IELTS Requirements for UK Universities

Students planning to pursue higher education in the UK must know about the IELTS requirements for UK universities. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an internationally recognised test for determining the English proficiency of non-native English speakers. Top UK universities require international students to provide IELTS scores to demonstrate their proficiency in the English language.

Minimum IELTS Score Requirements to Study in the UK

The IELTS scores are calculated using a nine-point scale with bands for listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Between 1-4, scores are considered average, 5-6 are moderate, and 7-9 are good scores. Here are the minimum IELTS requirements for studying in the UK at different levels:

Level (programs)	IELTS Requirements
University Foundation	IELTS 4.5 (4.0+ in all skills)
Bachelor’s Degree	IELTS 6.5 (6.0+ in all skills)
Pre-Master’s	IELTS 5.0 (5.0+ in all skills)
Master’s Degree	IELTS 6.5 (6.0+ in all skills)

IELTS Score for the UK Student Visa

The IELTS score has a validity period of two years from the date it was taken. In order to gain admission to a UK university, you must prove your proficiency in English as well as meet IELTS eligibility requirements. By taking IELTS, you will be able to obtain a UK visa in addition to gaining entry to the university of your choice (that accepts IELTS as a prerequisite for English proficiency). 

For visa purposes, IELTS can only be taken at authorised centres worldwide. As required by the UK government, these test centres must follow certain procedures while conducting these tests. Students seeking admission to graduate programs or other higher-level programs may apply for the Tier 4 General Student Visa (B2), which requires a minimum IELTS score of 5.53. 

IELTS Score Required for UK Universities

IELTS Scores requirements may also vary from university to university. The IELTS scores required by the top universities in the UK, along with their UG and PG cutoff, are given below:

University	UG Cut Off	PG Cut Off
University of Oxford	7.0	7.5
University of Cambridge	6.5	6.5
University of Warwick	6.5	6.5
King’s College London	7.0	7.0
London School of Economics	7.0	7.5
Imperial College London	7.0	7.0
Cardiff University	6.5	6.5
University College London	6.5	6.5
University of St. Andrews	7.0	7.0
University of Liverpool	6.0	6.5

University of Oxford 

Oxford University is regarded as one of the world's oldest and most prestigious universities. Known for its research strength, unique teaching environment, and enormous talent, it has been ranked 4th by QS World University Ranking. This university is home to the brightest of students and best faculty from around the globe. There have been 28 Nobel laureates among its alumni.

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University of Cambridge

As the sixth-best university according to the QS World University Ranking, Cambridge University offers undergraduate programs in arts and humanities, engineering, and social sciences. It is known to have been associated with the Silicon Fen, a high-tech business cluster. A host of notable alumni have been educated at the school, including writers, actors, politicians, and mathematicians. 

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University of Warwick

A leading university with high academic standards, the University of Warwick is renowned for its research, innovation, and industry networking. The university is one of the most sought-after by employers because it provides students with plenty of opportunities to work and gain real-world experience.  Aside from academics, the university offers several clubs for students' interests.

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King’s College London

This research-led university ranks among the best universities in the world. The King's College is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in central London, which makes it an excellent place for discussions concerning government, culture, law, and religion. The university is renowned for its education and research capabilities.

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London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)

A public research university renowned for its rich cultural diversity, LSE has 70% of its students from overseas. There are 25 academic departments at the university that teach and conduct research in a number of social science disciplines. LSE promotes extracurricular activities during the academic year by hosting a total of 200 events. Students are regularly introduced to industry leaders during their guest lectures to give them an inside look at their industry.

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Imperial College London

Imperial College London is the only university in the UK that is solely dedicated to engineering, medicine, business, and science degrees. Located in the global centre of commerce, the city is able to attract businesses from around the world. More than 380 student clubs, societies, and projects allow Imperial to go beyond academics. They have a reputation for placing students in competitive jobs. With excellent research capacities and experienced faculty, its excellence is unparalleled.

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Cardiff University

Over 300 undergraduate course options are available at Cardiff University, including 200 postgraduate courses, diplomas, certificates, and short-term professional courses. The faculty members are knowledgeable and experienced in a variety of fields, including some Nobel Prize winners. There are many opportunities for students to explore their interests outside of academics through on-campus events and clubs. A large number of international students attend the university every year, broadening its cultural base.

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University College London

The University College London, one of the leading multidisciplinary universities with a large international student body and the largest university in London for postgraduate enrollment. Students from all religions were admitted to the university, and it was the first one in England to be secular. Using a unique approach, the university's academic and research curriculum focuses on practical and theoretical knowledge.

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University of St. Andrews

In the English-speaking world and in the UK, St. Andrews University is the third oldest university after Oxford and Cambridge. There are three colleges - United College, St. Mary's College, and St. Leonard's College - and 18 academic schools organised into four faculties at the university. Their top-notch faculty and cutting-edge search centres ensure the best education possible for their students. In addition, there are over 100 student-run organisations at the university, some of which focus on music, theatre, debate, and sports.

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University of Liverpool

The University of Liverpool consists of 35 schools and departments with four faculties. The university is a global centre for advanced learning and innovation with a number of world-class research centres that conduct rigorous research and help students develop in those fields. To expose students to global perspectives, they organise workshops, conclaves, exhibitions, and seminars on various international levels.