Hey there, future scholars! Are you dreaming of studying in the USA but dreading the IELTS exam in 2026-2027? No worries! We’ve got you covered with a list of fantastic scholarships that don’t require IELTS. From full-tuition awards to generous stipends, these opportunities are your golden ticket to an American education. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the top 25 scholarships you can apply for without the hassle of IELTS!
1# Clark Global Scholars Program
Benefits: $15,000 to $25,000 per year for four years.
Eligibility: First-year applicants with stellar academic achievements and leadership potential.
Application Opens: November, 2026
Application Portal: Call Letter
Apply: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
2# University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Benefits: Full tuition, room and board, textbooks, a one-time computer allowance, and a $12,000 enrichment fund.
Eligibility: Exceptional students with leadership skills and community involvement.
Application Opens: November, 2026
Application Portal: Call letter
3# Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
Benefits: Covers tuition and living expenses, awarded as 50% grant and 50% loan.
Eligibility: Postgraduate students from developing countries with financial need.
Application Opens: January, 2026
Application Portal: Official page
4# Michigan State University Scholarships with IELTS Exemption
Benefits: Various scholarships including full and partial tuition waivers.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic records.
Application Opens: November, 2026
Application Portal: Info page
5# Boston University Trustee Scholarship
Benefits: Full undergraduate tuition plus mandatory fees.
Eligibility: High-achieving students with exceptional academic ability.
Application Opens: December 1, 2026
Application Portal: https://www.bu.edu/admissions/tuition-aid/scholarships-financial-aid/first-year-merit/
6# Illinois Wesleyan University International Student Scholarships
Benefits: Full tuition scholarships.
Eligibility: International students with outstanding academic records.
Application Opens under CSS Profile: March 1, 2026
Application Portal: https://www.iwu.edu/international/scholarships.html
7# University of Arkansas International Scholarships
Benefits: Partial tuition scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $10,000 per year.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic performance.
Application Opens: Variable
Application Portal: https://awards.uark.edu/applying/international.php
8# Iowa State University International Merit Scholarships
Benefits: $2,000 to $10,000 per year.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic performance and extracurricular involvement.
Application Opens: February 15, 2026 and next batch deadline is November 15, 2026.
9# University of Minnesota International Excellence Scholarships
Benefits: $5,000 to $15,000 per year.
Eligibility: International freshmen and transfer students with strong academic performance.
Application Opens: January, 2026
Application Portal: Call Letter
10# Marquette University International Scholarships
Benefits: Various scholarships including partial tuition waivers.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic and leadership potential.
Application Opens: Throughout Year
Application Portal: https://www.marquette.edu/explore/scholarships.php
11# New York University Merit Based Scholarships
Benefits: Full-tuition scholarships for public service degrees.
Eligibility: International students pursuing degrees in public service.
Application Opens: Available throughout year
Application Portal: https://wagner.nyu.edu/admissions/financial-aid/scholarships
12# ESTU International Student Academic Merit Scholarship
Benefits: 50% of in-state and out-of-state tuition and maintenance fees.
Eligibility: International students with strong academic records.
Application Opens: October 2026
Application Portal: https://www.etsu.edu/international/scholarships/merit.php
13# University of Oregon International Cultural Service Program (ICSP)
Benefits: Tuition-waiver scholarships ranging from $7,500 to $30,000.
Eligibility: International students demonstrating financial need and cultural service.
Application Opens: November 2026
Application Portal: https://isss.uoregon.edu/icsp
14# University of Wisconsin-Madison King-Morgridge Scholars Program
Benefits: Full scholarship covering tuition, room, board, and travel.
Eligibility: International students from developing countries committed to poverty alleviation.
Application Opens: September, 2026 next batch
Application Portal: https://admissions.wisc.edu/international-scholarships/
15# Tortuga Backpacks Study Abroad Scholarship
Benefits: $1,000 for study abroad expenses and a Tortuga backpack.
Eligibility: International students studying abroad.
Application Deadline: 15 November 2026.
16# NextGen Scholarship Fund
Benefits: $1,000 scholarship.
Eligibility: International high school seniors or college/university students in the Washington, DC metro area.
Application Opens: January 2026
Application Portal: https://www.eeba.org/nextgen-scholarship-fund
17# Fulbright Foreign Student Program
Benefits: Full tuition, travel costs, living stipend, and health insurance.
Eligibility: Open to international students for master’s and doctoral degrees.
Application Opens: Early 2026
Application Portal: https://foreign.fulbrightonline.org/about/foreign-student-program
18# Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Benefits: Covers tuition fees, travel expenses, living allowance, and health coverage.
Eligibility: Non-degree program for mid-career professionals.
Application Opens: April, 2026
Application Portal: https://www.humphreyfellowship.org/
19# Coca-Cola Scholars Program
Benefits: Up to $20,000 per year towards tuition.
Eligibility: High-achieving students with leadership and community service experience.
Application Opens: Early August 2026
Application Portal: https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/
20# Horatio Alger National Scholarship
Benefits: Up to $25,000 per year towards tuition.
Eligibility: Need-based scholarship for students who have overcome adversity.
Application Opens: January 2026
Application Portal: https://horatioalger.org/scholarships-and-services/undergraduate-scholarships/
21# American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship
Benefits: Covers full tuition, room, and board.
Eligibility: International students with a focus on leadership and community service.
Application Opens: September 1, 2026
Application Portal: https://www.american.edu/admissions/international/au-egls-apply.cfm
22# Rotary Peace Fellowship
Benefits: Full tuition, fees, room, board, and round-trip transportation.
Eligibility: Master’s degree students at one of Rotary’s Peace Centers.
Application Opens: February, 2026
Application Portal: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships
23# Gates Millennium Scholars Program
Benefits: Full tuition, fees, books, and living expenses.
Eligibility: Minority students with financial need.
Application Opens: August, 2026
Application Portal: https://gmsp.org/
24# Science Ambassador Scholarship
Benefits: Full tuition expenses for four years.
Eligibility: Female students in STEM fields
Application Opens: Open for Applications for Fall 2026 Intake
Application Portal: https://www.scienceambassadorscholarship.org/
25# United Negro College Scholarships
Benefits: Varies based on the specific scholarship.
Eligibility: African American students attending UNCF member institutions.
Application Opens: July 8, 2026
Application Portal: https://uncf.org/scholarships
Conclusion
These scholarships offer a golden opportunity for international students to study in the USA without the burden of taking the IELTS exam. Each scholarship has unique benefits and eligibility criteria, making it essential to explore the options that best fit your academic and professional goals. Mark your calendars with the application opening dates and start preparing your documents early to enhance your chances of securing these prestigious scholarships.
Now, what are you waiting for? Dive into these opportunities and make your American dream come true!