Ireland Fellows Programme 2027/2028: Fully Funded Scholarship Guide

 

One of the biggest concerns for Nigerians planning to study abroad is the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Many prospective students believe that without an IELTS certificate, their dream of studying in countries such as Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, or other parts of Europe is impossible.

The good news is that this is not always true.

While many universities require proof of English language proficiency, several institutions and scholarship programmes accept alternative evidence such as a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, the Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English qualifications, or other approved language assessments. In some cases, universities may waive IELTS entirely if your previous education was completed in English.

It is important to understand that scholarships themselves do not usually decide the English language requirement. Instead, the university offering admission determines which English language qualifications are acceptable. Therefore, applicants should always verify the latest requirements on the official university or scholarship website before submitting an application.

This comprehensive guide highlights some of the best international scholarships and study opportunities that may not require IELTS for qualified Nigerian applicants in 2027. You'll also discover alternative English language qualifications, application periods, official scholarship websites, eligibility requirements, and practical tips to improve your chances of success.

You may also find these guides helpful:

• Ireland Fellows Programme 2027/2028: Fully Funded Scholarship for Nigerians and Other Africans
• Fully Funded Canada Scholarships for Nigerians (2027 Guide)
• Top International Scholarships for Nigerians with a 2:2 Degree (2027 Guide)

Can You Study Abroad Without IELTS?

Yes, in many cases you can.

Although IELTS remains one of the most widely accepted English language tests, many universities now recognise alternative ways of proving English proficiency. Depending on the country, university, and study programme, applicants may qualify without submitting an IELTS certificate.

Common alternatives include:

• Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter.
• Duolingo English Test (DET).
• TOEFL iBT.
• PTE Academic.
• Cambridge English Qualifications.
• University-conducted English interviews or assessments.

Always check the official admission requirements of your chosen university because accepted English language qualifications differ from one institution to another.

What Is a Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter?

A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter is an official document issued by your previous school or university confirming that your programme of study was taught and examined entirely in English.

Some universities accept an MOI letter instead of IELTS, especially for applicants from countries where English is the primary language of instruction.

However, acceptance of an MOI letter depends entirely on the university's admission policy. Receiving an MOI letter does not automatically guarantee an IELTS waiver.

Quick Comparison Table

Scholarship	Country	Funding	IELTS Alternative	Typical Opening
Ireland Fellows Programme	Ireland	Fully Funded	Duolingo or University Requirement	June
DAAD	Germany	Fully Funded	Programme Dependent	August
Erasmus Mundus	Europe	Fully Funded	University Dependent	October
Australia Awards	Australia	Fully Funded	University Requirement	February
Canadian University Scholarships	Canada	Fully/Partial	MOI or Accepted Alternative	September

Note: The accepted English language qualification varies by university and programme. Always verify the latest admission requirements on the official website before applying.

1. Ireland Fellows Programme

Country: Ireland

Funding: Fully Funded

Study Level: Master's Degree

Typical Application Period: Late June – Late July

IELTS Required? Not necessarily. Applicants must satisfy the English language requirements of their chosen Irish university. Many participating universities accept the Duolingo English Test, while others may require IELTS or another approved qualification.

Official Scholarship Website:
https://www.ireland.ie/en/ireland-fellows-programme/

Official Application Portal:
https://www.ireland.ie/en/ireland-fellows-programme/applying-for-the-ireland-fellows-programme/

Application Tip: Before applying, carefully review the English language requirements of your selected university and prepare the accepted test or supporting documents in advance.

2. Canadian University Scholarships

Country: Canada

Funding: Fully Funded & Partially Funded

Study Level: Master's & PhD

Typical Application Period: September – January (varies by university)

IELTS Required? Not always. Several Canadian universities may waive IELTS if applicants provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter or submit another accepted English language qualification such as TOEFL, Duolingo English Test (DET), or PTE Academic. Requirements vary by institution.

Official Information:
https://www.educanada.ca/

Application Tip: Before applying, confirm the English language requirements on your chosen university's admission page.

Read our complete Canada scholarship guide: Fully Funded Canada Scholarships for Nigerians (2027 Guide).

3. DAAD Scholarships

Country: Germany

Funding: Fully Funded

Study Level: Master's & PhD

Typical Application Period: August – October (depending on the programme)

IELTS Required? It depends on the programme and university. Some courses accept other recognised English language qualifications or evidence of English proficiency instead of IELTS.

