Required IELTS Score for USA: Minimum Score for Visa & Universities

Overview

Are you intending to start your study abroad experience in the United States but do not come from a nation where English is not the native language? If so, you might be interested in knowing about the lowest IELTS score required for admission to US universities. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English proficiency exam that assesses non-native English speakers' English language skills.

Several US universities accept IELTS scores as a requirement for admission. However, the minimal IELTS score may vary based on the university and program. In this article, we will discuss the proposed minimum IELTS scores for US universities, providing you with important information as you prepare for your study abroad adventure.

Table of Contents

Overview
How Many Bands Are Required for USA
IELTS Score Required for USA in Top Universities
Minimum IELTS Score for USA Work Visa
Universities Accepting 6.5 IELTS Score for USA
Universities Accepting 6.0 IELTS Score for USA
Universities Accepting 5.5 IELTS Score for USA
Conclusion
FAQs

How Many Bands Are Required for USA

The minimum IELTS score required for USA varies from university to university. However, in general, students may require a score as follows.

Level of Course	Minimum Scores Required
Bachelor’s	5.5
Master’s	6

IELTS Score Required for USA in Top Universities

Almost every international student who is planning to study in USA, tries to apply to top-notch universities. So, in the table below, let’s check the required IELTS score for US universities which are globally ranked.

S. No.	QS World Ranking 2024	Name of University	IELTS score requirement
1	1	Massachusetts institute of technology (MIT)	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
2	4	Harvard University	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
3	5	Stanford University	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
4	10	University of california, Berkeley (UCB)	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
5	11	University of Chicago	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
6	12	University of Pennsylvania	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.5
7	13	Cornell University	Undergraduate: 7.5 Postgraduate: 7.0
8	15	California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
9	16	Yale University	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
10	17	Princeton University	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
11	23	Columbia University	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
12	28	Johns Hopkins University	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
13	29	University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
14	33	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor	Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0
15	38	New York University (NYU)	Undergraduate: 7.5 Postgraduate: 7.5

Also check: How IELTS Scores are Calculated

Minimum IELTS Score for USA Work Visa

In the USA, decent educational institutions typically require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 bands with a minimum of 6.0 bands in each section. However, if we talk about a US student visa, then let us tell you that you must prove your English language ability in order to get a student visa to study in the United States. Passing a secure English language exam, such as the IELTS, is usually required in order to demonstrate one's strong correspondence and communication abilities.

Moreover, it is also important to get an I-20 or DS-2019 form from the college or university you attended and proof of funds for your first year of study before applying for a student visa. Although there isn't a set rule, students are usually encouraged to have an IELTS score of 6.0 in order to increase their chances of being granted a student visa to enter the US.

Universities Accepting 6.5 IELTS Score for USA

Below are some of the popular universities in the UK which accept IELTS scores of 6.5 bands.

The University of Texas at Austin
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Wisconsin-Madison (for undergraduate courses only)
University of Southern California
Ohio State University (main campus) (for undergraduate courses only)
University of Minnesota
Michigan State University
Purdue University West Lafayette
Pennsylvania State University
Case Western Reserve University
University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus
University of Arizona (for undergraduate courses only)
Indiana University

Universities Accepting 6.0 IELTS Score for USA

Below are some of the popular IELTS 6.0 band universities in USA for international students.

Arizona State University
Colorado State University
University of Florida (for undergraduate courses only)
Iowa State University
Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
Texas A&M University

Universities Accepting 5.5 IELTS Score for USA

Below are some of the popular universities which accept 5.5 IELTS score for USA.

University of Alabama at Birmingham
California State University
Central Michigan University
University of Wisconsin
State University New York
University of Missouri
Ohio University
Murray State University
University of Hawaii
Southern New Hampshire University
University of Mississippi

Conclusion

In conclusion, apart from IELTS scores, there are other criteria on which the universities in the US select students' profiles, like standardised admission test scores and past academic performances. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on other things as well. Furthermore, getting an excellent IELTS score is unnecessary to secure US university admission. However, one should get at least 6.0 bands in order to secure admission to a decent university.

We hope you now have an idea of how much IELTS score is required for USA. If you want to get further details or would like to prepare for IELTS, then you can contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors for further guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to providing you with the best test material and guidance to ace the IELTS exam. You can get a one-on-one counselling session and an IELTS online practice test via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388 for further queries.

FAQs

International students must receive at least 6.0 bands in each module and an overall score of 6.5 to be admitted to reputable universities and study in the United States.

The minimum IELTS score required to apply for a scholarship in the USA varies from university to university. However, one must get 6.0 bands in IELTS to increase the chances of getting a scholarship.

IELTS scores of roughly 6.5 are generally the minimum that US universities accept. However, a small number of universities fall short of the 6.5 threshold. Students having low IELTS band scores of 6.0 and 5.5 will be admitted to those.

In order to stay up to date with the curriculum, universities mandate that non-native students take the IELTS test. Standardised examinations such as the IELTS are used by many elite US universities to check the English language level for applicants with different language backgrounds. They may make sure that all applicants, regardless of their native tongue, are assessed using the same standards by using a standardised test. There may be minimal IELTS score requirements for certain academic programs, particularly those that are language-intensive or demand a high level of communication and interaction.

6.5 is the standard IELTS score required to study in the United States. However, students who want to be considered for a scholarship should strive for a minimum score of 6.5 in each module and a score of 7 or above. Depending on the university, program, and level of study you are applying to, a "good" IELTS score for the USA can change. The minimal English language competency requirements for various programs and institutions may vary, and what is deemed a good score for one program may not be the same for another.