KATHMANDU: The British Council on July 4 announced the opening of the British Council IELTS Awards for 2016-2017. Two Nepali IELTS candidates will get an award of Rs 500,000 each, towards the cost of tuition fees, according to a press release issued by the British Council.

The awards aim to help Nepali students pursue the opportunity of a higher education abroad, once they have taken the initial step of proving their English language ability with IELTS, the statement adds.

“This award is aimed at helping Nepali candidates boost their long term career chances in the global market. It’s a wonderful opportunity, and the prize money is generous, so I fully recommend that candidates enter and try and take advantage,” the statement quoted Dr Jovan Ilic, Director of The British Council in Nepal as saying.

The British Council IELTS Awards were launched with the objective of supporting Nepali students intending to study in an English-speaking country in February 2015.

Applications will be accepted through July 29, 2016.

For more information on the awards and eligibility criteria,visit www.britishcouncil.org.np/exam/ielts