Study Destination

IELTS Score Requirements to Study in UK in 2023

Author_Image
Tumul Buch
34.2k views

The UK ranks #6 in the world for its high-quality education, attracting over 485,000 international students from all over the world. However, since many of these students are not native English speakers, they are required to take English proficiency tests to ensure that they have the necessary language skills to succeed in their studies.

One of the most popular English language tests for UK universities is the IELTS examination. Most universities in the UK accept IELTS scores, and each university has a different requirement for the scores. But what is IELTS? 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a standardized test, that evaluates a person’s  English language proficiency. One of the most popular tests in the world, it is taken up by International students in over 140 countries. In India, the IELTS exam costs INR 16,250.

The minimum IELTS score required for UK universities is typically between 6.0 and 7.0, with a minimum of 5.5 in each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking). However, some top universities may require a higher score, such as 7.5 or 8.0. 

It is important to be aware of the specific university’s IELTS score requirements. You can find this information on the university's website or by contacting the admissions office directly. You can also refer to Yocket’s university page section to find out more.

Looking forward to studying in the UK? it's time to ensure you have everything you'll need for a successful university and visa application. Yocket Premium is here to help.

Yocket Premium is a comprehensive study abroad counseling service that can help you with every step of the application process. Connect with experts for a FREE 1:1 counseling session, and find out more about how you can reach your dream university in the UK.

Discussed below are the complete requirements for IELTS passing scores for the UK. Let’s begin!

Table of Contents:

Minimum IELTS Score Required for Courses in UK

The IELTS score for the UK depends on various factors like university type and degree level. Most universities in the UK accept IELTS scores of 6.0 and 6.5. Let’s further understand the minimum score for UK IELTS, according to the different courses in the UK.

Minimum IELTS Score Required for Courses in UK

1. Bachelor’s Degree

You can complete your bachelor’s degree in the UK within 36 months. To pursue a bachelor’s degree in the UK, the IELTS passing score is usually 6.0 or 6.5. However, if you aim to seek admission to top UK universities like the University of Oxford, the IELTS score requirement will be 7.0.

IELTS score requirement

6.0 or 6.5

Other requirements

10+2 passed from an authorized school/college.

The average passing percentage should be 70% and above.

2. Pre-Masters

The Pre-Masters program is intended for students with a first degree who want subject-focused additional tuition ahead of studying for a master's in the UK. For pre-masters, most universities accept IELTS passing scores of 5.0 or 5.5.

IELTS score requirement

5.0 or 5.5

Other requirements

Completion of your undergraduate degree from any reputed university

3. Master’s Degree

The duration of a master's in the UK is somewhere around 12-24 months. You can go for a master’s after completing your undergraduate or pre-master. If you’re coming to the UK for a master's, it is essential to check the IELTS score required for master's universities in the UK. Therefore, let's explore them! 

IELTS score requirement

6.0 or 6.5

Other requirements

Completing an undergraduate or pre-master is a must from an authorized university

Suggested: Requirements to Study Masters in UK

Further, let’s check out this video that talks about the IELTS exam, the courses/degrees that require IELTS in UK, and the cutoff/sectional IELTS score requirements of top UK universities.

Minimum IELTS Score Requirements for Top Universities in UK

Next, we have shared the top-rated UK universities and mentioned their IELTS score requirement for different courses. UK universities often change the IELTS band requirements in each course once every 2-3 years. Let’s check!

Name of University

IELTS score requirement

University of Oxford

Undergraduate: 7.0

Postgraduate: 7.5

Imperial College London

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

University College London

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

University of Cambridge

Undergraduate: 7.5

Postgraduate: 7.0

University of Edinburgh

Undergraduate: 6.5

Postgraduate: 6.5

King’s College London

Undergraduate: 7.0

Postgraduate: 7.0

Suggested: Ultimate Guide to UK Student Visa!

Next, let’s check out what IELTS score is required for UK student visa!

What is the Minimum IELTS Score Requirement for UK Student Visa?

Following are the UK student visa IELTS requirements. 

  • Tier-4 (General) student visa (below degree level or pre-sessional courses) has an IELTS for UKVI requirement of 4.0 and above overall and in each of the four skills. 
  • Tier-4 (General) student visa (degree level and above) has an IELTS/IELTS for UKVI requirement of 5.5 and above overall and in each of the four skills.

Note: The general IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are generally the same, with no significant differences. The syllabus and exam patterns are also the same. 

Suggested: What is Tier-4 Plot Visa in UK?

Can Candidates Study in the UK without IELTS?

Without thinking about the minimum IELTS band for a UK student visa, you can still study in the UK. Some of the well-known UK universities are Birmingham City University, University of Bolton, Brunel University, University of Northampton, University of Geneva, Swansea University, University of Greenwich, University of Plymouth, and many more.

If you fulfill these requirements, you don’t need to check the IELTS band for the UK.

  • A score of 70% and above in English in Class 10th, 11th, and 12th.
  • Proof that you have studied at an English medium school.
  • Having an undergraduate degree in English (depending on the university.)
  • Amazing performance in the online interview conducted by the university.
  • You may be asked to pursue a pre-sessional English course at your university before beginning the study program.

Suggested: SOP for UK Visa and Universities!

If you fulfill all the requirements mentioned above and your university provides the necessary documents, IELTS scores are not mandatory.

From the Desk of Yocket 

The IELTS is a widely accepted English language proficiency test for immigration, education, and employment in the UK. The specific IELTS score required for the UK will vary depending on your circumstances, but the general minimum requirement for most UK universities is 6.0.

We hope this guide on the IELTS requirements for UK universities and study visas has been helpful. However, it is important to remember that getting a good IELTS score is just one aspect of your requirements to study in the UK. You also need to consider intake and deadline requirements for universities in the UK, and appear for any other standardized exams that may be required.

If you need end-to-end expert guidance, Yocket Premium can help. Our counselors will carefully guide you throughout your study abroad journey, from the admission process to the visa application process. 

Talk to the Yocket experts today!

Also Read

Cheapest MBA Colleges in UK September Intake in UK
Cost of Studying MBA in UK PhD in UK

Frequently Asked Questions on IELTS Score for UK

Can I study in UK universities without IELTS?

Is 6.5 a good IELTS score for admission to UK universities?

What is the minimum IELTS score required for a UK study visa?

Is the IELTS UKVI a difficult examination?

How is my IELTS test different if I take it for UK visa purposes?

Articles you might like