Every year, strong applicants miss fully funded scholarship opportunities because their English test result arrives too late or their score falls just short in one section. A 7.0 overall score may still be rejected if a scholarship or university requires at least 6.0 in every band.

The good news is that most fully funded scholarships do not set their own IELTS score. Instead, they require applicants to meet the English language requirements of the university where they will study.

For many Master’s programs in the UK, Australia, and Europe, IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no section below 6.0 is a common target. More competitive universities and professional programs may require 7.0 or higher.

However, some major scholarships set their own English requirements, while others do not require IELTS at all.

The biggest issue is often not the required band. It is timing. Your test result needs to be valid and available when the scholarship or university checks it.

The Short Answer: What IELTS Score Do You Need?

Here are the main points to remember:

• Most scholarships rely on the English language requirement of the university.
• IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 is a common requirement for many UK, Australian, and European Master’s programs.
• Competitive universities and professional courses may require IELTS 7.0 or higher.
• Australia Awards has its own specific English language requirement.
• Some scholarships, including GKS and MEXT, do not require IELTS as a general scholarship requirement.
• Universities can still require an English test even when the scholarship itself does not.
• Alternative tests such as TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge qualifications, or accepted proof of previous English-medium education may be available depending on the scholarship or university.

Two Types of Scholarship English Requirements

Fully funded scholarships generally fall into two broad categories.

Group 1: The Scholarship Sets the English Requirement

In this case, the scholarship itself specifies the minimum score you need and may require you to submit the result with your application.

If you do not meet the minimum score, your application may not be considered.

Australia Awards is a clear example of this approach. Some Fulbright commissions also specify their own English requirements.

Group 2: The Scholarship Uses the University’s Requirement

Some scholarships do not set an independent IELTS requirement. Instead, you must meet the English language requirements of the university and course you choose.

This applies to scholarships such as:

• Chevening
• Commonwealth Scholarships
• Gates Cambridge
• Many DAAD programs
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programs

This can appear easier because the scholarship does not give you a specific IELTS number. However, you still need to satisfy the university’s requirement and, where applicable, obtain an unconditional offer before the scholarship deadline.

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IELTS Requirements for Major Fully Funded Scholarships 2027

Chevening Scholarship 2027 – UK

Does Chevening set its own IELTS requirement? No.

Chevening removed its own English language requirement in 2020. However, applicants must satisfy the English requirement of their chosen UK university.

For the 2027 cycle, applicants need an unconditional offer from one of their three selected UK courses by 8 July 2027.

A common university target is:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall
• Minimum section score: 6.0
• Some competitive courses may require 7.0 or higher

Chevening applicants should therefore check the requirements of their selected courses rather than relying on a general Chevening IELTS score.

Commonwealth Master’s and PhD Scholarships – UK

Does the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission set its own IELTS score? No.

English language requirements are generally determined by the UK university and selected course.

A common target is:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall
• Minimum section score: 6.0
• Some PhD and health-related programs may require 7.0 or higher

For the 2027/28 cycle, the provided information lists 20 October 2026 as the CSC deadline for nominations.

Applicants should check both the scholarship requirements and the university’s admission requirements.

Australia Awards Scholarships 2027

Does Australia Awards set its own English requirement? Yes.

Australia Awards is one of the clearest examples of a major scholarship with a defined English language requirement.

The listed minimum requirements are:

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall, with no band below 6.0
• TOEFL iBT: 84, with no sub-test below 21
• PTE Academic: 58, with no communicative skill below 50

Reduced English Requirement

The provided information states that women, people with disabilities, and some marginalised groups may be eligible to apply with:

• IELTS 6.0 overall
• No band below 5.5

Important Validity Rule

The English test result must be valid on 1 January 2027 and must be submitted with the application.

According to the source, there is no option to simply submit the test result later.

DAAD EPOS and Other DAAD Scholarships – Germany

Does DAAD set one universal IELTS score? Not exactly.

DAAD requires proof of English for English-taught courses, but the exact requirement is generally determined by the individual study program.

