For many international students, studying abroad is a lifelong dream—an opportunity to gain world-class education, develop global perspectives, and open doors to international careers. However, one major obstacle that often stands in the way is the requirement to take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). While IELTS is a popular way to prove English proficiency, it can be expensive, stressful, and inconvenient for students who have already studied in English.
Fortunately, an increasing number of universities and scholarship programs now accept an English Proficiency Letter as an alternative to IELTS. This shift has made studying abroad more accessible, affordable, and inclusive. In this article, we will explore what the English Proficiency Letter is, how it works, and highlight some of the top scholarships that accept it instead of IELTS in 2025.
1. What Is an English Proficiency Letter?
An English Proficiency Letter (also known as a Medium of Instruction Certificate) is an official document issued by your previous educational institution. It confirms that your academic education was conducted entirely in English.
This letter typically includes:
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Your full name and academic program.
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The duration of your studies.
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A clear statement that the medium of instruction throughout your course was English.
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The institution’s seal and signature of an authorized official (such as the registrar or head of department).
For example, if you completed your undergraduate studies in a country where English was the medium of instruction, you can request this certificate from your college or university. Many international universities accept this letter as valid proof of English language ability.
2. Why Universities and Scholarship Providers Accept It
Many institutions recognize that English proficiency is not limited to standardized test results. If a student has successfully completed years of education in English, it naturally demonstrates adequate language skills.
Universities and scholarship committees value academic performance, research potential, and leadership qualities more than test scores alone. Accepting an English Proficiency Letter allows them to evaluate students more holistically while reducing financial barriers.
Moreover, many developing countries have English as their official or secondary language of instruction. Requiring IELTS from such students is often unnecessary. As a result, universities and scholarship bodies have adopted flexible policies that promote equal access to international education.
3. Benefits of Using an English Proficiency Letter
There are several advantages for students who apply with an English Proficiency Letter instead of IELTS:
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Cost Savings: IELTS can cost between $200–$300 per attempt. A proficiency letter eliminates that expense.
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Convenience: No need to schedule, prepare for, or retake exams.
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Faster Application Process: You can apply immediately after obtaining the letter from your institution.
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Equal Opportunity: Students from low-income backgrounds or remote areas can apply for scholarships without facing financial or logistical barriers.
This flexibility encourages more international learners to pursue global education opportunities.
4. Top Scholarships That Accept English Proficiency Letter Instead of IELTS
Now, let’s explore some of the leading fully funded scholarships and programs that accept an English Proficiency Letter in place of IELTS.
a. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (Europe)
The Erasmus Mundus program is one of Europe’s most prestigious scholarship initiatives, funded by the European Commission. It offers fully funded master’s degrees across multiple European universities.
Coverage: Tuition fees, travel allowance, living stipend, and insurance.
Language Requirement: Many Erasmus programs accept an English Proficiency Letter from your previous university instead of IELTS, especially if your prior education was conducted in English.
This makes Erasmus one of the most accessible and inclusive scholarship options for international students.
b. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides fully funded scholarships for international students pursuing master’s and PhD programs in Germany.
Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs, and health insurance.
Language Requirement: Applicants who studied previously in English can submit a language proficiency certificate from their institution instead of IELTS. Many German universities also conduct interviews to assess communication skills rather than relying solely on standardized tests.
c. Chevening Scholarships (United Kingdom)
The Chevening Scholarship, funded by the UK government, supports outstanding students from around the world to study master’s degrees at UK universities.
Coverage: Full tuition, travel costs, and a monthly living allowance.
Language Requirement: Many UK universities under Chevening now accept an English Proficiency Letter if your undergraduate education was conducted in English. The requirement varies by institution, but the flexibility has increased in recent years.
d. Sweden Institute Scholarships (Sweden)
The Sweden Institute offers scholarships to high-achieving students from developing countries for master’s programs in Swedish universities.
Coverage: Full tuition, living costs, travel grants, and insurance.
Language Requirement: Most Swedish universities accept proof of English-medium education as an alternative to IELTS or TOEFL. Applicants simply need to provide an official letter from their previous institution.
e. Government of France – Eiffel Excellence Scholarships (France)
The Eiffel Scholarship program, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, supports international students pursuing master’s and PhD studies in France.
Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly allowance, international airfare, and insurance.
Language Requirement: French institutions offering English-taught programs often accept an English Proficiency Letter instead of IELTS, especially for students from English-speaking backgrounds.
f. Turkey Burslari Scholarships (Turkey)
The Turkey Burslari (Türkiye Scholarships) are among the most generous fully funded opportunities for international students.
Coverage: Full tuition, accommodation, airfare, health insurance, and a monthly stipend.
Language Requirement: For English-taught programs, students who studied previously in English can provide an English Proficiency Letter. Additionally, Turkey offers a free one-year Turkish language course for non-Turkish speakers.
g. Netherlands Government Scholarships (Netherlands)
The Netherlands offers several government-funded programs, such as the Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP) and Holland Scholarships.
Coverage: Tuition fees, living costs, and travel support.
Language Requirement: Many Dutch universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency, including an official letter from your previous university.
h. Italy Government Scholarships (Italy)
The Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers scholarships for international students to pursue bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD programs in Italy.
Coverage: Tuition fees, health insurance, and a monthly allowance.
Language Requirement: Most Italian universities accept an English Proficiency Letter for English-taught programs, making it easier for international students to apply.
5. How to Obtain and Use an English Proficiency Letter
If you plan to use an English Proficiency Letter, follow these steps:
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Request the Letter from Your Previous Institution: Contact the registrar’s office or academic affairs department.
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Include Official Details: Ensure the letter includes your name, course, duration of study, and a statement confirming English as the medium of instruction.
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Get It Stamped and Signed: The letter must be officially signed and sealed by your institution.
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Attach It to Your Application: Upload the letter along with your other scholarship documents.
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Be Prepared for Interviews: Some programs may still conduct short interviews to confirm your language ability.
6. Tips for a Successful Scholarship Application Without IELTS
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Highlight Your Academic Strengths: Emphasize strong academic performance and achievements to make your application stand out.
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Provide Strong References: Recommendation letters can demonstrate your communication and research abilities.
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Write a Compelling Motivation Letter: Showcase your passion, goals, and leadership potential.
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Meet Deadlines: Scholarship timelines can vary—apply early to avoid missing out.
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Be Honest: Only submit a proficiency letter if your education was genuinely in English.
7. Final Thoughts
The growing acceptance of English Proficiency Letters instead of IELTS reflects a positive shift toward more inclusive international education. It removes unnecessary barriers and allows students from diverse backgrounds to access world-class learning opportunities.
From Europe to Asia and beyond, several scholarship programs now recognize that language ability can be demonstrated through experience, not just exams. Fully funded scholarships such as Erasmus Mundus, DAAD, Chevening, Eiffel, and Turkey Burslari make it possible for talented students to study abroad—without the cost or stress of IELTS.
In 2025, the path to global education is more open than ever. With determination, preparation, and the right documentation, students can achieve their dreams of studying abroad, supported by scholarships that value potential over test scores.