Top 5 Fully Funded Scholarships in Germany without IELTS

Germany offers numerous scholarships and admission opportunities to international students without requiring IELTS. Many top universities in Germany provide tuition-free education at the bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD levels. The German education system enjoys global recognition and trust.

Notably, several German universities admit students without IELTS or other language tests, though specific conditions may apply. Here are some prominent German universities that offer admission, including scholarships, without IELTS:

– University of Freiburg
– University of Siegen
– University of Bayreuth
– University of Bonn
– Chemnitz University of Technology
– Free University of Berlin
– University of Koblenz and Landau
– Esslingen University of Applied Sciences
– Braunschweig University of Technology (TU Braunschweig)
– University of Kiel
– University of Kassel
– The University of Applied Sciences
– Flensburg University of Applied Sciences
– Anhalt University of Applied Sciences
– Nordhausen University of Applied Sciences
– Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences
– University of Koblenz Landau
– University of Passau
– University of Hildesheim
– Ruhr University Bochum
– TH Köln
– Hochschule Stralsund
– University of Kaiserslautern
– University of Giessen

Popular Courses to Study in Germany as a Foreign Student

In Germany, as an international student, you have a wide range of popular courses to choose from. German universities offer courses taught in both English and German. Germany is particularly renowned for its programs in Dentistry and Medicine, Industrial Engineering, Law, Business, Mathematics, Computer Science, Architecture, Psychology, and numerous other professional fields.

You no longer need to hesitate about embarking on a study adventure in Germany, as many universities and scholarships in the country welcome international students without requiring IELTS scores. We have compiled a list of such universities and scholarships for your convenience.

Top 5 Scholarships in Germany without IELTS

1. Scholarship Opportunities at the Free University of Berlin

The Free University of Berlin, known as the Freie Universität Berlin, is a renowned public research institution located in Berlin, Germany. Established in 1948, the university is celebrated for its commitment to academic freedom and its role in the Western Free World. It stands as one of Germany’s Universities of Excellence and is a member of the prestigious group of eleven German elite universities. The Free University of Berlin adopts a no tuition fee policy for most programs, although some postgraduate programs may have associated fees. Students are only required to cover nominal registration fees each semester or for specific purposes. Those with study residence permits have the option to work (except as student tutors) to support their living expenses, with exceptions for students receiving other sponsorships.

International students interested in applying should prepare the following documents: academic records, online application form, proof of English language proficiency (waived if alternative evidence is provided), passport, student visa, motivation letter, research outline (for MA and Ph.D. applicants), supervisor agreement form (for Ph.D. applicants), and supplementary documents.

2. SBW Berlin Scholarships

One significant criterion for SBW Berlin scholarships is the recipient’s commitment to returning to their home country to work for a minimum of 18 months after completing their study program. SBW Berlin actively assists scholarship recipients in achieving their professional goals in their home countries. This support includes networking with other organizations, facilitating targeted job searches in the recipients’ home countries, and providing assistance in preparing job application materials. Currently, SBW Berlin awards scholarships to students from Eastern Europe, South America, Asia, and Africa, recognizing the developmental needs of these regions given their current economic and social situations.

3. Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships

The Heinrich Böll Foundation offers scholarships to international students who obtained their university entrance qualification from a non-German school and wish to pursue a Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Germany. Scholarships cover the standard duration of study and may be extended under certain conditions. Non-EU students receive a monthly stipend of €1,200 along with a €100 mobility allowance, as well as various individual allowances. EU students receive a basic scholarship of €1,350 per month, along with a €100 research costs allowance. While tuition fees are generally not applicable in Germany, they may be covered to a limited extent in other countries.

4. DAAD Scholarships and Research Grants

International students have the opportunity to apply for various DAAD scholarship programs each year, some of which may require proof of English proficiency. However, waivers are available for those who can provide alternative language proficiency evidence. Additionally, some programs may require participation in a short German language course before commencing the main course of study.

5. Friedrich Ebert Foundation Scholarships

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Scholarships, funded in collaboration with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), award up to 40 students annually. Recipients receive a monthly stipend of EUR 750 for Bachelor’s, Diploma, Magister, and state examination programs, or EUR 850 for Master’s programs. Health insurance costs are covered, and scholars with children receive a family allowance of EUR 276. Eligibility conditions are in place, allowing international students to apply if they meet the specified requirements.

How to Pursue Higher Education in Germany Without IELTS

If you are considering studying in Germany without IELTS or are preparing to apply for your chosen university and a student visa for Germany, there are alternative pathways to explore:

1. Obtain a Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI):

An essential document in this process is the Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI) issued by your previous academic institution. This certificate specifies the language of instruction during your prior degree program. To be exempt from providing proof of English language proficiency, such as IELTS or other language certifications, you must furnish an MOI certificate confirming that your medium of instruction was in English. This MOI certificate serves as a valid language credential, facilitating the admission process.

2. Acquire a Confirmation Letter:

Upon admission to the German university of your choice, ensure that you receive a confirmation letter from the institution confirming the verification of your medium of instruction and your exemption from submitting language test scores. The confirmation letter can also serve as a substitute for your IELTS/TOEFL scores when applying for a visa at the German embassy.

3. Consider a German Language Course:

For those applying to German-taught programs, it may be possible to bypass English language test requirements. Enrolling in a German language program may require you to submit certification at a C1 to B1 level in the German language instead. While not mandatory, this option allows you to provide German language test scores such as TestDAF, DSH, or GOETHE as an alternative means of studying in Germany without IELTS.