Mumbai: This week, the British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Scholarship Award is being introduced in India. Under IELTS, eight students stand to receive a scholarship award worth Rupees three lakh to pursue their Post Graduation studies in 2010. Award winners will begin a full time postgraduate programme at any overseas university, which uses IELTS as a part of its admission requirements and as a reliable measure of English language proficiency.
IELTS is accepted by over 6,000 institutions in 125 countries worldwide, over 2,500 institutions and programmes in the US. The number of IELTS test takers globally increased to over 1.4 million in 2009. The criteria for eligibility include being a citizen of India, to begin full time postgraduate study outside India in 2010, attend a higher education institution that accepts IELTS as a part of its admission requirements, possess valid IELTS score, with a minimum band score average 6.5. Applicants also need to have taken their most recent IELTS test with the British Council, provide an acceptance letter from the attending institution by August 20, 2010.
IELTS will select 40 applicants who will be required to make a ten minute presentation on a topic that will be communicated, followed by a brief interview. Applicants also have to complete a selection Task (300 word essay) before last date July 31, 2010. Detailed information regarding British Council IELTS Scholarship Award, including application materials, is available at-www.ielts.britishcouncil.org.in
IELTS has issued statement confirming that they will be selecting eight Indian students who are planning to follow a Post Graduate course of study at an overseas university in 2010 in line with its mission to promote the global sharing of knowledge and ideas. Further, it mentioned that by giving them access to international educational opportunities, IELTS hopes to benefit both individuals and the countries from, which they come while at the same time promoting higher education links between the UK and India. They are also launching the award in three other Asian countries with a total investment of UK Pound 60,000 (Rs 42, 00,000). Moreover, the Award is simultaneously being launched in Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan.
