Who can take IELTS? Check IELTS Exam Eligibility in 2024-2025
IELTS IDP India has not set official eligibility criteria for the IELTS exam, but experts recommend that candidates be at least 16 years old to take the test. There is no upper age limit for the IELTS.
Mentioned below are some of the other IELTS exam eligibility:
1. Age Requirements
- Recommended Minimum Age: 16 years
- Upper Age Limit: None
2. Academic Qualification: No specific academic qualification is necessary to take the IELTS. This makes it accessible to a broad range of individuals, including students aiming to study abroad, professionals seeking work, or those moving to English-speaking countries for various purposes.
3. Mandatory Passport Requirement: IELTS enforces a strict “No Passport, No Exam” policy. A valid passport is required both during registration and on the test day at the centre. Ensure your passport is current and ready as your primary identification for the IELTS.
IELTS Exam Eligibility for One-Skill Retake 2024-2025
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 can retake 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
IELTS Exam Eligibility: Passing Score for Countries
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 vary 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.
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 that may demand professional language skills and regular human interactions.
Below is a list of top universities worldwide and their average minimum IELTS score requirements.