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Did you know? IELTS, which stands for International English Language Testing System, is accepted by more than 11,500 organisations in 149 countries worldwide. English-speaking countries like Australia, the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Ireland, and many European countries, need IELTS for international students to study in their respective countries.

In 2023 alone, IELTS was taken by more than 4 million students worldwide. IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment has supported tens of millions of people who have taken IELTS ever since its inception in 1989.

IELTS scholarships are provided to students who may need more financial means to support their studies abroad. It is important to note that winning an IELTS scholarship takes effort! 

It’s important to improve your English skills in all four areas tested by the IELTS: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. While a strong IELTS score is crucial, it’s not the only factor considered.

In this article, you will learn about available IELTS scholarships for Indian students, how to apply for an IELTS scholarship, and some tips to help make your application process easier.

Dive in for more details.

Key Highlights

Here’s a roundabout of everything you will learn in this article.

Features	Description
Major IELTS Scholarships Available	British Council IELTS AwardsIELTS Australia Scholarship IDP Education Excellence Scholarship
Minimum Amount Offered	IELTS Academic Excellence Scholarship – £2,000 (INR 2.1L)
Maximum Amount Offered	IDP Education Excellence Scholarship – $20,000 INR 16L
Minimum Score for IELTS Scholarship	6.5 in each component
IELTS Test Fees	Approximately INR 17K

What is an IELTS Scholarship and Who Gets it?

An IELTS scholarship is a financial award given to students who perform well on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam and plan to study abroad. Various organisations offer these scholarships, including universities, testing agencies, and government bodies.

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.

Major IELTS Scholarship Available for Indian Students

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. Achieving a high score in IELTS is often a prerequisite for studying in many international universities. IELTS scholarships are designed to support your academic aspirations and enable access to global education. 

Here are some of the major IELTS scholarships available for Indian students.

IELTS Scholarship Name	Offered By	IELTS Scholarship Amount
British Council IELTS Awards	British Council	£10,000 (INR 11L)
IDP IELTS Prize	IDP Education	£5,000 (INR 5.3L)
IELTS Australia Scholarship	IDP Education Australia	$15,000 (INR 12L)
IELTS Academic Excellence Scholarship	British Council & IDP Education Australia	£2,000 (INR 2.1L)
IDP Education Excellence Scholarship	IDP Education	$20,000 (INR 16L)
IELTS Fee Waiver Scholarship	Scholarship Council Canada	IELTS Fees Amount

1. British Council IELTS Awards

The British Council offers an annual award program to celebrate outstanding achievement in the IELTS test. Anyone from any country and age can apply if they meet the program’s requirements. 

You walk away with two prizes: a certificate recognizing their accomplishment and a generous sum of INR 11L. This money can be used to improve your English skills or even to help you pursue further education. 

British Council IELTS Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• 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 recognized UK university.
• You need to show financial hardship and an absolute dedication to your education.

2. IDP IELTS Prize

IDP Education offers the IDP IELTS Prize each year. This scholarship rewards international students who score high on the IELTS exam and is designed to ease the financial burden of studying in a country where English is the primary language of instruction.

The prize is a one-time payment of up to INR 5.3L. 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 professional certification.

IDP IELTS Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• 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.

3. IELTS Australia Scholarship

The IELTS 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. 

To win this IELTS scholarship, you’ll need to show solid academic grades, prove you have financial need, and convince scholarship-providing authorities that you’re passionate about your chosen field of study in Australia. 

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.

Australia IELTS Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• 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.

4. IELTS Academic Excellence Scholarship

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. 

This scholarship aims to get more international students studying in English-speaking countries like the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand. If you win this IELTS scholarship, you’ll get a one-time award of up to INR 2.1L to help pay for your tuition fees, accommodation, and other education costs.

IELTS Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• 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 instruction language.
• You should be an excellent academic student.
• You need to make a strong commitment to your education.

5. IDP Education Excellence Scholarship

The IDP Education Excellence Scholarship can help you big time! This scholarship is open to international students from anywhere in the world and offers financial aid of up to INR 16L.  

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.

IDP IELTS Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• 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.
• You should have an excellent academic record.
• You need to show a strong commitment towards your education.

6. IELTS Fee Waiver Scholarship

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. This scholarship offers a full refund of the exam cost within 45 days of taking the test.

IELTS Fee Waiver Scholarship Eligibility Criteria

• 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.

Please 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. The names of the institutions can be found in the “Offered By” section in the above table.

Application Process for IELTS Scholarship for Indian Students 2024

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.

As a non-native speaker, it is crucial that you have an IELTS certificate. It is recognised in more than 140 countries and counting.

IELTS is accepted by more than 3,400 institutions in the US, more than 900 in Australia and more than 900 in Canada.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can apply for an IELTS Scholarship for Indian Students in 2024

1. Research

Scouting out IELTS scholarships is your first move! 

Start your search on the official IELTS website and other scholarship websites. Look for scholarships designed explicitly for IELTS scores, but also consider general scholarships for international students. This increases your chances of finding the perfect fit.

2. Check eligibility

Found a scholarship that suits you? Great! Before you get into applying, make sure you double-check if you’re eligible. This usually involves meeting a specific IELTS score, being from the correct country, choosing a course that fits the scholarship, and following any other rules they have. Only use the time to apply if you meet all the requirements!

3. Gather Documents Required for IELTS Scholarships

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

1. Your IELTS test score sheet.
2. A personal statement where 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 recognized university.

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

4. Submit Application

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 forms with your personal details, academic background, and any other info they ask for. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully and submit everything on time. 

5. Interview Preparation

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! 

6. Wait For The Result

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!

Tips for Successful IELTS Scholarship Applications

When you dream of living abroad, finances often play a crucial role. If you lack financial support, that dream remains a dream. However, as you have learned in this article, various IELTS scholarships are available to ease your financial burden. You just need to make sure that you are eligible and that your application is top-notch. Many applications are rejected due to basic grammar errors or missing documents in the application.

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

Polish 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.

Become the Perfect Match

Don’t just tell the scholarship committee you want to study abroad; show them how your goals perfectly align with the scholarship’s purpose. Research the scholarship provider’s mission and highlight how your academic aspirations and desired career path connect with their vision. This demonstrates a genuine interest and strengthens you as a candidate.

Improve Your Score 

Consider retaking the test if your IELTS score falls below the scholarship’s minimum requirement. Every point counts! 

Utilise additional study materials, practice tests, and online resources to maximise your score on the next attempt. Remember, a higher score significantly increases your chances of winning the scholarship.

Looking for study material to ace the IELTS test? Leap’s tailored IELTS courses can help. They are designed and taught by India’s top IELTS trainers via live classes online. As soon as you book your seat, you will be able to access mock tests, speaking and writing evaluations, and comprehensive study materials. You will also get access to all class recordings and a course completion certificate. Book a demo session with Leap Scholar today.

To Sum Up

Studying abroad can be a tad expensive for Indian students. However, there are ways to get financial assistance, like IELTS scholarships. IELTS scholarships play an important role in promoting global education opportunities. With persistence, preparation, and confidence, you can pursue these scholarships and take a step closer to your educational dreams.

With the assistance of IELTS scholarships, you can afford your tuition fees, general expenses, and, in some cases, even travel costs.

Ready to take charge of your IELTS journey? Book a free demo session today and learn how to crack IELTS with high scores within 4 weeks. See how Leap Scholar’s comprehensive program, including live classes, practice tests, and personalised feedback, can help you achieve your target score.