IELTS Scholarships for Indian Students in 2026: Eligibility & Application Guide

Can an IELTS score genuinely improve your chances of securing a scholarship in 2026?

For many Indian students, the answer is yes. IELTS is officially accepted by over 12,500 universities in more than 140 countries (source: IELTS.org), and several major funding bodies consider English proficiency scores when shortlisting applicants. A strong score becomes relevant when applying for an IELTS Scholarship offered through IELTS-partner awards, as well as university or government scholarships that use IELTS as part of their eligibility or merit criteria. It can also support applications for institutional fee-reduction schemes or selective IELTS exam fee reimbursements provided by certain universities and education-focused organisations.

In this blog, you will learn about available IELTS scholarships for Indian students 2026, much IELTS score required for the scholarship, and some tips to help make your application process easier.

An IELTS Scholarship in 2026 refers to a limited set of awards linked directly to IELTS or its partner organisations, where a valid IELTS score is part of the eligibility criteria. These include specialised awards such as academic research grants or region-specific funding supported by IELTS partners. Although these official IELTS-linked scholarships exist, they are few and highly specific.

For most Indian students, the more practical interpretation of an IELTS Scholarship relates to university or government funding where an IELTS score strengthens your profile, rather than acting as the sole basis of selection. This is also where terms like IELTS exam fee scholarship or IELTS fee waiver scholarship appear, since some universities offer exam-fee reimbursements, application-fee waivers, or partial support for students who achieve strong scores.

A high IELTS score, typically 7.0 or above, can influence your chances in three ways:

Many funding bodies filter applications based on language proficiency. Without the required IELTS score, the application rarely progresses to merit evaluation.

Excel in IELTS with India’s Top Online Coaching

Leap has helped more than 1 Lakh students achieve 7+ IELTS band.

Request a Callback

When applicants have similar grades or achievements, a stronger IELTS score signals better academic readiness and communication skills, improving your standing.

Excel in IELTS with India’s Top Online Coaching

Leap has helped more than 1 Lakh students achieve 7+ IELTS band.

Request a Callback

Some institutions offer selective fee waivers, priority consideration, or exam-fee reimbursements for candidates with exceptional scores, which leads students to search for options such as an IELTS fee waiver scholarship.

For Indian applicants in 2026, the most realistic approach is to treat your IELTS score as a profile enhancer, while recognising that only a small number of scholarships are directly branded as IELTS scholarships.

IELTS, the British Council, and IDP do not offer direct scholarships in 2026. However, many global funding programs accept IELTS as proof of English proficiency, and this indirectly influences a student’s chances. As a result, some applicants refer to these opportunities as an IELTS scholarship, even though the funding comes from universities or national scholarship bodies rather than from the test providers themselves.

Here’s a breakdown of who typically gets an IELTS scholarship:

• High IELTS Scorers: Depending on the program, most scholarships require a minimum IELTS score, often ranging from 6.5 to 7.5. A higher score significantly increases your chances of winning.
• Financially Needy Students: Some scholarships prioritise students who demonstrate financial hardship, making studying abroad more accessible.
• Students Meeting Specific Criteria: Certain scholarships might target students from particular countries pursuing specific courses or aiming to study at designated universities.
• Academic Solid Background: While only sometimes required, an excellent academic record can strengthen your application and showcase your overall potential.

An IELTS fee waiver is a program that refunds the cost of taking the IELTS exam either partially or fully, typically for students from economically weaker backgrounds. These waivers help students take the IELTS exam without worrying about the IELTS exam fees.

Since waiver schemes change each year, students must check the current requirements set by the organisation offering the support. Many refer to guides like How to Get a Study Abroad Scholarship to see how an IELTS fee waiver scholarship fits within the overall planning and documentation process.

The number of Indian students taking the IELTS exam has increased by 15% in recent years. IELTS is needed by almost all countries that teach English language courses.

Indian students have access to various IELTS scholarship opportunities tailored to different needs and academic goals. Below are some of the major types of IELTS scholarships available for Indian students in 2026.

