The IELTS is a standard test to assess a candidate's English proficiency. The test is designed to assess the linguistic ability of a non-native English language speaker. Candidates planning to study, work or migrate to the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and Australia take the IELTS exam. Here we cover all the rules and regulations you should know about IELTS eligibility.
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Table of Contents
- IELTS exam: An overview
- Types of IELTS exam
- IELTS eligibility criteria
- Countries that require the IELTS exam
- Minimum IELTS score required by the top universities
- IELTS academic requirements in the UK
- IELTS Eligibility in the USA
- IELTS Eligibility in Canada
- IELTS eligibility in New Zealand
- IELTS eligibility in Australia
- IELTS rules and regulations
- Frequently asked questions
IELTS exam: An overview
| IELTS full form | International English Language Testing System |
| Conducted by | British Council, IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English |
| Types of IELTS exam | IELTS Academic IELTS General Training |
| No. of sections | 4 |
| Total duration | 2 hours 45 minutes |
| IELTS exam sections | Reading Listening Writing Speaking |
Data updated as of July 2023
Types of IELTS exam
The IELTS is conducted by the IDP, British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English.
There are two versions of the test.
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General Training
International students planning to pursue higher education abroad will take the IELTS academic exam. People planning to migrate for their professions will take the General Training test. The eligibility criteria for both versions are the same.
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IELTS exam types
| Candidate's purpose for visiting abroad | IELTS version required |
| Study abroad | IELTS Academic |
| Work or migrate | IELTS General Training |
IELTS eligibility criteria
The IELTS does not follow strict regulations for the candidate’s eligibility qualifications. Here are the essential eligibility criteria that a candidate must meet to take the exam.
IELTS eligibility requirements
| Minimum age | 16 |
| Passport | Valid and non-expired passport for application validation |
| Purpose of visit |
|
Data updated as of July 2023
What is the minimum age requirement for taking the IELTS exam?
The candidate must be at least 16 years old to take the IELTS exam. There is no maximum age limit.
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Countries that require the IELTS exam
Several countries across the world accept the IELTS as proof of English proficiency for academic and career purposes. Here are some of the top countries that require the IELTS.
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Canada
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- Australia
- France
Minimum IELTS score required by the top universities
Here are the IELTS minimum score requirements for top universities abroad.
| University | IELTS minimum score for Bachelor’s courses | IELTS minimum score for Master’s courses |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| University of Oxford | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| Stanford University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| University of Cambridge | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Harvard University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| California Institute of Technology | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Imperial College London | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| University College London | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Chicago | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 7.0 | 7.0 |
Data updated as of July 2023
IELTS academic requirements in the UK
UK universities require candidates to submit their English proficiency scores as an entry requirement to determine their fluency in the language. Here are the IELTS eligibility criteria for top UK institutions.
UK IELTS band requirements 2025
| University | Minimum IELTS score |
| University of Edinburgh | 5.5 |
| University of Bath | 6.5 |
| Coventry University | 7.0 |
| University of Bolton | 7.0 |
| University of Brighton | 7.0 |
| University of Liverpool | 6.5 |
| The University of Manchester | 5.5 |
| King’s College London | 6.5 |
Data updated as of July 2023
Also read: UK universities with high acceptance rate for international students
IELTS Eligibility in the USA
The IELTS minimum score for universities in the US is 5.5, and the grades are valid for two years. The IELTS academic requirements vary with every university, so check the eligibility requirements before applying for any course. Here are some top US universities that require IELTS.
USA IELTS band requirements
| University | IELTS minimum score |
| University of California, Berkeley | 6.5 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 7 |
| Yale University | 7 |
| University of West Alabama | 6.5 |
| Marquette University | 6.5 |
| Columbia University | 7.5 |
| John Hopkins University | 7.0 |
| Princeton University | 7.0 |
| University of Illinois | 6.5 |
| Washington State University | 6.5 |
Data updated as of July 2023
Also read: The different types of universities in the US
IELTS Eligibility in Canada
The Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score for the country’s visa is 7, which is equivalent to an IELTS General Training score of 6.0. Remember that the Canadian government does not accept the Academic version for work visa processing.
The Academic IELTS minimum score varies with each university, so verify the requirements before sending the application. Here are some of the top Canadian institutions and their IELTS academic requirements.
