- Understand how IELTS opens doors to universities worldwide, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
- A good IELTS score depends on the university and study programme—learn how how to use Mastersportal and Bachelorsportal to find out IELTS passing scores to English-taught degrees.
- Learn when to take IELTS, how to check your results and how the test is organised.
- Get useful tips on how to prepare, where to practise, and how to boost your score.
As you apply to degree programmes abroad, you’ll quickly discover that most universities require proof of English language proficiency. Several tests can demonstrate your English skills, and IELTS, the one we tackle in this guide, is among the most popular and widely accepted.
Let’s explore what IELTS is all about and why it might be your English proficiency test.
What is the IELTS Academic exam?
You’ve probably heard about IELTS during your high school English classes, but as you can imagine, it is not a real word; IELTS is an abbreviation. The full form of IELTS is the International English Language Testing System. It is a standardised English proficiency test jointly managed by three institutions: the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge English.
IELTS measures your skills in the four key language areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, all with an academic focus. The exam lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes in total.​
What is IELTS used for?
Millions of students take the IELTS every year. There is no surprise here since over 11,000 organisations accept the test in more than 140 countries (this includes universities, governments, employers, and visa offices). You’ll need IELTS if you:
- Want to apply for a Bachelor’s or Master’s programme taught in English
- Need a student visa for countries like the UK, the USA, Canada, or Australia
- Want to show your English skills for a scholarship or a job
Eligibility and registration for the IELTS exam
There is no restriction on who can take the IELTS exam; it can be taken by anyone from anywhere in the world. Since the IELTS Academic version is designed for university admissions, it makes sense that you should at least have high school-level English skills.
Regarding the registration process, IELTS has a network of over 1,600 test centres in more than 140 countries, so you can likely take the exam in your home country.
- Note: Students can also take the IELTS test at home. IELTS Online has the same content and format as the in-person test and is currently limited to the Academic version.
Registration process and deadlines
Ideally, schedule your IELTS test 2–3 months before your earliest university application deadline. IELTS results for paper-based tests take about 13 days to be released, and results for computer-based IELTS are out in around 3–5 days.
Follow these steps to register for your IELTS test:
- Step 1: Create an account on the British Council, IDP, or IELTS website.
- Step 2: Choose your test type (Academic), date, and location.
- Step 3: Pay the test fee and submit your ID (passport or national ID).
- Step 4: On test day, bring the same ID you have registered online, and arrive early.
- Step 5: You can choose up to 5 universities to receive your scores for free.
Note: You can take the IELTS exam as many times as you want/need to. Moreover, the IELTS has no mandatory waiting period between attempts (unlike other English proficiency tests, like TOEFL, for example).
Can I study in the USA without IELTS?
The US is one of the world’s top destinations for international students. Since it is an English-speaking country, many universities will require language proficiency testing. However, some universities in the USA offer IELTS waivers or alternatives. You may be able to study without IELTS if:
- You completed previous studies in English
- You take a pathway programme or pre-sessional English course
- You submit scores from another test like TOEFL or Duolingo English Test
However, most US universities do require proof of English proficiency, and IELTS Academic is widely accepted. Always check the language requirements on each university’s admissions page.
Exam costs and additional fees
The IELTS fee depends on your country. It’s usually between $200 and $250 USD. Let’s have a more thorough look at IELTS exam fees:
| Item | Estimated Cost | Mandatory / Optional | Notes |
| IELTS Academic test | $200 – $250 USD | Mandatory | Required by most universities for English-taught Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees |
| IELTS for UKVI (Academic) | $250 – $310 USD | Mandatory (only for UK student visa) | Needed only if applying to study in the UK under a student visa |
| IELTS Online (Academic) | Same as standard test | Optional | Accepted by some universities; not valid for UK student visa |
| Test rescheduling | $30 – $60 USD | Optional | Fee applies if you change your test date (before the deadline) |
| Test cancellation (refund) | Up to 75% refund | Optional | Only if cancelled more than 5 weeks in advance |
| Sending scores to more than 5 universities | ~$20 USD per extra report | Optional | First 5 score reports are free; pay only if applying to more programmes |
| Extra Test Report Form (TRF) | ~$20 USD | Optional | For replacement copies or sending results after test day |
| IELTS One Skill Retake | ~$60 – $90 USD | Optional (if available) | Allows you to retake one section; available in selected countries |
| Enquiry on Results (remarking) | ~$120 – $150 USD | Optional | Useful if you believe your score is lower than expected |
| Official IELTS prep materials | Free – ~$50 USD | Optional | Includes practice tests, apps, and guidebooks |
| IELTS preparation courses | Free – ~$500 USD | Optional | Offered online or in person; not required but helpful |
| Practice tests (books or online) | Free – ~$25 USD each | Optional | Useful for self-study and exam practice |
IELTS exam structure and scoring
The IELTS Academic test checks your ability to use English in academic settings. It has four main parts, or sections, that cover the core language skills: Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking. These make up the full IELTS syllabus.
What is on the IELTS test, and what is the EXAM schedule?