Several organisations provide IELTS exam fee scholarships to help students cover the test cost. Some popular ones include:

Note: These INR values are calculated using mid-2025 reference rates, where 1 GBP is roughly ₹116.78, 1 EUR is around ₹102.72, and 1 USD is approximately ₹88.61.

The British Council offers an annual award program to celebrate outstanding achievement in the IELTS test. You walk away with two prizes: a certificate recognising your accomplishment and a generous sum of INR 11.6L. This money can be used to improve your English skills or even to help you pursue further education.

• You should be a citizen of a country outside the UK.
• You should have scored 6.5 or higher in each IELTS test component.
• You should have a valid offer of admission from a recognised UK university.
• You need to show financial hardship and an absolute dedication to your education.

IDP Education offers the IDP IELTS Prize each year to international students who score high on the IELTS exam. The prize is a one-time payment of up to INR 5.83L. You can also get extra money to cover flights, housing, school supplies, and other living expenses.

You can use this scholarship for almost any kind of program, whether a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, a language course, or a professional certification.

• You should have scored at least 7.5 or higher in each IELTS test component.
• You should not be a citizen of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK or the US.
• You should be planning to study at a higher education institution.

TheIELTS Australia Scholarship is a financial lifesaver for international students who want to study and research in Australia. It offers a generous award of INR 12L to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.

The scholarship is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students and students in exchange programs in Australia. You can renew it yearly, depending on how well you do in your studies.

• You should not be a citizen of Australia.
• You should have scored 6.5 or higher in each IELTS test component.
• You should have a valid offer of admission from an Australian education institution.
• You should show financial need and a great dedication to your studies.

The IDP Education Excellence Scholarship can help you big time! Administered by IDP Education, this scholarship can be used to cover a variety of expenses. On top of tuition fees, housing, and textbooks, it can help you prepare for the IELTS exam by paying for study materials like books and online courses.

• You should have scored 7.0 or higher in each IELTS test component.
• You should not be a citizen of countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the US.
• You should have a valid offer of admission from a recognised educational institution.

Many brilliant students have the potential to excel on the IELTS exam, but financial limitations can hold them back. The IELTS Fee Waiver Scholarship removes that barrier. It is a lifesaver for talented students who might not be able to afford the IELTS test fee. Thisscholarship offers a full refund of the exam cost within 45 days of taking the test.

• Your family income should be lower than 250%
• You should not be above 32 years of age.
• You should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 in your bachelor
• You should have scored at least 75% in your high school
• You should be taking the IELTS test for the very first time.

Note: Most of these scholarships are seasonal in nature; they are not available all the time, so it is recommended that you check the websites of the institutions that offer them.

Achieving a high band score in IELTS is often a prerequisite for studying in many international universities. There are many IELTS 8 band scholarships and IELTS 9 band scholarships available for Indian students, as given below.

The IELTS Academic Excellence Scholarship is a fantastic British Council and IDP Education Australia award. It rewards international students who score great on the IELTS test.

• You should have scored 7.0 or higher in each component of the IELTS test.
• You should have a valid offer of admission from an institution in a country where English is the primary language.
• You should be an excellent academic student.
• You need to make a strong commitment to your education.

The Gates Cambridge Scholarship is a competitive award for international students wishing to pursue postgraduate studies at the University of Cambridge. The scholarship covers the full tuition fees and offers a network of accomplished scholars.

• You should be a citizen of a country outside the UK.
• You should demonstrate outstanding intellectual ability and leadership potential.
• You need to demonstrate commitment to improving the lives of others.
• You should have scored 7.5 or higher in each IELTS test component.

Undergraduate students with high IELTS scores can apply for several scholarships, such as:

Chevening Scholarships, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), provide financial support to students who wish to pursue a one-year master’s degree in the UK. It covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel to and from the UK.

• You should be a citizen of India or Chevening-eligible country.
• You should have at least 2 years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience.
• You should have a strong academic record and exceptional leadership potential.
• You should demonstrate a commitment to return to your home country for at least 2 years after your studies.
• You should have scored 6.5 or higher in each IELTS test component.

