If you are looking for UAE scholarships without language proficiency requirements, the most important point is to distinguish between a scholarship requirement and an admission requirement.
Some UAE universities offer scholarships where IELTS or TOEFL is not listed as a separate scholarship condition, while applicants may qualify for an English-test exemption because they studied in an English-medium institution or completed their previous education under an accepted system.
What “Without Language Proficiency Requirements” Means
The phrase does not always mean that every applicant can enter a UAE university without proving English proficiency.
In many cases, the university still has an English requirement, but applicants who satisfy specific exemption conditions can apply without submitting a new IELTS or TOEFL certificate.
For example, some universities accept evidence that a previous degree or school education was taught entirely in English.
Others may offer conditional admission or alternative English assessment routes.
When researching a scholarship, check these three separate points:
- Scholarship eligibility requirements.
- University admission requirements.
- English-language exemption rules.
- Accepted proof of previous English-medium education.
- Whether a Medium of Instruction letter is accepted.
- Whether an internal English assessment is available.
- Whether the exemption applies to your specific degree.
- Whether the scholarship covers tuition only or additional expenses.
- Whether international students are eligible.
- Whether the scholarship requires a separate application.
This distinction is particularly important because a scholarship can be fully funded while the university still requires proof of English proficiency for admission.
Top 10 UAE Scholarships to Consider Without a New Language Test
The following opportunities are useful for applicants who want to avoid taking a new IELTS or TOEFL examination, particularly when they already have qualifying English-medium education.
| Scholarship / Opportunity | Institution | Study level | Funding | English-test situation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| President’s Scholarship | American University of Sharjah | Bachelor’s | Full funding package | Check AUS admission requirements |
| Chancellor’s Scholarship | American University of Sharjah | Bachelor’s | Full tuition and other benefits | Check admission/exemption rules |
| Merit Scholarships | American University of Sharjah | Bachelor’s | Partial tuition | Admission English rules apply |
| Sharakah School Scholarship | American University of Sharjah | Bachelor’s | Partial tuition, fees and housing | Admission English rules apply |
| Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship | American University of Sharjah | Bachelor’s | Full tuition | Continuing students |
| Graduate Assistantships | American University of Sharjah | Graduate | Tuition waiver/stipend | Graduate exemptions may apply |
| Khalifa University Graduate Scholarships | Khalifa University | Master’s/PhD | Full or substantial funding | English-test exemptions available |
| MBZUAI Scholarships | Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI | Bachelor’s/Graduate | Up to full funding depending on program | English-test exemptions available |
| UAEU Talent Scholarship | United Arab Emirates University | Bachelor’s | 100% tuition discount | Admission exemptions may apply |
| UAEU Graduate Fellowships | United Arab Emirates University | Graduate | Funding varies | Program-specific English rules |
The options above should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every applicant can apply without IELTS or TOEFL.
Eligibility depends on the university, degree, previous education and the specific exemption rules.
1. American University of Sharjah President’s Scholarship
The President’s Scholarship at American University of Sharjah (AUS) is designed for qualifying first-time undergraduate students who completed their secondary education outside the UAE.
The package can include full tuition and laboratory fees, an application-fee waiver, monthly support, housing, travel benefits and student medical insurance.
The scholarship itself is not a replacement for university admission requirements.
Applicants should therefore check whether they qualify for an English-language exemption under the applicable AUS admission rules.
Useful preparation includes:
- Secondary-school transcripts.
- Graduation certificate.
- Academic achievement evidence.
- Extracurricular activities.
- Leadership or community involvement.
- Passport documentation.
- Required English-language documentation or exemption evidence.
- Scholarship application after receiving the required admission status.
Official scholarship information: AUS President’s Scholarship
2. American University of Sharjah Chancellor’s Scholarship
The Chancellor’s Scholarship is another major undergraduate opportunity at AUS.
It is intended for qualifying first-time students who completed secondary education in the UAE and can provide full tuition and laboratory-fee coverage together with housing, medical insurance and an application-fee waiver.
