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| (Image Source: The Manila Times/British Council Philippines) |
The British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organization for educational opportunities and cultural relations, formally opens IELTS Prize 2025, inviting individuals from Myanmar, the Philippines, and Indonesia to share their unique pathways to success for a chance to win GBP1,000. The IELTS Prize celebrates the transformative journeys of IELTS test takers and supports individuals from diverse backgrounds in achieving their academic, professional, and migration goals. Five (5) winners will be selected based on the strength and impact of their personal narratives. Five (5) finalists will also receive GBP100 gift vouchers as recognition of their efforts.
Since its inception in 2011, the IELTS Prize has empowered over 400 individuals across East Asia, helping them unlock global opportunities through financial support and recognition. The 2025 edition continues this legacy by spotlighting the journeys of IELTS test takers who have made significant strides in education, employment, or migration after taking the test with the British Council. British Council IELTS Southeast Asia Regional Exams Manager Zoe Zhang said, “Each IELTS taker’s journey reflects the unwavering determination and unique perspectives of individuals striving to achieve their dreams. These stories are powerful reminders of optimism and perseverance, and they serve to inspire others who aspire to follow similar paths. At the British Council, we are deeply moved by the personal experiences shared with us, and these narratives continually motivate us to evolve and strengthen the support we provide.” This year, the British Council looks forward to the hearing stories that reflect the academic and professional milestones achieved by test takers, as well as their personal growth and resilience.
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| IELTS Prize 2024 winner Kaela Madrunio, a graduate of MA in Forensic Linguistics from Aston University in the UK (Image Source: The Manila Times/British Council Philippines) |
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| IELTS Prize 2023 winner Casey Ann Cruz, a graduate of MA in Human Rights, International Law and Legal Studies at Mahidol University in Thailand (Image Source: The Manila Times/British Council Philippines) |
IELTS Prize 2024 winner Kaela Madrunio, a graduate of MA in Forensic Linguistics from Aston University in the UK, and Casey Ann Cruz, IELTS Prize 2023 winner and a graduate of MA in Human Rights, International Law and Legal Studies at Mahidol University in Thailand, shared with us their inspiring stories as IELTS test takers who later received higher education abroad. Kaela shared, “When I left for the UK, I was scared because it was my very first time traveling alone… and because I was the only Asian and Filipino in my class. That’s when I was really forced to grow up. I had to step out of my comfort zone and rely entirely on myself. The IELTS exam prepared me to interact with native speakers, especially when I started studying at Aston.” Casey added, “I always encourage others to consider IELTS as a tool to open doors not just academically, but also in building meaningful regional and global connections. I see the IELTS Prize as a platform giving voices to homegrown scholars, young professionals and students, especially in relation to the fields they are passionate about. In the video entry I submitted, I had the opportunity to briefly discuss the human rights situation in our country.”
Candidates applying for IELTS Prize 2025 must have taken the IELTS test with the British Council between January 1, 2025 and September 25, 2025 and achieve a minimum overall band score of 4. Interested applicants may visit https://www.britishcouncil.ph/ielts-prize-2025. Submission of applications is until September 30, 2025. IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP Education Ltd., and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. For more information, visit takeielts.britishcouncil.org.
