10 IELTS Alternative Tests Acceptable for Fully Funded Scholarships in 2025

For students dreaming of studying abroad on fully funded scholarships, demonstrating English language proficiency is often a key requirement. The IELTS exam, while widely accepted, can be a daunting and expensive hurdle for many applicants. Fortunately, in 2025, there are plenty of alternatives to IELTS that are just as effective—and in some cases, more affordable and flexible.

Why Prefer IELTS Alternatives for Scholarships in 2025?

Choosing IELTS alternatives for scholarships in 2025 offers several compelling advantages:

1. Less Expensive: Many alternatives, like the Duolingo English Test (USD 49) or the Password English Test (USD 42), are significantly more affordable than the IELTS, making them budget-friendly for students.
2. Easier and Less Competitive: Tests like PTE and DET often feature adaptive formats that adjust to your skill level, making them less intimidating compared to IELTS. They also have fewer candidates competing for top scores.
3. Require Less Preparation Time: Unlike IELTS, which demands extensive preparation, alternatives like MOI Certificates and Duolingo can save students weeks of study time.
4. Faster Results: Some tests, like DET, provide results within 48 hours, allowing students to meet application deadlines without delays.
5. Convenience: Many alternatives can be taken online from the comfort of your home, eliminating the hassle of traveling to a test center.

These benefits make IELTS alternatives a smarter, stress-free choice for scholarship seekers in 2025. Here’s a detailed list of 10 IELTS alternatives to help you fulfill your language requirements and secure that coveted scholarship.

1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

• Duration: 4 hours
• Fee: USD 205
• Highlights: TOEFL is a globally recognized test available in two formats: Paper-Based (PBT) and Internet-Based (iBT). It assesses all four language skills—reading, writing, listening, and speaking. TOEFL is widely accepted by universities in countries such as the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK. Its comprehensive structure makes it a reliable choice for scholarship applications.
  https://www.ets.org/toefl.html

2. PTE (Pearson Test of English)

• Duration: 2 hours
• Fee: USD 200
• Highlights: Known for its quick results and user-friendly format, PTE Academic is a favorite among students. It evaluates real-life English communication skills and is recognized in New Zealand and Australia for visa purposes. The adaptive test format tailors questions based on your responses, making the experience unique for each candidate.
  https://www.pearsonpte.com/

3. DET (Duolingo English Test)

• Duration: Less than 1 hour
• Fee: USD 49
• Highlights: Affordable, accessible, and fast, DET is an online adaptive test that you can take from anywhere. It evaluates the four core language skills and provides results within 48 hours. Over 5,000 institutions worldwide accept the DET, making it a strong competitor to IELTS for scholarship applications.
  https://englishtest.duolingo.com/

4. CAE (Cambridge Advanced English Test)

• Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Fee: USD 165–195
• Highlights: The CAE is perfect for advanced-level English speakers. It’s globally recognized, and its scores are valid indefinitely—no need to retake the test after a couple of years! Achieving passing scores in reading (60%), speaking (20%), and writing/listening (40%) makes you eligible for a variety of scholarships.
  https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/advanced/

5. CPE (Cambridge Proficiency English Test)

• Duration: 4 hours
• Fee: USD 170
• Highlights: Known as the C2 Proficiency Exam, this test is designed for students aiming for the highest level of English proficiency. It is often a requirement for UK universities and is ideal for those applying to advanced programs or competitive scholarships.
  https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/exams-and-tests/proficiency/

6. Password English Language Test

• Duration: Part 1: 2 hours; Part 2: 80 minutes
• Fee: USD 42
• Highlights: One of the most cost-effective options, the Password English Language Test is an online exam split into two parts, evaluating all four skills. Immediate results for Part 1 make it a convenient choice for students applying on tight deadlines.
  https://www.englishlanguagetesting.co.uk/

7. ACT (American College Testing)

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Fee: USD 150
• Highlights: The ACT English section is widely recognized by U.S. institutions and focuses on grammar, sentence structure, pronunciation, and style. It’s conducted five times a year and is particularly useful for undergraduate scholarship applicants.
  https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act.html

8. SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)

• Duration: 3 hours 50 minutes
• Fee: USD 26
• Highlights: The SAT is another U.S.-centric test, primarily designed for undergraduate admissions. Its critical reading and writing sections demonstrate your English language capabilities, making it an alternative to IELTS for American scholarships.
  https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat

9. AP (Advanced Placement) Language & Composition

• Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Fee: USD 96
• Highlights: This test evaluates your English proficiency at an advanced academic level. It includes an English Literature and Composition exam, making it ideal for students applying to literature or arts programs abroad.
  https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-english-language-and-composition

10. Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate

• Fee: Free or minimal administrative cost (varies by institution)
• Highlights: A hidden gem among IELTS alternatives, the MOI Certificate is a document provided by your last attended institution, confirming that English was the medium of instruction during your education. Many universities, especially in the UK, accept this certificate as proof of language proficiency, exempting you from standardized tests altogether. It’s an economical and hassle-free option if you meet the criteria.

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