Minimum IELTS Scores for USA Universities and Study Visa
Several USA universities consider IELTS to evaluate the English language proficiency skills of the candidates. The minimum IELTS score for the USA depends on the university, study level, and programs.
The average minimum IELTS score for the USA is between 6.0 and 6.5, through which Indian students can join the universities. This blog will highlight the importance of the IELTS exam in the USA, along with minimum IELTS requirements for different universities and study visas.
- Importance of IELTS Scores for USA Universities
- Minimum IELTS Scores for USA Universities: Study-Level Wise
- Relation between IELTS Score and Availability of Universities
- List of USA Universities with Minimum IELTS Score
- Minimum IELTS Score for F1 Visa (USA Study Visa)
- Study in the USA without IELTS
- Key Takeaways by AdmitX
- FAQs
Importance of IELTS Scores for USA Universities
- The IELTS exam is a popular English language proficiency test among Indian students who want to pursue higher education in the USA.
- In the USA, IELTS scores are widely accepted by 3,400 institutions, including Ivy League institutes, visiting programs, degree programs, and scholarships.
- Some of the other reasons that attract students to opt for IELTS are
- Faster Results: The IELTS on computer results are out within 2-3 days
- Exam Frequency: 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.
- Face-to-Face Speaking Test: It facilitates students to undergo the face-to-face speaking test.
Minimum IELTS Scores for USA Universities: Study-Level Wise
- The minimum IELTS score to study in USA universities depends on the university, study level, and academic programs.
- A good number of decent universities require international students to have an IELTS band score of at least 6.0-6.5 or above.
- Students should have at least a 7.0-7.5 band score to pursue studies in top USA universities.
- The minimum IELTS score requirement for bachelor’s, master’s, and pre-master’s depends on the university.
| Level of Study | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 6.0 |
| Postgraduate degree | 6.5-7.5 |
For Undergraduate Level
To study any bachelor’s courses in the USA, you must have at least a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual section score lower than 5.5.
For Post-Graduate Level
The minimum IELTS score to pursue a master’s program requires applicants to have an IELTS score of at least 6.5-7.5, depending on the university.
IELTS Score for USA for Diploma and Other Courses
- Students who want to bridge the academic gap or enhance their language and communication skills separately before joining regular study programs can pursue diploma and pathway programs.
- In such cases, depending on the university, they are required to have an IELTS score of 5.0-5.5.
Relation between IELTS Score and Availability of Universities
Admission to reputable universities in the USA depends on meeting their specific IELTS score requirements. 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 in the USA.
| Range of IELTS Score for USA | Availability of USA 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) |
List of USA Universities with Minimum IELTS Score
The requirements for minimum IELTS scores for USA universities are different, depending on the programs and study level. Below, we have presented a table demonstrating the minimum IELTS requirements for different USA universities.
| University | Minimum IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| Bellevue University | 5.5 |
| University of Mississippi | 5.5 |
| University of the District of Columbia | 5.5 |
| National American University | 5.5 |
| Texas A&M University, Kingville | 5.5 |
| Longwood University | 5.5 |
| Texas A&M University, Commerce | 5.5 |
| University of Alabama | 5.5 |
| University of Mississippi | 5.5 |
| California State University | 5.5 |
| University of Hawaii | 5.5 |
| University of Wisconsin | 5.5 |
| State University of New York | 5.5 |
| University of Evansville | 5.5 |
| Murray State University | 5.5 |
| Wingate University | 5.5 |
| University of Redlands | 5.5 |
| University of Montana | 5.5 |
| Strayer University | 5.5 |
| St. Cloud State University | 5.5 |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University- Weatherford | 5.5 |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | 5.5 |
| Southern Arkansas University | 5.5 |
| Missouri Western State University | 5.5 |
| Montana State University | 5.5 |
| Midway University | 5.5 |
| Caldwell University | 6.0 |
| California Baptist University | 6.0 |
| Cameron University | 6.0 |
| Christopher Newport University | 6.0 |
| Eastern Washington University | 6.0 |
| Edinboro University of Pennsylvania | 6.0 |
| Grambling State University | 6.0 |
| Indiana University, East | 6.0 |
| Key West University | 6.0 |
| Liberty University | 6.0 |
| Lincoln University, California | 6.0 |
