Many Filipinos dream of studying abroad but are held back by the IELTS requirement. The good news? Dozens of countries offer fully funded scholarships for Filipinos without IELTS — covering tuition, living allowance, airfare, and more.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the top scholarships, how to apply, and which countries accept Filipino students without IELTS.
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Why Choose “No IELTS” Scholarships?
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Save money – IELTS exams cost ₱12,000+ in the Philippines.
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Less stress – You don’t need months of preparation.
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Faster application – Apply directly with your English proficiency from school.
Top Countries Offering Scholarships to Filipinos Without IELTS
| Country | Popular Scholarships | Tuition Coverage | Living Allowance | IELTS Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japan | MEXT Scholarship | 100% | ¥117,000/month | No |
| South Korea | GKS Scholarship | 100% | ₩900,000/month | No |
| Hungary | Stipendium Hungaricum | 100% | €120/month | No |
| Malaysia | MIS Scholarship | 100% | RM1,500/month | No |
| Turkey | Türkiye Bursları | 100% | ₺1,600/month | No |
1. MEXT Scholarship (Japan)
One of the most generous scholarships in the world.
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly allowance: ¥117,000
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Free airfare to and from Japan
Eligibility:
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Filipino citizen
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High school graduate (undergrad) or college graduate (postgrad)
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English as medium of instruction (MOI) in previous studies
How to Apply:
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Download the forms.
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Submit application via embassy.
2. Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)
Offered by the South Korean government.
Benefits:
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Full tuition
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Monthly stipend ₩900,000
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Airfare and settlement allowance
Eligibility:
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Filipino citizen
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No Korean language requirement at application
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IELTS not required if English is MOI
Application:
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Through Korean embassy or partner universities.
🔗 Official GKS Site
3. Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary)
Perfect for Filipinos looking for Europe study options.
Benefits:
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Free tuition
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Monthly €120 living allowance
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Free dormitory accommodation
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Medical insurance
Application Steps:
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Apply online at Stipendium Hungaricum Portal
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Choose a partner university in Hungary.
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Submit documents showing English MOI.
4. Malaysia International Scholarship (MIS)
Malaysia is a top pick for Filipinos due to proximity and low cost of living.
Benefits:
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100% tuition coverage
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Monthly RM1,500 allowance
Eligibility:
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Bachelor’s or master’s degree holder
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English-medium education history
5. Türkiye Scholarships
Funded by the Turkish government.
Benefits:
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Full tuition + monthly ₺1,600
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Accommodation and health insurance
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One-year free Turkish language course
Application:
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Directly via Türkiye Scholarships Website
How to Apply for No IELTS Scholarships
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Identify the scholarship and check eligibility.
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Prepare proof of English as Medium of Instruction (MOI).
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Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and passport.
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Apply via official websites or embassies.
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Prepare for an interview (if required).
Tips to Increase Chances
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Maintain high grades.
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Join extracurricular activities to boost your profile.
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Write a strong personal statement showing your passion.
Related Scholarships on CHEDScholarships.org
Conclusion
Studying abroad without IELTS is possible for Filipinos — and with the right scholarship, it can be completely free. These opportunities are competitive, so apply early and prepare your documents carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this process usually take?
Processing times depend on the issuing office and current volume of applications. Prepare complete requirements in advance and follow up directly with the office handling your request if you need a firm timeline.
What documents are most often missing or incorrect?
Applicants most commonly submit expired IDs, incomplete signatures, or forms that do not match the latest official template. Double-check the current version of any form against the issuing agency’s official website before submitting.
Is there a fee involved?
Fees vary by office and type of transaction and can change over time. Confirm the current fee directly with the issuing office or its official website before you go.
Can I complete this online?
Many Philippine government transactions now offer an online option, but availability depends on the specific office and service. Check the agency’s official website or app for the current online option before making a trip in person.
Practical Tips Before You Apply
A little preparation goes a long way with government and application processes in the Philippines. Keep these in mind:
- Confirm the current requirements first. Rules and fees for Philippine government transactions are updated periodically, so check the issuing office’s official website or verified social media page before you start.
- Prepare more than one valid ID and keep both original and photocopies on hand, since many offices ask for both.
- Go early in the day if the process requires an in-person visit, since queues at Philippine government offices tend to build up by mid-morning.
- Keep a copy of every document you submit, along with any reference or tracking number you are given, in case you need to follow up.
- Be wary of fixers or unofficial “assistance” offers that ask for extra payment outside official channels.
What “No IELTS Needed” Actually Means
Programs advertised as not requiring IELTS usually substitute it with another accepted proof of English proficiency, such as a university-administered English placement test, a different standardized test (like Duolingo English Test or PTE Academic), or documentation that your prior education was conducted in English. It rarely means no English requirement at all, so confirm exactly what alternative proof the specific program or country accepts before ruling out preparation entirely.
Where These No-IELTS Pathways Are Most Common
- Some universities in Germany, France, and other non-English-speaking European countries that offer English-taught programs but assess English proficiency through their own entrance exam.
- Selected scholarship programs in Asia, such as certain Taiwan and South Korea university scholarships, that use an internal interview or placement test instead.
- Foundation or pathway year programs designed to bring a student’s English up to the required level before starting the main degree.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of any “fully funded, no requirements at all” offer circulating on social media. Legitimate fully funded programs, even those without IELTS, still require academic transcripts, a statement of purpose, and typically an interview. If a program asks for payment to “process” your fully funded scholarship, treat it as a serious warning sign and verify directly with the university’s official international admissions office.