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.
Table of Contents
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.
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 |
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 |
2 |
Undergraduate: 7.5 Postgraduate: 7.0 |
|
3 |
Undergraduate: 7.0 |
|
Imperial College London |
6 |
Undergraduate: 6.5 Postgraduate: 6.5 |
UCL |
9 |
Undergraduate: 6.5 Postgraduate: 6.5 |
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 |
55 |
Undergraduate: 6.5 Postgraduate: 6.5 |
|
67 |
Undergraduate: 6.0 Postgraduate: 6.5 |
|
75 |
Undergraduate: 6.0 Postgraduate: 6.0 |
|
76 |
Undergraduate: 6.5 Postgraduate: 6.5 |
|
78 |
Undergraduate: 6.5 Postgraduate: 6.5 |
|
81 |
Undergraduate: 6.5 Postgraduate: 6.5 |
|
84 |
Undergraduate: 6.0 Postgraduate: 6.0 |
|
95 |
Undergraduate: 6.5 Postgraduate: 6.5 |
|
100 |
Undergraduate: 7.0 Postgraduate: 7.0 |
|
104 |
Undergraduate: 6.0 Postgraduate: 6.5 |
|
110 |
Undergraduate: 6.5 Postgraduate: 6.5 |
|
145 |
Undergraduate: 6.0 Postgraduate: 6.5 |
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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
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
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 |
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.
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.
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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Contact MOEC Experts for Study Abroad Guidance!