If you’re a grad student focused on climate action, sustainability, or environmental science — and the idea of an IELTS test is standing between you and a fully funded master’s abroad — this guide is written for you. Below I’ve collected seven top scholarship routes that regularly fund master’s-level study in sustainability and environmental science, explain how the increasingly common “no-IELTS path” works, and give step-by-step, practical advice to apply successfully in 2025.

This is a long, tactical post (2,500+ words) with action items, real examples, and proven application strategies tuned to students from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Bookmark this, pin it, and read with a notebook — there’s a lot to act on. And if you want a quick resource pack, visit: https://infogramnaija.com.ng/.

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Why “no-IELTS” is becoming a real trend for master’s scholarships

Over the last few years many scholarship programs and universities have relaxed rigid requirements for standardized English tests like IELTS. Why?

• Universities increasingly accept equivalent proof of English (a prior degree taught in English, employer/academic letters, or internal testing/interviews).

• Some national scholarship programs (especially government-to-government scholarships) simply do not list IELTS as a mandatory item — instead they accept university-issued language certificates or other documentation.

• Joint-degree scholarships (like Erasmus Mundus) are run by consortia of universities — they often allow program-specific waivers for applicants who can show sufficient proof of English in other ways. Erasmus+

Bottom line: you don’t always need an IELTS to win a fully funded sustainability master’s — but you do need to plan how to present strong alternative proof of language ability and deliver an outstanding application.

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How I picked the “Top 7” in this article (quick methodology)

I focused on scholarship routes that:

1. Offer or commonly fund master’s programs with strong sustainability, environmental science, or climate-policy content.

2. Provide full funding (tuition + living stipend, or equivalent).

3. Have established mechanisms or repeated precedent of accepting alternative English proof — degree-in-English certificates, interview-based assessment, or documented waivers.

4. Are accessible to applicants from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Where possible I used official program pages or respected scholarship portals to verify coverage and language-policy notes (these appear as citations). For program-specific checks always open the program page — language rules can be program dependent. For example, Erasmus Mundus is fully funded and offers many sustainability-focused joint master’s — language policies vary by consortium and waivers are possible. Erasmus+

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The Top 7 Scholarships (short list first)

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs) — multiple sustainability/environment programs (Europe). Erasmus+

2. DAAD (Germany) — Development-focused & Environmental Scholarships (DAAD EPOS and related offers). DAAD

3. Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) — Sweden, master’s in sustainability-related fields. Svenska institutet+1

4. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — many English-taught masters in environmental science; CSC accepts English medium certificates. Chinese Scholarship 2025id.china-embassy.gov.cn

5. Türkiye Bursları (Turkish Government Scholarships) — full master’s scholarships often for English programs (frequently no IELTS listed). Turkey Scholarships

6. VLIR-UOS / ICP & Flemish Scholarships (Belgium) — targeted for development and sustainability candidates. VLIR-UOS+1

7. Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (UK) — fully funded master’s for eligible Commonwealth candidates (check English proof options/country exemptions). Study UK

Below I unpack each scholarship: what it covers, the typical sustainability master’s you’ll find, how the “no-IELTS” path works for that route, and precise application strategies.

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1) Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) — best for multi-country mobility

Why it’s excellent for sustainability: Erasmus Mundus consortia run several prestigious joint master’s with focus areas like environmental governance, climate science, sustainable development, and ecosystem management. These programs combine study in multiple European countries and offer strong field and research components.

Funding & coverage: EMJMD scholarships are fully funded — tuition, monthly stipend, travel costs between programme countries, and insurance. They are extremely competitive. Erasmus+

No-IELTS angle: Language rules are program-specific. Many EMJMDs will accept alternative proof if:

• your previous degree was in English (you can provide a university-issued certificate stating the medium of instruction), or

• the consortium conducts an interview or an internal language assessment, or

• the host university provides an exemption list for certain nationalities. Several program pages explicitly mention IELTS/TOEFL may be waived under stated conditions. UpGradaseanyouth.net

How to apply (practical checklist):

• Find EMJMDs in sustainability: use the Erasmus+ search or university consortium pages and filter for environment/climate keywords. Erasmus+

• Prepare a Medium of Instruction letter from your university (official, on letterhead) that states your degree was taught in English — this is often accepted in lieu of IELTS.

