IELTS Score for UK Universities - Minimum Requirement to Study in UK

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Meridean Overseas

Updated On 04 March 2024 & Read Time 8 minutes

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 Are you planning to study in the UK? If yes, you must ponder the minimum IELTS score requirement for admission to UK universities. Well, this blog addresses the question in detail.

 

The most crucial step towards getting your college application shortlisted is to crack IELTS. The UK is second after the USA on the list of countries most preferred by international students to pursue higher studies. UK universities are globally known for their top-notch education.

 

As an international student, you must showcase a satisfactory spoken and written English standard to bolster your college application. The IELTS score for UK universities is a prerequisite for obtaining admission into the universities in the country. However, the band requirements of every university are different. Moreover, it also depends on whether you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate course. In this blog, let us look at the IELTS score required for UK in detail.  

 

How Much IELTS Score Required for UK?

The IELTS minimum requirement score in UK varies by university. A bachelor's degree typically requires a band score of 6.0, while a master's degree requires a band score of 6.5.

 

IELTS Score for UK Universities - Minimum Requirement to Study in UK

Degree

Minimum IELTS Score

Minimum IELTS score per section

Bachelor’s

6.0

5.5 each section

Master’s

6.5

6.0 each section

A variety of variables determines the IELTS score for UK universities. For example, institutions require an IELTS score of 6.5 or above if you want to study healthcare.

  • A score above 6.5-7:  You can get admission into well-known universities in the UK with a wide range of courses.

  • A score between 6.0 and 6.5: You can enrol at outstanding universities with rankings ranging from 80 to 150.

  • A score between 5.5 and 6.0: You have fewer academic possibilities, but you can still pick a fantastic university that suits you.

  • Lower than 5.5: You have limited course and university options. Or you can retake the IELTS and aim for a better score. 

 

However, because of your low score, these universities may have extra requirements, such as 12th-grade marks, supplementary credentials, or interviews.

IELTS Score

Availability of Universities Based on Global Rankings

7.0+

Universities ranking within the top 50-100 

6.5+ 

Universities ranking within the top 80-200

6.0+

Universities ranking within the top 150-300

5.5+

A limited number of universities, ranking between 300-500 

Required IELTS Score for UK Universities

UK universities have different IELTS score requirements. This table has mentioned the top universities, their QS world university ranking, and minimum IELTS ranking.

University Name

QS World University Ranking 2024

Minimum IELTS requirement

University of Cambridge

2

Undergraduate: 7.5

Postgraduate: 7.0

University of Oxford

3

Undergraduate: 7.0
Postgraduate: 7.5

Imperial College London

6

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

UCL

9

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

The University of Edinburgh

22

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

The University of Manchester

32

Undergraduate: 6.0

Postgraduate: 6.0

King’s College London

40

Undergraduate: 7.0

Postgraduate: 7.0

The London school of economics and political science

45

Undergraduate: 7.0

Postgraduate: 7.0

University of Bristol

55

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

The University of Warwick

67

Undergraduate: 6.0

Postgraduate: 6.5

University of Leeds

75

Undergraduate: 6.0

Postgraduate: 6.0

University of Glasgow

76

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

Durham University

78

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

University of Southampton

81

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

University of Birmingham

84

Undergraduate: 6.0

Postgraduate: 6.0

University of St Andrews

95

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

University of Nottingham

100

Undergraduate: 7.0

Postgraduate: 7.0

University of Sheffield

104

Undergraduate: 6.0

Postgraduate: 6.5

Newcastle University

110

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

Queen Mary University of London

145

Undergraduate: 6.0

Postgraduate: 6.5

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IELTS Score Required for UK Universities: IELTS 6.0 Universities

With advanced teaching techniques and the best research facilities, the UK holds the top position among aspiring international students seeking to study abroad. Students typically do proper research and need credible information concerning IELTS scores for UK universities. Universities commonly ask for a band score of 6 while enrolling in master's and other degree programs.  The list is as follows:

  • University of Leeds

  • University of Sheffield

  • University of Birmingham

  • University of Manchester

  • University of Nottingham 

 

IELTS Score for UK: IELTS 5.5 Universities

It is important to note that UK universities only accept applications from international candidates with band scores of at least 6. However, UK universities in the UK offer pre-sessional courses depending upon your course choice and IELTS band. Depending upon the IELTS score, the student must attend an English course lasting three months to one year. Here is the list of universities that accept 5.5 band scores.