A typical range is:

• IELTS 6.0–6.5 for many Master’s programs
• Some programs require 7.0

Depending on the program, alternatives may include:

• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge C1
• Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate in some cases

Important DAAD Deadline Point

DAAD EPOS applications for programs beginning in October 2027 may close as early as August to October 2026, depending on the course.

Applicants should therefore check their selected program well before the year of study.

Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s – Europe

Does Erasmus Mundus have one IELTS requirement? No.

Each Erasmus Mundus consortium sets its own language requirements.

A common range is:

• IELTS 6.5 overall
• Minimum 6.0 in each section

However:

• Some programs accept 6.0.
• Some competitive programs require 7.0.

Most Erasmus Mundus programs have application deadlines between December 2026 and February 2027 and may require the English certificate to be uploaded with the application.

Always check the requirements of the specific consortium before booking your test.

Gates Cambridge Scholarship – UK

Does Gates Cambridge set its own IELTS score? No. The requirement comes from the University of Cambridge.

The Cambridge standard listed in the source is:

• IELTS Academic: 7.5 overall
• At least 7.0 in each section

Alternative:

• TOEFL iBT: 110
• At least 25 in each section

This is one of the highest English language requirements among the scholarships covered in this guide.

English-language exemptions are determined by Cambridge rather than by the Gates Cambridge scholarship itself.

Fulbright Foreign Student Program – USA

Does Fulbright set an English requirement? Usually, requirements are determined through the Fulbright commission or program in the applicant’s country.

Typical requirements can range from:

• TOEFL iBT: 80–100
• IELTS: 6.5–7.0

However, requirements differ between countries.

Applicants should therefore check the Fulbright commission responsible for their country instead of relying on a single global score.

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – South Korea

Is IELTS required for GKS? No.

The Global Korea Scholarship does not generally require an English test as a mandatory scholarship requirement.

However, submitting an English or Korean language score can strengthen an application because:

• IELTS or TOEFL scores may provide additional selection points.
• TOPIK results can also be useful depending on the application route.

Applicants should check the current GKS guidelines for the relevant year.

MEXT Scholarship – Japan

Does MEXT require IELTS? No, not as a general scholarship requirement.

MEXT does not generally require applicants to submit IELTS or TOEFL.

However, universities offering English-taught programs may have their own English language requirements. A university may therefore request an English test before issuing an acceptance or admission document.

Stipendium Hungaricum – Hungary

The English language requirement for Stipendium Hungaricum is generally determined by the host university and selected program.

A common range is:

• IELTS 6.0–6.5

Applicants should check the requirements of their chosen university and degree before applying.

Türkiye Scholarships – Türkiye

Is IELTS required? No general IELTS requirement applies to Türkiye Scholarships.

Applicants may be able to study through a preparatory language year depending on their program and circumstances.

However, individual programs may have their own language requirements, so applicants should check the selected university and course.

Chinese Government Scholarship – China

For English-taught programs, universities commonly request English proficiency evidence.

A typical requirement may be:

• IELTS 6.0
• TOEFL iBT 80

Requirements can vary by university and program, so applicants should verify the exact requirement before applying.

IELTS Requirements at a Glance

Common IELTS Mistakes That Can Cost You a Scholarship

1. Focusing Only on the Overall Band

A high overall score does not automatically mean you meet the requirement.

For example, an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with 5.5 in Writing will not satisfy a requirement stating that every section must be at least 6.0.

Always check both:

• Overall score
• Minimum score for each section

2. Taking the Wrong IELTS Version

Many universities and scholarships specifically require IELTS Academic.

Do not automatically assume that IELTS General Training will be accepted.

You should also check whether the university accepts:

• IELTS Online
• IELTS One Skill Retake
• Test-centre results
• Other approved versions

Acceptance can differ between institutions.

3. Letting Your English Test Expire

IELTS results are generally valid for two years from the test date, but the important question is when the scholarship or university checks the validity.

For example, the provided Australia Awards requirement uses 1 January 2027 as its validity date, while universities may apply their own timing rules.

A score that is technically within two years when you apply may not necessarily remain valid when the university checks it.