IELTS minimum score in Canadian universities
| University | Minimum IELTS score |
| University of Toronto | 6.5 |
| Trent University | 6.5 |
| McGill University | 6.5 |
| Conestoga College | 6.5 |
| St. Francis Xavier University | 6.5 |
| University of British Columbia | 6.5 |
| Universite de Montreal | 6.5 |
| University of Alberta | 6.5 |
| University of Prince Edward Island | 7.0 |
| Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology | 6.5 |
Data updated as of July 2023
Also read: What is the minimum IELTS score for Canada?
IELTS eligibility in New Zealand
The New Zealand government requires an IELTS score of at least 5.5 for your visa. Here is a list of top New Zealand universities and their IELTS eligibility requirements.
IELTS academic requirements in New Zealand
| University | IELTS minimum score |
| University of Auckland | 6.0 |
| University of Otago | 6.0 |
| Massey University | 6.5 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 6.5 |
| Ara Institute of Canterbury | 6.0 |
| University of Canterbury | 6.5 |
| Lincoln University | 6.0 |
| University of Waikato | 6.5 |
| Southern Institute of Technology | 6.5 |
| Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology | 6.0 |
Data updated as of July 2023
Also read: IELTS score for New Zealand
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IELTS eligibility in Australia
Candidates should have a minimum band score of 6.0 to study at the top-ranked universities in Australia. It is important to remember that the scores may vary with every university, so endure to check the eligibility requirements before sending your application. Here's a list of top Australian universities and their IELTS eligibility.
IELTS academic requirements for Australian universities
| University | IELTS minimum score |
| Australian National University | 6.5 |
| University of Sydney | 6.5 |
| University of Melbourne | 6.5 |
| University of New South Wales | 6.0 |
| University of Queensland | 6.5 |
| The University of Western Australia | 6.5 |
| Australian Institute of Technical Training | 5.5 |
| University of Southern Queensland | 5.5 |
| Australia Institute of Business & Technology | 5.5 |
| Melbourne City Institute of Education | 5.5 |
Data updated as of July 2023
IELTS rules and regulations
The IELTS rules did not witness any changes recently, so there are no major changes in the exam candidates should take note of. Here are the basic rules and regulations you should remember while taking the IELTS exam.
- Ensure to arrive at the test centre ahead of time. The IELTS centre may only allow you to enter the test venue if you arrive on time.
- Check if you provide the same ID you applied for identification. The centre will not allow you to take the test if the ID documents do not match.
- Switch off your electronic devices and place them along with your personal belongings outside the exam room.
- You cannot take any breaks during the IELTS exam.
- Candidates taking the IELTS online exam should have a mobile phone or tablet for the room scan. The exam restricts you from using the device for any other purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I go to Canada without IELTS?
Few Canadian universities offer admissions without the need for IELTS. You can also take alternate tests like TOEFL, Duolingo English Test, and PTE for proof of English proficiency.
Are there any pass marks for the IELTS exam?
There are no pass marks for IELTS. However, educational institutions abroad have IELTS minimum scores to select students during the application process.
Is 6.5 a good score in IELTS?
An IELTS band score of 6.5 out of 9 is considered competent and matches the entry requirements of many universities worldwide.
What is the minimum score for IELTS in Canada?
The minimum IELTS academic requirement for international students to pursue higher education in Canada is 6.5.
What is the IELTS passing score for UK caregiver 2025?
The IELTS minimum score set for international students for UK caregiver roles in 2025 is between 4.0-5.0.
What is the score for IELTS 2025?
IELTS did not make any changes to the band score requirements or other assessment factors recently. Here is the guide for IELTS scores.
| IELTS band score | Score description |
| 9.0 | Expert user |
| 8.0 | Very good user |
| 7.0 | Good user |
| 6.0 | Competent user |
| 5.0 | Modest user |
| 4.0 | Limited user |
| 3.0 | Extremely limited user |
| 2.0 | Intermittent user |
| 1.0 | Non-user |
| 0 | Did not attempt the test |
What is the minimum IELTS score for a UK work visa in 2025?
The IELTS minimum score required for a UK work visa in 2025 is 5.5. International students should obtain an IELTS band score of at least 5.5 to apply for a work visa in the UK.
