Latest update: The Commonwealth Scholarships for postgraduate study in the UK will likely close applications in December 2025, based on the annual cycle. Studying abroad can be expensive, but an IELTS scholarship for Indian students can significantly reduce that burden. Over 3.5 million IELTS tests are taken annually worldwide, and many universities and institutions now offer scholarships based on IELTS scores. Indian students with a high IELTS band (typically 6.5 or above) can apply for merit-based awards, fee waivers, or partial funding for undergraduate and postgraduate programs abroad.
From the British Council IELTS Award to IDP India scholarships and GREAT Scholarships, multiple options are available for those pursuing education in countries like the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. These scholarships not only cover tuition fees but sometimes living expenses too.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the top IELTS scholarships for Indian students, eligibility, how to apply, and how much scholarship you can get based on your IELTS score; so you can turn your study abroad dreams into reality.
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What is an IELTS Scholarship and Who is Eligible?
An IELTS scholarship is a financial grant awarded to students who have taken the IELTS exam and plan to study in an English-speaking country. These scholarships are usually offered by IELTS conducting bodies like the British Council, IDP Education, or foreign universities that accept IELTS scores as part of their admission criteria.
The aim of these scholarships is to reward academic excellence and support deserving students from countries like India in pursuing higher education abroad.
Who is eligible for an IELTS scholarship?
Most IELTS scholarships for Indian students require you to meet the following criteria:
Indian citizen with a valid passport
A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or above (some scholarships may need 7.0 or 7.5)
Proof of admission or application to a university abroad
Strong academic background
Demonstrated financial need (for need-based scholarships)
Top IELTS Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025
According to British Council data, thousands of Indian students benefit from IELTS-linked financial aid every year. With scores starting from 6.5 bands, you can become eligible for awards up to INR 10 lakh or more depending on the program and destination.
Below is a comparison table of the most popular IELTS scholarships for Indian students in 2025:
Scholarship Name
Award Amount (Approx in INR)
Key Eligibility
British Council IELTS Award
£3,000–£10,000 ( INR 3.1– INR 10.4 lakh)
Indian citizen, IELTS score 6.5+, admission to a foreign university
Mid-career Indian professionals in arts/humanities, proposal submission required
Let’s discuss them in detail:
British Council IELTS Award
The British Council IELTS Award supports high-performing IELTS test-takers who want to study abroad. It is open to students applying for undergraduate or postgraduate courses at universities that accept IELTS scores around the world.
The selection is based on your IELTS band score (minimum 6.5), academic record, and a compelling personal statement. The award amount ranges from £3,000 to £10,000 (approx INR 3.1– INR 10.4 lakh), depending on your course tuition and destination.
Key Highlights:
Must have taken IELTS with the British Council.
Open to Indian nationals applying to international universities.
Covers part of your tuition fees.
GREAT Scholarships, India
The GREAT Scholarships, India program is jointly funded by the UK government and select UK universities. It helps Indian students pursue one-year master’s degrees in the UK by offering a generous financial award.
Each scholarship is worth £10,000 (approx INR 10.4 lakh) and can be used toward tuition fees. These are awarded across various fields like law, business, science, and humanities, but only at participating universities.
Eligibility Highlights:
Indian citizenship
Strong academic background
Valid IELTS score (meeting course requirements)
Offer letter from a partner UK university
IDP IELTS Celebrating Success Award
The IDP IELTS Celebrating Success Award is designed to honour Indian students who excel in the IELTS exam and aim to study abroad. It’s not just about a high score — IDP also considers your goals and achievements.
Winners receive a cash prize of INR 3,00,000, which can be used toward tuition, living expenses, or travel costs related to international study.
Preference is often given to female applicants and those from underrepresented backgrounds
IELTS USA Andrea Scott International Graduate Scholarship
The Andrea Scott International Graduate Scholarship, offered by IELTS USA, supports non-U.S. citizens planning to pursue graduate studies in the United States. This scholarship rewards strong academic merit and a clear purpose for studying abroad.
Winners receive $5,000 (approx INR 4.1 lakh), which can be applied toward tuition or other education-related expenses.
The Caroline Clapham IELTS Masters Award is named after a pioneer in language testing and supports students pursuing a master’s degree in language testing or applied linguistics.
This award offers £1,000 (approx INR 1.04 lakh) to cover part of your tuition or research costs.
