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IELTS Exam Eligibility 2024

updated at

Updated on Sep 29, 2024, 14:18

Latest Updates on IELTS

 

  • Effective August 10, 2023, SDS Canada no longer requires a minimum of 6 bands in individual sections for IELTS. 
  • IELTS One Skill Retake is now available in India.

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1. IELTS Exam Eligibility 2024

IELTS is just a simple English proficiency test, and it does not restrict the user based on age, education qualifications or other distinctions. 

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2. IELTS Eligibility: Minimum Scores for Countries

IELTS is accepted across 140 countries worldwide, including popular study destinations such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 

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1.

IELTS Exam Eligibility 2024

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IELTS IDP India has not announced any eligibility criteria for the IELTS exam officially. However, IELTS experts recommend that you should be at least 16 years of age when you sit for the exam. There is no upper age limit for the IELTS. 
 

There is no academic qualification that is mandatory for writing the IELTS Exam. If you wish to move to an English-speaking nation for higher studies, or you wish to migrate to one for work or other reasons, you can go ahead and take the IELTS exam. 

 

However, keep in mind that passport is mandatorily required for taking the IELTS exam. IELTS has a strict no passport no exam policy, and you should provide a valid passport for identification during the registration and at the test Centre. 

 

IELTS Exam Eligibility for One-Skill Retake 2023-2024 

 

The newly implemented IELTS One Skill retake allows you to retake just one part of the IELTS exam. For instance, if your score is the lowest in IELTS Reading, but you’ve done well in the other sections, you have the option to retake just the IELTS reading exam and improve your score. 

 

It is mandatory to meet the following requirements to take IELTS One Skill Retake: 

  • You must have completed a full IELTS test taken at the test centre
  • Your full test should be computer-based
  • You must apply for the One Skill Retake within 60 days of taking the test

 

FAQs

Q. Is there any age limit for IELTS?

A. No, there isn’t any age limit for the IELTS exam. However, the experts recommend that you are at least 16 years of age when you take the IELTS exam. The official body of IELTS has not set any upper age limit for writing IELTS.

Q. Are 12th marks important for IELTS?

A. No. High school grades or any other exam score does not matter in IELTS. IELTS is an English proficiency exam and only aims to evaluate your English language skills. You can apply for the IELTS exam irrespective of what your grades in 12th are. We can, however, recommend that if your grade is particularly low in English, you might want to put in a lot of preparation before you actually write the test.

Q. How soon should I apply for an IELTS One Skill Retake in India?

A. If you wish to apply for the IELTS One Skill Retake in India, it is mandatory to apply within 60 days of the test. IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake just one part of the IELTS exam to improve your score. Previously, if you applied to rewrite the exam, you had to retake all four sections of the IELTS exam instead of the one you scored the least in. This new addition will boost your chances of getting a score. 

2.

IELTS Exam Eligibility: Passing Score for Countries

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IELTS is accepted across 140 countries worldwide, including popular study destinations such as the USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. 

 

The minimum IELTS exam requirements varies depending on why you’re taking the exam. If you’re applying for universities, typically, the minimum requirement falls between 6.0 for undergraduate courses and 6.5 for post-graduate courses. 

 

For visa and immigration, you will require a minimum band score of 4.0 to 6.0. 
 

Below is an overview. 

 

Country Minimum IELTS Score RangeMinimum IELTS Score for Student Visa
USA6.0 - 6.56.5 (Also depends on university) 
UK6.0 - 6.5

4.0 (Below degree level)

5.5 (Degree level and above) 

Canada5.5 - 6.56.0
Ireland6.0 - 6.56.5
New Zealand 5.5 - 6.55.5
Australia6.0 - 6.55.5

 

Minimum Scores & IELTS Eligibility for Top Universities 

 

The minimum IELTS Score for universities depends on various factors, including the ones listed below.
 

  • Course level: The IELTS score may vary depending on whether your course is of degree level or below. Typically, postgraduate-level courses require higher band scores than undergraduate-level courses.

 

  • University: If you’re applying to top universities, you must produce an excellent IELTS score. Universities such as the Ivy League or Russell Group often ask for an IELTS score of 7 and above due to the increased competition. Mid-ranking universities, however, require scores in the range of 6.0 and 6.5.

 

  • Course difficulty: Advanced-level courses such as Psychology, Literature, or Medicine require higher levels of English proficiency. The reason is simple; they cover complex subjects and lead to jobs which may demand professional language skills and regular human interactions. 
     

Below is a list of top universities worldwide and their average minimum IELTS score requirements. 

 

Note: Remember that these scores will vary depending on your course, degree level and other factors. Check the official university website and confirm the specific IELTS requirement before you start your prep or file an application. 

 

IELTS Eligibility Score for Top Universities in the USA 

 

UniversityMinimum IELTS Score 
Johns Hopkins University7.0
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)7.0
Duke University7.0
Brown University7.0-8.0
University of Texas at Austin6.5-7.0

 

IELTS Eligibility Score for Top Universities in the UK
 

UniversityMinimum IELTS Score
Oxford University6.0
Cambridge University7.5
Imperial College London7.0
University of Edinburgh6.5
King’s College London7.0


IELTS Eligibility Score for Top Universities in Canada

 

UniversityMinimum IELTS Score
University of Toronto6.5
McGill University6.5
University of Alberta6.5
McMaster University6.5
University of British Columbia6.5

 

IELTS Eligibility Score for Top Universities in Australia 

 

UniversityMinimum IELTS Score
Australian National university6.5-7.0
University of Melbourne6.5
University of Sydney6.5
University of Western Australia7.0
University of Queensland6.5

 

IELTS Eligibility Score for Top Universities in New Zealand

 

