50+ Universities Accepting Low IELTS Scores

Finding universities that accept low IELTS scores is an important step for students who want to study abroad but may not have achieved the required band in their first attempt. Many well-known institutions across countries like Australia, Canada, the USA, the UK, and New Zealand offer flexible English-language requirements. Some accept lower IELTS bands, while others provide pathway programs or conditional admissions if students meet all other academic criteria.

Exploring these options helps students create a realistic shortlist, understand eligibility requirements, and follow the step-by-step process of submitting their IELTS scores. With the right information, students can make informed choices and improve their chances of securing international admission opportunities.

List of Universities Accepting Low IELTS Scores in 2025-26

Below, we have compiled a comprehensive list of universities accepting low IELTS scores for the 2025–26 academic year across the globe.

List of Universities Accepting Low IELTS Scores in the UK & Europe

Europe is home to some of the best student cities in the world, while the UK is renowned for its prestigious academic institutions offering top specialisations across various fields. Both these study destinations provide affordable, high-quality education along with strong research and academic opportunities. In fact, several European universities also allow students to study without IELTS. Here is a list of European and UK universities accepting low IELTS scores.

Universities Accepting Low IELTS Scores in UK and Europe	Location	Minimum Total IELTS Score Required
University of Oslo	Norway	6.0
Télécom Paris	France	5.5
Wageningen University and Research	Netherlands	6.0
Autonomous University of Barcelona	Spain	6.0
Ghent University	Belgium	5.5
University of Vienna	Austria	6.0
Vienna University of Technology	Austria	5.5
University of Manchester	UK	6.0
University of Bristol	UK	6.0
University of Glasgow	UK	6.0
University of Sheffield	UK	6.0
University of Birmingham	UK	6.0
Lancaster University	UK	6.0
University of Leeds	UK	6.0
University of Aberdeen	UK	6.0
University of Leicester	UK	6.0
University of Sussex	UK	6.0
University of Liverpool	UK	6.0
University of Bristol	UK	6.0
University of Glasgow	UK	6.0
Queen Mary University of London	UK	6.0
Budapest Metropolitan University	Greece	6.0
University of Dundee	Scotland	6.0
KU Leuven	Belgium	6.0
Utrecht University	Netherlands	6.0
Antwerp Management School	Belgium	6.0
University of Vaasa	Finland	6.0
University of Bergen	Norway	6.0
Budapest Metropolitan University	Greece	6.0
University of Southern Denmark	Denmark	6.0

List of Universities Accepting Low IELTS Scores in the USA

As one of the top study destinations for STEM, arts, design, and commerce courses, the USA remains a popular choice among international students. If you are planning to pursue your graduate studies abroad, here is a list of top colleges and universities in USA accepting low IELTS scores to help you explore your options.

Universities Accepting Low IELTS Scores	Minimum Total IELTS Score Required
California State University	5.5
North Dakota State University	5.5
Old Dominion University	5.5
Southern Arkansas University	5.5
University of Alabama in Huntsville	5.5
University of Mississippi	5.5
University of New Haven	5.5
University of Missouri	5.5
University of South Alabama	5.5
State University of New York	5.5
Ohio University	5.5
North Dakota State University	5.5
The University of Texas-Pan American	5.5
Central Michigan University	5.5
University of Louisiana	5.5
Southern New Hampshire University	5.5
New Mexico State University	5.5
Kent State University	6.0
Murray State University	6.0
Washington State University	6.0
Oklahoma City University	6.0
University of Florida	6.0
Texas A & M University	6.0

a. Universities Accepting IELTS for Master’s and PhD Programs

If you are planning to pursue a Master’s or PhD in the United States, having an IELTS score can important boost your chances. Many top-ranked universities accept IELTS as proof of English language proficiency for graduate-level programs. 

Here is a list of leading universities accepting IELTS for master’s and PhD programs, along with the minimum score typically required:

Universities accepting IELTS for Master’s and PhD Programs in USA	Minimum IELTS Requirement
Princeton University	8.0
University of Chicago	7.0
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)	7.0
Johns Hopkins University	7.0
University of California, Berkeley	7.0
Yale University	7.0
Harvard University	7.0
University of Pennsylvania	7.0
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	7.0

b.Universities Accepting IELTS Undergraduate Programs in USA

Many top U.S. universities consider IELTS scores for undergraduate admissions. Meeting the minimum band requirement is essential for securing a spot in competitive programs. Below is a list of universities accepting IELTS undergraduate programs in USA along with their minimum score criteria.

