Have you recently taken an IELTS test with us? Or are you planning to book one soon?
Applications for the 2026 IDP IELTS Future Award are now open!
This prestigious IELTS prize is designed to provide financial support to help you go after your dreams.
Looking for IELTS scholarship opportunities and more ways to turn your international dreams into reality? Tell us your story and you could receive one of six USD $5,000 IDP IELTS Future Awards to help shape your future.
In this post, we’ll show you how to apply and share our tips for creating a strong entry.
How to apply for the IELTS prize
Step One
Create an account on the IDP IELTS Future Award Platform. Remember to check your eligibility before applying.
Step Two
Start your entry by filling in your personal information and accepting competition terms and conditions.
Step Three
We’ll ask you to answer two short written questions and make a one-minute video. Tell us what getting your desired IELTS score means to you. And share how winning one of six IDP IELTS prizes will help you reach your goals.
Watch a video entry from Jessica Denisse Clatza Cortés, one of the 2025 IDP IELTS Future Award winners.
Tips for a standout entry
We’ll choose the winners for the IDP IELTS Future Award using three criteria:
Future Ambitions, Your Story and Potential.
Let’s take a look at each one.
Future Ambition: Share your future goals. Help the judges understand what you want to achieve and why it’s important to you.
Your Story: Clearly tell us how English or IDP IELTS gives you new opportunities or experiences, or helps you prepare for the future.
Potential: Show how it’s possible for you to make a difference.
"As an engineer, I have dedicated my career to using AI for healthcare, specifically in developing intelligent prosthetics for amputees. Co-founding AiBL, Pakistan’s first startup in smart lower-limb prosthetics, I have seen firsthand the pain of those who lose mobility. My dream is to create affordable, AI-driven solutions that restore independence. The IDP IELTS Future Award will help me pursue a Master’s in Computer Vision at MBZUAI, where I will refine my skills and expand my research. This scholarship is not just for me—it’s for the countless amputees who deserve a future where innovation restores dignity. "
- Dr. Ashique Anwar Ahmed, IDP IELTS Future Award winner (extract from his 2025 entry)
Other tips
So, what else can you do to make sure your entry has the best possible chance of success?
Be yourself: Our judges want to hear your story in your own words, so there is no need to use a particular style . Be authentic and let your personality shine through.
Express yourself clearly: Your English doesn’t need to be perfect, but your answers should be clear and easy to follow. Use language that is easy to understand and think about how you’ll organise your response.
Be concise: Keep your answers short and to the point. Make sure you stay within the limits for each question: 100 words per question and 1 minute or less for the video.
Expand on your answers: Help the judges learn more about your ambitions, story and potential by giving details such as reasons and examples in your responses.
"IELTS made my journey from Quảng Trị to London possible. Scoring 8.5 with IDP was the first step that gave me the confidence to apply and gain admission to top business schools. Preparing for IELTS not only strengthened my English proficiency but also equipped me to thrive in a country I had never been to.From registration to post-exam support, IDP provided flexibility, professionalism, and exceptional service. The seamless process, timely communication, and accommodating test schedules made IDP my top choice. As I embark on this new chapter, IDP IELTS has been instrumental in turning my aspirations into reality."
- Ngan Le, IDP IELTS Future Award winner (extract from her 2025 entry)
All entries for the IDP IELTS Future Awards must be submitted before 23:59 local time of residence, 2 October 2026. Submit your application today and give yourself the best chance of success!