Eligibility Highlights:
Enrolled or accepted for a master’s course in language testing or applied linguistics
Demonstrated academic excellence
Connection to IELTS or language assessment research preferred
IELTS Morgan Terry Memorial IATEFL Scholarship
The IELTS Morgan Terry Memorial IATEFL Scholarship supports English language teachers who are involved with IELTS and want to attend the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) conference in the UK.
This scholarship covers full conference fees and travel expenses (worth around INR 2 lakh).
Eligibility Highlights:
English language teachers with experience in IELTS preparation
Active involvement in the English teaching community
Commitment to professional development through attending IATEFL
Global Study Awards
The Global Study Awards encourage students who have taken IELTS with the British Council and hold a valid ISIC (International Student Identity Card) to pursue international studies.
This scholarship offers up to £10,000 (approx INR 10.4 lakh) to help cover tuition and living expenses.
Eligibility Highlights:
Taken IELTS with British Council
Hold a valid ISIC card
Accepted into a university abroad
Demonstrate motivation to study internationally
Commonwealth Scholarships
The Commonwealth Scholarships are prestigious awards for students from Commonwealth countries, including India, to pursue master’s or doctoral studies in the UK.
These scholarships cover full tuition fees, living allowance, airfare, and more, with a value often exceeding £15,000 ( INR 15.6 lakh).
Eligibility Highlights:
Citizen of a Commonwealth country (India eligible)
Strong academic background
Commitment to contributing to your home country after studies
IELTS scores meeting university requirements
IELTS Score Requirements for Scholarships
Most IELTS scholarships for Indian students require a minimum band score ranging between 6.0 to 8.0, depending on the scholarship and country. Here’s what you should know:
Minimum IELTS Band: Generally, a score of 6.5 or above is preferred for most scholarships, especially those linked to UK and Canada universities.
High Band Scores (8.0 and above): Some exclusive scholarships, like the IELTS 9 Band Scholarships or Academic Excellence Awards, require top scores to qualify.
Balanced Scores: Scholarships often expect balanced scores across Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking; not just a high overall band.
Score Validity: IELTS scores are valid for 2 years, so make sure your score is current when applying.
Documents Required to Apply for IELTS Scholarships
When applying for IELTS scholarships for Indian students, having the right documents ready is crucial. Though requirements vary slightly by scholarship, here are the common documents you’ll need:
Proof of Financial Need (if applying for need-based scholarships)
Resume or CV (highlighting academic and extracurricular achievements)
IELTS Scholarship Application Process and Deadlines
Applying for an IELTS scholarship is a step-by-step process. Here’s how Indian students can apply smoothly and on time:
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Choose the Right Scholarship: Research IELTS scholarships based on your country, study destination, and field of study.
Check Eligibility Criteria: Verify IELTS band requirements, academic qualifications, and nationality conditions.
Prepare Your Documents: Keep your IELTS scorecard, academic records, SOP, LORs, and ID proofs ready.
Submit the Application: Apply through the official scholarship portal (e.g., British Council, IDP, IELTS USA).
Attend Interviews (if any): Some scholarships may require an interview or personal statement evaluation.
Track Results: Stay updated via email or scholarship portals for result announcements.
Common Scholarship Deadlines:
Scholarship Name
Typical Deadline
British Council IELTS Award
June–July
IDP Celebrating Success
August
Global Study Awards
March & September
Commonwealth Scholarships
October–November
Andrea Scott Scholarship (IELTS USA)
May
Tips to Win an IELTS Scholarship
Getting an IELTS scholarship for Indian students is competitive, but with the right strategy, you can increase your chances. Here are some effective tips to help you succeed:
1. Score Higher Than the Minimum
Most scholarships require at least a 6.5–7.5 IELTS band, but to stand out, aim for 8.0 or higher. Also, try to keep all individual section scores consistent; strong performance across Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking adds credibility.
2. Start Your Application Early
Many scholarships close months before university deadlines. Begin preparing 6 to 8 months in advance to avoid last-minute stress and ensure all documents are ready.
3. Write a Compelling Personal Statement
A personal statement or SOP is often required. Clearly express your career goals, academic interests, and why you deserve the scholarship. Be honest and focused.
4. Highlight Your Strengths
Scholarships look for well-rounded candidates. Mention academic records, leadership roles, volunteering, internships, or any unique projects that add value.
