Are you an African student looking to study in the United Kingdom but worried about the IELTS requirement? Great news! Many UK scholarships for Africans do not require IELTS, especially if your previous education was in English or if you can provide an English Proficiency Letter from your university.
In this guide, we’ll share the top 10 UK scholarships for African students in 2025–26 that waive the IELTS requirement, offering tuition fees, living stipends, and more.
Why Study in the UK Without IELTS?
The UK remains one of the most popular destinations for African students due to:
- High-quality education
- Globally recognized degrees
- Diverse and welcoming student communities
- Opportunity to work part-time during studies and post-study work visas
Many UK universities now accept alternative English language evidence, such as:
- Proof your previous education was in English
- English Proficiency Letter from your former institution
- Online interviews as part of the admission process
Top 10 UK Scholarships for Africans Without IELTS
1. Chevening Scholarships
- Fully funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office
- Covers tuition, monthly stipend, and airfare
- IELTS not mandatory if you provide an English Proficiency Letter
2. Commonwealth Shared Scholarships
- For Master’s programs in specific fields like science, health, and development
- Covers full tuition, living expenses, and travel
- Accepts other English proofs besides IELTS
3. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships
- For postgraduate students with strong academic backgrounds
- IELTS may be waived depending on your previous education
4. GREAT Scholarships for Nigeria and Ghana
- Funded by the UK Government and British Council
- Offered by select universities to citizens of Nigeria and Ghana
- IELTS alternatives are considered
5. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarships
- Covers partial to full tuition fees
- Available to African students
- Accepts English Proficiency Letters or waives IELTS on request
6. Rhodes Scholarships (University of Oxford)
- One of the most prestigious UK scholarships
- Open to exceptional African students from specific countries
- IELTS not required if you meet Oxford’s English waiver conditions
7. Gates Cambridge Scholarships
- Fully funded scholarships for postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge
- For students from all nationalities including Africa
- IELTS waiver possible with prior English education
8. Edinburgh Global Research Scholarships
- Supports PhD students from around the world
- IELTS can be waived with strong evidence of English proficiency
9. University of Westminster Scholarships
- Available for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees
- Waives IELTS for applicants from English-speaking African countries or those with proof of English instruction
10. University of Glasgow African Excellence Fee Waiver
- Offers tuition fee discounts for African students
- IELTS alternatives considered including WAEC English grades
General Requirements for UK Scholarships
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (depending on program)
- Academic transcripts
- Personal statement or essay
- Letters of recommendation
- Valid passport
- English Proficiency Letter (instead of IELTS)
How to Apply Without IELTS
- Get a Letter from Your University
Request an official English Proficiency Letter from your institution. - Choose Universities with IELTS Waiver Policies
Check the university’s English language policy on their official website. - Highlight English Usage in Previous Education
Make it clear in your application that your education was entirely in English. - Prepare for Online Interviews
Some universities assess English fluency through video interviews.
Where to Find These Scholarships
- www.chevening.org
- www.commonwealthscholarships.org
- www.britishcouncil.org
- www.cam.ac.uk
- www.ox.ac.uk
- www.gla.ac.uk
- www.westminster.ac.uk
Getting a UK scholarship without IELTS is possible for many African students in 2025–26. Focus on universities and programs that accept alternative English proof. With the right documents and preparation, you can secure a fully funded scholarship and study in one of the best education systems in the world.
FAQs
Q1: Can I apply to UK scholarships without IELTS as a Nigerian or Ghanaian?
Yes. Many universities accept WAEC English or an English Proficiency Letter instead of IELTS.
Q2: Are these scholarships fully funded?
Most of the scholarships listed offer full tuition, monthly stipend, travel, and health insurance.
Q3: What is an English Proficiency Letter?
It’s an official letter from your university confirming your studies were conducted in English.
Q4: Can I apply to multiple scholarships at once?
Absolutely! Applying to several scholarships increases your chances.
Q5: Are these scholarships open every year?
Yes. Most of them have annual intakes. Application cycles typically start from August to December.
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