UK Universities Offering Scholarships to Nigerian Students Without IELTS 2026/2027

If the IELTS requirement has been the one thing standing between you and studying in the UK, this guide is going to change everything for you.

Every year, thousands of Nigerian students give up on the dream of studying in the UK not because they cannot afford it or because their grades are not strong enough — but because they either cannot afford the IELTS registration fee, cannot travel to a test centre, or simply do not know that many UK universities do not require it at all for Nigerian applicants.

Yes, you read that correctly. A large number of UK universities accept Nigerian students without IELTS. Not because they have lowered their English standards — but because they already know that Nigeria’s secondary school system and university system operate primarily in English. When you have a credit pass in English Language in your WAEC or NECO, studied an entire degree at an English-medium Nigerian university, or can provide a Medium of Instruction letter from your institution, many UK universities will accept that as sufficient proof of English proficiency.

And on top of that, several of those same universities are currently offering scholarships specifically for Nigerian students.

This guide breaks all of that down for you — which universities waive the IELTS requirement for Nigerians, which ones are offering scholarships right now, what the alternatives to IELTS are, and what you need to do to position yourself for both the waiver and the scholarship at the same time.

Why Nigerian Students Can Often Skip IELTS

Before we get into the list of universities and scholarships, you need to understand the reason behind this waiver — because understanding the logic helps you know exactly what documents to prepare.

The IELTS test exists to prove that you can study in an English-language environment. That is its only purpose. If a UK university is already satisfied that you can do that — based on other evidence — they do not need the IELTS score.

For Nigerian students specifically, this is more straightforward than for students from many other countries. Nigeria’s official language is English. Instruction in Nigerian secondary schools, universities, and professional environments happens in English. Your WAEC English Language credit, your NECO English Language credit, your undergraduate degree certificate from a Nigerian university — all of these are credible evidence of English proficiency.

The UK Home Office allows universities to make their own assessment of a student’s English proficiency. If a university issues you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) and states in that CAS that you meet their English language requirements, the visa authorities accept it — without IELTS.

This is the foundation of the IELTS waiver system. The university takes responsibility for confirming your English proficiency using whatever evidence they have accepted from you. And if your university is satisfied with your WAEC result, your degree certificate, or your Medium of Instruction letter, the system works without the IELTS test.

What UK Universities Accept Instead of IELTS From Nigerian Applicants

There are several widely accepted alternatives to IELTS for Nigerian students applying to UK universities. These are the documents and qualifications that most IELTS-waiver policies accept:

WAEC or NECO English Language result with a minimum of C6 — This is the most commonly accepted alternative for Nigerian students across UK universities that offer IELTS waivers. If you have at least a C6 (credit) in English Language in your WAEC or NECO, many universities will treat this as sufficient proof of English proficiency.

Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter — This is an official letter from your Nigerian university stating that all your coursework and examinations were conducted entirely in English. Most Nigerian universities issue this letter through their academic registry or international office on request. It is free or nearly free to obtain and is accepted by a large number of UK universities as an IELTS substitute for postgraduate applicants.

Completed degree from an English-medium Nigerian university — If you studied your undergraduate degree entirely in English at a Nigerian university, many UK postgraduate programmes will accept this as standalone evidence of English proficiency. You typically need to have completed the degree — not just started it — for this to qualify.

Duolingo English Test — Several UK universities now accept the Duolingo English Test as an alternative to IELTS. It costs around $59 USD to take, can be done entirely online and at home, and results come back within 48 hours. It is significantly cheaper and more convenient than IELTS for students in cities without accessible British Council test centres.

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English) — Accepted by most UK universities that accept IELTS. PTE Academic is computer-delivered, fully automated, and generally gives results within five business days. It is available at test centres across Nigeria.

Pre-sessional English courses — Some universities offer a Pre-sessional English programme that you attend before your degree starts. Completing this programme removes the IELTS requirement for your main course admission. This is a good option for students whose English is good but who prefer not to take a formal test.