Students who already have qualifying English-medium educational backgrounds should investigate the applicable admission rules before paying for another language examination.
A practical application checklist includes:
- Strong secondary-school results.
- Complete academic transcripts.
- Evidence of extracurricular activities.
- Personal achievements.
- Required admission documents.
- Evidence supporting any English exemption.
- Completion of the scholarship process after admission.
Official scholarship information: AUS Scholarships and Grants
3. AUS Merit Scholarships
AUS also provides Merit Scholarships for academically qualified undergraduate applicants.
The university states that these scholarships can provide a percentage reduction in tuition and laboratory or technology fees and may be automatically offered during admission processing.
This can be relevant to students who do not want to take a new English examination because their existing academic background may satisfy an applicable admission exemption.
Before applying, prepare:
- High-school transcript.
- Academic certificates.
- Passport.
- Curriculum-specific documents.
- Evidence of English-medium education where applicable.
- Any required standardized-test results.
- Program-specific admission documents.
Official information: AUS Financial Grants and Scholarships
4. AUS Sharakah School Scholarship
The Sharakah School Scholarship is available through participating partner schools.
AUS states that the scholarship can cover a substantial portion of tuition, laboratory or technology fees and on-campus housing, with participating schools selecting or nominating eligible students according to the program’s rules.
This opportunity is especially relevant for students already studying at a participating school because the nomination route can be different from a standard scholarship application.
Applicants should confirm:
- Whether their school is a Sharakah partner.
- Whether they can be nominated.
- The school’s internal selection procedure.
- AUS admission requirements.
- English-language requirements or possible exemptions.
- Required academic documents.
- Scholarship continuation conditions.
Official information: AUS Sharakah Program
5. AUS Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship
The Sheikh Khalifa Scholarship is a continuing-student scholarship at AUS.
The university recently reported that the award is granted through a competitive process to qualifying full-time junior and senior students and can cover full tuition for the permitted credit load.
Because applicants are already enrolled at AUS, this type of opportunity is different from scholarships that require a student to demonstrate English proficiency before entering the university.
Students should focus on:
- Maintaining the required GPA.
- Meeting full-time enrollment requirements.
- Participating in university activities.
- Demonstrating leadership.
- Showing community involvement.
- Preparing a strong scholarship application.
- Checking the current competition requirements.
Official information: AUS Scholarships
6. AUS Graduate Assistantships
For graduate applicants, AUS Graduate Assistantships can provide full or partial tuition waivers and/or stipends.
AUS explains that assistantships may take the form of Graduate Teaching Assistantships or Graduate Research Assistantships and are awarded competitively.
AUS also has specific English-proficiency waiver provisions for graduate applicants.
For example, certain PhD applicants who completed a master’s degree at an institution where English was the language of instruction may qualify for an exemption, subject to the university’s conditions and documentation.
Applicants should prepare:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree documents.
- Academic transcripts.
- CV.
- Recommendation letters.
- Statement of purpose.
- Research experience where relevant.
- Evidence supporting an English exemption.
- Program-specific admission documents.
Official graduate information: AUS Graduate Admissions
7. Khalifa University Graduate Scholarships
Khalifa University provides graduate scholarship opportunities for eligible students, with scholarship eligibility reviewed as part of the admission process.
The university confirms that international students may receive full scholarships, while other students may receive partial funding depending on eligibility.
The university also has an English-test exemption policy.
Subject to review and approval, applicants may qualify for an exemption if they are native English speakers with qualifying English-medium education or graduated from an English-medium institution and can provide acceptable evidence of previous English proficiency.
Important points include:
- Apply for the selected graduate program.
- Check the program’s academic requirements.
- Review the scholarship eligibility criteria.
- Prepare official transcripts.
- Prepare recommendation letters.
- Provide English-test documentation or qualifying exemption evidence.
- Check whether the intended program has additional requirements.
Official information: Khalifa University Graduate Admissions
8. MBZUAI Scholarships
The Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) provides scholarship and funding opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students.
