United Kingdom · Scottish universities
Scotland's Saltire Scholarships
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 6.5
- Components
- L 5.5 / R 5.5 / W 5.5 / S 5.5
- Level
- PG
- Deadline
- September (e.g., 10 September 2025 for 2026 entry)
Last verified: 2026-03
About Scotland's Saltire Scholarships
Scotland's Saltire Scholarships are funded by the Scottish Government in partnership with Scottish universities. They provide GBP 8,000 toward tuition fees for one-year taught postgraduate master's programmes in science, technology, creative industries, healthcare, and renewable energy. The scheme is open to students from Canada, China, India, Japan, Pakistan, and the USA.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 79, PTE Academic 54
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1Saltire requires IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 5.5. This is manageable for most applicants, but ensure your weakest skill exceeds the 5.5 threshold.
- 2Only specific subject areas qualify for Saltire scholarships. Make sure your chosen programme falls within science, technology, creative industries, healthcare, or renewable energy.
- 3Since this is a partial scholarship covering GBP 8,000, prepare to demonstrate additional funding sources in your application. Strong IELTS scores can strengthen your overall application profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for Scotland's Saltire Scholarship?
Scotland's Saltire Scholarships require IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component. Some Scottish universities may require higher scores depending on the programme.
Who is eligible for Saltire Scholarships?
Saltire Scholarships are open to citizens of Canada, China (including Hong Kong), India, Japan, Pakistan, and the USA. Applicants must hold a first-class or upper second-class honours degree or equivalent and apply for an eligible taught postgraduate programme.
Can I combine Saltire Scholarship with other funding?
Yes, since the Saltire Scholarship only covers GBP 8,000 of tuition fees, you can and are encouraged to seek additional funding. Many Scottish universities offer their own scholarships that can be combined with the Saltire award.
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