UK Universities Offering Both Scholarships and IELTS Waivers for Nigerian Students

Now let us get to the main information. These are the specific universities where Nigerian students can currently apply for scholarships and are known to offer IELTS waiver policies for Nigerian applicants.

Coventry University

Coventry is one of the UK universities with the most accessible admission process for Nigerian students. The university has consistently been one of the most active recruiters of Nigerian students in the UK and has a strong Nigerian student community on campus.

Scholarship available: Coventry offers the International Academic Excellence Scholarship for postgraduate students. Awards range from partial tuition fee reductions to significant discounts depending on your academic profile. The scholarship is merit-based and automatically considered when you apply to an eligible programme.

IELTS waiver: Coventry accepts Nigerian applicants who hold an undergraduate degree from an English-medium Nigerian university without requiring IELTS. A Medium of Instruction letter or proof of English-medium study can be submitted in place of an IELTS score. The university also accepts Duolingo English Test results if you prefer a test-based alternative.

Strong subject areas at Coventry: Business, Engineering, Computing, Nursing and Midwifery, Architecture, and Media.

University of Greenwich

Greenwich is a London-based university with a strong record of admitting Nigerian students and a well-established IELTS waiver policy. Its London location makes it particularly appealing for students who want to be in the capital while keeping costs relatively manageable compared to other London institutions.

Scholarship available: The University of Greenwich offers Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarships and subject-specific awards for international students, including those from Nigeria. These range from £2,000 to £5,000 off tuition fees. The scholarship is applied for separately and assessed based on academic achievement.

IELTS waiver: Greenwich is one of the clearest examples of a UK university that explicitly accepts evidence of English-medium education from Nigerian applicants in place of IELTS. A degree from a Nigerian university taught in English, supported by a Medium of Instruction letter, is accepted at postgraduate level. WAEC English Language credit is accepted for undergraduate applicants.

Strong subject areas at Greenwich: Architecture and Construction, Business, Computing and Mathematical Sciences, Education, and Health.

University of Hertfordshire

Hertfordshire has a very active international student body and is known for being practical, accessible, and career-focused. It is located in Hatfield, just 20 minutes from central London by train.

Scholarship available: Hertfordshire offers international scholarships including partial fee waivers for applicants with strong academic profiles. Nigerian students have been consistently included in the university’s international recruitment programmes.

IELTS waiver: Hertfordshire accepts Nigerian applicants who have completed undergraduate education at an English-medium institution in Nigeria. The Medium of Instruction letter route is clearly supported at this university. Duolingo is also accepted as an alternative for applicants who prefer a test-based route.

Strong subject areas at Hertfordshire: Pharmacy, Nursing, Business, Engineering, Computing, and Education.

University of Salford

Salford is located in Greater Manchester and is well known for its media, technology, health, and engineering programmes. It has one of the largest Nigerian student communities of any UK university outside of London.

Scholarship available: Salford offers the International Excellence Scholarship for outstanding international postgraduate applicants. The award reduces tuition fees by a fixed amount and is assessed automatically based on your undergraduate academic record.

IELTS waiver: Salford is known for accepting English-medium degree holders from Nigerian universities without IELTS at postgraduate level. A Medium of Instruction letter is the primary document required. WAEC English credit is accepted for undergraduate applicants.

Strong subject areas at Salford: Media and Journalism, Health Sciences, Business, Engineering, and Computing.

University of Huddersfield

Huddersfield is one of the most affordable and accessible UK universities for international students. It has won multiple national teaching excellence awards and offers strong support systems for African and Nigerian students specifically.

Scholarship available: Huddersfield offers the Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship which gives a significant tuition fee reduction to outstanding applicants. It is awarded competitively based on academic merit and is available to Nigerian students.

IELTS waiver: Huddersfield accepts completed English-medium degree holders from Nigerian universities in place of IELTS for postgraduate programmes. The Medium of Instruction route is supported. For undergraduate applicants, strong WAEC English Language results are considered.

Strong subject areas at Huddersfield: Engineering, Computing, Business, Education, and Health Sciences.

Cost advantage: Huddersfield is one of the most affordable options, with international tuition fees typically between £13,500 and £15,500 per year — considerably lower than many competing universities.