Undergraduate scholarships may cover tuition and cost of attendance depending on the applicable scholarship, while graduate funding varies according to program and funding arrangements.
MBZUAI has particularly clear English-proficiency exemption rules.
Applicants may qualify for a full exemption when their degree was entirely taught and assessed in English at a university in an accepted English-speaking country.
A conditional exemption can also be requested in other cases when official documentation confirms that the entire degree was taught and assessed in English.
However, applicants cannot simply leave the English-proficiency section empty.
MBZUAI states that an English-proficiency component must be included, such as an approved test or applicable exemption documentation.
Prepare:
- Academic transcripts.
- Degree certificates.
- CV.
- Recommendation letters.
- Statement of purpose.
- English test or exemption documentation.
- Passport.
- Program-specific academic evidence.
Official information: MBZUAI Admissions and Aid
9. UAEU Chancellor’s Scholarship for Talented Students
The United Arab Emirates University Chancellor’s Scholarship for Talented Students is intended for students demonstrating exceptional ability in areas such as innovation, arts, sports and technology.
The scholarship can provide a 100% tuition-fee discount, subject to the university’s eligibility and continuation requirements.
Unlike the UAEU Chancellor’s Elite Scholarship, the Talent Scholarship page focuses on demonstrating talent through evidence such as certificates, awards, participation records or recommendations rather than listing a separate IELTS/TOEFL score as a scholarship criterion.
Nevertheless, applicants must still satisfy the university’s admission rules.
UAEU provides English-proficiency exemptions for certain applicants, including eligible students who completed secondary education in an English-medium school under the university’s stated conditions.
Useful evidence can include:
- Awards.
- Competition results.
- Certificates.
- Participation records.
- Recommendations.
- Portfolio material where appropriate.
- Academic transcripts.
- Proof of English-medium education when seeking an exemption.
Official scholarship information: UAEU Undergraduate Scholarships
10. UAEU Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships
The United Arab Emirates University graduate fellowship and assistantship system provides financial support opportunities for graduate students, with availability depending on the university’s budget and applicable criteria.
UAEU identifies strategic areas including renewable energy, transportation, health, water resources, technology and space among areas supported through its graduate funding initiatives.
This is another case where the scholarship or fellowship should not automatically be confused with the admission language requirement.
Applicants need to check the requirements of their particular graduate program and determine whether they qualify for an English exemption.
Before applying:
- Identify a suitable graduate program.
- Check the program’s English requirements.
- Determine whether an exemption applies.
- Prepare academic transcripts.
- Prepare recommendation letters.
- Prepare a CV.
- Prepare research-related documents if requested.
- Check fellowship availability.
- Confirm funding conditions.
Official information: UAEU Graduate Scholarships and Assistantships
How to Apply Without IELTS or TOEFL
If your goal is to apply without taking a new language test, do not simply omit the English-language section from your application.
Instead, determine whether the university provides a formal exemption and prepare evidence supporting it.
A typical process is:
- Choose the university and degree.
- Read the program-specific admission requirements.
- Identify the English requirement.
- Look for the word “exemption” or “waiver.”
- Check whether your previous education qualifies.
- Obtain an official Medium of Instruction document if accepted.
- Upload transcripts showing the language of instruction when possible.
- Submit the admission application.
- Apply for the scholarship through the required route.
- Respond quickly if admissions requests additional English evidence.
For example, MBZUAI explicitly states that an applicant may qualify for an exemption through qualifying English-medium education, while UAEU lists specific categories of students who can be exempted from its English-proficiency requirement.
Documents You Should Prepare
Students trying to avoid a new IELTS or TOEFL examination should concentrate on documentation.
An exemption is normally evidence-based rather than automatic.
Useful documents may include:
- Academic transcript.
- Graduation certificate.
- Medium of Instruction letter.
- Official confirmation of the teaching language.
- Curriculum description where necessary.
- Previous English test result, if available.
- Passport copy.
- CV.
- Recommendation letters.
- Personal statement.
- Research proposal for applicable graduate programs.
