Looking to study in Asia but don’t have an IELTS score? Good news! Numerous prestigious universities across Asia, including those in Japan, South Korea, China, and beyond, are offering scholarships that don’t require an IELTS score. This opens the door for international students to access higher education in some of the world’s most renowned institutions without the stress of language proficiency exams.
Asia is increasingly offering scholarships that waive the IELTS requirement. Countries like Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand are home to numerous programs designed for students eager to study in the region. The scholarships are often based on academic performance, research potential, and other relevant achievements. Here’s a closer look at some of the top scholarships in Asia for 2025:
Japan Study Support Scholarship 2025
Type: Partial/Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition fee discounts, monthly allowances
Program Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
MEXT Japan Government Scholarships 2026
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare, accommodation
Program Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Osaka University MEXT Scholarships 2025
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare
Program Level: Master’s, PhD
Global Korea Scholarship 2025
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, airfare
Program Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
KAIST University Scholarships 2025
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Full tuition, monthly stipend, health insurance
Program Level: Master’s, PhD
Seoul National University Scholarships 2025
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition, stipend, airfare
Program Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
Schwarzman Scholars Program 2026
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition, accommodation, travel, stipend
Program Level: Master’s
Nanjing University CSC Scholarship 2025
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition, living expenses, accommodation
Program Level: Master’s, PhD
Jiangsu University Presidential Scholarships 2025-26
Type: Partial/Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition discount, accommodation
Program Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
MTCP Scholarships in Malaysia
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly allowance, travel
Program Level: Master’s
Malaysian Government Scholarship (MIS)
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition fees, monthly stipend, living costs
Program Level: Master’s, PhD
Singapore International Graduate Award 2026
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition fees, stipend, airfare
Program Level: PhD
NUS Scholarships 2025
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition, stipend, accommodation
Program Level: Undergraduate, Graduate
Chulalongkorn University Scholarships 2025
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Tuition, monthly stipend, airfare
Program Level: Undergraduate, Master’s, PhD
SIIT Scholarships 2025
Type: Fully Funded
Scholarship Coverage: Full tuition, living allowance, visa, travel
Program Level: Master’s, PhD
To apply for these scholarships, you typically need to provide proof of your academic qualifications, a personal statement or research proposal, and in some cases, evidence of English proficiency through alternative methods such as previous education in English or other standardized tests. Make sure to check the specific requirements for each scholarship and apply well before the deadline.
By offering scholarships without the IELTS requirement, these Asian universities are making it easier for talented international students to pursue their dreams of higher education abroad. Whether you're interested in studying in Japan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, or Thailand, there’s a range of fully funded opportunities to explore!