4. Booking the Test Too Late

Waiting until the scholarship deadline is close can create serious problems.

You may need time for:

1. Taking the test
2. Receiving the result
3. Sending the result to the university
4. The university updating your application or offer
5. Taking a second test if you miss one section

A late test can therefore affect your university admission even if your final IELTS score is good enough.

How to Reach Your Required IELTS Score Before the Deadline

Step 1: Find the Requirement for Your Exact Course

Do not choose your IELTS target based only on the scholarship name.

First check the university and course page and record:

• Overall IELTS requirement
• Minimum score for each section
• Accepted English tests
• Exemptions
• Test validity rules

Step 2: Take a Full Mock Test

Before booking the official exam, complete a full four-section practice test under timed conditions.

This helps identify whether your problem is:

• Reading
• Listening
• Writing
• Speaking

It also tells you how far you are from your target score.

Step 3: Work Backwards From the Scholarship Deadline

Do not schedule your test for the week of the deadline.

Build enough time for:

• Your first test
• Result processing
• University processing
• A possible retake
• Scholarship submission

For example, if your university offer must be unconditional by 8 July 2027, taking the first test several months earlier gives you much more flexibility.

Step 4: Consider One Skill Retake

If you perform well in three sections but fall short in only one, IELTS One Skill Retake may be useful where the relevant university or scholarship accepts it.

The provided information states that IELTS allows one section to be retaken within 60 days.

Always confirm acceptance before relying on this option.

Can You Get a Fully Funded Scholarship Without IELTS?

Yes.

There are several possible routes.

1. The Scholarship Does Not Require an English Test

Examples from this guide include:

• Global Korea Scholarship
• MEXT
• Türkiye Scholarships

However, individual universities may still require English proficiency.

2. Another English Test Is Accepted

Depending on the scholarship and university, alternatives may include:

• TOEFL iBT
• PTE Academic
• Cambridge English qualifications

3. You Qualify for an English-Language Exemption

Some universities may accept previous education completed in English as evidence of English proficiency.

However, this is determined by the university’s rules. A scholarship should not be assumed to accept an exemption simply because another university does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a fully funded scholarship without IELTS?

Yes. Some scholarships do not require IELTS, while others accept alternative tests or allow university-specific English language exemptions.

GKS, MEXT, and Türkiye Scholarships are examples where IELTS is not generally a mandatory scholarship requirement. However, the university or program may still request English proficiency evidence.

Is IELTS 6.0 enough for a fully funded scholarship?

Sometimes.

A score of 6.0 may be sufficient for some DAAD, Erasmus Mundus, or other university programs. Australia Awards also has a reduced requirement for certain eligible groups.

However, 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 is a more common target for many UK, Australian, and European Master’s programs.

Does a higher IELTS score increase my scholarship chances?

Not necessarily.

For scholarships that simply require you to meet the university’s English requirement, a higher score generally does not automatically provide a scholarship advantage once the requirement has been met.

However, English proficiency can be part of selection for certain programs, while some scholarships such as GKS may award additional points for submitted language results.

How long is IELTS valid for scholarships?

IELTS results are generally valid for two years from the test date.

However, always check the specific scholarship’s validity rule and the date when the university evaluates your English qualification.

Should I take IELTS before applying for scholarships?

If your target scholarship or university requires IELTS, taking it early can be a major advantage.

Ideally, leave enough time for the first test, result processing, and at least one possible retake before the relevant scholarship or university deadline.

Final Thoughts

There is no single IELTS score that works for every fully funded scholarship.

The most important question is whether the scholarship sets its own English requirement or leaves the requirement to the university. Once you know this, use the university’s exact course requirement as your target.

For many Master’s programs, IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with no section below 6.0 is a useful starting target, while competitive programs can require 7.0 or higher. Some major scholarships, including GKS and MEXT, do not require IELTS at the scholarship level.

Most importantly, do not leave your English test until the last minute. Give yourself enough time for the result, university processing, and a possible retake. A good IELTS score is useful only if it arrives while you still have time to use it.

You can also explore the official IELTS awards and scholarships resources to find scholarship and award opportunities where IELTS is relevant.