Want to study abroad but don’t want to write IELTS? In this 2025 guide, I break down the main countries that don’t strictly require IELTS for Nigerians, the alternatives they accept (WAEC, NECO, MOI, Duolingo, etc.), plus real links and examples so you don’t get confused at visa stage.
First, Let’s Be Honest: “No IELTS” Doesn’t Mean “No English Requirement”
A lot of TikToks and reels shout: “You can japa without IELTS!” and then quietly add conditions in small print.
When we say countries that do not require IELTS for Nigerians, what it usually means is:
- Many universities and colleges in that country:
- Waive IELTS if you have WAEC/NECO English (C6 or better), or
- Accept a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter showing you studied in English, or
- Accept other tests (Duolingo, TOEFL, PTE) instead of IELTS. (studywithfm.com)
- Some visa offices accept those same alternatives – especially when your offer letter clearly states that your English was already assessed.
So this article is really about countries and systems that give Nigerians realistic ways to study without taking IELTS specifically, even though some form of English proof is almost always required.
Quick Snapshot: Countries Where Nigerians Commonly Study Without IELTS (2025)
Recent Nigerian and international education sources list these as top options where Nigerians can often skip IELTS/TOEFL and still get admitted using WAEC/NECO, MOI, or other alternatives: (Businessday NG)
From a Nigerian-focused BusinessDay list of “countries where Nigerians can study without English test”: (Businessday NG)
- Germany
- Norway
- France
- Austria
- Singapore
- Argentina
- Malaysia
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
Other Nigerian and global education platforms also add:
- Italy & Poland (Tribune, GlobalJapa) (Tribune Online)
- Finland (some unis & scholarships skipping IELTS specifically) (Leaving Nigeria)
- United Kingdom – many universities now accept WAEC/NECO C6, MOI, or internal tests instead of IELTS for Nigerians. (studywithfm.com)
Now let’s break it down country-by-country in a way that actually helps you plan.
1. Germany – MOI & WAEC Instead of IELTS
Several guides aimed at Nigerians say Germany is a top destination for studying abroad without IELTS. Many German universities accept: (Pulse Nigeria)
- WAEC/NECO English with a good grade
- A Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter stating that your previous degree was in English
- Sometimes an internal English test or interviews instead of IELTS
Even the German student-visa info emphasises “proof of German or English proficiency” but doesn’t say it must be IELTS – it can be any accepted proof depending on your course language. (Studying in Germany)
How Nigerians usually bypass IELTS for Germany
If I were targeting Germany with zero interest in IELTS, I would:
- Get an MOI letter from my university stating my programme was taught fully in English.
- Make sure my WAEC/NECO English is at least C6.
- Choose English-taught programmes at universities that explicitly accept MOI/WAEC as proof (e.g., University of Siegen, Kaiserslautern, etc.). (Global Japa)
- Attach those documents to both the university application and later the visa application.
Useful links
- German student visa official info:
https://www.studying-in-germany.org/german-student-visa (Studying in Germany) - Example guide: Study in Germany without IELTS (universities list):
https://www.kanan.co/blog/study-in-germany-without-ielts (Kanan)
2. Norway – GSU List + WAEC/NECO English
Norway is interesting because it has an official GSU list that states, for each country, whether a separate English test is needed. For Nigeria, the GSU list shows “English test required? No” when you have the required WAEC/SSCE + 1 year of university – meaning a separate IELTS is often not required for admission. (Universitetet i Bergen)
Recent Norwegian and Nigerian sources confirm:
- Nigerian students can study in Norway without IELTS using WAEC/NECO and meeting GSU requirements. (Businessday NG)
- Some universities (or specific programmes) still choose to ask for IELTS/TOEFL, even when the GSU list doesn’t demand it. (en.uit.no)
My practical checklist for Norway without IELTS
If I were going this route, I’d:
- Read “Cost and requirements” on Study in Norway:
https://studyinnorway.no/cost-and-requirements (studyinnorway.no) - Check the GSU list for Nigeria:
https://hkdir.no/en/foreign-education/lists-and-databases/higher-education-entrance-qualification-gsu (hkdir.no) - Confirm on each university’s admission page if WAEC English is enough or if they still insist on a test.
3. France – Many Universities Don’t Force IELTS
France is heavily featured in Nigerian articles about studying abroad without IELTS. BusinessDay and Nigerian Tribune both say many French universities don’t insist on IELTS/TOEFL for Nigerians, especially when you can show: (Businessday NG)
- WAEC/NECO English
- MOI from your university
- Participation in an internal language evaluation or interview
Some programmes are in French, so the focus might be on French proficiency (DELF/DALF) instead of IELTS.
If I didn’t want IELTS at all, I’d look for:
- English-taught master’s degrees that accept WAEC/NECO or MOI.
- Or French-taught programmes and write French language exams instead.