  • Swansea University

  • Staffordshire University

  • University of East Anglia

  • Newcastle University

  • University of Gloucestershire

 

What is the Minimum IELTS Score for UK Work Visa?

UK immigration department accepts IELTS Academic, IELTS General Test, IELTS UKVI and life skills. The IELTS score for UK universities depends upon the type of visa you apply for. Here is the overview of the IELTS score for UK visas.

Type of Visa

IELTS minimum score 

Student visa: below degree level and pre-sessional courses

IELTS for UKVI – 4.0 overall, and in each of the four skills

Student visa: degree level and above

IELTS/IELTS for UKVI3 – 5.5 overall, and each of the four skills 

How do you get a good IELTS score for UK universities? 

If you are also a study abroad aspirant and want to start IELTS preparation. Then, we are here with some tips to help you in the journey.

  • If you are a beginner, start by measuring your English proficiency. Make a study plan according to your proficiency level.

  • Learn about the IELTS format. Prepare well for every section and pay extra attention to the weaker ones.

  • Practice with a timer because the IELTS exam is based on time, so that you can spend less time on one section than on a set limit.

  • Practice with the updated resources and past question papers.

  • Mock tests are vital for understanding the level of questions and format of the IELTS exam.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the required IELTS score for UK universities ranges between 6.0 and 7.0, and the minimum acceptance score is 5.5 in each section. If you want to study in the UK and get a visa, you require a good IELTS score for UK universities. Moreover, it is mentioned that the IELTS UKVI test is recognised by the UK immigration and visa department by those planning to live, work, or study in the UK; hence, students must take into account the IELTS score for UK universities and the minimum score requirement to study in UK.

 

Hence, students who wish to learn more about the requirements of IELTS scores for the UK and minimum IELTS score may contact our expert counsellors at any Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC) branch. Our expert education counsellors will provide the best support and guidance for university admission and visa acquisition. You can also opt for free video counselling. For more information or any queries, you can mail us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.

 

FAQs

1. Is the IELTS exam accepted in the UK?

Yes, IELTS is generally accepted in the UK for university entry, immigration, and employment. IELTS is one of the world's most generally recognised English language competency examinations, and it is approved by most educational institutions, companies, and immigration authorities in the UK.

 

2. What is the minimal IELTS score for obtaining a UK visa?

To pursue a higher degree, you'll need a 6.0 overall and a 5.5 in each IELTS section. For other visa types, such as work visas, the English language requirement may differ depending on the immigration route and occupational skill level. For the most recent and accurate information, please visit the official UK government website or the UK Visas and Immigration page.

 

3. How long does receiving an IELTS score for UK results take?

If you took the paper-based test, the IELTS results will be accessible within 13 days of the test. The findings will also be delivered to you via mail. You will receive your computer-delivered IELTS results sooner than the paper-based test. In most situations, computer-delivered IELTS results are available within 3 to 5 days of completing all test portions.

 

4. What is the minimum IELTS score required to pursue a master's degree in the UK?

To study master's in the UK, you must have an average IELTS score of at least 6.5.  A master's course requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or higher. However, premier universities require a score of 6.5 or more.

 

5. Is a 6.5 IELTS score appropriate for UK universities?

Yes, with an IELTS score of 6.5, you can apply to some of the top universities in the UK. English language competency requirements vary by university and course, and specific competitive programs may demand a higher IELTS score. While some colleges accept an overall band score of 6.5, others may require a higher number, such as 7.0 or 7.5.

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