The Commonwealth Scholarships are funded by the UK Department for International Development (DFID). It is designed to support talented individuals from Commonwealth countries, including India, who wish to pursue a master’s or PhD in the UK. These scholarships aim to foster academic excellence and global development.

• You should be a citizen or permanent resident of a Commonwealth country
• You should have an undergraduate honours degree of at least upper second class (2:1)
• You must be unable to afford to study in the UK without a scholarship
• You should have scored 6.5 or higher in each IELTS test component.

The GREAT Scholarships program is a joint initiative by the UK government’s GREAT Britain campaign and 26 participating UK universities. It offers financial aid to Indian students pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK.

• You should be a citizen of India.
• You should have an offer from a participating UK university.
• You should have a strong academic background and commitment to your studies.
• You should have scored 6.5 or higher in each IELTS test component.

IELTS scholarships can help you significantly reduce the financial barriers of studying abroad. They can help cover tuition fees, accommodation, and even IELTS preparation courses.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can apply for an IELTS Scholarship for Indian Students 2025

Scouting out IELTS scholarships is your first move! Start by exploring the official IELTS website and scholarship platforms for IELTS-specific and general scholarships for international students. This increases your chances of finding the perfect fit.

Found a scholarship that suits you? Great! Before applying, make sure you meet eligibility criteria including IELTS score requirements, nationality criteria and course requirements. Only use the time to apply if you meet all the requirements!

Scholarship applications often require a number of documents to prove you’re a great fit. Here’s what you might need to gather:

1. IELTS test score sheet.
2. A personal statementwhere you tell scholarship-giving bodies about yourself and your study goals.
3. Letters of recommendation from teachers or professors who can vouch for your skills.
4. Transcripts from your previous schools showing your academic record.
5. Proof of financial need, which shows you need the scholarship money.
6. Admission letter from a recognised university.

Note: Some scholarships might ask for other specific documents, so be sure to check what they require.

After collecting all the necessary documents, it’s application time!

Most scholarships let you apply online these days. You’ll usually need to fill out the online application form, providing accurate personal and academic details. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully and submit everything on time.

Some scholarships might ask you to interview to pick the final winners.

Be prepared to answer questions about your grades, what drives you to study this subject, and your goals after graduation. This is your chance to shine and show scholarship-giving bodies why you deserve the scholarship!

Once you submit your application, there’s nothing to do but wait!

Depending on the scholarship provider, it can take weeks or even months to hear back. The competition for these scholarships can be challenging, with many applicants contending for each award.

To increase your chances, ensure your application is well-prepared and shows off your skills and accomplishments. Remember, you’ve got this!

Strong applications for any IELTS scholarship depend on clarity, accuracy and relevance. Funding bodies evaluate applicants on their academic record, English proficiency, financial documents, and overall preparedness. Many applications are rejected due to incomplete paperwork or poorly written statements, so careful preparation matters.

Here are a few tips to help you ace your application.

Treat your application like a first impression. Ensure all documents, especially your statement, are free of typos and grammatical errors. A well-organised and easy-to-read application shows professionalism and attention to detail.

Read the eligibility rules closely and show how your goals match what the scholarship aims to support. When applying for an IELTS scholarship for Indian students, highlight your academic strengths, program fit and reasons for choosing the course and university.

If your current score does not meet the minimum requirement, consider retaking the test. A higher score can improve your chances, especially for merit based awards where language proficiency is part of the assessment.

Most scholarships require transcripts, letters of recommendation, financial proof, and your IELTS Test Report Form. Preparing these early helps you avoid last-minute errors that can delay or weaken your application.

Scholarship rules and deadlines change every year. Always verify the latest information on official portals before applying, especially for awards linked to English proficiency.

A strong IELTS score can support your scholarship applications, especially for programs that use English proficiency as part of their selection criteria. While IELTS itself does not offer funding, understanding each IELTS scholarship pathway and meeting the eligibility requirements can improve your chances. Staying updated through official sources and preparing your documents early remain essential for 2026 intakes.

Looking for study material to ace the IELTS test? Leap’s tailored IELTS courses can help.

At LeapScholar, we specialise in connecting students like you with scholarships that can ease your financial burden.

Book a free demo session with Leap Scholar today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)