Top Scholarships in Canada (No IELTS Required) 2025/2026

Canada has become one of the most popular study destinations for South African students — and for good reason. With its world-class universities, multicultural society, and post-study work opportunities, it offers both quality education and long-term career prospects. But one major hurdle for many students is the IELTS or TOEFL English test requirement.

The good news! Several Canadian universities and scholarship programs offer admission and funding opportunities to South African students without needing IELTS.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll find:

• Top scholarships that don’t require IELTS
• Universities that accept alternatives (e.g., Medium of Instruction letters)
• How to apply and win these awards
• Deadlines, eligibility, and application links

Let’s get started.

Why Study in Canada?

• High-ranking universities (University of Toronto, UBC, McGill)
• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for up to 3 years
• Pathway to permanent residency
• Safe, multicultural, and welcoming to international students
• Scholarships for undergraduates, master’s, and PhDs

Can You Study in Canada Without IELTS?

Yes. Many universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency, such as:

• Medium of Instruction (MOI) letters from your previous institution (stating that your classes were taught in English)
• Duolingo English Test
• Exemptions for native English speakers or applicants from English-speaking countries

If you’re a South African student and your high school or university education was in English, you may qualify for IELTS waiver or exemption.

Top Scholarships in Canada Without IELTS (2025/2026)

1. Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship – University of Toronto

Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, books, incidental fees, residence support
IELTS Required: No, if Medium of Instruction is in English
Deadline: November 2025 (school nomination) & January 2026 (student application)

This is one of the most prestigious undergraduate scholarships in Canada.

Apply here: https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about/

2. University of British Columbia (UBC) International Scholars Program

Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, living expenses (Need-based and merit scholarships)
IELTS Required: Waived for English-speaking countries or with MOI letter
Deadline: December 1, 2025

Apply here: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships/international-scholarships/

3. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

Level: PhD
Coverage: CAD $50,000/year for 3 years
IELTS Required: Not mandatory if your university accepts other forms of proof
Deadline: November 2025

This is a government-funded, highly competitive scholarship for doctoral students.

Apply here: https://vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html

4. University of Ottawa International Scholarships

Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Coverage: Tuition reductions, merit-based entrance scholarships
IELTS Required: May be waived with MOI or Duolingo
Deadline: Rolling (varies by program)

UOttawa is bilingual (English/French) and is known for generous scholarship programs.

Apply here: https://www.uottawa.ca/en/study/fees-financial-support/international-students

5. University of Saskatchewan Graduate Scholarships

Level: Master’s, PhD
Coverage: CAD $16,000 (Master’s) / $20,000 (PhD) per year
IELTS Required: Waived for applicants from English-instructed programs
Deadline: February 2026 (most programs)

Apply here: https://grad.usask.ca/funding/scholarships.php

6. Concordia University Presidential Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Full tuition, books, residence, meal plan for 4 years
IELTS Required: Duolingo or MOI accepted
Deadline: January 2026

Apply here: https://www.concordia.ca/admissions/undergraduate/tuition-and-funding/scholarships/presidential.html

7. McGill University Entrance Scholarships

Level: Undergraduate, Graduate
Coverage: Up to CAD $12,000
IELTS Required: Waived if you studied in an English-medium institution
Deadline: January 2026

Apply here: https://www.mcgill.ca/studentaid/scholarships-aid/future-undergrads

8. York University International Student Scholarship Program

Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Up to CAD $180,000 over 4 years
IELTS Required: Not needed if MOI letter is provided
Deadline: February 1, 2026

Apply here: https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/funding/international

9. University of Calgary International Entrance Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Up to CAD $15,000
IELTS Required: Waived if you meet English exemption criteria
Deadline: December 2025

Apply here: https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/undergraduate/finances/scholarships

10. Carleton University Entrance Awards for International Students

Level: Undergraduate
Coverage: Partial to full tuition based on academic performance
IELTS Required: Waived with MOI letter or Duolingo
Deadline: March 1, 2026

Apply here: https://admissions.carleton.ca/scholarships/

How to Get an IELTS Exemption

Many Canadian universities allow you to submit a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter from your high school or university. This letter must:

• Be on an official letterhead
• State that your course was taught entirely in English
• Be signed and stamped by the registrar or academic office

You may also use:

• Proof of having lived/studied in an English-speaking country
• Duolingo English Test (acceptable at over 200 Canadian universities)

Common Application Requirements

• Certified academic transcripts
• Passport bio-data page
• Personal statement or Statement of Purpose
• Letters of recommendation (2–3)
• Proof of English proficiency (or MOI letter)
• Proof of financial need (for need-based scholarships)

Can You Apply for Multiple Scholarships?

Yes! You can apply to:

• Different universities
• Government and university scholarships at the same time
• External scholarships (like Vanier) while applying to university

Just make sure your documents are tailored to each application.

Real Student Tip (From a South African Scholar in Canada)

“I studied in English all my life and submitted a Medium of Instruction letter from my high school. That’s how I got into UBC without taking IELTS. The key is applying early and preparing your documents ahead of time.” — Zanele M., UBC Class of 2024

Studying in Canada without IELTS is 100% possible for South African students. Scholarships are available at undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels — you just need to meet the academic criteria, prepare your application early, and find a university that fits your needs.

If IELTS is a barrier, don’t let it hold you back. Use the alternatives mentioned above and focus on what matters most: building a better future through education.

Useful Links Summary

University/Scholarship	Application Link
Lester B. Pearson – Toronto	https://future.utoronto.ca/pearson/about/
UBC International Scholars	https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships/international-scholarships/
Vanier CGS	https://vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html
University of Ottawa	https://www.uottawa.ca/en/study/fees-financial-support/international-students
University of Saskatchewan	https://grad.usask.ca/funding/scholarships.php
Concordia University	https://www.concordia.ca/admissions/undergraduate/tuition-and-funding/scholarships/presidential.html
McGill University	https://www.mcgill.ca/studentaid/scholarships-aid/future-undergrads
York University	https://futurestudents.yorku.ca/funding/international
University of Calgary	https://www.ucalgary.ca/future-students/undergraduate/finances/scholarships
Carleton University	https://admissions.carleton.ca/scholarships/

 

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