Colleges Accepting IELTS Scores - Check List of Universities in US, UK, Canada

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Cyril Zachariah
Updated on Mar 02, 2023 2:04 PM IST

Being an internationally recognised standardised test that assesses the English language proficiency of a candidate, the IELTS exam is accepted by thousands of universities across the globe. Attempting the IELTS exam will open doors to some of the best universities and best courses in the world, especially in countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, etc, as well as in countries offering English-taught programmes, like Germany and France.

Check out this page to find out some of the universities and countries where you can study bachelor's, Master or a PhD with a valid IELTS score. While the list of universities and countries mentioned on this page is long, it is still not exhaustive. In other words, if you wish to study an English-taught programme abroad, it is highly likely that you will need an IELTS score.

Colleges Accepting IELTS Scores

IELTS is the most popular and widely-accepted English language test in the world for admission to higher educational institutes and for migration purposes. The exam is conducted in over 140 countries and test scores are accepted by over 10,000 organisations including institutes, universities, professional bodies, migration authorities, and employers across the globe. Some of the most popular foreign universities are the University of Dayton, Hofstra University, Lynn University, University of Bristol, Middlesex University Dubai, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, etc.

The USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom are some of the popular countries that accept IELTS 2023 scores for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral admissions. Study abroad aspirants or all non-native English speakers are required to attempt English proficiency tests like IELTS to study in English-speaking countries. Notably, every university accepting IELTS scores would have a different IELTS overall and/or section-wise cutoff.

Find out the Top Universities Accepting IELTS Scores

What are IELTS Scores Needed For?

Before we move ahead with the IELTS countries list, let us shed some light on why these IELTS scores are required in the first place.

Primarily, IELTS scorecards are used for a multitude of purposes, such as school and university admissions, employment, visa applications and other immigration processes. These scores represent the language proficiency or abilities of an applicant, allowing the selection committee/officer to gauge the eligibility.

Most English-speaking countries, or universities offering English-taught programmes, often require international students whose first language is any other than English, to present the scores to help gauge their ability to understand and communicate in the language. The test consists of four, sections, i.e. Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking, which are considered the four basic components of communication.

Another important thing to note is that each institute sets its own minimum English language requirement for prospective students. Different employers and countries accept an IELTS scorecard for immigration purposes so that an individual is able to adapt to the working or living environment.

Related Reads:

IELTS Band Score Chart

IELTS Band Score Calculator

Average Score for IELTS

Important Vocabulary for IELTS

Which Countries Accept IELTS Scores?

Being a representation of the language proficiency of a candidate, there are several countries, universities and organisations around the world that accept applicants with IELTS scores. With more than 10,000 institutions across the globe accepting the score for purposes ranging from working, studying, visiting and even migration, attempting IELTS is one of the best bets to get into your dream university abroad.

Here is an IELTS countries list, where candidates most commonly present IELTS scores for different immigration purposes.

Canada

IELTS is approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada in Canada (CIC). It is available in universities and colleges across Canada. So, whether you want to move to Canada for a job, to study, or to reside, you must take the exam. You will also be tested using the IELTS exam as confirmation of English proficiency, and you must score at least 6. With no band below 5.0 in any of the four modules and 6.5 overall, you'll be in a stronger position to travel to Canada. IDP IELTS is also acceptable for Canadian PR.

USA

Over 3,000 universities and colleges in the USA accept IELTS as proof of English language proficiency. In the United States, the minimum band requirement ranges from 6.0 to 7.0. Band requirements vary depending on the university and major. Because a 5.5 band score is considered inadequate by the majority of universities. And you need to improve your score because IELTS is required for US visas.

New Zealand 

You must be a skilled migrant in order to obtain a New Zealand visa permit. In which case, the primary candidate must have an IELTS overall band score of 6.5. Both the Academic and General Training versions have a band score requirement. Importantly, your band score in each module must be at least 5.5.

UK

The UK visa and immigration authorities recognise IELTS Academic, General Training, and Life Skills (UKVI). It is evidence of the English proficiency testing system for persons seeking to work, study, or migrate to the United Kingdom. For better placement, you must earn at least 6.5 in each category and 7 overall. Furthermore, the test serves as proof of the English proficiency testing system. You can travel to the UK without taking IELTS by taking other English courses. You can also apply for a Visa to the UK with an IELTS score of 5.5.

