IELTS Score Required for UK Universities 2025
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Those who are planning to pursue higher studies in the UK need to know everything it takes to make a successful application to a university. International students need to prove their English language skills to the university where they are planning to take admission. IELTS is widely accepted by UK universities as an English language proof. English language requirements may vary according to the course and the university.
For studying in the UK, you need to secure a UK Tier 4 Visa that can be obtained once you showcase the English language proficiency as demanded by your college. The IELTS Cut Off for the UK is decided by the universities and colleges to give admission to international students. Earlier, we discussed study in UK without IELTS, in this article, we are going to discuss about the minimum IELTS score requirements for UK universities.
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Minimum IELTS Score Requirements for UK Universities
The IELTS requirements for UK universities are rigorous. Below we have given the IELTS requirements for top UK universities. We have given the minimum IELTS score requirements for bachelor's and master's courses offered by these universities. These IELTS score requirements are changed by the universities from time to time.
| Minimum IELTS Score Requirements for UK Universities 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Colleges and Universities |
Minimum IELTS Scores for Undergraduate Programs |
Minimum IELTS Scores for Postgraduate Programs |
| 7.0 |
7.5 |
|
| 7.5 |
7.0 - 7.5 |
|
| 7.0 |
7.0 |
|
| 6.5 |
6.5 |
|
| 6.5 |
6.5 |
|
| 6.5 |
6.5 |
|
| 6.5 |
6.5 |
|
| 7.0 |
6.5 |
|
| 6.0 |
6.5 |
|
| 6.5 |
6.5 |
|
| 6.5 |
6.5 |
|
| 6.0 |
6.0 |
|
| 6.5 |
6.5 |
|
| 6.5 |
6.5 |
|
| 6.5 |
6.5 |
|
| 6.0 |
6.0 |
|
| 6.0 |
6.0 |
|
| 6.5 |
6.5 |
|
Here is an overview of the minimum IELTS score required for UK universities:
Minimum IELTS Score Required for UK Student Visa
To study in the UK, whether a bachelor’s or a master’s, you need a Tier 4 (General) visa which can be obtained if you meet the English language proficiency standard set by the institution where you are seeking admission. The UK student visa is a Tier 4 (General) visa. The minimum IELTS band requirement for a UK study visa is 4.0 and more for all the skills. However, one should not check the minimum IELTS requirements rather one should aim to score a good IELTS band score to secure admission and a UK student visa. Also, the IELTS score is valid for 24 months.
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Also Check: Minimum IELTS Score for UK
Minimum IELTS Score Required for Different Courses in the UK
One needs to have a different IELTS score for different types of courses and degrees. Most universities require candidates to have an IELTS score of 6.5 or more. Below we have mentioned the IELTS score for a different levels of programs.
| Minimum IELTS Required for Different Levels of Courses in the UK | |
|---|---|
| Courses/Level | Minimum IELTS Score (Overall) |
| Bachelor's degree | 6.5 (7.0 for top universities) |
| Pre-Masters | 5.0 |
| Master’s degree | 6.0 (6.5 for top universities) |
IELTS Test-type Required by Institution/Course
If you wish to study in a higher education institution in the UK you need to check which IELTS type is required by the institute for your desired course. Whether it is IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI. Below we have mentioned the IELTS type required for different courses.
| Type of IELTS Tests Required for Different Courses |
|
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic |
IELTS for UKVI |
|
|
This was all about the minimum IELTS scores required for universities in the UK. If you wish to study abroad, then you can get assistance from Shiksha Counselling Services for free. You can also drop your queries in the comments section below.
For degree-level courses, the UK visa requires candidates to possess a CEFR B2 level of English proficiency. For this reason, the IELTS test takers must to achieve a minimum of 5.5 marks across all 4 sections of the IELTS test, i.e. Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening.
Students should secure a minimum ‘D’ grade to be declared pass in the UK 12th board exam. As per the rules of the UK Board 12th exams, those who obtain an 'E' grade in a subject will not be declared as pass in that subject. Those who could not clear the UK 12th exam can appear for the UK 12th supplementary exam. The UK 12th supplementary exam will be held in July. Through proper preparation and planning, students can easily clear the UK Board 12th exam.
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The universities in the UK accept no less than a 6.0 overall score in the IELTS exam. With this, students must score a minimum of 5.5 scores in each component of the IELTS exam.
However, students with low IELTS scores can opt to go for a pre-master course in the UK for which an IELTS score of 5.5 is accepted. A pre-masters helps you to improve your language skills and prepares you for your chosen master's programme by further improving your knowledge of the subject more than what is taught in the UG degree. Furthermore, a pre-master guarantees admission to the master's degree on successful completion.
The pre-masters is a short programme, usually 1-2 semesters long. It is good to note here that some universities may waive the IELTS requirement if you successfully complete a pre-master program.