A Medium of Instruction letter should clearly identify the program, institution, period of study and language used for teaching and assessment.
The exact format accepted varies by university, so applicants should follow the institution’s instructions rather than using a generic document.
Important Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is assuming that “no IELTS scholarship” means “no English requirement.” University admission and scholarship selection are separate processes.
Avoid these common problems:
- Applying without checking program-specific requirements.
- Assuming every English-medium degree qualifies for an exemption.
- Uploading an informal letter instead of an official document.
- Confusing IELTS exemption with English assessment exemption.
- Assuming a scholarship guarantees admission.
- Ignoring academic requirements because the scholarship is fully funded.
- Using old information from unofficial scholarship websites.
- Applying to a scholarship that is restricted to UAE residents.
- Assuming a graduate exemption also applies to undergraduate admission.
- Failing to check whether the scholarship requires a separate application.
The safest approach is to use the university’s official admission and scholarship pages as the final authority.
Conclusion
There are genuine UAE scholarship opportunities where applicants may be able to avoid submitting a new IELTS or TOEFL score, but the route usually depends on an English-language exemption, previous English-medium education, an existing qualification, or university-specific admission rules.
The most relevant options include scholarships and funding at AUS, Khalifa University, MBZUAI and UAEU.
Before submitting an application, check the exact degree, nationality conditions, funding package and English exemption criteria.
If you already studied in English, obtaining official proof of your language of instruction can be one of the most useful steps when applying for UAE scholarships without language proficiency requirements.
FAQ About UAE Scholarships Without Language Proficiency Requirements
Can I study in the UAE on a scholarship without IELTS?
Yes, in some circumstances.
Several UAE universities have English-proficiency exemption policies, but eligibility depends on your previous education, the institution, the degree and the specific admission rules.
An applicant should not assume that every scholarship is automatically IELTS-free.
Which UAE scholarships do not require IELTS?
There is no single universal list because the English requirement is normally connected to university admission rather than only to the scholarship.
Opportunities at AUS, Khalifa University, MBZUAI and UAEU may be relevant when the applicant qualifies for an applicable English-language exemption.
Can I use a Medium of Instruction letter instead of IELTS?
Some universities accept evidence of English-medium education for an exemption, but the rules differ.
MBZUAI, for example, states that official documentation confirming that an entire program was taught and assessed in English may support a conditional exemption.
Does studying in English automatically exempt me from IELTS?
Not necessarily.
The university may require specific conditions concerning where you studied, the level of your qualification, the language of assessment and the institution itself.
Always check the official exemption conditions before applying.
Can international students apply for UAE scholarships without IELTS?
Some UAE scholarships are open to international students, while others are limited to UAE nationals, UAE residents or particular categories of applicants.
For example, AUS offers scholarships to international applicants, while individual UAEU opportunities have their own eligibility categories.
Does a fully funded scholarship mean IELTS is not required?
No.
Funding and language requirements are separate.
A scholarship may cover tuition and living expenses while the university still requires English proficiency unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.
Can I apply for MBZUAI scholarships without IELTS?
MBZUAI allows certain applicants to qualify for an English-proficiency exemption, including applicants who completed qualifying English-medium education.
However, the English-proficiency component must still be addressed in the application through an accepted test or appropriate exemption documentation.
Does Khalifa University waive IELTS for graduate students?
Khalifa University states that, subject to review and approval, certain graduate applicants can receive an English-test exemption.
This can include qualifying native English speakers and graduates of English-medium institutions who can provide acceptable evidence of previous English proficiency.
Can I apply to UAEU without an English test?
Some applicants can qualify for an English-proficiency exemption under UAEU’s rules.
The university specifically identifies certain native English-speaking applicants and students who completed qualifying English-medium secondary education in the UAE as possible exemption categories.
What should I do if I do not have IELTS or TOEFL?
First, identify the university and program you want to study.
Then check the official English-proficiency exemption policy, prepare evidence of your previous language of instruction if you qualify, and confirm that the scholarship and admission requirements are both satisfied before submitting the application.