Do you want to study in the United States but are afraid of the 2026–2027 IELTS exam? Don’t worry! With a list of outstanding scholarships that don’t require IELTS, we’ve got you covered. These options, which range from significant stipends to full tuition scholarships, are your passport to an American education.
So sit back, and let’s explore the best 25 scholarships that don’t require you to take the IELTS.
| # | Scholarship Program | Benefits | Eligibility | Application Opens / Deadline | Application Portal |
| 1 | Clark Global Scholars Program | $15,000–$25,000 per year (4 years) | First-year applicants with strong academics & leadership | November 2026 | https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/ |
| 2 | University of Miami Stamps Scholarship | Full tuition, room & board, books, computer allowance, $12,000 enrichment fund | Exceptional students with leadership & community involvement | November 2026 | Call Letter |
| 3 | Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship | Tuition & living costs (50% grant, 50% loan) | Postgraduate students from developing countries with financial need | January 2026 | Official Page |
| 4 | Michigan State University Scholarships (IELTS Exempt) | Full & partial tuition waivers | International students with strong academics | November 2026 | Info Page |
| 5 | Boston University Trustee Scholarship | Full tuition + mandatory fees | High-achieving undergraduate students | December 1, 2026 | https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships-financial-aid/first-year-merit/ |
| 6 | Illinois Wesleyan University International Scholarships | Full tuition | International students with outstanding academics | March 1, 2026 | https://www.iwu.edu/international/scholarships.html |
| 7 | University of Arkansas International Scholarships | $4,000–$10,000 per year | International students with strong academic performance | Variable | https://awards.uark.edu/applying/international.php |
| 8 | Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships | $2,000–$10,000 per year | Academics & extracurricular excellence | Feb 15, 2026 / Nov 15, 2026 | USA: Iowa State University 2025 Merit Scholarships Now Open for International Students: Here’s How to Apply |
| 9 | University of Minnesota International Excellence Scholarships | $5,000–$15,000 per year | International freshmen & transfer students | January 2026 | https://isss.umn.edu/students/support-services/funding/global-excellence-scholarship |
| 10 | Marquette University International Scholarships | Partial tuition waivers | Academic & leadership potential | Year-round | https://www.marquette.edu/explore/scholarships.php |
| 11 | NYU Merit-Based Scholarships | Full tuition (public service degrees) | International students in public service | Year-round | https://wagner.nyu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships |
| 12 | ESTU International Student Academic Merit Scholarship | 50% tuition & fees | Strong academic records | October 2026 | https://www.etsu.edu/international/scholarships/merit.php |
| 13 | University of Oregon ICSP | $7,500–$30,000 tuition waiver | Financial need & cultural service | November 2026 | https://isss.uoregon.edu/icsp |
| 14 | UW–Madison King-Morgridge Scholars Program | Full tuition, room, board & travel | Students from developing countries | September 2026 | https://admissions.wisc.edu/international-scholarships/ |
| 15 | Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship | $1,000 + backpack | International students studying abroad | November 15, 2026 | https://www.tortugabackpacks.com/pages/study-abroad-scholarship |
| 16 | NextGen Scholarship Fund | $1,000 | International students in DC metro area | January 2026 | https://www.eeba.org/nextgen-scholarship-fund |
| 17 | Fulbright Foreign Student Program | Tuition, travel, stipend & insurance | Master’s & PhD students | Early 2026 | https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/about/foreign-student-program |
| 18 | Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship | Tuition, travel, living allowance | Mid-career professionals (non-degree) | April 2026 | https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/ |
| 19 | Coca-Cola Scholars Program | Up to $20,000 per year | Leadership & community service | August 2026 | https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/ |
| 20 | Horatio Alger National Scholarship | Up to $25,000 | Students who overcame adversity | January 2026 | https://horatioalger.org/scholarships-and-services/undergraduate-scholarships/ |
| 21 | American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship | Full tuition, room & board | Leadership & community service focus | September 1, 2026 | https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm |
| 22 | Rotary Peace Fellowship | Tuition, fees, room, board & travel | Master’s students at Rotary Peace Centers | February 2026 | https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships |
| 23 | Gates Millennium Scholars Program | Full tuition & living expenses | Minority students with financial need | August 2026 | https://gmsp.org/ |
| 24 | Science Ambassador Scholarship | Full tuition (4 years) | Female students in STEM | Open (Fall 2026) | https://www.scienceambassadorscholarship.org/ |
| 25 | UNCF Scholarships | Varies | African American students at UNCF institutions | July 8, 2026 | https://uncf.org/scholarships |
Read Also:
- Bournemouth University Academic Excellence Scholarship (International) 2026
- The Salam Scholarship 2026/2027 at Ulster University: Now Open! (Undergraduate, Masters, PhD & MBBS)
- Apply for the Lancaster University Undergraduate Excellence Scholarship 2026 for International Students in the UK
- Bridge Foundation Universities Scholarship Programme 2026 (₦700 million Merit-Based Undergraduate Scholarship with Mentorship & Internship Support)
- How to Apply for the Muslim Scholarship Fund Nigeria (MSFN Scholarship) 2026
- ASUU Undergraduate Scholarship Program: Get ₦200,000 Financial Assistance
International students have a fantastic opportunity to study in the United States without having to take the IELTS exam, thanks to these scholarships. It’s crucial to look into the scholarships that best suit your academic and career objectives because each one has different advantages and requirements. To increase your chances of winning these esteemed scholarships, put the application deadlines on your calendars and begin preparing your materials in advance.
What are you waiting for now? Take advantage of these chances to realise your American dream!