Bangor University

Bangor is located in North Wales and is one of the most affordable university options in the entire UK for international students. It has a strong research reputation in Psychology, Marine Biology, Environmental Sciences, and related fields.

Scholarship available: Bangor offers the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for International Students, which covers a meaningful portion of tuition fees. The university also offers subject-specific bursaries for postgraduate students in several departments.

IELTS waiver: Bangor accepts Nigerian applicants who hold an undergraduate degree from an English-medium Nigerian institution without requiring IELTS. The MOI letter is accepted. WAEC English Language credit is considered for undergraduate entry.

Cost advantage: Living costs in Bangor are among the lowest of any UK university city, typically £7,000 to £9,000 per year for accommodation, food, and basic expenses — significantly lower than London or Manchester.

Brunel University London

Brunel is a London-based university with a strong international reputation, particularly in Engineering, Technology, Business, and the Social Sciences. It has a long history of admitting Nigerian students and is one of the universities participating in the GREAT Scholarship Programme for Nigerian students.

Scholarship available: Brunel is one of the universities listed by the British Council’s Study UK platform as offering GREAT Scholarships worth £10,000 towards tuition fees for Nigerian postgraduate students in the 2026/2027 academic year. These are competitive and limited, so early applications are strongly advised.

IELTS waiver: Brunel accepts evidence of English-medium education at postgraduate level. Nigerian applicants who completed their undergraduate degree at an English-language institution can apply for an IELTS waiver by submitting a Medium of Instruction letter.

Strong subject areas at Brunel: Engineering, Business and Management, Law, Film and Television Studies, and Sports Science.

University of Bradford

Bradford is one of the more affordable options among English universities, located in West Yorkshire. It has strong links with the NHS, the pharmaceutical industry, and the development sector.

Scholarship available: Bradford offers the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship for Excellence, a merit-based award for international students including those from Nigeria. Subject-specific scholarships are also available in Business, Health Sciences, and Engineering.

IELTS waiver: Bradford accepts Nigerian students who hold a degree from an English-medium university in Nigeria without requiring IELTS. A Medium of Instruction letter is the key document. WAEC English credit is accepted for undergraduate entry.

Strong subject areas at Bradford: Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Business, Social Sciences, and Engineering.

Edinburgh Napier University

Edinburgh Napier is a modern Scottish university located in Edinburgh, one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in the UK. It is also one of the GREAT Scholarship universities for Nigerian students in 2026/2027.

Scholarship available: Edinburgh Napier is listed on the British Council’s Study UK GREAT Scholarships page as offering awards of £10,000 towards tuition fees for Nigerian postgraduate students in 2026/2027. The university also offers additional merit-based international scholarships.

IELTS waiver: Edinburgh Napier accepts evidence of English-medium prior education as an alternative to IELTS. Nigerian applicants who completed undergraduate study in English can request a waiver. The Duolingo English Test is also accepted as an alternative.

Strong subject areas at Edinburgh Napier: Computing, Business, Tourism, Nursing, and Creative Industries.

Living cost note: Edinburgh is more affordable than London for international students, with living costs typically around £10,000 to £13,000 per year.

Keele University

Keele is a mid-sized university in Staffordshire with a beautiful campus and a strong reputation in Medicine, Pharmacy, and Social Sciences. It is another GREAT Scholarship participant for Nigerian students.

Scholarship available: Keele is listed as a GREAT Scholarship university for Nigerian students in the 2026/2027 cycle. The £10,000 award applies to eligible one-year taught postgraduate programmes. Keele also offers merit-based international scholarships across multiple faculties.

IELTS waiver: Keele accepts Nigerian applicants with an undergraduate degree from an English-medium Nigerian university in lieu of IELTS at postgraduate level. The Medium of Instruction letter is required. WAEC English Language credit is considered at undergraduate entry.

Strong subject areas at Keele: Medicine, Pharmacy, Geoscience, Politics, and Education.

University of Reading

Reading is a mid-sized English university with a particularly strong reputation in Agriculture, Meteorology, Business, and the Arts. It is also one of the GREAT Scholarship participants for Nigerian students in 2026/2027.