4. Austria – Alternatives Instead of IELTS
The BusinessDay article specifically notes that many Austrian universities offer alternatives to IELTS for Nigerians, such as: (Businessday NG)
- Proof that your previous education was in English
- Interviews or university-specific language assessments
- Other tests (TOEFL, Cambridge, etc.)
This is one of those countries where you cannot be lazy: every university has its own policy, so I would:
- Shortlist 3–5 universities.
- Check “English language requirements” on each site.
- Email their admissions office to confirm that WAEC/NECO C6 or MOI is enough.
5. Singapore – WAEC/NECO & Internal Assessment
Singapore appears in both Nigerian and global lists as a place where Nigerians can study without doing IELTS. BusinessDay explains that: (Businessday NG)
- Universities recommend IELTS/TOEFL,
- But Nigerian students can often be admitted without IELTS, especially if:
- They have good WAEC/NECO English, or
- They pass an internal English test or interview.
Because Singapore is competitive, I’d still prepare like this:
- Strong academic record
- Solid WAEC/NECO English
- Be ready for an online interview where they judge your English live.
6. Argentina – Scholarships Without IELTS
Argentina may sound far, but it’s actually in BusinessDay’s list as a country offering fully funded scholarships without IELTS for Nigerians. (Businessday NG)
Key points:
- Courses may be in English or Spanish.
- Some government scholarships for Nigerians do not require IELTS, though you may still need to prove language ability in some other way.
If you’re open to learning Spanish and want a cheaper cost of living, this is a unique route.
7. Malaysia – Very Popular Non-IELTS Option
Multiple Nigerian blogs, BusinessDay, and international education portals mention Malaysia as a country where many universities: (Businessday NG)
- Accept MOI letters and WAEC/NECO instead of IELTS
- Or let you do pathway English courses instead of sitting IELTS
Some Malaysian government scholarships are also advertised as “without IELTS” for the 2024–2025/2025–2026 sessions. (Businessday NG)
Helpful reference
- Malaysia official eVisa/visa portal (to cross-check student visa requirements):
https://malaysiavisa.imi.gov.my
8. Canada – Certain Universities Skip IELTS for Nigerians
This one shocks people because they associate Canada with heavy requirements. But several 2025 guides show Canadian universities that accept Nigerians without IELTS when you meet alternatives like: (Kanan)
- WAEC/NECO English with good grades
- MOI from your previous institution
- Internal placement tests or other English exams (Duolingo, PTE, TOEFL, etc.)
Examples from 2025 lists include universities like University of Winnipeg, Brock University, University of Saskatchewan and others that accept alternatives to IELTS. (Kanan)
Important caveat: skipping IELTS for university does not always mean IRCC (Canadian immigration) won’t ask for proof of English in some situations. For student visas, your Letter of Acceptance plus school’s assessment is usually enough, but policies can evolve – always verify on the official IRCC site.
- IRCC study permit page:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/study-canada.html (Leaving Nigeria)
9. Ireland – University-Level Waivers
Ireland is also on BusinessDay’s “no English test” list for Nigerians. The idea is: (Businessday NG)
- Some Irish universities allow Nigerians to apply without IELTS if they have strong WAEC/NECO English or MOI.
- Visa officers often rely on the university’s assessment if the offer letter states you met language requirements.
Again, this differs by school. So if I were applying, I’d:
- Look for “English language requirements for Nigerian students” on each Irish university’s site.
- Confirm by email that my WAEC/NECO C6 or MOI will be accepted both for admission and visa.
10. New Zealand – Alternative Tests Accepted
New Zealand typically has clear IELTS minimum scores, but BusinessDay notes that students can study without IELTS if they: (Businessday NG)
- Submit other tests (TOEFL, PTE, ESOL, CAE), or
- Use secondary school English in some cases.
So here “no IELTS” really means “no IELTS specifically”, but you still must pass some officially accepted test unless your education background gives you a waiver.
11. UK – Many Universities Accept WAEC/NECO Instead of IELTS
For Nigerians, the UK is probably the biggest non-IELTS opportunity right now, but it’s not widely understood.
Recent 2025 guides and UK-focused Nigerian blogs say: (ahzassociates.com)
- Many UK universities waive IELTS for Nigerians if:
- You have WAEC or NECO English with at least C6, and/or
- You studied in an English-medium school and can prove it, or
- You pass an internal English assessment or online interview.
- More than 100 UK universities now offer alternatives like MOI, Duolingo, PTE Academic, etc.
Examples (from recent lists & university pages):
- Teesside University – accepts WAEC English (C6). (Facebook)
- Keele University – accepts WAEC/NECO English. (Facebook)
- Many others: University of Greenwich, Hertfordshire, Portsmouth, Salford, etc. (StudyNow)
A 2025 guide for Nigerians specifically says:
“Several UK universities waive IELTS for Nigerian students if you have a WAEC English grade of C6 or higher or studied in an English-speaking institution.” (Raenest)
UK visa angle
For the UK Student Route visa, UKVI mostly relies on the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) your university issues. If your university states that your English was assessed via WAEC/NECO or MOI, that usually satisfies the visa English requirement.
