How Long Is IELTS Score Valid?

There are many language proficiency tests available for students who wish to study abroad. However,  IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most widely accepted and popular test accepted by the World’s Top Universities. The exam is taken by people who are either planning to study or work in an English native land like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, or the United Kingdom. It evaluates the test-takers on four main domains, i.e. Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing. In this blog, let’s check how long is IELTS Score valid and for how many years.

Must Read: How to Introduce Yourself in the IELTS Speaking Test?

IELTS Highlights

Before we find out how long is IELTS score valid, let us find out about the exam. Tabulated below are the important highlights of the IELTS exam. You can have a look here: 

Eligibility	16 years and above
The pattern of IELTS Exams	Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing
Types of IELTS Exams	Academic and General
IELTS test centers	4,500 test centers in 165 countries
IELTS Score Acceptance	10,000 organizations throughout the world. (Universities, Governmental Organizations, Immigration Departments, and MNCs)
The validity of the IELTS Score	2 years minimum

How Long is IELTS Score Valid?

Now we come to the important question, how long is IELTS score valid?  To ensure that the knowledge a candidate has after passing their IELTS exam is thorough and up-to-date, the score is usually correct only for 2 years. The IELTS results are given out within 5 to 7 days of the exam. However, some countries have different validities for IELTS Test report forms (TRF). The validity of the IELTS score for other countries is mentioned below. 

IELTS Score Validity for the USA	IELTS Score Validity: Two Years Accepted in more than 3,000 institutions.
IELTS Score Validity for Canada	IELTS score validity: Two Years For Canadian Immigration, candidates must submit the IELTS test validity within a year of submitting the application.
IELTS Score Validity for the UK	IELTS score validity: Two years For unsatisfactory results, candidates can proceed for an inquiry on results or EOR service within 6 weeks of the release date.
IELTS Score Validity for Australia	Extended to three years as a part of the other changes being incorporated in the GSM visa program.

Validity of IELTS Certificate

The validity of an IELTS certificate is calculated from the time of the result. It is valid only till two years after receiving the certificate. If the IELTS certificate is invalid, you must retake your test.

Who accepts the IELTS Score?

IELTS Score is accepted by 10,000+ organizations throughout the world including universities, government organizations, immigration departments, MNCs, etc

Can you take the IELTS more than Once?

Yes, you can take the IELTS as many times as required. Once your IELTS exam score becomes invalid or even if you fail your previous IELTS exam, you can retake it.

IELTS is valid for how many years?

Yes, the IELTS score is valid for two years from the date of examination and can be used as proof of English proficiency to get admission, visa approval, and jobs in popular countries like New Zealand, the UK, the USA, Canada, and Australia.

IELTS Score Acceptability

The acceptable IELTS scores at the best universities worldwide must also be known by interested candidates after learning about IELTS Validity. IELTS minimum band requirements vary per nation. The scores that various nations accept are as follows:

UK

IELTS scores of at least 6.5 are required for undergraduate and graduate study in the UK. However, some prestigious universities, like the University of Oxford, only accept students with a minimum band score of 7 or 7.5.

US

Universities set their own minimal IELTS standards. Competitive institutions, for instance, need a minimum band score of 7. On the other hand, several other universities will also accept a 6 band score.

Australia

In Australia, bands are determined by the course of study. For instance, candidates for a medical course might need at least a 7. The minimum IELTS band score for a bachelor’s programme is approximately 6, while for postgraduate students, the band score can be approximately 6.5.

New Zealand

Candidates must have an aggregate IELTS score of 5.5 in order to enrol in diploma programmes in New Zealand. For undergraduate and graduate courses, the band score is roughly 6.5. However, some technical disciplines, including engineering, may require a minimum score of 7, according to the institution.

France

Band scores are not a big deal at French universities. The typical score required by most universities is between 6-6.5. Additionally, a number of colleges, including ISC Paris, do not ask for IELTS scores.

Ireland

A minimum score of 5.5 to 6 is required by the majority of Irish universities for undergraduate programmes. The typical score for postgraduate programmes across all universities is between 6 and 6.5.

5 Tips on Prepare for IELTS

• Draft an Efficient Study Plan
• Use Unique Ways to Improve Your English
• Get a Hold of the IELTS Exam Pattern & Format
• Go Through IELTS Sample Papers
• Relax Before the Exam 

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FAQs

Explore: Improve your English Vocabulary to Score a Band 8 in IELTS

This was all about how long is IELTS score valid. Studying for each section of the IELTS and scoring well in them is essential to be accepted in universities abroad. Need help with How to Prepare for IELTS? Approach our team at Leverage Edu who will provide you with an accurate action-plan, unique study materials and patterns, along with the necessary guidance for last-minute exam tips to ensure that you ace smoothly with your preparations and crack the exam with high scores!