Austria is not only famous for its breathtaking Alpine landscapes and historic architecture, but also for its world-class education system. For many international students — especially from South Asia and Africa — studying in Austria is a dream.

One major concern for students is the IELTS requirement. The good news? Many Austrian universities accept an English Proficiency Certificate (EPC) instead of IELTS.

If your previous degree was taught in English, you can request a certificate from your institution confirming that English was the medium of instruction. This can help you secure admission and scholarships in Austria without sitting for IELTS.

Below are the Top 10 Scholarships in Austria Without IELTS for 2026.

1️⃣ Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD) Scholarships

Funded by the Austrian Government, this is one of the most prestigious scholarship programs in Austria.

Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD
IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory (EPC accepted)

Benefits:

  • Monthly stipend (€1,050 – €1,150 approx.)

  • Health insurance

  • Accommodation allowance

  • Travel support (in some cases)

How to Apply:

  • Visit the official grants.at database

  • Search for programs available for your country

  • Submit study plan or research proposal

  • Upload your English Proficiency Certificate

2️⃣ Institute of Science and Technology Austria PhD Scholarship (Fully Funded)

Ideal for students interested in research in Science and Technology.

Fields: Biology, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics, Data Science
IELTS Requirement: Not required (assessed during interview)

Benefits:

  • Full tuition coverage

  • Monthly stipend

  • Research funding

  • Health insurance

Application Timeline:

  • Opens: October

  • Deadline: January

  • No need to secure a supervisor before applying

3️⃣ Helmut Veith Stipend for Females in Computer Science

Offered at TU Wien, this scholarship supports women pursuing a Master’s in Computer Science.

IELTS Requirement: Not required

Benefits:

  • €7,000 annually

  • Full tuition waiver

How to Apply:

  • Apply for a Master’s at TU Wien

  • Submit Helmut Veith Stipend application

  • Provide a strong motivation letter

4️⃣ Austrian Development Cooperation (ADC) Scholarship

Designed for students from developing countries.

Fields: Tourism, Hospitality, Sustainable Development, Education, Entrepreneurship
IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory

Benefits:

  • Full tuition fees

  • Monthly living stipend

  • Accommodation support

Applications are usually processed through the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (ITH).

5️⃣ Webster Vienna Private University Scholarship

An American-style private university offering merit-based tuition reductions.

Fields: Business, International Relations, Media Studies, Psychology
IELTS Requirement: Not required if previous education was in English

Benefits:

  • Significant tuition fee reduction

  • Available for Bachelor’s & Master’s programs

6️⃣ Republic of Austria Foundation Scholarship

Highly competitive research-focused scholarship.

Fields: History, Political Science, Literature, Medicine
IELTS Requirement: Optional (EPC accepted)

Benefits:

  • Monthly stipend

  • Living expense support

Apply through scholarships.at portal.

7️⃣ Vienna International Postdoctoral Program

Designed for postdoctoral researchers.

Fields: Life Sciences, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics
IELTS Requirement: Not required

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary/stipend

  • Research facilities access

  • Health insurance

Applications are submitted via the Vienna BioCenter portal.

8️⃣ Klaus Liebscher Economic Research Scholarship

Offered by the Oesterreichische Nationalbank (National Bank of Austria).

Fields: Economics, Finance
IELTS Requirement: Not mandatory

Benefits:

  • Research funding

  • Academic exposure

  • Expense coverage

9️⃣ Erasmus Mundus Scholarship

One of the largest international scholarship programs in the world.

Fields: Climate Change, Robotics, Cybersecurity, Public Policy
IELTS Requirement: Depends on program (many accept EPC)

Benefits:

  • Full tuition fees

  • Monthly stipend

  • Travel allowance

  • Study in multiple European countries

🔟 University of Graz Grants

Graz is known as a vibrant and affordable student city.

Benefits:

  • Monthly stipend

  • Tuition fee waiver

  • Affordable student housing

How to Apply:

  • Apply for admission first

  • Then apply for the “Grant for Foreign Students” through the university portal

✅ Is It Really Possible to Study in Austria Without IELTS?

Yes! Many Austrian universities accept:

✔ English Proficiency Certificate (EPC)
✔ Interview-based language assessment
✔ Medium of Instruction letter

If your previous education was in English, you are eligible to apply for most of these scholarships without IELTS.

🌍 Final Thoughts

Austria offers incredible opportunities for international students in 2026. With strong academic records and proper documentation, you can study in Europe without IELTS and without financial stress.

Whether your field is Science, Business, Arts, or Technology — Austria has a scholarship opportunity waiting for you.