Scholarship available: Reading participates in the GREAT Scholarship Programme for Nigeria, offering £10,000 towards postgraduate tuition. The university also offers its own international excellence awards. Bath Spa University at Reading campus is noted as a less competitive GREAT Scholarship option where your application may have stronger odds.

IELTS waiver: Reading accepts English-medium degree holders from Nigerian universities in lieu of IELTS for postgraduate applications. MOI letter required.

The GREAT Scholarship Programme — What Every Nigerian Student Must Know

One of the most important scholarships available to Nigerian students right now is the GREAT Scholarship, and it deserves its own focused explanation.

The GREAT Scholarship is funded jointly by the British Council and participating UK universities. For the 2026/2027 academic year, each award is worth £10,000 towards tuition fees for a one-year taught postgraduate programme.

The universities currently offering GREAT Scholarships specifically to Nigerian students for 2026/2027 include Brunel University London, Cranfield University, Edge Hill University, Edinburgh Napier University, Imperial College London, Keele University, Nottingham Trent University, Royal Holloway University of London, UCL, University of Bath, University of Kent, University of Reading, University of Southampton, and University of Warwick.

Here is the strategic tip that most guides do not give you: rather than applying to the most competitive GREAT universities on that list — like Imperial College London or UCL — consider targeting universities where your chosen programme is strong but overall application volumes are lower. Edinburgh Napier for Computing, Reading for Agriculture and Environmental Science, and Keele for Pharmacy are examples where your application may face less competition while the scholarship value remains exactly the same — £10,000.

The GREAT Scholarship is not fully funded. It covers £10,000 of tuition fees only. You still need to plan for the remaining tuition balance and your living costs. But combined with a university merit scholarship and careful cost management, it makes a UK postgraduate degree considerably more accessible.

Important Things Nobody Tells You About the IELTS Waiver

This is where most guides stop and most students later run into problems. Here are the things that are not said clearly enough anywhere else.

The waiver is per university and per course — not universal. A university might waive IELTS for a Business postgraduate applicant from Nigeria but require it for a Law or Medicine applicant from the same background. Always verify the waiver policy with the specific department you are applying to, not just the university’s general international office.

You still need to meet the visa English language requirement. The UK Student Visa has its own English language requirement separate from the university’s admission requirement. The visa is satisfied when the university issues your CAS and confirms in it that you meet their English language standard. If your university accepts your MOI letter and issues a CAS on that basis, your visa application is covered. But if your university cannot confirm English proficiency in your CAS without an IELTS score, you will need one for the visa even if the course admission is waived.

Some scholarships require IELTS regardless of the admission waiver. This is a critical point. Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships do not require IELTS during the application stage, but the universities you apply to as part of those scholarships may require it before issuing a formal offer. Always check the English language requirement of each of your three university choices when applying for Chevening or Commonwealth, not just the scholarship programme itself.

WAEC English credit alone is usually only accepted for undergraduate entry. For most postgraduate programmes, the minimum evidence accepted under an IELTS waiver is a completed degree from an English-medium institution — not just a WAEC result. If you are applying for a master’s degree without an undergraduate degree from an English-medium institution, you may still need IELTS or Duolingo. Plan accordingly.

Getting your MOI letter early saves time. The Medium of Instruction letter must be issued by your Nigerian university’s academic registry or international office on official letterhead. It needs to state clearly that your entire undergraduate degree was taught and examined in English. Request this letter well before your application deadline — some Nigerian universities take two to four weeks to process it.

How to Apply Strategically for Both the Scholarship and the IELTS Waiver

Most Nigerian students apply for a scholarship and apply for an IELTS waiver as two separate processes. The smarter approach is to align them from the beginning.

Here is how to do that:

Step one: Choose universities where both the scholarship and the IELTS waiver are confirmed to be available. Do not assume. Go to the international scholarships page and the English language requirements page for each university you are considering. Confirm that (a) there is a scholarship you are eligible for, and (b) your English-medium degree or WAEC result will satisfy their language requirement.

Step two: Apply to your chosen programme first. Most UK university scholarships — including GREAT Scholarships — require you to hold at least a conditional offer for your chosen course before the scholarship application can be submitted. Apply for your place early so you are in a position to apply for the scholarship before its deadline.

Step three: Request your MOI letter immediately. As soon as you identify your target universities, contact your Nigerian university’s registry office and request the Medium of Instruction letter. Do not wait until the last moment — the processing time can delay your application significantly.

Step four: Apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously. There is no rule against applying for the GREAT Scholarship at one university, a vice-chancellor’s scholarship at another, and a subject-specific bursary at a third — all at the same time. As long as you disclose any awards you receive, applying for several at once maximises your chances of securing funding.

Step five: Apply early. UK university scholarship deadlines often fall before the main admissions deadline. Some GREAT Scholarship deadlines are as early as April or May for September entry. If you apply in June or July, the scholarship is usually already closed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Nigerian students really study in the UK without IELTS? A: Yes. Many UK universities accept proof of English-medium education — your WAEC/NECO English credit, your degree from a Nigerian university, or a Medium of Instruction letter — in place of IELTS. The key is confirming the specific policy with each university you apply to.

Q: Which UK scholarship is easiest to get for Nigerian students without IELTS? A: There is no “easiest” scholarship — all require genuine academic merit. However, university-specific merit scholarships such as Vice-Chancellor’s scholarships and partial tuition waivers are generally less competitive than flagship awards like Chevening. GREAT Scholarships at less prominent universities are also more accessible than at highly selective institutions.

Q: Does the Chevening Scholarship require IELTS? A: Chevening itself does not require IELTS at the application stage. However, you must secure offers from three UK universities as part of the Chevening process, and those universities may require IELTS before issuing an offer. Check the English language requirements of each of your three university choices carefully.

Q: What WAEC English grade do I need for a UK IELTS waiver? A: Most universities that accept WAEC as an IELTS alternative require a minimum of C6 (credit pass) in English Language. A higher grade — B3 or A2 — strengthens your application further.

Q: Can I use Duolingo English Test instead of IELTS for UK universities? A: Yes. Many UK universities — including Coventry, Greenwich, Hertfordshire, Edinburgh Napier, and others — now accept the Duolingo English Test as an IELTS alternative. It is cheaper, faster, and can be taken from home. Check the specific score requirements for each university.

Q: Is the GREAT Scholarship fully funded? A: No. The GREAT Scholarship covers £10,000 towards tuition fees only. You still need to cover the remaining tuition balance and your living costs. It is a partial scholarship, not a full funding award.

Q: Can I apply for both a GREAT Scholarship and a university scholarship at the same time? A: Yes, in most cases. You can apply for multiple scholarships simultaneously as long as you disclose any awards you receive and check whether any scholarship has a condition preventing you from holding another award concurrently.

Q: Does getting an IELTS waiver affect my UK Student Visa application? A: No, as long as your university issues your CAS and confirms in it that you meet their English language requirements. When a university does this, the UK Home Office accepts it as sufficient evidence of English proficiency for the visa.

Conclusion

IELTS is not the wall between you and studying in the UK that many people believe it is. For Nigerian students specifically, the pathway around it is clearer than for students from many other countries — because Nigeria’s educational system operates in English, and UK universities know and recognise this.

The key is to do your research properly. Identify the universities where both the scholarship and the IELTS waiver are available for your specific course. Get your Medium of Instruction letter from your Nigerian university early. Apply before the scholarship deadlines — not before the admissions deadlines, which are later. And apply to multiple scholarships at the same time to maximise your chances.

The GREAT Scholarship alone puts £10,000 on the table for Nigerian postgraduate students at over a dozen UK universities right now. Add a vice-chancellor’s merit scholarship at the same institution, bring your own English-medium degree certificate in place of IELTS, and you have a genuinely realistic path to studying in the UK without the test fee, without the preparation cost, and with significant financial support already in place.

The UK is more accessible to Nigerian students than most people realise. The information in this guide is your starting point.