As one of the pioneers of four competencies in English language assessment, IELTS established the standard for English language testing 30 years ago. Governments in the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia employ IELTS to process immigration applications.
IELTS is trusted by over 11,000 organizations worldwide, so you may be confident that the exam you take will be accepted by educational institutions, employers, governments, and professional organizations worldwide.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study, or move to a country where English is the predominant language. This covers the United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States.
Why take the IELTS?
If you wish to work, live, or study in an English-speaking nation, you must be fluent in English.
English is the world's third most spoken language, with 379 million native speakers.
There are several advantages to communicating in the local language of the nation where you intend to work or study. It is also necessary for career prospects and absorption into the community.
IELTS is the most commonly used test for persons wishing to relocate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, or the United Kingdom. It is accepted by over 11,000 businesses, colleges, schools, and immigration authorities worldwide, including 3,400 in the United States.
IELTS types
|
IELTS Academic |
IELTS for UKVI |
|
|
IELTS score scale
|
Band score |
Skill level |
Description |
|
9 |
9 |
The exam taker has complete knowledge of the language. Their usage of English is acceptable, correct, and fluent, demonstrating total comprehension. |
|
8 |
Very good user |
The test taker has an utterly functioning grasp of the language, with only minor mistakes and incorrect use. They are adept at handling complex and comprehensive reasoning. In unfamiliar environments, they may need to comprehend some things. |
|
7 |
Good user |
The test taker needs to have a functional grasp of the language, with some mistakes, incorrect use, and misunderstandings. They can typically manage complicated language and comprehend elaborate logic. |
|
6 |
Competent users |
Despite occasional mistakes, incorrect usage, and misconceptions, the test taker effectively understands the language. In familiar contexts, they can use and understand pretty complicated language. |
|
5 |
Modest user |
The test taker has a limited mastery of the language and can deal with overall meaning in most circumstances, but they are likely to make several errors. They must be capable of handling critical communication in their profession. |
|
4 |
Limited user |
The fundamental competency of the exam taker is restricted to known settings. They typically require assistance with comprehension and expression. They require assistance to employ complicated terminology. |
|
3 |
Minimal user |
In relatively familiar scenarios, the test taker merely expresses and understands the generic meaning. Communication failures occur often. |
|
2 |
Intermittent users |
The exam taker needs assistance comprehending spoken and written English. |
|
1 |
Non-user |
The test taker cannot utilize the language except for a few isolated words. |
|
0 |
Did not attempt the test. |
The taker did not respond. |
IELTS Requirements for UK Universities
IELTS standards for UK institutions are stringent. The IELTS criteria for top UK institutions are shown below. We have supplied the minimal IELTS score criteria for these universities' bachelor's and master's programs. These score criteria are subject to revision by the universities.
|
Name of institution |
World rank |
IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programs) |
IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programs) |
|
University of Oxford |
1 |
7.0 |
7.5 |
|
University of Cambridge |
2 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
Imperial College London |
9 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
University College London |
14 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
London School of Economics and Political Science |
26 |
7.0 |
7.5 |
|
University of Edinburgh |
29 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
King's College London |
38 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
University of Manchester |
57 |
6.0 |
7.5 |
|
University of Bristol |
78 |
6.0 |
6.0 |
|
University of Warwick |
79 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
University of Glasgow |
93 |
6.0 |
7.0 |
|
University of Sheffield |
106 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
Durham University |
114 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
University of Birmingham |
116 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
University of Southampton |
118 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
Queen Mary University of London |
130 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
University of Exeter |
141 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
|
Lancaster University |
146 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
University of Nottingham |
149 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
University of Leeds |
153 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
University of Aberdeen |
158 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
University of St Andrews |
161 |
7.0 |
7.0 |
|
University of Leicester |
165 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
University of Sussex |
167 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
Newcastle University |
171 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
University of Liverpool |
181 |
6.0 |
6.5 |
|
Cardiff University |
187 |
6.5 |
6.5 |
|
University of East Anglia |
190 |
6.5 |
7.0 |
Student Visa
You must meet the English language level of the school if you apply for a Tier IV Student Visa to a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) to study for a bachelor's or postgraduate degree.
All British universities and institutions accept IELTS scores unless your school has specific prerequisites.
IELTS for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI)
This exam is for people who want to study at a level lower than a bachelor's degree in the UK or for those who need to take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) as part of a direct application to UK Visas and Immigration.
Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking are all part of the exam.
What is the Minimum IELTS Score Requirement for a UK Student Visa?
- The following are the IELTS criteria for UK student visas.
- Tier-4 (General) student visas (below degree level or pre-sessional courses) require an IELTS score of 4.0 or above overall and in each.
- Tier-4 (General) student visas (degree level and above) require an IELTS/IELTS for UKVI score of 5.5 or above overall and in each.
English language requirements are not required for the following cases.
You can still study in the UK without taking into account the minimal IELTS band for a UK student visa. Birmingham City University, the University of Bolton, Brunel University, the University of Northampton, the University of Geneva, Swansea University, the University of Greenwich, the University of Plymouth, and many more are well-known UK universities.
IELTS band for the UK is not required if you meet these conditions:
- A 70% or higher in English in Classes 10, 11, and 12.
- Evidence proving you attended an English-medium school.
- Having a bachelor's degree in English (depending on the university.)
- Outstanding achievement in the university's online interview.
- You may be required to attend a pre-sessional English course at your institution before beginning your academic program.
Some nations do not require IELTS as well. Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada (if teaching was in English), Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, New Zealand, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, USA, Ireland, and the United Kingdom are among these nations.
IELTS scores are not required if you meet all the above conditions, and your university produces the requisite paperwork.
Minimum IELTS requirement for a different course
Bachelor's degree
To be admitted to an undergraduate program, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5 or above. If you want to study at a top UK institution, you must have an IELTS band score of 7.0 or above.
Pre-Masters
This course is intended for students who wish to strengthen their language and communication abilities before enrolling in a master's degree program. It would be best if you had an IELTS band score of 5.0 or above to be admitted to a pre-masters program.
Master’s degree
A master's degree in the United Kingdom might last between 12 and 24 months. A bachelor's degree is required for entrance to a master's program. A master's degree requires an IELTS score of 6.0 or above. However, premier colleges require a score of 6.5 or above.
FAQ
Q. Who is eligible to take the IELTS exam?
Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or level of education, can take the test. However, it is recommended that you take the IELTS test after 16.
Q. Are the band requirements the same across the board?
No, the scoring standards differ from country to country and university.
Q. Where do students go to study abroad?
Students can explore institutions in the following countries:
- Germany
- New Zealand
- France
- Australia
- (USA)United States of America
- Canada
- The United Kingdom (UK)
- Philippines
