How to choose where to study with your IELTS result

Got your IELTS result and wondering where it could take you? Your band score can help you narrow down study destinations, universities and courses that may suit you.

But your IELTS score is only one part of the decision. You’ll also need to consider your academic qualifications, budget, career goals and visa requirements before building your shortlist.

Your IELTS score can help you filter down the countries, universities and courses you may be able to apply for.

Across most popular study destinations, IELTS 6.0–6.5 is a common starting point for university study. 

But there are differences. Malaysia and the UAE have some university and pathway options starting at lower scores.

Canada and many highly ranked universities in the USA commonly ask for 6.5 or higher.

Use these scores as a guide only. Universities set their own English language requirements, and the score you need can also change by course and study level. 

Common IELTS scores for undergraduate university study

The courses you can study with your IELTS score depend on your study destination, institution, course and study level. As a general guide, IELTS 5.5 may give you access to foundation, pathway and diploma options, while 6.0–6.5 is commonly required for undergraduate degrees across many study destinations. Postgraduate and professional courses may require 6.5, 7.0 or higher.

Your overall IELTS score is not the only requirement. Some courses also set minimum scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking, so always check the requirements for your specific course before applying.

For the UK Student visa, degree-level students usually need to show English at CEFR B2 level. If you need to prove your English through a Secure English Language Test (SELT), IELTS for UKVI is one approved option.

Remember: These are general guidelines, not guaranteed entry requirements. An IELTS 6.5 score may meet the English requirement for one course but not another, even at the same university. 

Your IELTS result can help narrow down your study destinations, but the score you need is only one part of the decision. Compare where your score meets course requirements alongside what you want to study, your academic background, budget and plans after graduation.

Use these questions to list out and compare your options:

You may find that your IELTS score gives you options in several countries. Instead of choosing the destination with the lowest IELTS requirement, look at which destination gives you the right combination of course, university, cost and future opportunities.

Once you have a few destinations in mind, you can use your IELTS result to identify your preferred university and course options.

1. Choose what you want to study

Start with the course and qualification you want rather than your IELTS score.

For example, decide whether you want to study Business, Engineering, Nursing or another field, and whether you're looking for an undergraduate, postgraduate or pathway programme.

This gives you a clearer list of courses to compare.

2. Compare destinations

Next, find out where your chosen course is available in the top universities you have in mind.

Compare destinations based on your IELTS result, city preference, course options, costs and other priorities. You might find similar courses in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, USA, UAE or Malaysia, but the entry requirements and study experience can be different.

3. Check your IELTS result against course requirements

Look at the exact IELTS scores required for each course, not just the general eligibility requirements for the university.

Compare:

• your overall IELTS band score

• your Listening score

• your Reading score

• your Writing score

• your Speaking score

For example, having an overall 6.5 score may not be enough if your course also requires at least 6.0 in every skill.

4. Check academic and other entry requirements

Meeting the IELTS requirement does not automatically mean you meet all eligibility criteria for the course.

Depending on what you want to study, you may also need to meet requirements for:

• relevant academic qualifications and grades

• prerequisite subjects

• work experience

• portfolios or auditions

• interviews or additional tests

Check the latest course requirements directly with the university before applying.

5. Build your university and course shortlist

You can now narrow your options to the universities and courses that best match your IELTS result, academic profile and study goals.

A simple way to organise your shortlist is:

Keep a few options in each category rather than relying on one university or course. An IDP counsellor can also help you compare courses, understand entry requirements and explore options that match your IELTS result and study plans.

A lower IELTS score doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up your study plans. Depending on your result and the requirements for your preferred course, you could:

• Explore other universities, courses or destinations. IELTS requirements vary, so you may find similar study options that match your current score.

• Consider a pathway or English preparation programme. This may help you progress towards your preferred degree if you don't yet meet the English requirement for direct entry.

• Take IELTS One Skill Retake. If you only need to improve one skill, you can choose to retake either Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking without retaking the full test. Check your eligibility and whether your chosen institution and visa authority accepts IELTS One Skill Retake.

Before changing your study plans, check how far your IELTS result is from the exact English language requirements for your preferred course. 

A higher IELTS score may give you more study options than you originally planned for. It could be worth revisiting your shortlist to:

• Explore more universities with higher English language requirements.

• Look at additional courses that may not have matched your expected IELTS score.

• Compare more study destinations if your original choices were limited by English requirements.

• Explore postgraduate or specialised courses if they match your qualifications and study goals.

• Retake the full IELTS test. If you need to improve several skill scores or your overall band score, use your current result to identify where to focus your preparation. 

A higher IELTS score can widen your choices, but taking IELTS is still only one part of admission. Compare your new options based on your academic profile, course preferences, budget and future goals.

Your IELTS result might give you options across several countries, universities and courses. The harder part can be working out which option actually fits you, not just where your IELTS score is accepted.

An IDP education counsellor can help you look at the bigger picture, including:

• Your IELTS result and which courses match your current score

• Your academic background and the entry requirements you may already meet

• What you want to study and suitable courses across different destinations

• Your budget for tuition fees and living costs

• Your future goals and what you want from your qualification

You don't need to have your university or destination figured out before speaking with a counsellor. You can start with the options you're considering and get help narrowing them down.