You can relocate to several countries without needing IELTS, and you don’t need to break the bank either.
If you’re serious about leaving Nigeria for a better life, there are countries welcoming Nigerians with affordable costs of living, relaxed visa policies, and no requirement for English tests like IELTS.
These destinations are real, legal, and within your reach—whether you’re chasing education, work, or a fresh start.
Below are some of the cheapest countries Nigerians can relocate to without IELTS this year. Each one offers different opportunities depending on what you’re looking for—study, work, or permanent residency.
Expect full details on visa requirements, estimated living costs, and what you need to settle legally.
1. Germany
Germany allows Nigerians to study and live without IELTS as long as you can prove that the language of instruction in your previous education was English.
Many public universities in Germany offer tuition-free education, even to international students.
What makes Germany one of the cheapest countries to move to is that you won’t be paying thousands in school fees, and you can work part-time during your studies.
Cost of Living:
On average, monthly expenses range between €700–€1,000 depending on the city. Smaller cities like Leipzig or Dresden are far more affordable than Berlin or Munich.
Visa Info:
For student or job seeker visas, you must show proof of funds in a blocked account, currently around €11,208 per year (as of 2025).
Learn more from the German Missions in Nigeria.
No IELTS Needed If:
You can present a letter from your previous school stating that the medium of instruction was English.
2. Turkey
Turkey doesn’t require IELTS for Nigerians looking to study or work, especially when applying to universities directly or through the Türkiye Scholarships program.
The cost of living is relatively low, and the quality of education is high.
Many private universities accept students without IELTS and offer courses in English.
Cost of Living:
Expect monthly costs between ₦150,000–₦250,000 depending on the city and lifestyle.
Visa Info:
Apply for a student visa or work permit through the Turkey e-Visa portal. For work or residency, you’ll need a job offer or be accepted into a program.
No IELTS Needed If:
You submit proof of English proficiency through previous studies or apply for programs that don’t require it.
3. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are top picks for Nigerians who want job opportunities, tax-free income, and a high standard of living without needing IELTS.
You can enter the UAE with a visit visa and convert it to a work visa if you land a job.
Many Nigerian professionals are thriving in the UAE, especially in hospitality, IT, teaching, and logistics.
Cost of Living:
Monthly expenses start from ₦300,000 depending on housing, but shared accommodation and careful budgeting can make it cheaper.
Visa Info:
Start with a Dubai Visit Visa, then look for work and apply for a work permit through your employer.
No IELTS Needed If:
You apply for jobs that don’t ask for it or have prior work experience in English-speaking roles.
4. Georgia
Georgia (the country, not the U.S. state) has become one of the hottest low-budget relocation destinations for Nigerians.
It offers visa-free access for 90 days, affordable universities, and low living costs. IELTS is not required to study in English-taught programs.
Cost of Living:
You can live on ₦120,000–₦200,000 monthly in cities like Tbilisi or Batumi.
Visa Info:
Nigerians can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. For long-term stay, apply for a student or temporary residence permit from the Public Service Hall.
No IELTS Needed If:
You show that English was the language of your previous education or attend a university that doesn’t require it.
5. Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is one of the most budget-friendly destinations in Central Asia. Many Nigerians relocate here to study, especially in medical schools.
Tuition fees are low, and you don’t need IELTS for admission.
Plus, the country offers a calm environment with easy student visa processes.
Cost of Living:
You can live comfortably on ₦100,000–₦180,000 per month.
Visa Info:
Apply for a student visa after securing admission. You can check details on Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyz Republic.
No IELTS Needed If:
You apply directly to a university that offers English-medium courses.
6. Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful island nation in the Indian Ocean that offers Nigerians a great chance at studying or working without IELTS.
The country has strong ties with Africa and many of its institutions accept proof of English from previous schools instead of test results.
Cost of Living:
Expect to spend around ₦250,000–₦300,000 monthly, including shared rent and food.
Visa Info:
Apply for a student or work visa through the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office.
No IELTS Needed If:
You present a letter from your previous institution confirming English was the medium of instruction.
7. Belarus
Belarus is another country that allows you to study without IELTS. Tuition fees are affordable, especially for medical and technical courses.
The country is also safe and welcoming to international students.
Cost of Living:
You can manage monthly expenses with ₦120,000–₦180,000.
Visa Info:
Apply for a student visa once accepted by a Belarusian university. You’ll get guidance from the school on the visa process.
No IELTS Needed If:
You apply to English-taught programs and provide documentation that your previous education was in English.
8. Russia
Russia is opening its doors to more Nigerian students through its government scholarships.
Many universities in Russia offer English-taught programs that don’t require IELTS.
The country also has low tuition fees and cheap cost of living compared to the West.
Cost of Living:
You’ll need around ₦150,000–₦250,000 monthly depending on the city.
Visa Info:
Get admission first, then apply for a student visa. See more at the Russian Ministry of Education.
No IELTS Needed If:
You join an English-medium program or present proof of prior English education.
9. Malaysia
Malaysia is a tech and education hub in Southeast Asia where Nigerians are relocating in large numbers.
You can study or work here without IELTS if you provide proof that your previous education was in English.
Many universities and employers in Malaysia accept this.
Cost of Living:
About ₦200,000–₦300,000 per month covers accommodation, feeding, and transport.
Visa Info:
Start with a student visa or job offer. Applications are processed via Education Malaysia Global Services.
No IELTS Needed If:
Your secondary school or university education was done in English.
10. Egypt
Egypt is fast becoming a go-to for Nigerian students who want affordable education and no language testing stress.
Many universities in Egypt accept Nigerians into medicine, engineering, and business programs without IELTS.
Cost of Living:
You can live on ₦150,000–₦200,000 monthly.
Visa Info:
Get your acceptance letter and apply for a student visa. More info at Egyptian Ministry of Higher Education.
No IELTS Needed If:
You study in English-medium programs or show you were educated in English.
Bonus: Nicaragua
Nicaragua is not commonly talked about, but it accepts foreigners for work and investment opportunities with simple visa rules.
English is not widely spoken, but the country doesn’t ask for IELTS either. If you want to set up a small business or retire quietly on a budget, this is a hidden gem.
Cost of Living:
As low as ₦100,000–₦150,000 per month.
Visa Info:
You can enter on a tourist visa and then apply for a residency permit. More info at Nicaraguan Migration Office.
No IELTS Needed If:
You’re not required to show English proficiency for relocation purposes.
Final Words
Relocating without IELTS is possible if you know where to look. Whether you’re aiming for education, work, or a long-term stay, these countries give you a head start.
of them allow you to enter with a tourist visa and change status later, others prefer you come in with an admission letter or work contract.
Be honest during applications, avoid visa agents who promise shortcuts, and always verify information through official embassy websites.
You don’t need IELTS, but you do need preparation. Start early, gather your documents, get your passport ready, and explore one of these doors that are open to you.
Ready to start your journey? Start checking universities or job boards in these countries and gather all your documents now.
The earlier you move, the faster you’ll find stability abroad.
