ELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for study, work, and migration. Over 10,000 organizations worldwide including universities, immigration departments, employers, and professional bodies — accept IELTS as proof of English skills.
If you're planning to study in countries like Australia, Canada, UK, USA, New Zealand, or Japan (for English-taught programs), IELTS is often required for admission and visa processing.
IELTS exam is divided into four main sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
IELTS scores are reported on a band scale of 1 to 9 for each section. You’ll receive:
Each band score corresponds to a specific skill level. A Band 9 indicates that you are an expert user of English with full command of the language. A Band 8 represents a very good user, someone who has complete operational command with only occasional unsystematic errors. A Band 7 is considered a good user, meaning you have operational command with occasional inaccuracies or misunderstandings in unfamiliar situations.
If you score Band 6, you are a competent user who can generally understand and use English effectively, though there may be some mistakes. A Band 5 is given to a modest user, who has a basic understanding and can communicate in familiar situations. Any score of Band 4 or below signifies a limited user, someone who struggles with understanding and expressing English consistently.
Most universities and colleges require a score of 6.0 to 7.0 for admission.
When planning to study abroad, knowing the IELTS score requirements for each country is essential. For Australia, most universities and colleges require an overall band score between 6.0 and 6.5, with no individual band lower than 5.5. In Canada, the general requirement also falls between 6.0 and 6.5, though this can vary depending on the specific college or program.
In the United Kingdom (UK), universities typically ask for an overall score between 6.0 and 7.0, depending on the level and type of course. For the United States (USA), the standard IELTS requirement for most universities is between 6.5 and 7.0, especially for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
In New Zealand, the IELTS score requirement is similar, ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. For Japan, English-taught programs usually accept scores between 5.5 and 6.5, although requirements may differ by university and course.
We offer comprehensive IELTS preparation classes designed to help you achieve your target score:
Whether you're just getting started or need to boost your score, Helpful Educational Institute (P) Ltd. is here to support your journey. Our expert team will guide you through: