No IELTS score? That does not have to stop you from studying in China. Many Chinese universities, including some that award fully funded places, accept other proof of English. This guide explains how to win a scholarship in China without IELTS for the 2027 intake, which documents replace the test, and which scholarships to target.
How Chinese Universities Assess English Without IELTS
| Alternative | What it is | When it works |
|---|---|---|
| MOI / English proficiency certificate | Official letter from your school or university confirming your studies were taught in English | Most common alternative for master’s and PhD applicants |
| Interview | Online interview with the admissions office or your future supervisor | Often used to confirm your level alongside an MOI |
| University’s own English test | Internal online test | Used by some universities for bachelor’s applicants |
| Native speaker / English-speaking country degree | Citizenship or degree from an English-speaking country | Usually exempts you automatically |
| HSK certificate | Chinese language test | For Chinese-taught programmes instead of an English test |
Scholarships You Can Win Without IELTS
1. Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC)
The CSC is fully funded: tuition, housing, insurance and a monthly stipend. Under the university route (Type B), many host universities accept an MOI certificate for English-taught programmes. Full details are in our Chinese Government Scholarship 2027 guide.
2. Provincial and city government scholarships
Provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang and others fund international students at their universities. Language requirements follow the host university, so an MOI is often enough.
3. University president scholarships
Many universities run their own full or partial scholarships for international students, with flexible language requirements.
4. Belt and Road / bilateral programmes
Special programmes for students from partner countries, usually decided by the university or the embassy.
Who Is Most Likely to Succeed Without IELTS?
- Graduates of English-taught bachelor’s or master’s programmes (very strong MOI).
- Applicants who already have an acceptance letter from a supervisor.
- Students applying to Chinese-taught programmes with HSK 4 or higher.
- Applicants who apply to two or three universities instead of only one top-ranked option.
Documents Checklist
- Passport
- Notarised diploma and transcripts
- English MOI certificate (or HSK certificate for Chinese-taught programmes)
- Study plan or research proposal
- Two recommendation letters (postgraduate)
- Foreigner Physical Examination Form
- Non-criminal record certificate
Timeline for 2027
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| October – December 2026 | Shortlist universities, get your MOI letter, contact supervisors |
| December 2026 – April 2027 | Submit university and CSC applications |
| Spring 2027 | Interviews (online) and pre-selection |
| June – July 2027 | Scholarship results and admission letters |
| September 2027 | Start your programme in China |
Prefer Turkey? You Can Skip IELTS There Too
Many Turkish universities also admit students without IELTS through a preparatory English year or their own test, and scholarship options are generous. Compare with our 100% scholarship in Turkey guide.
How to Write a Strong Medium-of-Instruction (MOI) Letter
If your previous studies were in English, an MOI letter from your school or university is the most common way to skip IELTS. A weak letter can get your application rejected, so make sure it includes:
- Official letterhead, stamp and signature of the registrar or principal.
- Your full name exactly as in your passport, and your programme and years of study.
- A clear sentence stating that the whole programme was taught and assessed in English.
- A contact email or phone number so the university can verify it.
Some universities also hold a short online interview to check your English, so practise talking about your study plan and why you chose China.
Prefer a Scholarship Closer to Home?
Turkey also accepts many students without IELTS through English-proficiency exams or a preparatory year. See our scholarship in Turkey without IELTS guide, or book a free consultation and we will compare both countries for your profile.
No IELTS? Let us find your scholarship
Saya Group identifies Chinese universities that accept MOI certificates, prepares your scholarship file and handles your application.
Common Mistakes When Applying Without IELTS
Skipping IELTS can save you time and money, but it also means your other documents carry more weight. These are the mistakes our advisors see most often when students apply for a scholarship in China without IELTS:
- Assuming every university accepts an MOI letter. Policies differ by university and even by programme. Check each admissions page, or email the international office, before you pay any application fee.
- Submitting a vague MOI letter. A letter that does not state the full programme name, the years of study and that English was the sole medium of instruction is often queried or rejected.
- Ignoring the interview. Without a test score, an online interview may be the main way a university judges your English. Practise answering questions about your study plan and research interests out loud.
- Applying to Chinese-taught programmes by mistake. Many scholarship portals list both English-taught and Chinese-taught programmes. Make sure the language of instruction matches your profile.
- Leaving documents to the last minute. Notarised translations, medical examination forms and recommendation letters usually take longer than applicants expect.
How to Prepare for Studying in China Without a Test Score
Being admitted without IELTS does not mean you can relax about language. Your lectures, assignments and exams will be in English, and you will live in a city where daily life happens in Chinese. A little preparation before departure makes the first semester much easier.
For English, focus on academic skills rather than general conversation: reading journal articles in your field, writing structured essays and following lectures at normal speed. Free university lecture recordings and academic writing guides are a good starting point. If your programme involves a thesis, ask your future supervisor which journals or textbooks you should read first.
For Chinese, even basic survival phrases help with shopping, transport and making friends. Most universities offer Chinese language classes for international students, and some scholarships expect you to attend them. Learning pinyin and a few hundred everyday words before arrival will give you a head start, whether or not your programme requires HSK.
Finally, compare destinations honestly. If you are still deciding between countries, our guide to studying abroad without IELTS covers other options that accept alternative proof of English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a fully funded scholarship in China without IELTS?
Yes. Many universities accept an English-medium (MOI) certificate for CSC and university scholarships, especially for master’s and PhD programmes.
What is an MOI certificate?
A Medium of Instruction certificate is an official letter from your school or university confirming that your previous degree was taught in English.
Do Chinese universities interview applicants?
Many do, often online. The interview helps confirm your English level and your fit with the programme or supervisor.
Is HSK required for scholarships in China?
Only for Chinese-taught programmes, which usually require HSK 4 or above. English-taught programmes do not require HSK for admission.
Can bachelor’s students apply without IELTS?
Some universities accept bachelor’s applicants without IELTS if their high school was English-medium or if they pass an internal test. Requirements vary, so check each university.
Will an MOI letter be accepted for CSC?
Many host universities accept it for English-taught programmes, but the final decision belongs to each university. Check the programme page or ask the admissions office before you apply.
Can I study in China without IELTS and without HSK?
Yes, for English-taught programmes. You will still need to prove your English in another way, such as an MOI letter or an interview.
Can I submit an IELTS score later if a university asks for one?
Sometimes. A few universities issue a conditional decision and ask for a test score before enrolment, while others reject incomplete files outright. If you plan to take a test anyway, book it early so your result arrives before the scholarship deadline, and tell the admissions office when you expect it.
Do master’s and PhD applicants need IELTS for scholarships in China?
Not always. Graduate applicants who completed an English-taught degree can often use an MOI letter instead, especially when a supervisor has already agreed to accept them. Competitive programmes and some universities still ask for IELTS or TOEFL, so check the requirement for each programme you shortlist.
Are online English tests such as Duolingo accepted in China?
Acceptance of online tests varies by university and changes over time. Some institutions list Duolingo or similar tests as alternatives, while others accept only IELTS, TOEFL or an MOI letter. Always confirm on the official admissions page before booking a test.
