Germany has become one of the most attractive destinations for African students who want to study abroad without the stress of writing the IELTS. Germany is a wonderful place for students from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and other African countries to study because it has free universities, degrees that are recognised around the world, and fully funded scholarships.
One of the best things about me is that many German universities and scholarship providers don’t require IELTS, especially if you can show that your previous education was in English. This makes the process a lot easier and more open to everyone.
This in-depth guide will teach you about the best scholarships in Germany that don’t require IELTS, the requirements for applying, and useful tips to help you get one.
Can you go to school in Germany without taking IELTS?
Yes, you can do that.
Germany is one of the few places where IELTS isn’t always required. Many colleges and universities will accept other ways to prove your English skills, especially students who have studied in English-speaking countries.
Here are the most common options that are accepted:
- Certificate of Medium of Instruction (MOI) from your last school
- Language test for students at university
- Other English tests, like the TOEFL or PTE (not always required)
- Ability to speak German (for programmes taught in German).
Most colleges will accept an MOI letter instead of IELTS if your last degree was taught in English. This happens a lot, especially for African students.
You don’t have to learn German before applying because there are thousands of programs in Germany that teach English. However, it can help later.
The Best Scholarships in Germany with No IELTS for Africans
Here are some of the most well-known and trustworthy scholarships for African students.
DAAD Scholarships (Fully Paid)
The most popular scholarship programme in Germany is the German Academic Exchange Service, or DAAD.
It was made specifically to help students from developing countries, including many African nations.
What it talks about:
- All tuition costs
- Monthly payments of €934 to €1,200, depending on the level
- The costs of travel
- Insurance for health
- Help with housing
- In some cases, family allowances
When you don’t need IELTS:
If you have a Medium of Instruction certificate instead of an IELTS score, many DAAD programmes will accept you. Some programmes only require proof that you can read and write English, not a certain test score.
Who can apply?
- – People who have a bachelor’s degree
- Most postgraduate programmes require applicants to have at least two years’ work experience.
- Students from developing countries that meet the requirements
If you want a fully funded opportunity without having to take the IELTS, the Deutschlandstipendium is the best choice.
Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium)
The government supports this scholarship, which many German universities offer.
What it has to offer:
- €300 a month in pay
- Available to both undergraduates and graduates
- Can it be used with other forms of funding?
Requirement for IELTS:
Not always necessary. You can still qualify if your university accepts your MOI or other proof of English.
Best for:
This scholarship caters to students who have already received acceptance from a German university and require financial assistance.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship caters to students excelling in academics and committed to environmental or societal betterment. This scholarship caters to students excelling in academics and committed to environmental or societal betterment.
What it talks about:
- Monthly payment
- Help with tuition
- Money for travel
- Insurance for health
Flexibility of IELTS:
Many programmes let you use other English tests, like MOI instead of IELTS.
Best for:
Students who are interested in social justice, sustainability, or politics.
Scholarship from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation
This scholarship is for students who are excellent at school and care about social democracy.
Some benefits are:
- Monthly payment
- Insurance for health
- More help for families
-Requirements for IELTS:
Usually flexible, but it depends on the school. Most people agree with MOI.
Best for:
Students who study the social sciences, politics, or development.
Fully funded SBW Berlin Scholarship
This award is a less well-known but crucial scholarship for students from developing countries.
What it talks about:
- Full cost of school
- Housing
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
Special benefits:
After they graduate, applicants are expected to help their home countries grow.
Requirements for IELTS: Wonderful
Not always necessary. You can still qualify if your university accepts your MOI or other proof of English.
Best for:
Students who have already been accepted to a German university and need help paying for it.
The Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarship
This scholarship is for students who do well in school and are dedicated to helping the environment or society.
What it talks about:
- Monthly payment
- Help with tuition
- Money for travel
- Insurance for health
Flexibility of IELTS:
A lot of programmes let you use other English tests, like MOI instead of IELTS.
Best for:
Students who are interested in social justice, sustainability, or politics.
Scholarship from the Friedrich Ebert Foundation
This scholarship is for students who are very good at school and care about social democracy.
Some benefits are:
- Monthly payment
- Insurance for health
- More help for families
Requirement for IELTS:
Usually flexible, but it depends on the school. Most people agree with MOI.
Best for:
Students who study social sciences, politics, or development.
Fully Funded SBW Berlin Scholarship
This is a less well-known but very important scholarship for students from developing countries.
