Studying in Europe without taking the IELTS exam will remain a viable option for international students in 2026, as several European universities and government-funded programmes continue to accept alternative proof of English proficiency.
Students from Pakistan and other non-EU countries can apply for multiple European scholarships for the 2026 academic intake using a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, proof of prior education in English, or by clearing an internal interview instead of submitting IELTS scores. This flexibility reduces costs and expands access to higher education across Europe.
Also Read: GREAT Scholarships 2026–27: £10,000 funding guide for international students in the UK
Below is a list of major European scholarships and programmes available for 2026 where IELTS is not mandatory in many cases, subject to university and visa requirements.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Scholarships (2026 intake)
The Erasmus Mundus programme offers fully funded master’s degrees across multiple European countries. For the 2026 intake, many participating universities waive IELTS if applicants provide proof of English-medium education.
DAAD scholarships – Germany (2026)
The DAAD continues to offer scholarships for master’s and PhD studies in Germany for 2026. Several programmes accept MOI certificates or university-issued English proficiency letters.
Swedish Institute Scholarships (2026)
Funded by the Swedish Institute, these scholarships support international students enrolling in Swedish universities for 2026. IELTS requirements depend on the host institution and may be waived.
University of Bologna scholarships (2026)
The University of Bologna offers scholarships and tuition waivers for international students, with IELTS often not required for the 2026 admissions cycle if English proficiency is otherwise demonstrated.
Italian Government Scholarships (2026)
Offered by the Italian Government, these scholarships support foreign students studying in Italy during the 2026 academic year. Alternative English proof is commonly accepted.
University of Padua scholarships (2026)
The University of Padua provides international scholarships for 2026, with IELTS waivers available through MOI certificates or internal assessments.
Charles University scholarships (2026)
At Charles University, several English-taught programmes for 2026 do not strictly require IELTS, relying instead on interviews or prior academic records.
University of Warsaw scholarships (2026)
The University of Warsaw offers scholarships and fee reductions for international students applying for the 2026 intake, with flexible English language requirements.
Stipendium Hungaricum – Hungary (2026)
Funded by the Hungarian Government, this fully funded programme remains open for the 2026 academic year, with IELTS not mandatory if the host university approves alternative English assessments.
University of Milan scholarships (2026)
The University of Milan offers merit-based scholarships and tuition waivers for 2026, often accepting English proficiency letters instead of IELTS.
Accepted IELTS alternatives for 2026
Across Europe, universities commonly accept:
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Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates
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Previous degrees taught in English
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Online interviews or internal language tests
Applicants are advised to verify 2026 visa requirements, as embassies may apply separate language rules from universities.
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