Global
World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
IELTS Requirement & Application Guide
- IELTS
- 6.5
- Components
- L 6 / R 6 / W 6 / S 6
- Level
- PhD
- Deadline
- September–November
Last verified: 2026-03
About World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program
The World Bank Robert S. McNamara Fellowships Program supports PhD researchers from developing countries conducting research on development topics for 5–10 months at a renowned institution outside their home country. It provides up to $25,000 for research expenses, travel costs, and health insurance.
IELTS Required
| Overall | L | R | W | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Accepts: Academic ✓ / General ✗
Also accepted: TOEFL iBT 79
Tips for Meeting the Requirement
- 1The McNamara Fellowship requires IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component. As a PhD-level research fellowship, strong academic writing (IELTS Writing Band 7.0+) is especially valuable.
- 2Apply between September and November. The fellowship is research-focused, so use IELTS preparation to hone your ability to read academic papers quickly and write clear research summaries.
- 3Your research proposal is the most critical part of the application. Practice IELTS Writing Task 2 with topics related to your development research area to refine your academic argumentation skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for the McNamara Fellowship?
The World Bank McNamara Fellowship requires IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with a minimum of 6.0 in each component. TOEFL iBT 79 is the accepted alternative.
Does the McNamara Fellowship accept TOEFL?
Yes, TOEFL iBT with a minimum score of 79 is accepted. The fellowship focuses on research capacity, so language scores are one component of a broader evaluation.
Can I apply for the McNamara Fellowship without IELTS?
English proficiency documentation (IELTS or TOEFL) is required. As a PhD research fellowship, you must demonstrate the ability to conduct research and write in English at an advanced academic level.
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