Minimum IELTS Score for UK 2024: Required IELTS Score for Universities

Overview

Achieving the appropriate IELTS score is important for students wishing to study in the UK. The International English Language Testing System, also known as IELTS, is a widespread language competency metric, and UK colleges may have specified score criteria for admission. So, if you're looking to get into UK institutions with an IELTS score, this blog is for you!

In this blog, we will provide a full knowledge of the required IELTS score for studying in the UK, as well as the score criteria and scores required by top colleges.

Table of Contents

Overview
Minimum IELTS Score Required for UK Universities
IELTS Requirement in Top UK Universities
UK Universities Accepting 6.0 IELTS Band
UK Universities Accepting 5.5 Bands
IELTS Score for UK Student Visa
Conclusion
FAQs

Minimum IELTS Score Required for UK Universities

The IELTS Score required to study in the UK varies depending on factors such as the course level, university, and specialisation. In the table below, let’s check the minimum required IELTS scores for UK universities at different levels of courses.

Level of the program	Scores Required in IELTS
Foundation level or pre-sessional courses	4.5 overall, with no band less than 4 in each section
Bachelor’s degree	6.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0 in each section
Pre-masters	5.0 overall, with no band less than 4.5 in each section
Master’s degree	6.0 overall, with no band less than 5.5 in each section

NOTE: The above mentioned scores of IELTS are just the estimates. However, if you aim to seek admission to top UK universities, then you might require higher scores.

IELTS Requirement in Top UK Universities

In order to get an offer letter from top UK universities, students require higher scores in IELTS. So, let’s know the scores needed in some of the best universities in UK.

Name of the University	QS World Ranking	IELTS Score Requirement (Undergraduate degree)	IELTS Score Requirement (Postgraduate degree)
University of Cambridge	2	7.5	7.0
University of Oxford	3	7.0	7.5
Imperial College London	6	6.5	6.5
UCL (University College London)	9	6.5	6.5
The University of Edinburgh	22	6.5	6.5
The University of Manchester	32	6.0 - 7.0	6.0 - 7.0
King's College London	40	7.0	7.0
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)	45	7.0	7.0
University of Bristol	55	6.0	6.0
The University of Warwick	67	6.5	6.5

UK Universities Accepting 6.0 IELTS Band

Now, here is the list of UK universities that are accepting IELTS scores of 6.0 bands.

University of Glasgow
University of Sheffield
University of Birmingham
Queen Mary University of London
University of Leeds
University of Manchester
Lancaster University
University of Nottingham
University of Aberdeen
University of Leicester
University of Sussex
University of Liverpool

UK Universities Accepting 5.5 Bands

Now, here is the list of UK universities which are accepting IELTS scores of 5.5 bands.

University of Warwick
Staffordshire University
University of East Anglia
Swansea University
University of Gloucestershire
Newcastle University

IELTS Score for UK Student Visa

The UKVI does not mention any specific minimum IELTS score for UK student visa. However, for below degree level or pre-sessional courses, students must obtain an overall IELTS score of 4.0 and above in each of the four skills. On the other hand, UKVI requires 5.5 or above bands for degree level and above courses overall and in each of the four skills.

Conclusion

In summary, your IELTS score determines your ability to successfully participate in academic training conducted in English, which is a prerequisite for admission to the best universities in UK. Universities use particular IELTS standards to gauge your ability to comprehend lectures, contribute to discussions, and finish assignments in English. Getting the necessary marks boosts your chances of admission to prestigious UK universities by demonstrating your preparedness to thrive in an English-medium learning environment.

We hope you enjoyed reading the blog. If you want to learn everything you need to know about the IELTS score you need for admission in UK, we recommend you sign up for our IELTS Courses designed by our experts. Please contact Prepare IELTS exam (PI) expert counsellors for 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.

FAQs

Yes, without a doubt. IELTS is generally accepted in the UK for university applications, immigration, and employment. IELTS is also one of the most generally acknowledged English language competency examinations in the world, with most educational institutions, employers, and immigration officials in the United Kingdom accepting it.

Yes, you are permitted to take alternative English proficiency examinations. Some universities will also accept your 12th grade English scores. The institution may relieve you from the English language test requirement if you have good grades in your English subject in 12th grade, have experience in an English-speaking setting, or have certain academic qualifications.

To study master's in the UK, you need an IELTS score of 6.5 on average, whereas a minimum 6.0 score is compulsory. On the other hand, for a bachelor’s degree, you need a 6.0 score or above and a minimum 5.5 score is required. However, premier universities may require a score of 6.5 or more.

If you want to study for a degree or higher, you will need a 6.0 overall and a 5.5 in each IELTS section. Other visa categories, such as work visas, may have different English language requirements depending on the visa route and the job's skill level. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, go to the official UK government website or the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Yes, with an IELTS score of 6.5, you can apply to some of the top-notch universities in the UK. Different universities and courses may have different English language competency requirements, and certain competitive programmes may have higher IELTS score requirements. While some institutions may accept an overall band score of 6.5, others may have greater standards, such as 7.0 or 7.5.