| Loyola University-Chicago | 6.0 |
| Mercy University, Manhattan | 6.0 |
| Mercy University, Westchester | 6.0 |
| MIU City University Miami | 6.0 |
| Mount Mary University | 6.0 |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology | 6.0 |
| Nexford University | 6.0 |
| Niagara University | 6.0 |
| Northern Michigan University | 6.0 |
| Norwich University | 6.0 |
| Saint Martin’s University | 6.0 |
| State University of New York | 6.0 |
| Stetson University | 6.0 |
| Texas A&M University | 6.0 |
| The Master’s University | 6.0 |
| University of Hawaii | 6.0 |
| University of Kentucky | 6.0 |
| University of Memphis | 6.0 |
| A.T Still University | 6.5 |
| Adelphi University | 6.5 |
| Alfred University | 6.5 |
| Antioch University | 6.5 |
| Appalachian State University | 6.5 |
| Arkansas State University | 6.5 |
| Asbury University | 6.5 |
| Ashland University | 6.5 |
| Auburn University | 6.5 |
| Ball State University | 6.5 |
| Barry University | 6.5 |
| Bastyr University | 6.5 |
| Belmont University | 6.5 |
| Bemidji State University | 6.5 |
| Binghamton University | 6.5 |
| Bob Jones University | 6.5 |
| Boise State University | 6.5 |
| Bradley University | 6.5 |
| Brescia University | 6.5 |
| Bryant University | 6.5 |
| Bucknell University | 6.5 |
| Buena Vista University | 6.5 |
| Caldwell University | 6.5 |
| California Baptist University | 6.5 |
| California Lutheran University | 6.5 |
| California State University | 6.5 |
| Calvin University | 6.5 |
| Capital University | 6.5 |
| Carlow University | 6.5 |
| Case Western Reserve University | 6.5 |
| MIT | 7.0 |
| Harvard University | 7.0 |
| University of California, Berkeley | 7.0 |
| University of Chicago | 7.0 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 7.0 |
Minimum IELTS Score for F1 Visa (USA Study Visa)
If you want to apply for an F1 visa to commence your academic journey in the USA, then you are required to appear for the IELTS Academic Test and obtain a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5.
Study in the USA without IELTS
There are several ways by which you can pursue higher studies in the USA without attempting the IELTS exam. Some of the most prominent alternatives are provided below.
- Attempt other English language proficiency exams, such as TOEFL iBT, PTE, Duolingo, or university-specific language tests (if available).
- You can submit an MOI or medium of instruction certificate if you have completed your previous studies in academic settings where the English language was the only mode of instruction and examinations. It is applicable only to master’s level courses.
- If you are applying for an undergraduate program, then you must have at least 70-75% marks in the English Core subject of Std. XII, to waive the IELTS requirement.
- Some institutes also offer pathway courses to enhance English language skills, which you can join before or continuing your regular program.
Key Takeaways by AdmitX
The minimum requirement for an IELTS score to study in the USA depends on several factors, such as university, study level, and programs. On average, this varies in the range between 6.0-6.5.
If you want to pursue an undergraduate or postgraduate program in the USA, then you will need a score between the above range of 5.5 in every section. However, many universities also waive the IELTS requirement, depending on academic background, interview, and program requirements.
Recommended Reads:
| IELTS Speaking Topics | IELTS Exam Guide |
| How to Prepare for IELTS at Home? | IELTS Band Score - How to Calculate |
| Minimum IELTS for Ireland | Alternatives to IELTS |
| Minimum IELTS for Singapore | IELTS Fees in India |
| Minimum IELTS Score for UK | Best IELTS Online Coaching |
FAQs
Is the IELTS band score of 5.5 accepted in the USA?
Yes, an IELTS band score of 5.5 is generally accepted in the USA universities, but with that score, you can pursue only selected academic programs such as diplomas, pathway courses, pre-master’s, etc.
Is the band score of 6.5 good for the USA?
Yes, an IELTS band score of 6.5 is good, and is accepted by several prestigious state universities, such as California State University, Ball State University, and Bucknell University.
What is the minimum IELTS score required to study in Ivy League institutes?
To get into the Ivy League institutions, you must have an IELTS band score of 7.0-8.0, depending on the college/university.
What is the medium of instruction certificate?
A medium of instruction or MOI certificate is the documentary proof that demonstrates your previous studies were completed in academic settings where the English language was the only mode of instruction and examinations.
What are some good USA universities that I can join with a band score of 7.0?
Some of the USA universities that are available on an IELTS band score of 7.0 are MIT, Harvard University, University of California, Berkeley, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, etc.
