Now that you have made up your mind to study in the UK, it is time to ensure you have all you need for a successful application to a university!
As an international student, you must demonstrate a satisfactory standard of spoken and written English to support your application. This can be done by taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic test.
University language requirements vary according to the university and program. To study in the UK, you will need a student route visa, which can only be obtained if you meet the English proficiency standard set by your institution.
Which type of IELTS is required to study in the UK?
If you want to study in the UK, you'll need to have one of two types of IELTS tests: the IELTS for UKVI Academic or the IELTS for UKVI General Training. By watching the video below, you can decide which type of IELTS is required to achieve your UK study dream.
What is the minimum IELTS score required for courses in the UK?
Keep in mind that the IELTS score for courses in the UK differs depending on other factors, such as the university or degree level. However, an IELTS score of 6.0 to 7 is generally accepted by most UK universities.
IELTS minimum score requirements for UK universities
IELTS is an important part of your UK student visa application.
And it’s worth mentioning that universities set their own IELTS requirements for their different courses and programs. So, if you are applying to a university in the UK, be sure to check their website for the latest information about the required IELTS score and IELTS test type.
Complete University Guide (CUG) Rankings in 2024
The CUG University Rankings is an independent rankings provider for UK universities. It offers courses and expert advice for students who want to learn more about studying in the country.
Rank | University | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Cambridge | 7.0 | 7.0 |
2 | University of Oxford | 7.0 | 7.5 |
3 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 7.0 | 7.0 |
4 | University of St Andrews | 6.5 | 7.0 |
5 | University of Bath | 7.0 | 6.5 |
6 | Imperial College London | 7.0 | 7.0 |
7 | Loughborough University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
8 | Durham University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
9 | UCL (University College London) | 6.5 | 6.5 |
10 | Lancaster University | 7.0 | 6.5 |
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings in 2024
One of the world’s most established metrics, the Times Higher Education world rankings assess universities based on the following five key performance indicators: teaching, research, citations, international outlook and industry income.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Oxford | 1 | 7.0 | 7.5 |
2 | University of Cambridge | 5 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
3 | Imperial College London | 8 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
4 | UCL (University College London) | 22 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
5 | University of Edinburgh | =30 | 6.5 | 7.5 |
6 | King’s College London | =38 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
7 | London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 46 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
8 | University of Manchester | 51 | 5.5 | 7.0 |
9 | University of Bristol | 81 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
10 | University of Glasgow | =87 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
QS World University Rankings in 2024
The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World Rankings is also another global premier ranking system which rates universities by institution and subject through academic, student, employer and international indicators.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Cambridge | 2 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
2 | University of Oxford | 4 | 7.0 | 7.5 |
3 | Imperial College London | 6 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
4 | UCL (University College London) | 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
5 | The University of Edinburgh | 15 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
6 | The University of Manchester | 28 | 5.5 | 7.0 |
7 | King’s College London | 37 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
8 | The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) | 56 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
9 | University of Bristol | 61 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
10 | The University of Warwick | 64 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
Check here for the full list of British universities which accept the IELTS for UKVI test.
While knowing your chosen university's IELTS standard score is important, preparing for the test and performing well on it is even more important! When you're ready, book your IELTS test with IDP!