Zollege is here for to help you!!
Need Counselling
IELTS logo

British Council IELTS Scholarships: Amount and Eligibility

OverviewIELTS Scholarshipsexam dates esOverview EsIELTS ResultsIELTS RESULT ESIELTS Writing Task 2IELTS ReadingIELTS Speaking TopicsIELTS PreparationIELTS ListeningIELTS Exam PatternIELTS Practice PapersIELTS Coaching in IndiaIELTS CutoffNews
Rituparna Nath's profile photo

Rituparna Nath

Content Writer at Study Abroad Exams | Updated On - Dec 12, 2022

IELTS scholarships or IELTS fee waiver are the financial aid available for meritorious students. In order to qualify for IELTS scholarships or fee waiver, candidates must have a score higher than 6.5. Particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds, IELTS scholarships help students fulfil their ambition of studying abroad. IELTS scholarship is offered by British Council based on the candidate’s performance and scoring criteria. The British Council has introduced the British Council IELTS Scholarship Award. IELTS scholarship amount ranges around £10,000 and above. However, in order to qualify for the scholarship, candidates must meet a few requirements outlined by the British Council.  The scholarship is awarded for the full-time post-graduate program at any overseas university. 

British Council IELTS Award 

The British Council IELTS scholarship is for students studying in English-speaking nations. Eight students will be awarded 3 lacs which will go toward their tuition fee cost. The British Council IELTS scholarship is applicable only to courses in the 2023 academic year will be paid directly to the institution. An important aspect in the scholarship based on IELTS score is that if tution of fees of any successful candidates lies below £10,000, then the remaining funds may be allocated to support other runners-up. 

IELTS Exam Scholarship Overview

Scholarships based on IELTS score is intended to promote knowledge and study abroad objectives for Indian students. The table mentioned below provides a brief overview of the IELTS scholarship:

Aspects Addressed Details
Areas of Study Master Program 
Level Postgraduate level 
Scholarship Funded by British Council 
Provided to Indian Students

Eligibility for the British Council IELTS Award

Like IELTS eligibility criteria, candidates need to meet British Council IELTS Award eligibility criteria as well. The following requirements need to be met by candidates for obtaining IELTS scholarship:

  • Candidates need to be a citizen of India
  • Candidates must have taken IELTS at the British Council center recently
  • An overall 6 is the minimum IELTS score for scholarship offered by British Council
  • The selected university or college should consider IELTS as a part of its admission requirements

Application Procedure to apply for the British Council IELTS Scholarship

Candidates can apply for the IELTS scholarship offered by the British Council by downloading the form from the official website. They need to properly fill the form, provide their valid IELTS score, a recent photograph and send it to the mentioned contact details. Below mentioned are the exact list of documents that are required for applying to IELTS exam scholarships:

  • A completed application, including the copy of the IELTS Test Report Form and a recent photo attached to the application
  • Task A (300-word limit)
  • Disability Certificate if applicable

Mentioned below is the address at which candidates are required to send their documents for further validation: 

IELTS Scholarship
British Council Division
British Deputy High Commission
737 Anna Salai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600002

IELTS Fee Waiver Scholarship

Candidates can opt for IELTS test fee waiver scholarship to finance their exam fee. IELTS test fee scholarship can be availed for both British Council or IDP fees. IELTS test fee scholarship will cover IELTS fees of Rs. 15,500. Candidates will receive a full refund of their IELTS fee within 45 days of taking the test. Candidates need to notice the proper deadlines when applying for an IELTS fee scholarship. The eligibility criteria for availing IELTS exam fee scholarship are:

  • Candidates whose monthly family income is lower than $250 is eligible
  • Candidates who have not taken IELTS before is eligible
  • Candidates need to be below 32 years of age for applying
  • Must have qualified high-school with 75% marks
  • Candidates who have completed undergraduate studies should have at least a 3.0 GPA

Great Scholarship India

Great Scholarships are IELTS scholarship for Indian students to study in one of the top UK universities. This IELTS scholarship offers up to £10,000 for a one-year postgraduate course. This scholarship is jointly funded by British Council and UK Great Britain’s Campaign. 

IELTS Scholarship Eligibility 

British Council, several universities, and governments grant IELTS scholarships to Indian students. It is offered upon achieving exceptional scores in the IELTS exam. The eligibility criteria for the British Council’s GREAT Scholarship India are as follows:

  • The candidate must be an Indian citizen. 
  •  Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and an interest in the subject they wish to study.  
  • Candidates  must take English language tests like IELTS, TOEFL-iBT, PTE Academic
  • Candidates must be ready to attend GREAT scholars’ networking events talking about perceptions and experiences. 
  • Candidates must be connected with British Council and HEIs, and be willing to work as a GREAT scholarship ambassador. 
  • Speak to potential GREAT scholars whenever required.
  • Candidates must be connected with the UK as a scholar for academic goals.

UK Universities Participating in Great Scholarship Program 

The UK universities participated in Scholarship 2022-23 are: 

Applications Details for IELTS Scholarships

To avail of the Great Scholarship, Indian candidates must appear for IELTS. Candidates can apply for the GREAT scholarship which is valid for up to two years with previous IELTS scores. Before applying for the GREAT scholarship, the candidate may check the application details below:

  • Candidates must visit the university's website to learn more about the scholarship and the application process for each institute.
  • Universities have different deadlines. So make sure to keep yourself informed about the dates.
  • Universities officially inform selected candidates.
  • Universities disburse scholarship awards.

Other IELTS Scholarships Offered by British Council 

British Council offers different types of IELTS scholarships based on score, qualifications, and family income. One of the main requirements for obtaining IELTS scholarships for Indian students in securing a minimum IELTS band score of 6 and above. There are few types of IELTS scholarships as mentioned below.

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships

Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship is another award that also accepts IELTS for scholarship. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships offer Indian candidates who are in the early or mid-stage of their career to gain experience in the UK. Candidates receive an approximate amount of GBP 1400 or Rs. 1,44, 730 for conducting their research or studies during their stay.

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Program 

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Program is another program that is financed by the Department for International Development, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Department for Business, and the Department for Education (DFE), in association with UK universities. This is not only an IELTS exam fee scholarship but also covers tuition fees, economy return international travel fare, enough maintenance, and other amenities. Ministry of Human Resource Development carries out the selection process. An approximate £1,116 per month or £1,369 per month is offered for candidates staying in metropolitan areas. This is one of the best IELTS scholarships available.

British Council IELTS Award 

British Council IELTS Award is available for only those candidates who are taking the IELTS test from a German British Council test center. Candidates get the opportunity to pursue higher education in any of the foreign institutions. An amount of £3,000 to £10,000 is offered to the candidates. Candidates also need to provide IELTS TRF provided by the British Council in Germany only.

There are plenty of IELTS-funded research programs for researchers. IELTS 9 band scholarship is a targeted score by many of those candidates for obtaining the fund. In general, candidates need to aim for an IELTS 7.5 scholarship. There are many free IELTS scholarships that are available for students with low family income.

*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.

Ask your question