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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is not intended to provide advice on migrating to the USA and all immigration programs should be checked on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website or with your migration consultant or lawyer.
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English test for study, work and migration. It is accepted by more than 12,500 organisations worldwide, including American organisations and educational institutions.
Understanding IELTS for USA
If you’re planning to work or study in the US, you may be asked to show your IELTS test score to universities, professional organisations or employers as proof of English language ability.
IELTS assesses your English language proficiency based on four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
IELTS not only opens doors to study or work in the US but also builds the real-world skills you’ll need to succeed once you get there.
IELTS tests for the USA: Which one?
IELTS offers two test options, depending on your goals. You may need to take IELTS Academic if you’re planning to study in the US, work in a particular profession or undergo professional registration. This test assesses how well you can use English in an academic environment.
IELTS General Training test may be suitable for you if you’re applying for a job in the US as it focuses on English language skills for work and everyday life.
We recommend that you check with the organisation you’re applying to so you can confirm which test is needed before booking your test.
Why choose IELTS for your education and career in the USA?
IELTS is a popular option for those who want to study and work in the USA. Here’s why:
Recognised worldwide: IELTS is trusted by more than 12,500 organisations globally, including nearly all American higher education institutions that ask for proof of English language ability.
Quality and fairness: IELTS is carefully researched and designed by international language testing experts to make sure it is reliable and accurate.
Global availability: Test centre locations in more than 130 countries make it easy to find one near you
Flexible test options: A choice of test formats means you can take IELTS your way. Our test centres offer IELTS on Paper or IELTS on Computer. Depending on your location and the organisation you’re applying to, you may also be able to take IELTS Online from home.
Face-to-face Speaking test: Unlike most other English language tests, IELTS gives you the opportunity to do a speaking test face-to-face with a real human. You can use your results as proof of real-life communication skills to prospective employers.
Real-world English skills: More than a test, IELTS helps you build the language skills you need for academic and professional success in the US. From following lectures to discussing issues, IELTS prepares you for what’s ahead.
IELTS One Skill Retake: IELTS is the only major English test that allows you to retake any section of the test (Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking) if you want to improve your score without resitting the whole test.
Free preparation resources: At IDP IELTS, we offer a wide variety of trusted preparation materials to help you achieve your desired score for work or study in the USA.
“The more prestigious a U.S. medical institution is, the more competitive its application process, often requiring high IELTS scores. While striving for a higher band, I found IDP IELTS incredibly supportive. Its comprehensive instructions and study materials helped me prepare effectively. Another advantage is its well-designed website, which makes the registration process smooth. IDP also offers flexible testing schedules, ideal for those with full-time commitments. Lastly, the professional yet welcoming environment and staff made me feel comfortable and confident on test day, reinforcing my choice of IDP as the best option.” - Li Jhih Jia, IELTS test taker (Taiwan)
IELTS score requirements to study in the USA
The USA is home to many of the highest-ranked universities in the world. With a strong focus on quality and innovation, American institutions offer students opportunities to take part in ground-breaking research.
IELTS is accepted by over 3,400 educational institutions in the US, including all US institutions in the top 100 Times Higher Education rankings, including all Ivy League institutions.
To study at an American university, you'll typically need an IELTS score between band 6 and 7, depending on the program and the level of study you're applying for.
Minimum IELTS score needed for the USA’s top universities
Most of the top universities in the USA usually accept an IELTS band score between 6.5 and 7.0 for admission. However, since each institution sets its own scores, we recommend checking directly with your chosen university for the most up-to-date information. If you’re taking the IELTS Academic test for graduate study in the US, you may be interested in learning more about the IELTS USA Andrea Scott International Graduate Scholarship.
IELTS for USA jobs
Depending on your profession, prospective employers may ask you for proof of your English language ability.
In the US, IELTS test results may be accepted or helpful in supporting your application if you:
are in a professional field such as medicine, nursing, teaching or law
plan to register with a veterinary association in the US
plan to undergo credential reviews with US nursing boards
need to prove English proficiency for professional licensing.
Learn more about work visas for the USA.
Improve your IELTS score for the USA with our study materials
Our IELTS Prepare Hub offers a range of high-quality preparation materials to help you achieve the score you need.
Taking IELTS for the first time? Watch or listen to our IELTS Prepare by IDP video podcast series to learn everything you need to know about the test.
Taking IELTS on computer? Do our practice test to get familiar with the test screens.
Got IELTS questions? Find answers you can trust in IELTS Community by IDP.
We're here to help you feel ready and confident as you begin your adventure in the USA.