The IELTS is a standardized exam to test the English language proficiency for non-native English language speakers internationally. Many students aspire to seek admission to prestigious colleges abroad. For most of the international colleges and Universities, the proficiency of the English language is a must as their medium of instruction is English. It, therefore, becomes essential for non-native English speakers to qualify for this international IELTS exam for their English language assessment.
The IELTS score is accepted by Australian, British, Canadian, Irish and New Zealand and also by the US academic institutions. Many professional organizations across the world also require their scores as a test of English proficiency. However, institutions all over the world have different eligibility criteria as far as IELTS scores are considered. There is no particular threshold set for the score in IELTS.
An IELTS Test Report Form is issued to all students who take the IELTS exam. The scores range from Band 1 to 9, i.e. from “non-user” to “expert user”. Those who did not attempt the test, fall in the “Band 0”. The IELTS score is generally valid for a period of two years.
The minimum score required by various countries for immigration and student visa purposes
Many countries use the IELTS exam scores for immigration purposes. This is used as a proof of the immigrating candidate’s competency in English. Most of the Commonwealth countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. Below we present a list of scores needed for student visa and immigration by different countries.
Minimum IELTS score for the UK
You would need to find out what kind of visa you need to apply for depending on your requirements. The IELTS test score you need will depend on both your visa requirements and the institution where you plan to study or work.
The score for the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) will depend on what kind of visa are you seeking. For a Tier, I or General Visa, a minimum of 7.0 overall and in each of the four skills is required. The following table will make it clear.
| Type of Visa | Minimum CEFR required | Skills | IELTS test minimum score |
| Tier 1 -General Visa | C1 | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking | 7.0 overall, in each of the 4 skills |
| Tier 2- General Visa | B1 | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
|
4.0overall, in each of the 4 skills
|
| Tier 4 -General student visa for undergraduate courses | B1 | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
|
4.0 overall, in each of the 4 skills
|
| Tier 4 -General student visa for degree level courses and above | B2 | Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking
|
5.5overall, in each of the 4 skills
|
Minimum IELTS score for Australia
For an Australian student visa, you would need a minimum test score of 5.5. For immigration, and a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or more is needed and this can go up to 8.0 and above.
IELTS score for Canada Immigration
Canada has national standards that are used to assess the English language proficiency of immigrants.
A student visa for Canada requires an IELTS score of at least 5.5 in each of the four segments. For undergraduate courses, the overall minimum IELTS score is 6.0 and above.
For graduate courses, the score is 6.5 and above with a minimum of 6.0 scores in each of the four tests of IELTS.
Minimum IELTS score for an MS/MBA student visa in the USA
Universities in the US require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, which can go up to 7.5 for the top-notch business schools. Most B-schools will accept applications for admission with a minimum score of 6.5. The student needs to have scored a minimum of 6.0 in all the four components of the IELTS exam.