Minimum IELTS Score for UK Universities and Study Visa
UK universities are globally renowned for providing a top-notch education system to international students. The university application process in the UK includes a crucial step: proving English language proficiency. This can be achieved by attempting the IELTS exam and obtaining the minimum required band score.
The minimum IELTS score to study in the UK depends on the university, level of study, and academic program. In this blog, we will discuss the minimum IELTS score requirements for UK universities and study visas.
- Types of IELTS Exam in the UK
- Role of IELTS Score for UK
- Minimum IELTS Score for UK: Study-Level Wise
- Relation between IELTS Score and Availability of Universities
- IELTS Score for UK Universities: Institute-Wise List
- Minimum IELTS Score for UK Study Visa
- Study in the UK without IELTS
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
Types of IELTS Exam in the UK
There are 3 types of IELTS exams that are accepted by the UK Visa and Immigration as proof of English language proficiency to study, work, and live in the UK.
- IELTS Academic
- IELTS General TrainingÂ
- IELTS for UKVI Life Skills
Role of IELTS Score for UK
IELTS has been a popular choice among Indian students as proof of English language proficiency.
- It offers flexibility to opt from any 2 of the formats- IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer.
- It facilitates students to undergo the face-to-face speaking test.
- Students can attempt the IELTS as many times as they want to improve their band score.
- IELTS on paper is conducted upto 4 times a month, whereas IELTS on computer is conducted 7 days a week and 3 times a day.
- Over 1000+ British universities and colleges accept IELTS scores.
Minimum IELTS Score for UK: Study-Level Wise
- The minimum IELTS score to study in UK universities depends on the university, study level, and academic programs.Â
- A good number of decent universities require international students to have an IELTS band score of at least 6.5 or above.Â
- Whereas, to pursue studies in top UK universities, students should have at least a 7.0 band score.
| Level of Study | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 6.5-7.0 |
| Postgraduate degree | 6.0-7.0 |
| Pre-Master’s | 5.0-6.5 |
For Undergraduate Level
To pursue any bachelor’s degree in the UK (despite the course), applicants must have an IELTS score of at least 6.5. However, if you have a score of 7.0 or higher, then you can land at top universities.
For Post-Graduate Level
- To pursue any master’s degree in the UK (despite of course), applicants must have an IELTS score of at least 6.0.Â
- However, if you have a score of 6.5 or above, then you have the opportunity to secure your admission to the top universities.
IELTS Score for UK for Pre-Master’s
- The pre-master’s programs are intended for those who want to upscale their communication and language abilities before enrolling in the regular master’s courses.Â
- Applicants must have at least 5.0-5.5 to be admitted to a pre-master’s program in the UK.
Relation between IELTS Score and Availability of Universities
It is now clearly evident from our earlier discussions that if you are looking for a good and top-class university in the UK, then you must aim to get a competent IELTS score.
Although there are several other ways to prove your English language abilities (such as MOI, English language pathway programs, strong academics, interviews, etc.), the IELTS remains one of the widely accepted methods.
| Range of IELTS Score for UK | Availability of UK Universities |
|---|---|
| 5.0-5.5 | Pre-master’s and certain diploma courses are available |
| 6.0 | Institutions ranking between 150-300 (QS Ranking) |
| 6.5 | Tier-2 universities ranking between 80-150 (QS Ranking) |
| 7.0-7.5 | Top universities ranking between 1-100 (QS Ranking) |
IELTS Score for UK Universities: Institute-Wise List
The requirements for minimum IELTS scores for UK universities are different, depending on the programs and study level. However, we have presented below a table demonstrating the minimum IELTS requirements for UK universities.
| University | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| University of Bedfordshire | 5.0 |
| University of Bolton | 5.0 |
| Bangor University | 5.0 |
| University College Birmingham | 5.0 |
| The Worthgate School | 5.0 |
| University of the Highlands and Islands | 5.0 |
| University College of Estate Management | 5.0 |
| Bloomsbury Institute London | 5.5 |
| Cardiff Metropolitan University | 5.5 |
| City of Bristol College | 5.5 |
| City of London College | 5.5 |
| Coventry College | 5.5 |
| Greater Brighton Metropolitan College | 5.5 |
| Hartpury University and College | 5.5 |
| York College | 5.5 |
| University of West London | 5.5 |
| University of Westminster | 5.5 |
| UK College of Business and Computing | 5.5 |
| St. Georges University of London | 5.5 |
| Newcastle College | 5.5 |
| London College of Accountancy | 5.5 |
| London College of Commerce | 5.5 |
| Leeds Art University | 5.5 |
| Amity University in London | 6.0 |
| Arden University | 6.0 |
| Birmingham City University | 6.0 |
| King’s College London | 6.0 |
| Kingston University | 6.0 |
| University of Bath | 6.0 |
| University of the Arts London | 6.0 |
| Bournemouth University | 6.5 |
| Lancaster University | 6.5 |
| Middlesex University | 6.5 |
| Queen Margaret University | 6.5 |
| Regent’s Business School | 6.5 |
| University of Manchester | 6.5 |
| University of Bristol | 6.5 |
| University of Central Lancashire | 6.5 |
| University of the Arts | 6.5 |
| Wales University | 6.5 |
| Warburg Institute | 6.5 |
| Durham University | 7.0 |
| King’s College London | 7.0 |
| University of Glasgow | 7.0 |
| University of Exeter | 7.0 |
Minimum IELTS Score for UK Study Visa
The UK study visa is now officially referred to as ‘Student Route Visa’ (earlier Tier 4 General Student Visa). The minimum IELTS score for a UK study visa is 6.0 overall.Â
Study in the UK without IELTS
The United Kingdom, or UK, is an English-speaking country, and to pursue higher education, you are required to prove your proficiency in spoken and written English.
You can achieve this by submitting your IELTS score through the university application portals. But did you know there are 2 ways to waive the IELTS requirement? Let’s explore.
Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificate: You can submit an MOI certificate if you have completed your previous studies in academic settings where the English language was the only mode of instruction and examinations.
Competent Score in the English Core Subject: If you are applying for an undergraduate program and want to waive the IELTS requirement, then you must have at least 75% marks in the English Core subject of Std. XII.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The minimum IELTS requirement to study in the UK depends on several factors, such as university, study level, and the desired course. Despite the study level and programs, most of the decent and reputed UK universities prefer applicants who have an IELTS band score in between the range of 6.0-7.0 overall.
If you are planning to study bachelor’s or master’s courses in the UK, then you will need a 6.0 overall and a 5.5 in every section.
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FAQs
Does an IELTS Academic band score of 5.5 make me eligible for the UK?
An IELTS band score of 5.5 can make you eligible to pursue pre-master’s level courses in the UK, such as pathway and bridge courses. However, this might depend on the university.
Is IELTS required to study in the UK?
Along with the IELTS exam, most UK universities also provide the option to submit the MOI certificate, previous marks in the English language (min. 75%), and pursue pathway courses to meet the English language proficiency requirement.
What is the IELTS minimum score required for a master’s degree in the UK?
The minimum IELTS score required for a master’s degree in the UK varies between the range of 6.0 and 7.0, depending on the university.
Can I retake the IELTS exam?
Yes, you can retake the IELTS exam with the help of the IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test. You can retake one skill once per the original test.
What are some good UK universities that I can join with an IELTS band score of 7.0?
Some of the UK universities that accept applications on an IELTS band score of 7.0 are Durham University, King’s College London, University of Glasgow, University of Exeter, etc.
