United Kingdom · Various UK universities
Marshall Scholarship
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 7.5
- Components
- L 7 / R 7 / W 7 / S 7
- Level
- PG
- Deadline
- September–October
Last verified: 2026-03
About Marshall Scholarship
Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a graduate degree in the United Kingdom. Up to 50 scholars are selected annually to study at any UK university for up to two years. The programme was established in 1953 as a gesture of thanks to the United States for the Marshall Plan.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7.5 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 100
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1Marshall requires only IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each band — relatively accessible for American applicants. Most native English-speaking US applicants will meet this requirement comfortably.
- 2Even though the IELTS requirement is moderate, some UK universities you apply to through Marshall may have higher English requirements. Check the specific requirements of your target institutions.
- 3If English is your first language, contact Marshall directly — you may be exempt from the IELTS requirement. The scholarship is only open to US citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Marshall Scholars need to take IELTS?
Marshall Scholarships require IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component. However, as the scholarship is only open to US citizens, many applicants may qualify for English language exemptions based on their educational background.
What is the minimum IELTS score for Marshall Scholarship?
The minimum IELTS score for Marshall Scholarship is 6.5 overall with no component below 6.0. This is one of the lower IELTS requirements among major UK scholarships, reflecting that applicants are US citizens.
Can I apply to Marshall Scholarship if I am not a US citizen?
No, Marshall Scholarships are exclusively for citizens of the United States. If you are not a US citizen, consider other UK scholarships such as Chevening, Commonwealth, or Gates Cambridge depending on your eligibility.
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