• Polish a concise research motivation and a tailored CV showcasing climate/sustainability experience (projects, NGOs, internships).

• Record a short video introduction (if allowed) or prepare for interviews — consortia sometimes use interviews to judge English competence.

• Watch deadlines carefully (many EMJMD rounds close between Dec–Mar for September intakes). Always verify the consortium page.

Strong programs to look for: EMJMDs with environment/climate keywords — check individual listings (the central Erasmus+ site and program pages are the canonical sources). Erasmus+

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2) DAAD Scholarships — Germany’s development & environmental scholarships

Why it’s excellent for sustainability: Germany has world-class environmental science and sustainability master’s (technical, policy and applied). DAAD funds many development-focused scholarships — including EPOS (development-related postgraduate courses) — that are suitable for environmental professionals from lower- and middle-income countries. DAADDAAD

Funding & coverage: DAAD scholarships vary by program but can be very generous — tuition waiver (where applicable), monthly stipends, travel allowances, insurance, and study/research support. DAAD

No-IELTS angle: DAAD’s language requirements depend on the course and university. Many programs accept:

• proof that your degree was taught in English (letter from university), or

• internal university testing/interview, or

• English-language certificates other than IELTS (TOEFL, Cambridge), depending on the host. Check the DAAD scholarship page and the host-university course listing carefully. DAADDAAD

How to apply (practical checklist):

• Search DAAD’s scholarship database for programs with “environment,” “sustainable development,” “climate” or “resource management.”

• Collect a statement of purpose that links your career plan to Germany’s sustainability strengths (research labs, institutes, industry partners).

• Provide a Medium-of-Instruction letter if you lack IELTS; write a short cover note explaining why your degree demonstrates English competence.

• If the program requires German, consider short pre-course language options — many DAAD scholarships include language stipends.

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3) Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP) — Sweden

Why it’s excellent for sustainability: Sweden is a global leader on sustainable development, clean tech, and circular economy. The Swedish Institute funds master’s students whose projects align with the SDGs and professional leadership. Svenska institutet+1

Funding & coverage: SISGP is fully funded — tuition, living allowance, insurance, and membership in a professional network of SI scholars. It prioritises applicants with strong leadership potential in sustainability and development. Svenska institutet

No-IELTS angle: While some Swedish university applications request IELTS/TOEFL, the Swedish Institute and many Swedish universities accept proof of English via university certificates or other documented language fulfilment methods. Always check the SI and the specific university pages. Svenska institutet+1

How to apply (practical checklist):

• Identify Swedish master’s in environmental science or sustainable development (several universities offer English-taught masters).

• Prepare leadership-focused essays — SI values demonstrated social impact, community projects, and career plans tied to SDG outcomes.

• Submit a Medium-of-Instruction certificate if you do not have IELTS.

• Apply for both university admission and the SI scholarship within the SI deadlines (they are strict and annual).

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4) Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) — fast-growing option for English-taught programs

Why it’s excellent for sustainability: China offers numerous master’s programs in environmental engineering, climate science, environmental policy, and green technologies. Top universities (Tsinghua, Peking, Zhejiang) host English-taught programs in these fields. Tsinghua Graduate AdmissionsChina Admissions

Funding & coverage: CSC scholarships can be full — covering tuition, accommodation, a monthly stipend and sometimes travel. They fund international students at many Chinese universities. id.china-embassy.gov.cnChina Admissions

No-IELTS angle: The CSC and many Chinese universities accept an English Proficiency Certificate issued by your previous university confirming that your degree was taught in English — this is explicitly described in CSC guidance. That means many applicants can avoid IELTS if their previous instruction meets the requirement. Chinese Scholarship 2025id.china-embassy.gov.cn

How to apply (practical checklist):

• Find English-taught sustainability/environment masters on the university or Campus China portal.

• Ask your university registrar to issue a formal Medium of Instruction certificate (signed and stamped).