What it talks about:
- Full cost of school
- Housing
- Monthly payment
- Costs of travel
Special benefit:
After they graduate, applicants are expected to help their home countries grow.
Requirement for IELTS:
Not always required if you can show that you know English in other ways.
Scholarship from the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation
This scholarship helps students who do well in school and are involved in their community.
What it has to offer:
- Monthly payment (about €1,350)
- Funding for research
- Extra allowances
Requirement for IELTS:
It depends on the programme and the university’s needs.
Erasmus+ Scholarships (for all of Europe)
Erasmus+ is a European scholarship programme that lets you study in Germany and other European countries.
What it talks about:
- Fees for school
- Monthly payment
- Money for travel
Flexibility of IELTS:
Some programmes don’t require IELTS and instead accept MOI or do interviews.
Best for:
Students who want to study in more than one European country.
Scholarship from the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
This scholarship is for students who are interested in politics and have the potential to be leaders.
Some benefits are:
- Monthly payment
- Help with tuition and housing
Requirement for IELTS:
It depends on the course and the school.
Best for:
Students who want to be leaders, work in politics, or work in international relations.
German Universities That Don’t Ask for IELTS
If they meet other language requirements, some of Germany’s best universities let students apply without taking the IELTS.
For example:
- Munich Technical University
- Stuttgart University
- University of RWTH Aachen
These colleges usually accept:
- Certificate of MOI
- Different English tests
- Tests of language skills inside the company
Always check the specific requirements for the course, since rules may be different.
What African Students Need
You still need to meet general academic and application requirements, even if you don’t take the IELTS.
Requirements for school:
- A bachelor’s degree is needed for master’s programmes.
- Good grades in school (usually a 2:1 or higher)
Documents needed:
- Transcripts from school
- A CV, or curriculum vitae
- Letter of motivation
- Letters of recommendation
- Passport that is still good
- Proof of English proficiency (MOI or something similar)
Some scholarships have extra requirements:
- Experience working (especially for DAAD programmes)
- Being a leader or being involved in the community
- Research proposal (for some master’s programmes)
How to Apply Without Taking the IELTS Test
Step 1: Pick Your Programme
Find English-taught classes that say they accept MOI instead of IELTS.
Step 2: Get your MOI certificate
Ask your old university for a Medium of Instruction letter that says your classes were in English.
Step 3: Get Your Papers Ready
Make sure that all of your papers are complete and look professional.
Step 4: Send in an application to the university
Use the university’s admission system to send in your application.
Step 5: Apply for Financial Aid
Some scholarships require a separate application, while others are automatic once you gain admission.
Step 6: Go to interviews if you have to.
Some colleges or scholarship organisations may use interviews instead of tests to see how well you speak English.
Advantages of Studying in Germany Without the IELTS
Schooling without having to pay for it
Most public universities in Germany don’t charge tuition, which makes school very cheap.
Education of high quality
People all over the world know that German universities are great for academics and research.
Job openings
Students can work part-time while they are in school and stay after they graduate to look for work.
Living affordably with scholarships
Scholarships often pay for living costs, which makes it easier to focus on your studies.
Getting to Europe
Studying in Germany opens up the job market in Europe and gives you the chance to live there for a long time.
Useful Advice to Boost Your Chances
Pay attention to your letter of motivation.
A strong and clear letter of motivation can greatly increase your chances.
Apply to more than one programme
Don’t depend on just one app. Apply to as many places as possible to improve your chances of getting hired.
Make strong suggestions
Ask for letters of recommendation from trusted academic or professional people.
Apply early
A lot of scholarships have strict deadlines and only a few spots open.
Learn some German basics
Knowing German can help you fit in and find work, even if your programme is in English.
Things You Shouldn’t Do
- If all universities accept MOI without checking
- Sending in documents that aren’t complete
- Writing letters of motivation that are weak or general
- Not meeting deadlines
- Not applying to enough programmes
Last Thoughts
Germany is one of the best places for African students to study abroad without having to take the IELTS. You can reach your study abroad goals without any extra problems if you have fully funded scholarships, free tuition, and language requirements that are easy to meet.
The most important thing is to:
- Pick the right programmes
- Make strong papers
- Make good use of your MOI
- Apply early and with a plan
If you do things right, you can get into school in Germany, get money to pay for it, and build a career that will last a long time for you and your family.