funded Scholarships That Don’t Require TOEFL (2025)
1. Turkiye Burslari Scholarships – Turkey
Open to: Students from over 150 countries
Degree levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
TOEFL Requirement: Not required. English proficiency can be demonstrated through LOI or other means.
Coverage:
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Full tuition fees
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Monthly stipend (Bachelor’s: ~1,700 TL, Master’s: ~2,400 TL, PhD: ~3,000 TL)
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Return airfare
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Health insurance
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Free Turkish language course
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University placement support
Bonus: Many Turkish universities offer English-taught programs and accept a variety of English certificates or interviews instead of TOEFL.
2. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) – China
Open to: International students worldwide
Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
TOEFL Requirement: Not required. An LOI (Letter of English Proficiency) is sufficient for English-taught programs.
Coverage:
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Full tuition waiver
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Free accommodation (on-campus dorms)
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Monthly stipend (Master’s: ¥3,000–PhD: ¥3,500)
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Health insurance
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Visa support and relocation allowance
Many Chinese universities such as Zhejiang University, Tsinghua University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University accept students without TOEFL if they provide evidence of prior education in English.
3. DAAD Scholarships – Germany
Open to: Graduates from developing countries
Degree levels: Master’s and PhD
TOEFL Requirement: Often not mandatory for English-taught programs; an LOI or university language certificate is usually accepted.
Coverage:
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Free or low-cost tuition (many public universities in Germany are tuition-free)
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Monthly living allowance (~€934 for Master’s, ~€1,300 for PhD)
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Travel costs
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Insurance and settlement allowance
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Family support (in some cases)
Germany is a top destination for international students, and many DAAD-partnered programs are English-taught and waive TOEFL in favor of other evidence of English competence.
4. MEXT Scholarship – Japan
Open to: Students from all countries with diplomatic ties to Japan
Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
TOEFL Requirement: Not required. Language proficiency is evaluated through interviews or university assessments.
Coverage:
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Full tuition
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Monthly allowance (~¥144,000 for Master’s students)
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Airfare
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Research grant (for graduate students)
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Japanese language training (optional but available)
MEXT partners with top universities like the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, and Osaka University. Many offer English-medium programs and are flexible on language exams.
5. Stipendium Hungaricum – Hungary
Open to: Students from over 80 partner countries
Degree levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
TOEFL Requirement: Not necessary. A certificate from your previous institution proving English instruction is accepted.
Coverage:
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100% tuition fee
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Monthly stipend
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Free accommodation or housing allowance
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Medical insurance
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Visa assistance
Hungary offers a wide range of English-taught programs, and institutions like the University of Debrecen and Budapest University of Technology and Economics waive TOEFL if alternative documentation is provided.
6. Romanian Government Scholarship – Romania
Open to: Non-EU students
Degree levels: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
TOEFL Requirement: Not required. Romanian and some English programs accept applicants without standardized tests.
Coverage:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend
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Free accommodation (dormitory)
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Health insurance
Applicants to English-taught programs may submit a certificate of English proficiency or undergo university assessment instead of TOEFL.
7. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships – UK
Open to: Citizens of eligible low- and middle-income Commonwealth countries
Degree levels: Master’s
TOEFL Requirement: Not strictly required. Depends on the university; many accept alternatives.
Coverage:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend (£1,347 per month)
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Airfare
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Thesis grant and study travel
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Warm clothing and child allowances (if applicable)
Applicants should check each university’s English language policy. Some UK universities accept Duolingo or LOI in place of TOEFL.
Tips for Applying Without TOEFL
✅ 1. Submit a Letter of English Proficiency
This is a letter from your previous school or university stating that your education was conducted in English. Make sure it’s:
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On official letterhead
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Signed and stamped
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Clearly states the language of instruction
✅ 2. Take an Alternative Test
If TOEFL isn’t available, consider:
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Duolingo English Test (accepted by 3,000+ institutions)
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PTE Academic
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IELTS (if easier to access)
✅ 3. Look for TOEFL-Free Universities
Many universities, especially in Europe and Asia, waive TOEFL if you:
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Are from an English-speaking country
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Studied in English before
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Pass their internal language assessment
✅ 4. Contact Admission Offices
If unsure, always contact the admissions department. Many schools accept alternative documentation or conduct interviews to verify your English skills.