The IELTS pattern includes the four timed sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The first three are taken on the same day, in one sitting, while the Speaking test is scheduled separately, either on the same day or within 7 days before or after. Here's a quick look at the IELTS schedule:
| IELTS Section | Goal | Duration |
| Listening | To check how well you understand spoken English in lectures and conversations | ~30 minutes + 10 mins to transfer answers (paper-based) |
| Reading | To test your ability to read and understand academic texts | 60 minutes |
| Writing | To measure how clearly you can write a report and an essay in English | 60 minutes |
| Speaking | To see how well you can speak and express ideas in a face-to-face interview | 11–14 minutes |
The full IELTS test takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
IELTS Score range and difficulty
The IELTS score ranges from 0 to 9, with half-band scores like 6.5 or 7.5. You get a score for each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) and an Overall Band Score, the average of all four.
| Score Type | Details |
| Lowest IELTS score | 0 – given if you didn’t answer any questions |
| Highest IELTS score | 9 – expert level English |
| Average IELTS score | Around 6.0–6.5 globally (higher for Master’s applicants) |
| Common university score | 6.5 – accepted by most universities for Bachelor’s and Master’s programmes |
| IELTS percentiles | 7.5 = top 25%, 8.0+ = top 10%, 9 = top 1% of test takers |
- Wondering how hard is the IELTS? It depends on your English level. The tasks aren’t tricky, but the academic language, strict timing, and test endurance can be challenging. With enough practice, most students reach the scores they need.
What is a good IELTS score?
There is no pass or fail. Each university sets its own score. Most programmes ask for:
- 6.0–6.5 for Bachelor’s degrees
- 6.5–7.5 for Master’s degrees
Higher scores are needed for programmes like Medicine or Law. Some universities accept lower scores if you join a language course first.
IELTS scoring system: Each section of IELTS (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored on a Band Scale from 0 to 9 (half bands like 6.5 or 7.5 are also given). You will receive a score for each section and an Overall Band Score which is the average of the four. Below is a simplified overview of what the band scores mean:
| IELTS Band | Skill Level Description |
| 9 | Expert user (fully fluent; near-perfect English) |
| 8 | Very good user (occasional minor errors; handles complex English very well) |
| 7 | Good user (generally effective command of English with some mistakes) |
| 6 | Competent user (able to use and understand fairly complex language, though with inaccuracies) |
| 5 | Modest user (partial command of the language; can cope with overall meaning, but with frequent errors) |
| 4 | Limited user (basic competence, limited to familiar situations) |
Most universities set their required IELTS Overall score in the range of 6.0 to 7.5. For example, a requirement might be “Minimum IELTS 6.5 overall, with at least 6.0 in each section.” More competitive programmes (medicine, law, etc.) might ask for 7.0 or higher. Always check the exact score needed for your course.
- All degrees listed on Mastersportal and Bachelorsportal have minimum language test requirements listed.
How do I send my IELTS score to universities?
When you register for the IELTS test, you can choose up to five universities or institutions to receive your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) for free. These reports are sent directly by IELTS. If you want to send your score to more institutions later, you can request additional TRFs by contacting your test centre.
Each extra report usually costs around $20 USD. Many universities also accept electronic score delivery, which is faster and more reliable than mail.
How to prepare for IELTS
How long it takes to study for the IELTS depends on your current English level and target score. Most students prepare for 1 to 3 months, studying regularly. Start at least 2–3 months before your test. Here’s how to get ready:
Preparation resources and practice tests for IELTS
Wondering how to study for IELTS? The best way is to combine official materials with regular practice. Using real test questions, focus on all four skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking.
Official IELTS preparation tools
- IELTS.org – Free IELTS sample questions and tips from the test makers
- IELTS Prep App – Practice quizzes, grammar help, and vocabulary exercises
- IELTS Official Guide – A book with full tests, scoring details, and advice
- British Council and IDP websites – Free practice tests and exam strategies
Other helpful preparation resources
- YouTube channels – IELTS Liz, IELTS Advantage, or E2 IELTS have video tutorials and model answers
- Online prep platforms – Websites like Magoosh, IELTS Buddy, and IELTS Mentor offer practice tests and score tips
- IELTS books – Cambridge IELTS series or Barron’s IELTS include real test papers with explanations and audio files
How to improve your IELTS score
- Take regular practice tests under exam conditions
- Focus on academic vocabulary and grammar
- Record your answers for speaking practice and check for fluency and structure.
- Analyse your writing and compare it with band 7+ model answers
- Review your mistakes to understand where and how to improve
Practice daily for the best results, and mix skill-building with timed test practice. This helps you familiarise yourself with the format and improves speed and accuracy.
How to find IELTS required scores for your degree:
Minimum IELTS scores differ from one university or programme to another. Most institutions set their required IELTS Overall score in the range of 6.0 to 7.5.
- All study programmes on Bachelorsportal, Mastersportal, or PhDportal have their minimum passing IELTS scores listed, so you know in advance what to expect.
You can easily find out the required minimum IELTS score for a specific programme by following these steps:
- Go to the Bachelorsportal, Mastersportal, or PhDportal search page.
- Use the search filters on the left and select your degree by subject, university, or country.
- Click on the study programme you prefer in the list.
- Scroll down to the Entry Requirements or Admission section to see the minimum IELTS score for that program (together with other minimum scores from popular language proficiency test providers).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long is the IELTS score valid?
Your score is valid for 2 years from the test date.
2. What’s the difference between Academic and General Training?
IELTS Academic is for university admission. The General Training version is for jobs or visas.
3. Can I take IELTS more than once?
Yes. You can take IELTS as many times as you want.
4. What is a good IELTS score?
6.5 or 7.0 is a strong score. But each university has its own rules. Check before you apply, and don’t forget to have a look on the Mastersportal and Bachelorsportal where minimum requirements are listed for each study programme.
5. What is the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training?
- IELTS Academic is designed for students who want to apply to university programmes (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhDs) taught in English. It focuses on academic English used in lectures, essays, and textbooks.
- IELTS General Training is used for migration, work, or non-academic training. It focuses on everyday English and general communication. Universities do not accept IELTS General for academic admissions.
