For students applying for international scholarships, IELTS has long been the default English proficiency requirement. But in 2026, a growing number of universities and scholarship programmes accept a wider range of alternatives — many of which are cheaper, faster, and more accessible than the traditional IELTS route.
Whether you are looking to reduce costs, avoid lengthy test centre queues, or simply find an option that suits your timeline better, here is a full overview of the IELTS alternatives accepted for international scholarship applications in 2026.
Why Students Are Choosing Alternatives in 2026
- Lower cost: Options like the Duolingo English Test ($49) and the Password English Language Examination ($42) deliver significant savings compared to IELTS
- Less stressful format: Adaptive tests such as Pearson Test of English and Duolingo adjust questions to your proficiency level in real time
- Fully digital and remote: Several alternatives can be taken from home with only a laptop — no travel to test centres required
Accepted IELTS Alternatives for International Scholarships in 2026
1. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| Approximately 4 hours | $205 |
Available in paper-based (PBT) and internet-based (iBT) formats, TOEFL assesses all four language skills — reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It is widely accepted by institutions in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, and is recognised for both scholarship and visa purposes. Its comprehensive format makes it one of the most broadly accepted alternatives globally.
2. PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English)
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| Approximately 2 hours | $200 |
PTE Academic is known for fast results and an adaptive question format that tailors the test to your performance as you progress. It is accepted by institutions in Australia and New Zealand for visa purposes and is well regarded by universities across the UK and other English-speaking countries. Results are typically available within 48 hours of sitting the test.
3. Duolingo English Test (DET)
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| Under 60 minutes | $49 |
The Duolingo English Test is one of the most cost-effective and accessible options available. It is a fully digital, adaptive exam that can be taken from anywhere, assesses all four core language skills, and delivers results within two days. Over 5,000 universities worldwide now accept the Duolingo English Test, making it a competitive choice for international scholarship applications on a tight budget or timeline.
4. CAE (Cambridge C1 Advanced)
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes | $165 – $195 |
The Cambridge C1 Advanced examination is designed for high-level English speakers and is internationally recognised with no expiry date — meaning there is no need to resit the exam after a few years. It is accepted across a broad range of scholarship programmes. Passing scores require approximately 60% in reading, 40% in writing and listening, and 20% in speaking.
cambridgeenglish.org — C1 Advanced
5. CPE (Cambridge C2 Proficiency)
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| Approximately 4 hours | $170 |
Also known as the C2 Proficiency Test, this is designed for students targeting the highest level of English certification. It is frequently required by UK institutions for advanced programmes and is well suited to applicants pursuing highly competitive scholarships that specify C2-level proficiency.
cambridgeenglish.org — C2 Proficiency
6. Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| N/A | Free or minimal administrative fee |
An often-overlooked alternative, the Medium of Instruction (MOI) Certificate is a document issued by your previous university confirming that your prior studies were conducted in English. Many institutions — particularly in the UK — accept this as sufficient evidence of language proficiency, exempting applicants from sitting a standardised test entirely. If you completed your previous degree in English, this is worth investigating before registering for any paid examination.
7. AP English Language and Composition (Advanced Placement)
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 3 hours 15 minutes | $96 |
The AP English Language and Composition examination assesses English skills at a developed academic level and is particularly well suited to applicants targeting literature or humanities programmes abroad. It includes an English Literature and Composition component, making it a relevant option for arts and language-focused scholarship applications.
8. ACT English Section (American College Testing)
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| 45 minutes (English section) | $150 |
The ACT is broadly accepted by US universities and evaluates sentence structure, grammar, style, and usage. It is administered five times per year and is particularly relevant for undergraduate scholarship applicants targeting institutions in the United States.
9. Password English Language Examination
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| Part 1: 2 hours; Part 2: 80 minutes | $42 |
One of the most cost-effective options on this list, the Password English Language Examination is a fully digital two-part test covering all four language skills. Instant results for Part 1 make it a particularly practical choice for applicants working against tight scholarship deadlines.
10. SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
| Duration | Cost |
|---|---|
| Approximately 3 hours 50 minutes | $26 |
The SAT is the most affordable option on this list. Primarily designed for undergraduate admissions in the United States, its reading and writing sections serve as evidence of English language proficiency for American scholarship applications. It is most relevant for undergraduate-level scholarship applicants targeting US institutions.
Quick Comparison at a Glance
| Exam | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | ~4 hours | $205 |
| PTE Academic | ~2 hours | $200 |
| Cambridge C2 Proficiency | ~4 hours | $170 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | ~1.5 hours | $165 – $195 |
| ACT | 45 mins (English) | $150 |
| AP English | 3 hrs 15 mins | $96 |
| Duolingo English Test | Under 60 mins | $49 |
| Password English | Part 1: 2 hrs / Part 2: 80 mins | $42 |
| SAT | ~3 hrs 50 mins | $26 |
| MOI Certificate | N/A | Free or minimal fee |
Conclusion
IELTS remains widely accepted, but it is no longer the only path to demonstrating English proficiency for international scholarships. Depending on which institutions and scholarship programmes you are targeting, alternatives such as TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, or Cambridge qualifications may be equally valid — and in some cases cheaper, faster, or more convenient. Always verify the specific language requirements of each scholarship or institution you are applying to, and check whether a Medium of Instruction certificate from your previous university could exempt you from sitting an exam altogether.