• Prepare the CSC application and the university’s separate admission documents — both may be required.

• Note: Some universities will ask for an internal English interview — practice spoken English for academic contexts.

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5) Türkiye Bursları (Turkish Government Scholarships) — budget-friendly, fully funded

Why it’s excellent for sustainability: Turkey’s universities offer environment, water resources, and sustainability masters in English. Türkiye Bursları is an ambitious, fully funded scholarship scheme with broad international outreach. Turkey Scholarships

Funding & coverage: Full scholarships include tuition, monthly stipend, accommodation, health insurance, a one-year Turkish language course (if needed), and travel. Türkiye Bursları is comprehensive and covers most student costs. Turkey Scholarships

No-IELTS angle: Many Türkiye Bursları listings do not require IELTS as a pre-condition for application — admission may be based on prior degree documents and university-level evaluation. The YTB application system typically focuses on academic merit, statements, and references rather than mandating external English tests. That said, individual Turkish university programs may still request proof for visa or program placement. Turkey Scholarships

How to apply (practical checklist):

• Apply through the official Türkiye Bursları portal during the open window (annual cycle).

• Upload academic transcripts, motivation statement, and references. If the program is in English, attach a Medium-of-Instruction letter from your previous university.

• Prepare to show adaptability to a Turkish context (many students take a free language year).

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6) VLIR-UOS (ICP Scholarships) — Belgium (Flanders) for development changemakers

Why it’s excellent for sustainability: VLIR-UOS scholarships are targeted at students from eligible countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America who want to study English-taught master’s programs in Belgium with development impact — many environment and sustainable development masters are included. VLIR-UOS+1

Funding & coverage: VLIR-UOS covers tuition, living allowance, insurance and travel. It’s designed for applicants who will contribute to development back home — a perfect fit for climate adaptation and community resilience profiles. VLIR-UOS+1

No-IELTS angle: VLIR-UOS programs are taught in English and typically accept university medium-of-instruction letters. Program pages often clarify whether specific tests are required; many applicants use their prior English-taught degree as evidence. VLIR-UOS+1

How to apply (practical checklist):

• Check the list of eligible master’s programs and the 30 eligible countries (this scholarship targets those nations).

• Craft a development-focused motivation letter linking your intended research to measurable local changes (e.g., river basin restoration, sustainable agriculture).

• Secure a Medium-of-Instruction statement if you lack IELTS.

• Include recommendation letters from employers or NGOs if you have professional sustainability experience.

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7) Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships (UK) — for eligible Commonwealth nationals

Why it’s excellent for sustainability: The Commonwealth Scholarships fund talented students from eligible Commonwealth countries to study master’s programs at UK universities — many climate, environment, and sustainable development masters are regularly supported. Study UK

Funding & coverage: Fully funded — tuition, stipend, travel, and other allowances. Selection prioritizes applicants with strong development impact potential in their home country. Study UK

No-IELTS angle: Commonwealth scholarship pages and selection guidelines sometimes accept proof of English proficiency via prior education in English or through other mechanisms. Remember: the UKVI (visa) may have its own language requirements for certain visa categories — always verify the scholarship and visa rules in tandem. Study UK

How to apply (practical checklist):

• Confirm your eligibility (citizenship/residency in eligible Commonwealth nation).

• Prepare a development-focused case: how will your degree measurably benefit your community?

• Submit Medium-of-Instruction documentation if required instead of IELTS.

• Keep a close watch on call deadlines (usually annual rounds for September entry).

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Deep dive: How to replace IELTS with a strong alternative (step-by-step)

If you don’t have IELTS, don’t panic. Use this checklist to replace it with credible alternatives that scholarship panels accept.

1. Medium-of-Instruction (MOI) letter (official):

   • Ask your university registrar for a signed, stamped letter on official letterhead stating: “The medium of instruction for [Degree], [Program], [Start-End dates], was English.”

   • Many government scholarships and universities accept this in lieu of IELTS (explicitly noted for CSC, Erasmus pathways, DAAD considerations). Chinese Scholarship 2025Erasmus+

2. Academic references that mention language competence:

   • Get at least one referee to mention your academic English (seminar presentations, thesis writing) in their recommendation.