Official Scholarship Website:
https://www.daad.de/en/

Scholarship Database:
https://www.daad.de/en/studying-in-germany/scholarships/

Application Tip: Search the DAAD Scholarship Database and review the specific language requirements for your chosen programme before applying.

4. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's Scholarships

Countries: Multiple European Countries

Funding: Fully Funded

Study Level: Master's Degree

Typical Application Period: October – January

IELTS Required? It varies by consortium. Some Erasmus Mundus programmes accept alternative English language qualifications or a Medium of Instruction letter where permitted.

Official Website:
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/

Application Tip: Always review the admission page of the specific Erasmus Mundus programme because language requirements differ between universities.

5. Australia Awards Scholarships

Country: Australia

Funding: Fully Funded

Study Level: Master's Degree

Typical Application Period: February – April

IELTS Required? Australia Awards itself does not set a universal IELTS waiver. Applicants must satisfy the English language requirements of the Australian university where they intend to study. Some universities also accept TOEFL, PTE Academic, or other recognised tests.

Official Scholarship Website:
https://www.australiaawardsafrica.org/

Application Tip: Check both the Australia Awards requirements and your selected university's English language policy before applying.

6. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SI)

Country: Sweden

Funding: Fully Funded

Study Level: Master's Degree

Typical Application Period: February

IELTS Required? English language requirements are determined by the university and programme. Some institutions accept recognised alternatives to IELTS.

Official Website:
https://si.se/

Application Tip: Apply only after confirming the English language requirements published by your chosen Swedish university.

7. Scholarships for Applicants with a 2:2 Degree

If you have a Second Class Lower (2:2), don't assume your study abroad journey has ended. Many scholarships consider leadership, work experience, community impact, and professional achievements alongside academic results.

Read our detailed guide here:

Top International Scholarships for Nigerians with a 2:2 Degree (2027 Guide).

Universities That May Accept Alternatives to IELTS

Some universities allow applicants to prove their English language ability through alternatives to IELTS. However, acceptance depends on the institution, programme, and country. Always confirm the latest requirements on the university's official admissions page before applying.

🇮🇪 Ireland

• Trinity College Dublin
• University College Dublin (UCD)
• Maynooth University
• University of Galway

Some Irish universities accept the Duolingo English Test or other recognised English language qualifications for selected programmes.

🇨🇦 Canada

• University of Winnipeg
• Brock University
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
• University of Regina

Some Canadian universities may accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter, Duolingo English Test, TOEFL, or PTE Academic instead of IELTS for eligible applicants.

🇩🇪 Germany

• Technical University of Munich
• RWTH Aachen University
• University of Bonn
• University of Hamburg

Several English-taught programmes in Germany accept recognised alternatives to IELTS depending on the department.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

• University of Bristol
• University of Birmingham
• University of Essex
• University of Portsmouth

Some UK universities accept a Medium of Instruction letter or other approved English language qualifications for selected courses.

🇦🇺 Australia

• University of Adelaide
• University of Queensland
• Macquarie University
• Victoria University

Many Australian universities also recognise TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English, or other approved English language qualifications in place of IELTS for eligible programmes.

Important: Even if a university accepts an alternative to IELTS, you must still satisfy the English language requirement specified for your chosen course.

Documents You'll Need Before Applying

Although requirements vary by scholarship and university, most applicants should prepare the following documents before applications open:

• International Passport.
• Academic Transcript.
• Degree Certificate or Statement of Result.
• Professional CV or Resume.
• Personal Statement or Motivation Letter.
• Recommendation Letters.
• Employment Letter (where required).
• Research Proposal (for some postgraduate programmes).
• Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge English, or Medium of Instruction Letter where accepted).

Need a professional scholarship CV? Read our complete guide:

How to Write an ATS-Friendly CV That Gets Interviews

Disclaimer

Inside Tips Jobs is an independent career and education information platform. We do not award scholarships, process applications, guarantee admission, or represent any university, scholarship provider, government agency, or organisation. We publish scholarship opportunities and application guides for informational purposes only.

Scholarship requirements, English language policies, application dates, and eligibility criteria may change. Always verify the latest information on the official scholarship or university website before applying.

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