Islamabad, July 15, 2025: Want to study in Portugal without IELTS in 2025–2026? Great news! Many Portuguese universities now welcome international students without requiring an IELTS score. Instead, they accept alternatives like a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, Duolingo English Test, or university-conducted interviews.
Portugal is fast becoming a top study-abroad destination, thanks to its affordable tuition, English-taught programs, and generous scholarship options.
Why Portugal Is a Smart Choice Without IELTS
Portugal offers the perfect blend of academic quality, low living costs, and global exposure. Here’s why students are choosing Portugal:
- Low tuition & cost of living
- Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in English
- Duolingo and MOI accepted in place of IELTS
- Rich cultural heritage & scenic cities
- Scholarships for international students
Top Portuguese Universities Without IELTS (2025–26)
Here are some leading universities in Portugal that accept applications without IELTS:
- University of Porto
- NOVA University Lisbon
- University of Lisbon
- University of Minho
- University of Coimbra
- University of Aveiro
- Catholic University of Portugal
IELTS Alternatives Accepted by Portugal Universities
Students can meet English requirements using:
- MOI Certificate – Proves your previous education was in English
- Duolingo English Test – Widely accepted, affordable, and online
- TOEFL / PTE / Cambridge C1/C2 – Standardized tests
- University Interviews – Direct language assessment
- English-speaking background – IELTS waiver for eligible students
Top Scholarships in Portugal 2025–2026
Several scholarships are available for international students:
- Portuguese Government Scholarships
- Covers tuition, living support
- Available for undergrad and postgrad students
- Erasmus+ Program
- Fully funded by the EU
- Covers tuition, stipend & travel
- University of Porto Scholarships
- Merit and need-based
- Offers tuition discounts and monthly allowances
- NOVA University Lisbon Scholarships
- Partial fee waivers for high-achieving students
- Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Scholarships
- For students from Armenian or Lusophone backgrounds
- University of Coimbra Scholarships
- Discounts for international students applying for bachelor’s or master’s programs
Read More: Study in Germany Free! DAAD EPOS Scholarship 2026 Announced
How to Apply to Study in Portugal Without IELTS
Step-by-step guide:
- Choose IELTS-Free Universities
- Obtain an MOI Certificate from your previous school
- Take Duolingo or TOEFL, if required
- Apply for Pre-sessional English Courses, if needed
- Request IELTS Waiver directly from the university
- Contact the Admissions Office to confirm policies
If you’re aiming to study in Portugal without IELTS in 2025–2026, now is the time to explore your options. With flexible English requirements and growing scholarship opportunities, Portugal offers a gateway to world-class education without the hassle of traditional exams.