3. Sample academic writing or thesis:

   • Upload a 1,500–3,000 word sample of your academic writing (translated to English if needed) — make it polished and citeable.

4. Recorded English interview/video (if allowed):

   • Offer to do a 10–15 minute video interview or send a video statement. Many programs will stage this as an equivalency test.

5. Alternative tests/certificates:

   • Some universities accept TOEFL, Cambridge, Duolingo, or internal tests. For Chinese CSC, a university-issued English proficiency certificate is explicitly accepted. Chinese Scholarship 2025id.china-embassy.gov.cn

6. Professional evidence (work in English):

   • If you worked in a professional setting where English was the official language (NGO, international project), secure a letter confirming this.

7. Short free online courses & certificates:

   • Take a short accredited academic writing course (e.g., Coursera’s academic writing) and attach the certificate — it strengthens your narrative but does not replace MOI.

Sample email template to request a Medium-of-Instruction letter (use your university’s registrar email):

Subject: Request for Medium of Instruction Letter — [Your Full Name, Student ID]

Dear [Registrar Office / Name],

I am applying for international scholarships that accept a Medium of Instruction letter in place of standardized English tests (for example, Erasmus Mundus, CSC and other government programs). Could you kindly provide an official letter on the university letterhead confirming that my [Bachelor/Master] degree in [Program] (start date — end date) was taught in English? Please include dates, the degree awarded, and an authorized signature and stamp.

My details: [Full name], [Student ID], [Program], [Graduation year].

Thank you — I can provide any further details needed.

Best regards,
[Your name, contact info]

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Application timing & realistic timeline for 2025 intakes

• Most programs take September intake, but many scholarship application windows open between October and March of the preceding academic year. EMJMD rounds often close between December and March. DAAD and SISGP have their own annual cycles — check the program page early. Erasmus+DAADSvenska institutet

• Start 6–9 months ahead: gather transcripts, MOI letters, reference letters, and a tight draft of your motivation statement.

• Visas and medical checks: factor 4–8 weeks for visa processing (longer for some countries). Some scholarship offers are conditional pending visa approval.

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How to write a standout scholarship application (6 evidence-based tips)

1. Tell a development story — link your master’s to a specific, measurable problem you will solve (e.g., “reduce coastal erosion in Bay X by piloting nature-based solutions”).

2. Lead with evidence — show a project, internship, or publication where you’ve already applied sustainability thinking.

3. Use numbers — beneficiaries reached, hectares restored, emissions reduced, money saved — numbers make value concrete.

4. Tie to the funder’s priorities — read the scholarship mission statement and mirror their language (e.g., “SDG 13, climate action”).

5. Provide robust references — at least one academic and one professional referee who can speak to both competence and English use.

6. Proof your English materials — if you don’t have IELTS, make sure your essays and CV are immaculate; a single grammar slip can hurt when you’re asking for a waiver.

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Regional examples & quick case studies

• Nigeria / West Africa: Students from Nigeria have successfully used Medium-of-Instruction letters to access Erasmus Mundus consortiums and CSC placements — particularly for environmental policy and development masters. (Practical tip: secure a strong development/research reference and link to an NGO or local project.)

• Kenya / East Africa: VLIR-UOS and DAAD awards are realistic targets for graduates working in water resources and climate resilience.

• India / South Asia: Chinese CSC and Erasmus Mundus programs are popular for environmental engineering and climate science; many applicants rely on MOI letters from Indian universities.

• Middle East: Türkiye Bursları attracts many applicants from Middle Eastern countries for sustainable development and environmental masters.

(These examples reflect applicant patterns and program suitability — always check program pages for the latest eligibility and language guidance.) Turkey ScholarshipsVLIR-UOS

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Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Pitfall: Waiting until the last minute for a Medium-of-Instruction letter.
  Fix: Request it early — registrars can take weeks to produce official letters.

