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Which countries require IELTS for admission, and which countries offer IELTS waivers in UK/Australia for a Postgraduate?

22 Jul 2026 · Answered by Swathi Boppana · 1 min read
Swathi Boppana
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Most major study destinations require IELTS (International English Language Testing System) scores for admission, but some countries and universities offer waivers under specific conditions.

- IELTS Required: UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand typically require an IELTS score for most programs. Usual requirements are 6.0 - 7.0 overall (higher for postgraduate courses). These figures are subject to change.

- IELTS Waivers Possible: Some universities in Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Poland, Norway, and even select institutions in the UK and Canada may waive IELTS if you studied in English or can provide a Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate, or meet alternative English proficiency criteria.

Requirements vary by university and program. For your specific case, discuss eligibility and waiver options with your LeapScholar counsellor.

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Abhishek Mehta
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It depends. Whether you need to take IELTS for Australia, the UK, or the UAE varies by university and program.

- Australia: Many universities accept IELTS, but some may waive it if your previous degree was taught entirely in English (Medium of Instruction, or MOI). Alternative tests like TOEFL or PTE may also be accepted.
- UK: IELTS is commonly required, but a waiver is possible if your prior education was in English. Some universities also accept other English proficiency tests.
- UAE: Most universities require IELTS, typically a minimum of 6.0 for undergraduate and higher for postgraduate programs. Waivers are less common but may be available if you studied in English.

Requirements and waiver policies are subject to change.

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