High testing fees for IELTS and TOEFL can pose a serious obstacle for aspiring international students. Fortunately, recognized and legal alternatives exist to demonstrate English proficiency.
1. Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
If your prior degree was taught in English, your university can issue an official English Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate stating that all coursework and assessments were conducted in English. Many universities across Europe and Asia waive standardized tests based on this letter.
2. Major Scholarships Not Requiring IELTS
- Türkiye Bursları (Turkey): No IELTS needed; includes a free one-year Turkish language preparatory year.
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC): Accepts MOI letters for English-taught degrees, or provides a preparatory Chinese language year.
- Russian Government Scholarship: Includes a preparatory Russian foundation year.
- Stipendium Hungaricum (Hungary): Many host universities accept MOI letters or conduct free internal online interviews.
3. The Affordable Alternative: Duolingo English Test (DET)
Costs around $60, taken online from home in 1 hour, with results in 48 hours, and accepted by thousands of institutions globally.