International students seeking fully funded scholarships may not always need to submit an IELTS score at the scholarship application stage.
Several major scholarship programmes currently open or preparing to open applications for the 2027/28 academic year allow applicants to apply without IELTS, although individual universities may later require proof of English proficiency.
Here are five opportunities African students, including Nigerians, should consider.
1. Chevening Scholarship, UK
The Chevening Scholarship is the UK Government’s flagship international scholarship programme for students seeking a fully funded master’s degree in the United Kingdom.
Chevening does not require applicants to meet a separate English-language requirement as part of the scholarship application. However, applicants must meet the English requirements of their chosen UK universities where applicable.
The scholarship covers tuition, living expenses, travel and other eligible costs.
The 2027/28 application deadline is October 6, 2026, at 12 noon Nigerian time.
Applicants should apply through the official Chevening application portal and select eligible UK master’s programmes.
[Apply through the official Chevening website](https://www.chevening.org/scholarship/nigeria
2. University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Edinburgh provides fully funded postgraduate opportunities to eligible African students.
Applicants do not need to provide an English-language test for the scholarship application itself. Successful candidates who later require an English test for university admission may receive support to take the required test.
For the 2027/28 cycle, the main scholarship application deadline is November 19, 2026, at 5pm UK time.
However, applicants should note that the programme required participation in a virtual information session before applying, and registration for the current sessions has already closed.
[University of Edinburgh Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme]
https://www.ed.ac.uk/student-funding/postgraduate/international/africa/mastercard-foundation-scholars-programme
3. Oxford Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship
The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship at the University of Oxford supports outstanding African students undertaking eligible full-time master’s programmes.
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support, including tuition and living expenses, as well as other benefits such as return travel, visa and immigration health costs.
Oxford allows applicants to submit graduate applications without English test scores in many circumstances. However, applicants may subsequently be required to provide proof of English proficiency unless they qualify for a waiver.
Applicants must first apply for an eligible Oxford master’s programme and meet the relevant course deadline, which varies by programme.
[University of Oxford graduate admissions and scholarships information]https://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/graduate/fees-and-funding/oxford-funding/mastercard-foundation-afox-scholarship
4. Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Cambridge offers fully funded postgraduate scholarships to eligible African students.
The scholarship covers tuition and provides financial support for living costs.
The 2027/28 programme is aimed at eligible African applicants pursuing selected postgraduate courses connected to climate resilience and sustainability.
Cambridge generally allows many international postgraduate applicants to apply before submitting an English-language test score. However, applicants who do not qualify for an English-language exemption may still be required to provide an approved English test as a condition of admission.
Applications are made through the relevant Cambridge postgraduate course application.
[University of Cambridge Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme]https://www.mastercardfoundation.fund.cam.ac.uk/scholars-programme
5. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships
The Commonwealth Master’s Scholarship is another major opportunity for students from eligible developing Commonwealth countries, including Nigeria.
The scholarship supports postgraduate study in the UK and can cover tuition, living expenses, travel and other approved costs.
Applicants should note that IELTS is not necessarily a scholarship requirement. However, the university and specific course may require evidence of English proficiency.
Applicants should therefore check the English-language requirements of their chosen university before applying.
[Commonwealth Scholarships official information](https://cscuk.fcdo.gov.uk/scholarships/commonwealth-masters-scholarships/
Important: No IELTS does not always mean no English test
Applicants should carefully distinguish between a scholarship not requiring IELTS at the application stage and a university not requiring proof of English proficiency at all.
Some universities allow applicants to submit their applications without IELTS and only request an approved English-language test after an admission offer. Others may grant exemptions based on an applicant’s previous education or professional experience.
Applicants should therefore check the requirements of both the scholarship and their chosen university before paying for an English-language test.
For Nigerian applicants, it is also important to confirm whether their academic qualification, particularly HND or other non-traditional qualifications, meets the admission requirements for the specific master’s programme.
Scholarship deadlines and requirements can change, so applicants should always confirm the latest information on the official scholarship website before submitting an application.
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