Study in the USA with an IELTS Test

IELTS USA Band Requirement

Each organisation or institution has its individual band requirement for the IELTS for the USA, so every test taker needs to concentrate on scoring the required band. However, the minimum IELTS requirement for USA to get admission to a university is 6.0 bands in each section, but it should not be less than 6.5 bands, overall. The IELTS for the USA ranges from 0 to 9. 

The list of score scales for each band score is given below.

List of 10 Best Universities IELTS Score for USA

Now that you know the IELTS USA band requirement, we will discuss the 10 best US universities that require IELTS scores.

Several universities in the USA accept IELTS scores, however, we have curated a list of the best 10 universities that only accept IELTS scores in the USA. This list contains the university's name, the IELTS minimum requirement for UG and PG programmes, and the QS world ranking 2025.

After learning about the universities, it’s time to know about the minimum IELTS score for the USA.

Minimum IELTS Score for USA Universities

With the minimum IELTS scores ranging between 6.0 and 6.5 in the USA, potential candidates can be admitted to most universities. Nevertheless, candidates who dream of getting admitted to some of the world’s best universities must focus on obtaining higher-than-average band scores.

Considering the international standards and reputation of these educational organisations, it might be highly competitive, but not impossible. Below is the list of universities that accept minimum IELTS scores for the USA:

Now, let’s know about the universities that accept IELTS scores between 6-7

Universities that accept IELTS scores between 6-7

Various USA universities accept a satisfactory IELTS band score to study in the USA, which is 6-7 obtained from the IELTS examination. This band score shows a ‘Competent user’ with an adequate command of the language with minor inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstanding.

The table below shows the universities that accept IELTS scores between 6 and 7:

Also, check: What Documents Do You  Need for the IELTS Exam?

What should be done if the Desired IELTS Score is not achieved?

Now that you have learned about the IELTS requirement for different universities in the USA, attaining that set score is important to confirm admission to your desired university.

If you didn’t get the desired minimum IELTS score to study in USA, you should not worry. The following are the points that you must take into consideration for attaining your desired IELTS score:

English Language Preparation Programs

Several universities in the USA offer English language preparation programs for international students who can’t get the minimum IELTS scores to study in the USA. These programs include coaching for enhancing abilities like speaking, reading, listening, and writing and rendering academic support.

Conditional Admission Programs

Universities in the USA also provide conditional admission programs for students who want to study abroad but still need to get the minimum IELTS score but have the potential for academic success. In this program, you might get admitted to an institution or organisation if you enrol in English language courses besides your regular courses. You may get admitted to your opted program after completing your English language course and achieving the required proficiency level.

Community Colleges

If you can’t achieve the minimum IELTS score for the USA, you can join junior or two-year colleges. The advantage of getting into this type of college is that it asks for a comparatively lower IELTS band score than the top universities in the USA. Moreover, they provide a range of courses at the most affordable price. Once you complete your course at a community college, you might be able to shift to a four-year university and seek your choice of program.

Retake the IELTS Exam

You may retake the IELTS exam if you cannot obtain the minimum IELTS scores for the USA. For this, you must familiarise yourself thoroughly with the exam by practising previous exam papers, getting expert guidance, learning time management, and identifying your areas of weakness. One can achieve their desired IELTS score to study in the USA with rigorous practice and preparation.

IELTS Score Needed to Apply for Student Visa

Now that you know how to get the desired scores for IELTS, it is time to know how to apply for a student visa to study in the USA.

If you want to apply for a student visa to study in the USA, you need to get a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. The overall minimum IELTS requirement for an undergraduate degree in the USA is 6.0, while a postgraduate degree generally needs a minimum band score of 6.5. USA band requirements vary depending on the individual university.  

Also, read: IELTS Exam Syllabus

Steps to Submit Your IELTS Score to the USA Universities

This section will assist you with how to submit your IELTS score to universities. The IELTS officials permit international candidates to submit their IELTS scores to at least five universities, which candidates can choose while registering for the IELTS.

Below are the steps that show how you can submit YOUR IELTS score to USA universities:

Step 1 - Visit the IDP official website and create your account.

Step 2 - After creating the account, search for the "Request a Test Report Form" option and click on it.

Step 3 - Select your desired institution, choose from the list provided there, or you can search for it easily.

Step 4 - Fill out your application form and review the payment details.

Step 5 - Submit your application form 

Your score will be transmitted to the universities in 10 days, paving the way to the best academic opportunities.

Also, Check: How to Send IELTS Scores to Universities?

Conclusion

To conclude, if you want to study in the USA, you must acquire a good IELTS score. One must demonstrate outstanding communication command to get into USA universities and obtain a student visa. Once you achieve the required scores, you may seek advice and direction from knowledgeable tutors by following some tips like being composed and self-assured throughout the test and forwarding the IELTS results to the colleges of your choice, you may get a chance to study in the USA.

If you want to understand more about studying in the USA with an IELTS test or want to prepare for IELTS,  we recommend you sign up for our IELTS courses designed by our experts. Please contact Prepare IELTS Exam (PI) expert counsellors if you need further guidance. Our team of education experts is dedicated to assisting you in the best possible way for the IELTS exam. You can also get a one-on-one counselling session online via our platform. Contact us at info@prepareieltsexam.com or call us at +91 9773398388.