IELTS Scholarship: Best IELTS Scholarships for Indian Students in 2025

Studying abroad is indeed a dream come true, and while it might be a life-altering experience, budget can greatly impact the overall experience. 

Hence, financial planning becomes a priority for every student.

Fortunately, many institutions understand these common challenges and don't wish to discourage students from pursuing their dream universities. Hence, scholarships are introduced to help ease the financial burden.

The best part is that if you are an Indian national thinking about taking the IELTS exam, there are numerous scholarships to choose from that could completely assist with your tuition costs, traveling expenses, and even living accommodations.

Key Highlights:

• Popular IELTS scholarships include IDP IELTS Prize, IELTS Australia Scholarship, and Academic Excellence Scholarships
• The average IELTS scholarship amount in India varies, typically ranging from ₹5.3 lakh to ₹30 lakh, depending on the institute and program.
• Most scholarships for Indian students require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, though some may ask for 7.0 or higher depending on the program.
  

What is the IELTS Scholarship?

An IELTS scholarship is essentially a financial reward given to students that scored a high mark in an IELTS exam and are looking to obtain education outside their country. These scholarships are awarded by various people and organizations, such as universities, government bodies, and testing agencies.

Looking for scholarships with your IELTS score? Book a call with Yocket Prep experts to discover funding opportunities and boost your chances of studying abroad affordably.

What are the Types of IELTS scholarships for Indian Students?

More Indian students are taking the IELTS examination in recent years to pursue their dreams of studying abroad. Hence, various scholarships have been established to reward merit and reduce the financial burden on students. 

For example, IDP Education gives the IELTS Celebrating Success Award, which has 300 prizes of ₹10,000, reserved for those who score an overall band of 6 or higher, of which 33% of the awards are reserved for women to encourage females to participate more.

Also, the British Council IELTS Scholarship is open to Indian students undertaking postgraduate studies abroad and is valued between £3,000 to £10,000. These types of awards, up to eight, are split towards tuition fees and differ depending on the institution attended.

These are some of the many grants aimed to foster and give opportunities to the growing Indian student populace striving to get the best education worldwide.

Well-Known IELTS Scholarships for International Students

Numerous sought-after scholarships for international students who are taking the IELTS exam are offering financial support for their studies.

Some of the best IELTS scholarships include:

1. British Council IELTS Awards

Recognising excellence in IELTS, this annual international program is open to candidates of all ages and nationalities. Winners receive a certificate and monetary prize for further studies, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs to and from the UK. Eligibility criteria include citizenship outside the UK, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, a valid offer from a recognised UK university, and a demonstration of financial need and commitment to studies.

2. IDP IELTS Prize

Established by IDP Education, this annual scholarship rewards high-achieving international students with an IELTS score of 7.5 or higher. The one-time payment of up to $5,000 helps cover tuition and living expenses. Eligibility criteria involve achieving the specified IELTS score, citizenship outside select countries, and planning to study in a country where English is the primary language of instruction.

3. IELTS Australia Scholarship

This scholarship supports international students pursuing study and research goals in Australia based on academic performance, financial need, and commitment to their chosen field. Available to undergraduates, postgraduates, and exchange students, the renewable award depends on ongoing academic performance. Eligibility includes citizenship outside Australia, a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, and a valid admission offer from an Australian higher education institution.

4. IELTS Academic Excellence Scholarship

Jointly offered by the British Council and IDP Education Australia, this prestigious award recognises international students with high IELTS scores. The one-time award of up to £2,000 (or local currency equivalent) encourages education pursuits in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Criteria encompass a minimum IELTS score of 7.0, a valid admission offer from an institution where English is the primary language, and a demonstration of academic excellence and commitment.

5. IDP Education Excellence Scholarship

Administered by IDP Education, this IELTS scholarship offers international students financial assistance of up to $20,000, covering tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and other expenses. Open to students from any country, eligibility is not limited by IELTS scores but aims to support various educational costs.

These scholarships play a crucial role in facilitating international students' academic pursuits and easing the financial burden associated with their education.

IELTS Exam Fee Scholarships

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

IELTS Scholarship for Undergraduate Students

While there isn’t a specific “IELTS scholarship” just for undergraduate students, a high IELTS score can open doors to various scholarship opportunities, especially in English-speaking countries. 

Remember, universities and funding organizations often consider IELTS scores as part of their selection process for international students. Hence, a strong score not only boosts your admission chances but can also improve your eligibility for financial aid.