5. Double-Check Eligibility and Documents
Each scholarship has specific requirements. Missing even a single document or not meeting a condition can lead to automatic rejection.
6. Get Strong Letters of Recommendation
Ask for recommendations from professors, school principals, or professional mentors who know you well. Make sure their letters are relevant to your scholarship goals.
Comparison of IELTS Scholarships for Indian Students
Below is the comparison table of the top IELTS scholarships available to Indian students in 2025. This comparison can help you pick the right one based on value, eligibility, and region.
Scholarship Name
Scholarship Amount
Region/Applicable For
British Council IELTS Award
Up to £10,000 (INR 10 lakh)
UK or any country where IELTS is accepted
IDP IELTS Test Taker Scholarships
Up to INR 5,00,000
For Indian IELTS test takers
Global Study Awards
Up to £10,000 (INR 10 lakh)
Worldwide, for international students
Caroline Clapham IELTS Masters Award
£3,000 (INR 3 lakh)
For master’s students in language testing
IELTS Morgan Terry Memorial IATEFL Scholarship
Conference registration + travel
For English teachers attending IATEFL
IELTS USA Andrea Scott Scholarship
$5,000 (approx. INR 4.15 lakh)
Graduate students in the USA
Download IELTS Sample Papers
Conclusion
IELTS scholarships for Indian students are a great way to make studying abroad more affordable. With options like the British Council IELTS Award, Global Study Awards, and IELTS USA Andrea Scott Scholarship, deserving students can receive financial aid based on their English proficiency and academic achievements.
To maximise your chances, aim for a high IELTS band score, stay updated on deadlines, and prepare strong application materials like SOPs and recommendation letters. These scholarships not only support your studies but also enhance your chances of admission to top global universities.
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FAQs
Can I get a scholarship for IELTS?
Yes, you can. Several IELTS-related scholarships are available for Indian students who plan to study abroad. Some scholarships cover tuition fees, while others offer financial aid based on your IELTS score or academic background. These are usually funded by IELTS partners, universities, or third-party organisations.
What IELTS score is required for scholarship?
Most scholarships require a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 or above, with no section below 6.0. However, prestigious or high-value scholarships may prefer scores of 7.5 or even 8.0+. Meeting or exceeding the score criteria boosts your chances of selection.
Who is eligible for IELTS fee waiver?
IELTS fee waivers are not commonly offered, but some NGOs, test centres, or government initiatives may support students from low-income backgrounds. You’ll typically need to submit proof of financial hardship and academic merit to be considered.
How to get 100% scholarship through IELTS?
Getting a full (100%) scholarship requires more than just a good IELTS score. You’ll also need excellent academic records, strong recommendation letters, and a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP). A high IELTS score can strengthen your overall profile.
Is IELTS score enough to get a study abroad scholarship?
Not entirely. While a good IELTS score is important, scholarship committees also assess your academic history, extracurricular achievements, leadership potential, and personal essays. It’s part of a bigger picture they use to evaluate your potential.
Can undergraduate students apply for IELTS scholarships?
Yes, some IELTS-related scholarships accept applications from undergraduate students, although many are tailored for postgraduate programs. Always read the eligibility criteria carefully, as some are specific to course levels or study fields.
Are IELTS scholarships valid in all countries?
IELTS scholarships are usually valid in countries where IELTS is accepted such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, some scholarships are country- or university-specific, so check eligibility and location before applying.
Do I need to apply separately for IELTS scholarships?
Yes. IELTS scholarships are not automatically awarded; you must apply for each scholarship separately. This includes filling out forms, uploading documents, writing essays or SOPs, and sometimes even clearing interviews, depending on the scholarship.
Are IELTS scholarships based on financial need or merit?
It depends on the scholarship. Some are purely merit-based, focusing on IELTS scores and academic performance, while others are need-based and consider your financial background. A few combine both aspects to select well-rounded candidates.
Can I apply for multiple IELTS scholarships at once?
Yes, you can apply for as many IELTS scholarships as you’re eligible for. In fact, it’s encouraged to increase your chances of securing financial aid. However, some scholarships may have restrictions if you're already receiving other funding.
Do IELTS scores expire for scholarship applications?
Yes. IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. Make sure your score is valid at the time of applying for any scholarship, as expired scores won’t be accepted for academic or financial aid purposes.
Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview pre...
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