• Pitfall: Assuming visa authorities will accept scholarship waivers.
  Fix: Confirm visa language requirements for your target country — sometimes the scholarship panel accepts MOI but the visa office asks for an English test.

• Pitfall: Generic motivation letters.
  Fix: Tailor each essay to the scholarship’s mission and the program’s unique strengths (research labs, field partners, or country connections).

• Pitfall: Poor referees.
  Fix: Choose referees who have worked closely with you and can give specific examples of your work and English use.

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Quick checklist: Documents to prepare now (if you want to apply this year)

• Official transcripts (scanned) and translations if needed.

• Medium-of-Instruction letter from your university registrar.

• Two to three recommendation letters (at least one academic).

• 1–2 page polished CV focused on sustainability projects.

• Personal statement / motivation letter tuned to each scholarship.

• Academic writing sample (thesis excerpt or project report).

• Proof of work experience (letters from NGOs, employers).

• Passport copy and ID-type documents.

• Optional: short video statement (if program allows).

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Final tactical checklist — step by step

1. Identify 3 target scholarships from the Top 7 above that match your profile.

2. Check each program’s official language policy (do not rely on third-party aggregator sites alone). Erasmus+DAAD

3. Request MOI letter and two referees today.

4. Draft tailored statements for each scholarship and program — emphasize measurable impact.

5. Upload and submit on time — double-check required documents and format.

6. If offered conditional admission, prepare for visa and pre-departure logistics (vaccinations, housing, etc.).

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Useful official resources (start here)

• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees — official Erasmus+ page. Erasmus+

• DAAD scholarship database & EPOS info. DAADDAAD

• Swedish Institute Scholarships for Global Professionals (SISGP). Svenska institutet+1

• Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) portal & embassy announcements. id.china-embassy.gov.cnChinese Scholarship 2025

• Türkiye Bursları — official portal. Turkey Scholarships

• VLIR-UOS ICP scholarships — program calls & FAQs. VLIR-UOS+1

• Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships — Study UK / British Council overview. Study UK

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Quick FAQ

Q: If I don’t have IELTS, will my visa get rejected?
A: Visa rules differ by country. Some scholarship programs’ acceptance letters are sufficient, but some visa offices require proof of English. Always confirm the visa language requirement early and be ready to take an accepted test if necessary.

Q: How competitive are these scholarships?
A: Very competitive — especially EMJMD and SISGP. Strong project experience, a clear impact plan, and polished documentation (MOI + referees) significantly increase your chances.

Q: Can I apply to multiple scholarships at once?
A: Yes. Many applicants submit multiple strong applications (e.g., Erasmus + DAAD + Türkiye). But tailor each application — copy-pasting is visible and penalized.

Q: Are there country-based quotas?
A: Some scholarships prioritize candidates from certain countries or regions (VLIR-UOS, Commonwealth, SISGP). Read the eligibility pages carefully. VLIR-UOSStudy UK

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Want it packaged and done faster?

If you’d like, I can:

• Draft your MOI request email and a tailored motivation letter for any one scholarship from the top-7 list; or

• Create a two-page application checklist with personalized deadlines for your country; or

• Produce a short video script you can use if a scholarship offers an interview as an English-equivalency test.

Tell me which one and I’ll draft it right away — and if you want more scholarships or program-level scouting in Europe/Asia/Turkey/China, I’ll map 6–8 program pages that match your profile.

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Closing — travel is a right, not a luxury

Scholarships exist to remove financial barriers. In sustainability and environmental science, the world truly needs talented leaders from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East to return home with knowledge and capacity to act. The “no-IELTS” trend opens doors — but getting through them requires preparation, a crisp impact story, and the right documentation. Follow the paths listed above, prepare your MOI and referees now, and aim to submit early.

For curated lists, deadline alerts, and targeted templates for these scholarships, check our resource hub at https://infogramnaija.com.ng/ — we collect live scholarships, essay tips, and starter packs for first-gen and low-income students ready to study abroad.

Good luck — and if you want, tell me which country you’re applying from and I’ll draft a tailored MOI email + a sample 500-word scholarship essay you can adapt for any of the Top 7 programs.

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