Everything you need to know about IELTS requirements for studying in the UK.
What is the minimum IELTS score for studying in the UK?
There are over 160 universities and higher education institutions in the United Kingdom. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS Academic results. This means you may not need to take an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test because you may be able to submit an IELTS Academic result. The average IELTS score requirement for organisations accepting IELTS in the United Kingdom is 5.9 but the required score will vary depending on the university and even the course you want to study.
Russell Group Universities (the top 24 universities in the UK) will generally require a higher band score. You can learn more about Russell Group Universities here.
To Study In The UK, The Minimum IELTS tests Requirements Are As Follows:
Level (Courses)
University Foundation IELTS 4.5 (4.0+ in all skills)
Bachelor’s Degree IELTS 6.5 (6.0+ in all skills)
Pre-Master’s IELTS 5.0 (5.0+ in all skills)
Master’s Degree IELTS 6.5 (6.0+ in all skills)
But remember that your chosen university will likely require a higher score.
You will have a lot of choices too – there are over 30,000 English-taught programmes in the UK, for both undergraduate and graduate levels so check the IELTS test requirements carefully. IELTS is the most commonly accepted English exam to prove your English proficiency. The British Council offers more than 500 test locations globally with the option to take either the paper-based test or computer-based Academic IELTS test. If you are taking your IELTS test in the UK, there are lots of test centres with a choice of test dates – in fact, there are test centres in almost every town and city. You can find the closest one to you here.
What is the minimum IELTS score for working in the UK?
The score you will need depends on the type of visa you want to get, and also the type of work you will be doing. The minimum IELTS test score is 4.0 for people of exceptional talent or entrepreneurs. The Tier 1 general visa requires a 7.0 IELTS test score, and the Tier 2 general visa a 4.0. Both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic are accepted. For the family of someone working in the UK, the requirement is a bit different – IELTS life skills at A1, which is the equivalent of IELTS for UKVI 4.0 in speaking and listening. You can find a full list here explaining the different options for UK visas and immigration.
This link to an article about obtaining a UK visa will give you more information about UKVI.
How much does IELTS cost in the UK?
Sitting an IELTS test in the UK is quite affordable. The IELTS test fee is around £185 (this can vary a bit depending on the centre you go to). Remember that if you want to cancel or change the date, this will probably cost £30-40, so choose your test dates carefully. Test takers would pay a fee of around £110 if you want an EOR (Enquiry on results).
Is IELTS more difficult in the UK?
Absolutely not. The IELTS test is the same, wherever in the world you decide to take the test.
Each IELTS test centre will have a website with everything you need to know about booking, test procedures and frequently asked questions. In general, though:
How you are tested
You take the test in four parts: reading, writing, listening and speaking. It may be possible for you to take the entire test on a single day (usually a Saturday), or the test may be administered over two days.
You will always do the reading, writing and listening test on the same day without a break. The speaking module may be the same day, the next day or occasionally up to 7 days later. This depends on the availability of speaking test appointments.
You are usually provided with online materials to help you prepare for the test when you apply, and you can look at our other articles on the IELTS Podcase website to find a lot more help.
Your overall score is based on the average of your score for each part.
Test dates
Test dates are available throughout the year – most centres usually offer at least one or two dates per month.
What happens on the test day?
On arrival at the test centre, you must register using your valid ID document. If you arrive too late to register, you will not be allowed to sit the test.
The centre provides a secure room for you to leave your personal belongings, as you can only take certain items into the test with you. The test centre provides you with a clear list of what you can and can’t take in.
Test fees and forms
In addition to the cost of the IELTS test itself, separate fees apply if you need to:
- cancel or rearrange the test
- request a review of your results
- have your results sent to additional organisations – this means an additional test report form.
In these situations, please complete the relevant IELTS form and return it to the test centre.
Receiving your results
You can see your results online, up to 13 calendar days after the test. They also post a copy of your test results (the Test Report form, TRF) to the address you have given on your application form.
Is IELTS valid for the UK?
Yes. IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and is the most widely accepted English Language proficiency test in the world – remember that every single UK university accepts IELTS.
Is there a difference between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?
UKVI stands for UK Visas and Immigration. UKV IELTS and IELTS are similar both with respect to content scores and difficulty. However the Test reports form containing these results may vary slightly from your tests. If the IELTS was passed through the home office in England, the test will take place in a UK venue. IELTS for UKVI may not be a requirement for all students planning to study in the UK, but IELTS for UKVI is a requirement for most people wanting to work in the UK.
Taking IELTS for UKVI with the British Council
As well as being the United Kingdom’s international organisation for cultural relations, The British Council has language schools and test centres in most countries and can help you prepare well for the test. There are lots of options for studying online and in a language centre ahead of your IELTS exam. This test provides IELTS life skills to an approved test centre in UKV. UKVI is approved in all countries, in all regions and on all continents. You can choose to do your test online or on a computer in multiple test locations when you have decided on the test date you want.
International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
Unlike most tests, the IELTS exams look for the most basic comprehension and understanding skills for the English language and focus on teaching how and why you should use English for work and at school. The academic and general training IELTS tests both measure English proficiency in the four skills but the Academic test is used for educational opportunities such as obtaining a place at a UK university or another English speaking country for a bachelor or postgraduate degree and a student visa, while the general training test measures the English language level of the test taker looking to obtain a UK visa for work or immigration purposes. In this case, the focus is more on English skills for work and social interactions rather than further academic study.
