IELTS Eligibility Criteria: Minimum Score Requirement, Country-Wise Eligibility, Score Calculation

IELTS Eligibility Criteria: IELTS test-takers must keep abreast of the IELTS eligibility criteria before attempting the exam. IELTS or the International English Language Testing System is a standardized English proficiency test that is designed to assess the linguistic ability of a non-native English language speaker. It is usually taken by candidates who want to study, work, or migrate to certain countries. This test is jointly managed by IDP: IELTS, The British Council, and the Cambridge Assessment English. In this blog, we will explain the IELTS exam eligibility criteria in detail!

About IELTS Exam

The IELTS is managed by IELTS, the British Council, and Cambridge Assessment English.  This exam is of two kinds depending on the purpose of the test. The IELTS Academic is the test for those planning to study abroad. If you want to migrate or shift to another country for work, the exam you have to take is the General Training version. Irrespective of whichever form of the exam you appear for, the eligibility criteria remain the same. 

IELTS Eligibility 2024

IELTS does not have major conditions on its eligibility. However, there are some points which you must keep in mind.

IELTS Eligibility Criteria	Not Specific
Minimum Age	Even though there is no set age limit however it is not recommended for students below 16 years
Passport	Valid, non-expired passport.
Use	Planning to immigrate to Australia/Canada/New Zealand/UK. Want to study in Australia/Canada/New Zealand/USA/UK and other countries. Medical professionals who plan to study or work further in Australia/UK/USA.
Minimum IELTS Score for Top Universities	The minimum score varies from one university to another.

IELTS Eligibility For Indian Students 2024

As mentioned above, IELTS is taken by aspirants who wish to study, work or migrate to some select countries but IELTS is useful in many other scenarios as well. IELTS is compulsory if you are planning to study in Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand. It is also accepted in over 3,000 US academic institutes including Ivy League colleges and many schools situated across the globe.

• Apart from that, many organizations and MNCs require IELTS if you plan to work at a branch situated in an English-speaking country. You can find all the institutions that accept IELTS here.

• IELTS is also the only secure English Language Test that is officially approved by UK Visas and Immigration for UK visa applicants.

• You can also apply for Immigration to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. IELTS is accepted by immigration authorities and can be taken as a substitute for TOEFL in the mentioned countries.

Minimum IELTS Score Requirement

There is no such thing as a minimum IELTS score. Each university has its own set of standards for admission. Each university and country has its standards for IELTS scores to be admitted. As a result, it is recommended that you aim for the highest band scores to gain admission to your preferred university. If you have already picked which university you want to attend, you should ask your study abroad counsellor about their IELTS score criteria.

What is the 12th percentage required for IELTS? 

There are no percentage criteria required to appear for the IELTS examinations. Irrespective of the total percentage you have secured in 12th or equivalent, you can appear for the IELTS examinations. It is the test that is required to prove your English proficiency for getting admission to foreign universities. 

IELTS Eligibility: Age

The minimum age for taking an IELTS Exam is 16 years and you must have a valid passport. Age is an important part of the IELTS exam eligibility.

Top 5 IELT Accepted Countries

Here are the top 5 IELTS accepted countries you can opt to pursue your higher education.

• UK
• USA
• Canada
• Australia
• New Zealand

Minimum IELTS Score Required by Top Universities

Refer to the table given below to go through the list of top universities that accept IELTS scores.

University	IELTS Required
Stanford University	–
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	7.0
California Institute of Technology	7.0
Harvard University	7.0
Princeton University	7.0
Yale University	7.0
University of Chicago	7.0
University of Pennsylvania	7.0
Johns Hopkins University	7.0
University of California, Berkeley	7.0

IELTS Exam Eligibility for the UK

To study in the UK, you need to have at least an English proficiency asked by your course and the University you apply to. Here are some of the top universities in the UK that accept IELTS:

University	IELTS for Undergraduate	IELTS for Postgraduate
University of Oxford	7	7.5
University of Cambridge	7	7
Imperial College London	7	7
University College London	6.5	6.5
University of Edinburgh	6.5	6.5

IELTS Exam Eligibility Criteria for Canada

To apply for a Canadian visa, you need to have at least an English proficiency of CLB 7 which matches the IELTS 6 Score. However, for different courses and different universities, the eligibility is different. Here are some of the top universities in Canada that accept IELTS:

University	IELTS for Undergraduate	IELTS for Postgraduate
University of Toronto	6.5	7
University of British Columbia	6.5	6.5
McGill University	6.5	6.5
McMaster University	6.5	6.5
University of Alberta	6.5	6.5

IELTS Exam Eligibility for USA

To study in the USA, you need to have at least an English proficiency of at least an IELTS 5.5 Score. However, for different exams and different universities, the eligibility is different. Here are some of the top universities in USA that accept IELTS:

University	IELTS for Undergraduate	IELTS for Postgraduate
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	7.0	7.0
California Institute of Technology	7.0	7.0
Harvard University	7.0	7.0
Princeton University	7.0	7.0
Yale University	7.0	7.0

IELTS Special Requirement 2024

As previously stated, individuals with particular needs can also take the IELTS tests. Students who meet the IELTS 2024 special requirement requirements are eligible to take the test, ensuring equal chances for everyone who wishes to study and work overseas. People who fall within this category include:

• People who have learning challenges
• People who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Visually impaired people
• Individuals suffering from specific medical conditions

Those who meet any of the categories listed above are eligible for special accommodations at IELTS test centres if they notify the authorities at least three months before the test. The authorities must also authorise the same.

IELTS Home Test: Eligibility and Requirements

IELTS Indicator is a new online IELTS test style that all applicants can take at their leisure. It was implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide some assistance to students applying for admittance abroad, especially if they are unable to take the IELTS test in person. Candidates from India who are taking the IELTS Indicator must meet specific conditions before taking the test, which is outlined here.

• Candidates must have a laptop or desktop computer.
• To avoid interruptions during the test, the place or room where candidates will take the test must be calm and comfortable.
• Applicants must guarantee that their internet connection is dependable.
• The candidate must be equipped with high-quality headphones.
• The laptop or desktop computer must also have a fully functional webcam.
• To take the test, candidates must download and install the Zoom application.
• Additionally, applicants must download and install the Safe Exam Browser (SEB).

How are the Scores Calculated?

All the scores of the test are between 0 – 9. The scores are calculated by averaging out the scores of the above-mentioned four sections. The scores can be .5 as well as 6.5 or 7.5. In the case of decimal figures other than 5 or 0, the score is rounded up or down to the nearest 0.5. For Instance, 6.1 will be rounded down to 6 or 7.75 will be rounded up to 8. 

So that was all about IELTS eligibility criteria. Hope the blog has answered your queries regarding the topic.

Related Blogs
IELTS Syllabus 2023 & Section-Wise Exam Pattern	IELTS Marking Scheme | IELTS Scoring System & Grading	IELTS Sample Tests: PDF (Download), Exam Pattern
IELTS Preparation Tips: General Tips and Section Wise …	IELTS Exam 2023 Dates, Registration, Result, Preparation	IELTS Eligibility: IELTS Exam Age Limit & Qualification

FAQs

Visit the Leverage Live page of Leverage edu or contact our study abroad experts at 1800-57-2000 to strengthen your scores and application to secure your spot in your dream college.