Australia 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a component of Australia's point-based immigration system. It has been accepted and approved by the Australian government. In addition to visa and immigration requirements. Furthermore, the validity of the Australia IELTS test is two years from the date of administration. And you must be proficient enough to meet the band criteria of at least 5.5 in each module. 

Germany 

Since Germany is not an English-speaking country, most colleges do not require candidates to have a score of 7.0 in order to enrol. Candidates should keep in mind, however, that for undergraduate courses, an overall score of 6.0 is required, and test-takers must not score less than 5.5 in any module. To enrol in a postgraduate course, the candidate must have a grade point average of 6.0-6.5. Many institutions, however, require a band score ranging from 4.5 to 6.5.

It should be noted that each university and college on the IELTS countries list will determine the minimum score requirement. In fact, the score requirement will also vary for different courses offered by an individual university or college as well. Therefore, check the language proficiency requirements of the desired course or programme before applying for the test.

FAQs on IELTS Exam Acceptance

Do recruiters across the world accept IELTS scores?

Yes, recruiters also ask for IELTS scores as evidence of an international employee's English language proficiency. According to the official website of IELTS, a total of 488 recruiters from all around the globe accept IELTS scores. You may display your English language academic certifications and licensing TrueProofs to overseas recruiters and employers by adding them to your myTrueProfile. More than 11,000 companies worldwide recognise and accept the IELTS exam.

Who accepts IELTS Indicator scores?

A wide range of universities across the world accepts IELTS Indicator scores. Some of these universities include Cape Breton University, Capilano University, Carleton University, Charles Darwin University, The Australian National University and Boston University. Although new, IELTS Indicator or IELTS Online has gained prominence all over the world.

Do foreign universities accept an IELTS score of 7 for admission to MS programmes?

Yes, almost all foreign universities accept an IELTS score of 7 for admission to MS programmes. Only a few highly selective ones like Harvard demand an IELTS of 7.5 or higher bands. Some of the leading US universities accepting IELTS scores include Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, Duke University, University of Pennsylvania and so on.

Which universities abroad accept low IELTS scores?

A number of universities abroad accept low IELTS scores of 5.5 bands or 6 bands. Some of these include California State University, University of Manchester, North Dakota State University, University of New Haven, University of Louisiana, among many others. However, you might also apply to colleges in Singapore. They accept students with an IELTS score of 5 or above bands. Most colleges demand an average IELTS Academic score of 6.5, with 6.0 bands in each section.

Do US universities accept IELTS?

Yes, almost all US universities accept IELTS. Some of the leading US universities accepting IELTS scores include Princeton, Yale, Columbia, Stanford, Duke University, University of Pennsylvania and so on. Over 3,400 institutions in the United States accept IELTS, including boarding schools, associate, bachelor, graduate, professional, and legal programmes.

Do German Universities accept IELTS Scores?

Yes, German universities do accept IELTS scores for offering admissions to international students. Almost all German universities recognise the IELTS band scores/results. Because Germany is not an English-speaking nation, most colleges do not need candidates to have a score of 7.0 bands in IELTS in order to be admitted.

How to find out if an institution accepts IELTS scores?

You can check the English language test requirement defined by an institution to find out if it accepts an IELTS score or not. These can be requested within a month of taking the IELTS exam. The TRF report will be delivered to you by courier. Scores will be submitted to colleges online. This may be arranged for free through the regional office.

Which organisations accept IELTS?

An IELTS score is not only accepted by higher education institutions but also by companies for work purposes as well as by immigration authorities for immigration purposes.
Organisations that accept IELTS are:

  • Universities, schools, colleges, and training organisations

  • Departments of the government and immigration authorities

  • Associations of professionals and industry

  • Employers and multinational corporations

Which universities accept IELTS?

There are thousands of higher education institutions across the world that accept IELTS scores. You can check the complete list of country-specific lists of universities accepting IELTS scores on the official website of IELTS. However, there are also a few institutions in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, EU nations (excluding the United Kingdom), Norway, Germany, Holland, the United States, Malaysia, and India that do not require IELTS or TOEFL for admission.

Which countries accept IELTS?

The IELTS is accepted in most English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. Universities in these countries readily accept IELTS band scores for admission to both Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes. The exam primarily assesses the test-taker’s ability to communicate using the four core English language abilities of listening, reading, speaking, and writing.

Colleges accepting IELTS

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