Top Scholarships in the UK 2026 (No IELTS Required)

Studying in the United Kingdom is a dream for many African students, and with the right scholarship, that dream can become a fully funded reality. The UK is renowned for its world-class universities, rich academic heritage, and extensive global networking opportunities. However, one major barrier for many applicants is the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) requirement.

Fortunately, several UK scholarships and universities now offer admission to African students without requiring IELTS, especially if you can provide proof of English instruction in your previous studies.

In this 2026 guide, you’ll discover:

• Top UK scholarships open to African students
• Scholarships that do not require IELTS
• Eligibility requirements
• How to apply successfully
• Official application links and deadlines

Why Choose the UK for Higher Education?

• Home to prestigious universities (Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, etc.)
• Globally recognized degrees
• Rich research and innovation culture
• Post-study work opportunities through the Graduate Route
• Scholarships tailored to African students
• Pathways to leadership, academic, and entrepreneurial success

Can You Study in the UK Without IELTS?

Yes, you can. Many UK universities allow you to study without IELTS if you meet any of the following:

• You studied at a university where English was the medium of instruction (provide a Medium of Instruction letter)
• You are from a country recognized as majority English-speaking (some South African institutions qualify)
• You submit results from alternative tests like:
  • Duolingo English Test
  • TOEFL iBT
  • Cambridge English exams

Always check with each university for their specific exemption policy.

Top UK Scholarships for African Students (No IELTS Required) – 2026 Cycle

Here are some of the best scholarships you should consider for 2026:

1. Chevening Scholarships

Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, airfare, visa costs
IELTS Required: Not mandatory (many universities accept MOI or waive English if criteria are met)
Deadline: Expected November 2025

Eligibility:

• Must have at least 2 years of work experience
• Return to your home country for at least 2 years after your studies
• Leadership and academic excellence are key

Application Link:
https://www.chevening.org/apply/

2. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships

Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, travel, living allowance
IELTS Required: Usually not needed; MOI accepted
Deadline: Expected October 2025

Eligibility:

• Must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country in Africa
• Must be unable to afford to study in the UK without the scholarship
• Must apply to an eligible UK university/program

Application Link:
https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/

3. Rhodes Scholarships for Southern Africa

Level: Master’s and Second Bachelor’s Degrees
Coverage: Tuition, living allowance, travel, and personal stipend
IELTS Required: Not mandatory for most courses
Deadline: August 2025

Eligibility:

• Must be from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, or Swaziland
• Aged 19–25 and academically outstanding
• Strong leadership and ethical commitment

Application Link:
https://www.rhodeshouse.ox.ac.uk/scholarships/

4. Gates Cambridge Scholarship

Level: PhD, Master’s (second degrees only)
Coverage: Full cost of study at Cambridge, airfare, visa fees
IELTS Required: Can be waived for MOI or UK-recognized English proficiency
Deadline: October–December 2025

Eligibility:

• Must apply for full-time postgraduate study at the University of Cambridge
• Strong academic background and commitment to improving lives

Application Link:
https://www.gatescambridge.org/apply/

5. University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program

Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, travel, and living costs
IELTS Required: Not required for selected African institutions
Deadline: Expected December 2025

Eligibility:

• Must be from Sub-Saharan Africa
• Must demonstrate academic talent and financial need
• Must return and contribute to home country

Application Link:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/global/mastercard-foundation

6. University of Birmingham Global Masters Scholarships

Level: Master’s
Coverage: £2,000 tuition fee reduction
IELTS Required: Often waived with MOI or Duolingo
Deadline: Rolling, depends on department

Eligibility:

• Open to international students with high academic standing
• Automatic consideration upon applying

Application Link:
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/international/students/global-masters-scholarships.aspx

7. University of Westminster International Postgraduate Scholarship

Level: Master’s
Coverage: Full tuition and living expenses
IELTS Required: MOI or Duolingo often accepted
Deadline: Typically April 2026

Eligibility:

• Strong academic record
• Demonstrated financial need
• Focus on development contribution

Application Link:
https://www.westminster.ac.uk/study/fees-and-funding/scholarships

8. University of Bristol Think Big Scholarship

Level: Undergraduate & Postgraduate
Coverage: £5,000 to £20,000 tuition waiver
IELTS Required: Waived for MOI or Duolingo
Deadline: February–April 2026

Eligibility:

• Open to international students
• Based on academic excellence and impact potential

Application Link:
https://www.bristol.ac.uk/students/support/finances/scholarships/think-big/

9. University of Sussex Chancellor’s International Scholarships

Level: Master’s
Coverage: 50% reduction in international tuition
IELTS Required: MOI accepted from many African universities
Deadline: May 2026

Eligibility:

• Based on academic merit
• For international fee-paying students

Application Link:
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/study/fees-funding/masters-scholarships/view/1379-Chancellor-s-International-Scholarships

10. University of York Africa Postgraduate Scholarship

Level: Master’s
Coverage: £2,500–£10,000 tuition reduction
IELTS Required: Not required with MOI
Deadline: April 2026

Eligibility:

• Citizens of African countries
• Outstanding academic achievement

Application Link:
https://www.york.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-funding/international/africa-scholarship/

What You Need to Apply

While requirements differ, most applications include:

• Online application form
• Academic transcripts and certificates
• Passport bio-data page
• Personal statement or motivation letter
• Reference letters
• English proficiency proof or MOI letter
• CV/Resume
• Research proposal (for PhD)

Sample Medium of Instruction (MOI) Letter

This is to certify that [Your Name] successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree in [Course Name] from [University Name], South Africa, and that the medium of instruction for all coursework and examinations was English.

Make sure the letter is:

• Printed on university letterhead
• Signed and stamped by the Registrar or Head of Department

Summary Table

Scholarship	IELTS Required?	Coverage
Chevening	Usually waived	Full funding
Commonwealth	MOI accepted	Full funding
Rhodes	Often waived	Full funding
Gates Cambridge	Waivable	Full funding
Mastercard – Edinburgh	Not required	Full funding
Birmingham Global Masters	Often waived	£2,000
Westminster	MOI accepted	Full funding
Think Big – Bristol	Waivable	Up to £20,000
Sussex Chancellor’s	MOI accepted	50% tuition
York Africa Scholarship	Not required	£2,500–£10,000

 

N/B

• Start preparing early (now!)
• Tailor your documents to each scholarship
• Apply to more than one program — increase your chances
• Use a Medium of Instruction letter to waive IELTS
• Get feedback on your essays from a mentor or past scholar

Start Your Journey

Explore each scholarship’s website and mark your deadlines. With the right preparation, you could be among the next group of African scholars studying in the UK on a fully funded award — no IELTS needed.

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