UniversityMinimum IELTS Score
University of Auckland6.5-7.0
University of Otago6.5
Victoria University of Wellington6.5
University of Waikato6.5
University of Canterbury6.5

 

IELTS Eligibility Score for Top Universities in Ireland

 

UniversityMinimum IELTS Score
Trinity College Dublin6.5
University College Dublin6.5
University College Cork6.5
National University of Ireland, Galway6.5
Dublin City University6.5

FAQs

Q. Which countries accept IELTS for work?

A. IELTS test scores are accepted worldwide by universities, organisations and immigration authorities. However, the type of exam required may change depending on which organisation you’re applying to. You must also keep in mind that minimum scores will also vary. Some of the top countries that accept IELTS for work and immigration are: 

  • USA
  • UK
  • Canada
  • Australia
Q. What is the minimum IELTS score for UK student visas?

A. The minimum IELTS score for UK visas depends on your degree level and is given below. It’s important to understand that when applying for a UK student visa, the specific requirements can vary based on the university's IELTS score requirements. If you have an acceptance letter from the university, you can apply for a student visa, even if your IELTS score falls below the typical visa requirements. 

Student Visa (below degree level)4.0
Student Visa (Degree level and above) 5.5
Q. Are 5.5 bands eligible for US universities?

A. Typically, US universities have a requirement of 6.0 for bachelor’s and 6.5 for master’s courses. However, a few universities in the USA may accept an IELTS band score of 5.5. However, you must remember that this may not be the case for all courses and degree levels. Some universities accepting a score of 5.5 in the USA include,

  • California State University, Los Angeles
  • University of Hawaii, Hilo
  • University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
  • Central Michigan University
  • University of Mississippi
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FAQs

Q. Who is eligible for the IELTS exam 2024?

A. IELTS exam can be taken by anyone. It is recommended that you be at least 16 years of age when you take the IELTS, but other than that, there is no mandatory requirement to take the exam. Registering for the IELTS exam is simple and can be done online via the IELTS IDP India’s website. 

Q. Does Canada accept 5.5 bands in IELTS?

A. Canada does accept 5.5 bands in IELTS, but it depends on what university and course you’re applying for. Most Canadian universities ask for a score between 6.0 and 6.5. However, there are a handful of universities in Canada that accept 5.5 band scores. Below is a list.

  • University of Alberta
  • Concordia University
  • Brock University
  • University of Winnipeg
  • Capilano University
Q. Is a 7.5 IELTS score good for university?

A. 7.5 in IELTS is an exceptional score and indicates that you’re a good user of English. Most universities require a score between 6.0 and 6.5, so surpassing this requirement may be advantageous for your application. With such a score, you may consider applying to top universities with good rankings, such as Harvard, Yale or Oxford. 

Q. How do you register for the IELTS exam?

A. Follow these steps to register for the IELTS exam.

  • Visit the official website of IELTS IDP India
  • Sign up with your details 
  • Select the type and mode of IELTS exam you wish to take
  • Select a date and test centre
  • Pay the fee 
Q. Do I need a certain level of English proficiency to be eligible for IELTS?

A. IELTS is designed to test your English language proficiency, so there is no benchmark set to take the exam in the first place. Once you write the IELTS, you will have more clarity about how good your English is and whether you can communicate effortlessly in an English-speaking nation. We do, however, suggest that you do a thorough self-analysis before you take the exam so you can estimate the level of preparation you would need.

Q. How many times can I take the IELTS?

A. You can take the IELTS as many times as you would like. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test. However, before each test, dedicate enough time to prepare for the test to get the best score possible. If you’re consistently scoring low, it may be time for you to take a coaching session or consider alternate study materials. 

Q. Do I need IELTS to get into Harvard?

A. Harvard University is among the top universities in the world and looks at applications in multiple ways. To get into Harvard, you must showcase an exceptional portfolio with a great academic history, leadership abilities and a thriving extracurricular record. As per the official website, submitting English proficiency scores, such as IELTS scores, is not mandatory. Applicants may do so if they wish to. Typically, Harvard applicants have an IELTS score of 7.0 and above. 

Q. What is the IELTS score validity period?

A. IELTS scores are valid for two years from the date of results. Universities and organisations do not usually accept IELTS scores which are older than 2 years. The main reason behind the validity is the relevance of the exam. The IELTS exam is updated regularly to stay relevant with any recent developments. You must also check if the university/organisation you’re applying to has any specific validity requirements of their own.

Q. What happens if I don’t pass the IELTS exam?

A. There is no pass or fail in the IELTS exam. Instead, your English proficiency level is determined by your scores in each part of the test. Each individual score adds up to produce an overall IELTS score. Generally, your score should be above 5.5 to be considered for university-level education. If you're not happy with your scores, you can ask for a reevaluation, or you can retake the test. 

Q. Is a passport required for IELTS?

A. It is crucial to have a valid passport to book a slot for the IELTS exam. Remember that the passport should remain valid both during registration and on the test day. Currently, IELTS IDP India does not accept any other form of identification. Expired passports will not be accepted by the test centre.

Q. Can I cancel my IELTS test booking?

A. You can cancel the IELTS exam if you change your mind. However, you must remember that the refund depends on when you cancel the exam. If you cancel 5 weeks before the exam, you will get a full refund, minus the administrative charges; if you cancel within 5 weeks of the test, you will be charged a full fee. 

Q. What is the IELTS exam fee in 2023?

A. IELTS fee varies depending on the type of exam and the mode of exam (paper-based or computer-based). Below is a fee breakdown for the types of IELTS exams.

IELTS Academic & General Training (PB and CB)16,250
IELTS UKVI16,500
IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1)15,350