Still, I’d always:
- Confirm in writing (email) that the university will mention on the CAS that I met English requirements using WAEC/NECO/MOI.
- Keep a screenshot or PDF of the English requirements page from their website.
12. Italy & Poland – No IELTS at Many Schools
Nigerian Tribune and GlobalJapa both list Italy and Poland among countries where Nigerians can study without IELTS. (Tribune Online)
In practice, this typically looks like:
- Universities accepting WAEC/NECO English
- Universities accepting MOI
- Offering foundation or language courses instead of demanding IELTS upfront.
These are especially attractive if you’re open to:
- Living in smaller, cheaper European cities, and
- Learning some local language for day-to-day life (Italian/Polish).
13. Finland – Europe Without IELTS (But With Conditions)
Several 2025–26 European scholarship and study guides mention Finland as a place where some universities and scholarships don’t require IELTS specifically. (Leaving Nigeria)
Instead they accept:
- Prior degree taught in English,
- Other tests (TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo),
- Or internal interviews.
This route is strongest when:
- You’re targeting ICT, engineering or design programmes, and
- You’re also hunting for scholarships that cover tuition.
My No-IELTS Strategy If I Were a Nigerian Planning for 2025
If I personally wanted to avoid IELTS completely but still study abroad, here’s how I’d approach it step by step:
Step 1: Protect your base – WAEC/NECO English
- Make sure your WAEC/NECO English is C6 or better.
- If you don’t have that grade, consider re-writing WAEC/NECO or preparing to take at least Duolingo or PTE, which are usually cheaper than IELTS.
Step 2: Get a strong MOI letter
- Ask your university to issue a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter clearly stating that:
- Your entire programme was taught in English,
- English was the language of exams and lectures.
Germany, Canada, UK and others heavily rely on MOI in their “study without IELTS” pathways. (LeapScholar)
Step 3: Shortlist 3–5 countries
For example:
- Tier 1 (most structured no-IELTS options): Germany, Norway, UK, Malaysia
- Tier 2 (case-by-case, still strong): France, Austria, Italy, Poland, Canada
- Tier 3 (less common but possible): Singapore, Argentina, New Zealand, Finland
Step 4: Check university websites, not just blogs
Blogs and TikToks are good starting points, but the real power is on:
- Each university’s “English language requirements” page, and
- Official country portals like:
- Study in Norway – Cost & Requirements (studyinnorway.no)
- German student visa guide (Studying in Germany)
- UK uni pages that explicitly list WAEC/NECO C6 as IELTS alternative (e.g. Salford, Norwich, etc.). (Norwich University of the Arts)
Step 5: Email and screenshot everything
I always advise this:
- Email the admissions office asking:
“As a Nigerian student with WAEC English C6 and an MOI letter, can I be exempted from IELTS both for admission and CAS/visa purposes?” - Save their response + web page as PDF. That way if anything changes later, you have proof during visa or CAS issues.
FAQs – Countries That Do Not Require IELTS for Nigerians
1. Which country is best for Nigerians without IELTS?
There’s no single “best”, but the most consistently mentioned for Nigerians in 2024–2025 are Germany, Norway, UK, Malaysia, France, Austria, Italy, Poland, Canada, Ireland and New Zealand. (Businessday NG)
If you want structured, affordable education + clear no-IELTS route, Germany, Norway, UK and Malaysia are excellent starting points.
2. Can I get a visa without any English test at all?
Yes, in some cases:
- If your university/college confirms in your offer/CAS that they assessed your English using WAEC/NECO or MOI, many embassies accept that and don’t insist on IELTS. (Raenest)
But this is not guaranteed for every country and every programme. That’s why checking both:
- University requirements
- Official visa/immigration pages
is non-negotiable.
3. Is Duolingo or PTE easier than IELTS for Nigerians?
Many of the countries above allow Duolingo, PTE, or TOEFL as alternatives:
- UK universities now widely accept Duolingo and PTE. (LeapScholar)
- Canada, Finland, some parts of Europe and Asia also accept them. (Kanan)
They can be cheaper, fully online and less stressful than IELTS, which is why many Nigerians use them even when WAEC/NECO is not enough.
4. Do I still need IELTS for work visas (e.g. UK Skilled Worker, Canada PR)?
Yes, often:
- For PR/work migration, countries like the UK, Canada, Australia usually demand an official language test (IELTS/TEF/TOEFL, etc.).
- The “no-IELTS” advantage is strongest on the study route, not necessarily on PR or work visas.
So a common strategy is:
Study abroad without IELTS → gain work experience → later, when you’re earning better, pay for IELTS/PR process.