So, how does your IELTS score help? Here’s a quick breakdown:

Scholarships That Consider IELTS Scores

• Chevening Scholarship (UK): A prestigious UK government scholarship for master’s students. While it primarily supports postgraduate education, applicants often need a minimum IELTS score of 6.5.

• Australia Awards Scholarships: These scholarships support students from developing countries who want to study in Australia. High IELTS scores can strengthen your application.

• Reliance Foundation Undergraduate Scholarships: While not directly linked to IELTS, this program helps bright Indian students pursue undergraduate studies based on merit and financial need.

• University-Specific Scholarships: Many universities worldwide offer scholarships where English proficiency (measured through IELTS) is part of the eligibility criteria.
  
  

Hey, to be Grad! Don't worry, the major takeaway here is to keep giving your best.

A strong IELTS score won’t guarantee a scholarship, but it can give you an edge. Always check individual scholarship requirements to maximize your chances!

Application Process for IELTS Scholarships

Applying for an IELTS scholarship offers international students a valuable opportunity to alleviate the expenses associated with the IELTS exam. Scholarships assist in covering the examination costs and provide additional support and resources for students to prepare adequately. Here is a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to apply for an IELTS scholarship:

• Research: Initiate the process by conducting thorough research on available options. Begin by exploring the official IELTS website and other platforms offering information on international scholarships. Look for scholarships explicitly tailored for IELTS, as well as those accessible to international students at large.

• Check Eligibility: Carefully review the eligibility criteria after identifying a prospective scholarship. This involves confirming the required score, considering the country of origin, evaluating the designated course of study, and examining other pertinent criteria. Ensure that you meet all specified requirements before proceeding with the application.

• Prepare Documents: Assemble essential documents necessary for the IELTS scholarship application. These may encompass a personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, proof of financial need, and any other documents specified by the scholarship provider.

• Submit the Application: Once all required documents are prepared, submit the scholarship application. Typically conducted online, this process entails providing personal information, detailing academic background, and furnishing other relevant details

• Prepare for the Interview: Anticipate the possibility of an interview as part of the selection process. Be well-prepared to respond to questions regarding your academic background, motivation, and plans.

• Wait for the Result: After applying, patiently await the outcome. The duration for receiving results may vary from several weeks to months, depending on the scholarship provider's timeline.

Recognising the intense competition for IELTS scholarships is imperative, with numerous applicants vying for each opportunity. To enhance your likelihood of success, ensure your application is meticulously prepared, accurately reflecting your abilities and achievements.

Tips for Successful IELTS Scholarship Applications

It's a Hard Truth, but getting a scholarship isn’t a cake walk. 

There’s paperwork, deadlines, eligibility criteria, and a fair amount of competition. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible! With the right approach, you can boost your chances of securing financial aid for your study abroad journey. Here’s how:

• Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships. Many programs have strict deadlines, and some require recommendation letters, essays, or interviews. Give yourself enough time to prepare a strong application.
• Polish Your Application: A solid scholarship application is more than just filling out a form. Highlight your achievements, goals, and why you deserve the scholarship. If an essay is required, make it personal and compelling enough that universities cannot reject it.
• Aim for a High IELTS Score: Since many scholarships consider IELTS scores, give your best shot at the test and aim for a score that makes your application stand out.
• Research, Research, Research: There’s no universal “IELTS Scholarship” but there are tons of funding opportunities where a high IELTS score can help. Check university websites, government programs, and private organizations to find scholarships that match your profile.
• Apply to Multiple Scholarships: Don’t pin all your hopes on one scholarship. Apply to several that align with your study plans, IELTS score, and financial needs. More applications mean better chances of securing funding.
• Believe in yourself: Scholarship applications can be nerve-wracking, but don’t let self-doubt stop you, as many students think they won’t qualify and, hence, avoid applying. Don’t make that mistake! Put your best foot forward and give it a shot.

At the end of the day, scholarships are competitive, but with preparation, persistence, and a strong IELTS score, you have a real shot at making your study abroad dreams a reality!

From the Desk of Yocket

Scholarship applications can be daunting, but you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. At Yocket Prep, we’re here to help you with IELTS prep, finding scholarships, and crafting strong applications. With expert guidance and resources tailored to your needs, we can support you every step of the way to secure the funding you deserve. Let’s make your study abroad dreams a reality!