This International Women’s Day we’re shining a spotlight on four women who are redefining what’s possible through their courage to dream big and pursue international education opportunities.
The IDP IELTS Future Award empowers IELTS test takers follow international study, career and migration pathways, opening doors to opportunities that transform lives and communities.
In this blog post, we recognise the passion, purpose and impact of some of our 2025 winners, women whose vision and perseverance are shaping a better tomorrow. And if you’re ready to take your own leap forward, stay tuned for the 2026 IDP IELTS Future Award, coming soon!
What is the IDP IELTS Future Award?
The IDP IELTS Future Award supports IELTS test takers on their journey to a better future.
The 2025 program gave IDP IELTS test takers an opportunity to be selected for an award of $5,000 USD to help them realise their international study, career and migration goals.
Meet the women who won the IDP IELTS Future Award
Get inspired by four of last year’s Future Award recipients, women united by their determination to create change and give back to their communities and future generations.
Jessica Denisse Clatza Cortés - Mexico
Jessica is a mechatronics engineering graduate with a passion for space exploration and rocket science. In her application, she told us she enjoys sharing knowledge and inspiring others through teaching astronomy and robotics to children and sparking their interest in future STEM careers.
But turning that dream into reality wasn’t easy. Opportunities in space technology are limited in her home country, Mexico, and studying overseas felt financially out of reach, as her father is her only source of support.
Winning the IDP IELTS Future Award changed the direction of her journey, allowing Jessica to pursue a Master’s in Space Engineering at Polytechnico de Milano.
Her research will focus on green propellants, aiming to help make space exploration more sustainable. It’s a step toward building a career where she can make a meaningful impact on the world and perhaps even beyond it.
Chinenye Okafor - Nigeria
Dr. Nenye Okafor is a dedicated medical doctor from Nigeria, with a dream of completing her residency in a developed country where she can immerse herself in world-class research and cutting-edge medical technology. Her ambition is to specialise in obstetrics and gynecology so she can contribute to improving maternal healthcare in her country.
Reaching her target IELTS score was an important milestone in this journey. With this achievement, Chinenye became eligible to sit for professional exams abroad and access respected research institutions:
In her own words:
“The IDP IELTS Future Award is more than financial aid, it is a bridge to my aspirations. It will empower me to refine my skills and gain global expertise, enabling my return home to serve communities in desperate need of quality healthcare. This award is my step towards lasting impact.”
Adhinda Maharani - Indonesia
Adhinda’s journey has been shaped by both personal strength and professional dedication. After her mother passed away, she stepped into the role of head of her family, an experience that taught her the importance of responsibility and resilience, values that continue to guide her work today.
For the past six years, Adhinda has built her career in environmental impact assessment, working to balance development with sustainability. She is committed to strengthening Indonesia’s climate resilience and helping close the gaps she sees between policy, implementation and monitoring.
Achieving an IELTS score of 7.5 opened doors to several university offers abroad for Adhinda. Winning the IDP IELTS Future Award has taken this opportunity even further. It allows her to pursue a world‑class education, broaden her expertise and connect with global researchers, helping her contribute to climate change solutions.
Ngan Le - Vietnam
Ngan grew up in a small province in Vietnam, where her dream of studying abroad often felt faraway. She told us she would stare at the world map and wonder if she would ever have the chance to study abroad.
Financial barriers made this dream seem impossible, but Ngan was determined to find a way. She gained experience working for global companies and represented Vietnam in international competitions. Scoring an impressive 8.5 on her IELTS test gave Ngan the confidence to apply to universities overseas, which led to an offer from the London Business School.
Winning the IDP IELTS Future Award has been a life‑changing opportunity for Ngan. It allows her to focus fully on her studies, explore global opportunities, and build a career that can make a real difference.
After completing her studies in the UK, Ngan plans to return to Vietnam, where she hopes to support struggling businesses and mentor young talents, inspiring those who may be looking at the map as she once did and dreaming of where their future might take them.
Dream big in 2026
International Women’s Day is a reminder of how education, determination and opportunity can open doors, break barriers and transform communities across the globe.
Congratulations once again to our 2025 IDP IELTS Future Award winners: Jessica, Chinenye, Ngan, and Adhinda. Your courage, vision and determination are inspiring IELTS test takers everywhere to dream bigger and aim higher.
The IDP IELTS Future Award is returning in 2026, ready to support tomorrow’s global changemakers. Keep an eye on our award page and follow our social channels to discover when and how you apply.
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