Canada · Various Canadian universities
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 7
- Components
- L 6.5 / R 6.5 / W 6.5 / S 6.5
- Level
- PhD
- Deadline
- Application deadline typically September 17 (e.g., for previous cycles)
Last verified: 2026-03
About Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships
The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships are Canada's most prestigious postdoctoral awards, providing $70,000 per year for two years. Approximately 70 fellowships are awarded annually across health research, natural sciences and engineering, and social sciences and humanities. The programme attracts top postdoctoral researchers from around the world.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 100
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1Banting requires IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each component. As a postdoctoral fellowship, your Writing score should ideally exceed the minimum — aim for 7.0+ to reflect research-level English proficiency.
- 2Practice writing about your research in clear, precise academic English. The IELTS Writing Task 2 skills of argumentation and evidence-based reasoning directly mirror the communication skills Banting values.
- 3The application window is April–September. Schedule your IELTS test at least three months before the deadline to allow time for score processing and potential retakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship?
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships require IELTS Academic 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each component. TOEFL iBT 100 is also accepted as an alternative.
Does the Banting Fellowship accept TOEFL?
Yes, the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships accept TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 100 as an alternative to IELTS Academic.
Can I apply to Banting without IELTS?
If you completed your doctoral degree at an institution where English was the language of instruction, you may qualify for an exemption. Contact the host institution for their specific English proficiency exemption policy.
Need Band 7? Find out where you stand.
Submit one essay. See your band score on all 4 criteria in 60 seconds. Know exactly what to fix before you apply.
Check my score — free→No credit card needed. Results in 60 seconds.
Connect with scholarship winners
Our community includes students who successfully secured IELTS-requiring scholarships. Get real advice on applications and preparation.
Join the CommunityFree forever