Universities Accepting IELTS Undergraduate Programs in USA	IELTS Requirement
University of California, Berkeley (UCB)	6.5
Columbia University	7.5
Princeton University	8.0
Harvard University	7.0
Yale University	7.0
Johns Hopkins University	7.0
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)	7.0
University of Pennsylvania	7.0
University of Chicago	7.0

Also Read: Minimum IELTS Score For USA: Requirement for Top Universities

List of Universities Accepting Low IELTS Scores in Canada 

Canada is emerging as a multicultural hub and continues to welcome international students with open arms. Known for its high academic standards and inclusive environment, the country offers numerous opportunities for global learners. Here is a list of Canadian universities accepting low IELTS scores for international admissions.

Universities of Canada Accepting Low IELTS Scores	Minimum Total IELTS Score Required
St. Clair College of Applied Arts and Technology	6.0
Charles Sturt University	6.0
Sault College	6.0
Concordia University	6.0
University of Alberta	6.5
Brock University	6.5
Canadore College	6.0
Royal Roads University	6.0
Algonquin College	6.0
Lethbridge college	6.0
Camosun College	6.0

List of Universities Accepting Low IELTS Scores in Australia 

Australia is another popular study destination known for its affordable education and globally ranked universities. It offers a welcoming environment for international students and a wide range of academic programs across disciplines. If you are planning to study here, take a look at the Australian universities accepting low IELTS scores for admission.

Universities of Australia Accepting Low IELTS Scores	Minimum Total IELTS Score Required
University of Queensland	6.0
The University of Adelaide	6.0
RMIT University	6.0
Australian Catholic University	6.0
Charles Darwin University	6.0
Swinburne University of Technology	6.0
University of South Australia	6.0
Victoria University	6.0
University of Wollongong	6.0
The University of Newcastle	6.0
University of Southern Queensland	6.0
Murdoch University	6.0

Explore:

IELTS	IELTS Sample Answers
IELTS Listening	IELTS Reading
IELTS Speaking	IELTS Writing

List of Universities Accepting Low IELTS Scores in New Zealand

New Zealand has emerged as a promising academic destination for international students, known for its safe environment, high-quality education, and supportive policies. The country gained global recognition for its effective pandemic response, further boosting its appeal. Here is a list of New Zealand universities accepting low IELTS scores for international applicants.

Universities of New Zealand Accepting Low IELTS Scores	Minimum Total IELTS Score Required
Victoria University of Wellington	6.0
University of Waikato	6.0
University of Otago	6.0
University of Canterbury	6.0
Auckland University of Technology	6.0
Lincoln University	6.0
Massey University	6.0
University of Auckland	6.0
Eastern Institute of Technology	6.0

How to Send IELTS Scores to Universities: Step-by-Step Process

You must be wondering, How to send IELTS scores to universities? Here is a clear breakdown to help you with the process:

• Individuals planning to study abroad are required to send their IELTS scores to the universities they are applying to.

• These scores are necessary for institutions to assess the applicant’s proficiency in the English language.

• IELTS scores can be sent either through electronic score delivery or by using the paper Test Report Form (TRF).

• Before sending scores, students should confirm the accepted delivery method with the university they are applying to.

• If a university requires scores via paper TRF, students must pay the applicable fee for registered postal delivery.

Top 10 Tips to Improve Your IELTS Scores 2025

The IELTS exam can seem like a major challenge for students planning to study abroad. However, with the right strategies and consistent practice, achieving your desired band score becomes possible. Here are the top 10 tips to help you prepare effectively for IELTS in 2024:

• Begin your preparation by understanding the structure of all four sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Knowing the types of questions and time limits will help you stay confident during the exam.

• Regularly solve official IELTS practice tests or high-quality mock exams. These simulate the real test environment and help improve time management and accuracy.

• Read news articles from reliable sources such as BBC or The Guardian. Watch English movies or shows with subtitles and listen to podcasts to improve listening and comprehension skills.

• Train your ear to catch important details, keywords, and specific information while ignoring unnecessary distractions in the audio sections.

• Pay attention to how speakers begin their answers. Opening lines often contain the topic sentence or main idea, making it easier to follow the rest of the passage.

• During the listening section, if you miss an answer, move on quickly. Don’t waste time dwelling on it, as it might affect the remaining questions.

• Develop fast reading habits by learning to skim for the general idea and scan for specific information. These techniques help you save time in the reading section.

• Research frequent IELTS writing prompts. Being familiar with common themes will allow you to plan responses and prepare relevant vocabulary in advance.

• Organise your essay with an introduction, body paragraphs that support your argument, and a conclusion. A well-structured response shows clarity of thought.

• Avoid repeating basic words and sentence patterns. Instead, showcase a wide range of vocabulary and use complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.

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