Minimum IELTS score to study in UK universities in 2024
With a range of esteemed educational institutions, the UK has cemented its reputation as a top study destination choice for those looking to further their studies.
On top of that, the vibrant country also offers exciting experiences and unique landmarks for those looking to enjoy weekends off campus.
Year after year, many students from all over the world seek out and choose to study in the UK.
If you’re planning to take this route, you should know that UK universities require international students to prove their proficiency in the English language through recognised systems like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. The test will also come in handy if you’re looking to work or live in the UK .
Make sure you prepare accordingly to achieve the minimum band score necessary on the IELTS test.
Minimum scores for UK universities
To successfully study in the UK, you’ll be required to obtain a student visa, which you can only get if you meet the English proficiency requirements set by your education institution.
Here are the minimum IELTS requirements according to the top-ranked universities in the UK .
Complete University Guide (CUG) rankings in 2024
The CUG university rankings is an independent rankings provider for UK universities. It offers course 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 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
3 | London School of Economics and Political Science | 7.0 | 7.0 |
4 | University of St Andrews | 6.5 | 7.0 |
5 | University of Bath | 6.5 | 6.5 |
6 | Imperial College London | 6.5 | 6.5 |
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 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
11 | University of Warwick | 6.0 | 6.5 |
12 | University of Edinburgh | 6.5 | 6.5 |
13 | University of Surrey | 6.5 | 6.5 |
14 | University of Birmingham | 6.0 | 6.5 |
15 | University of Exeter | 6.0 | 6.0 |
16 | University of Bristol | 6.0 | 6.0 |
17= | University of Southampton | 6.5 | 6.5 |
17= | University of York | 6.5 | 6.5 |
19 | University of Manchester | 6.0 | 6.0 |
20 | University of Sheffield | 6.0 | 6.5 |
Times Higher Education world university rankings in 2024
One of the world’s most established metrics, the Times Higher Education world rankings assesses universities based on the following five key performance indicators: teaching, research quality, research environment, international outlook and industry income.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes) |
1 | University of Oxford | 1 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
2 | University of Cambridge | 5 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
3 | Imperial College London | 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
4 | UCL (University College London) | 22 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
5 | University of Edinburgh | 30 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
6 | King’s College London | 38 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7 | London School of Economics and Political Science | 46 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
8 | University of Manchester | 51 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
9 | University of Bristol | 81 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
10 | University of Glasgow | 87 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
11 | University of Southampton | 97 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
12 | University of Birmingham | 101 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
13 | University of Sheffield | 105 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
14 | University of Warwick | 106 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
15 | University of Leeds | 129 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
16 | University of Nottingham | 130 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
17 | Queen Mary University of London | 135 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
18 | University of York | 147 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
19 | Lancaster University | 155 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
20= | University of Liverpool | 168= | 6.0 | 6.5 |
20= | Newcastle University | 168= | 6.5 | 6.5 |
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 reputation, citation, faculty to student ratio, employer, international and sustainability 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 | 3 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
3 | Imperial College London | 6 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
4 | UCL (University College London) | 9 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
5 | University of Edinburgh | 22 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
6 | University of Manchester | 32 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
7 | King’s College London | 40 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
8 | London School of Economics and Political Science | 45 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
9 | University of Bristol | 55 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
10 | University of Warwick | 67 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
11 | University of Leeds | 75 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
12 | University of Glasgow | 76 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
13 | Durham University | 78 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
14 | University of Southampton | 81 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
15 | University of Birmingham | 84 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
16 | University of St Andrews | 95 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
17 | University of Nottingham | 100 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
18 | University of Sheffield | 104 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
19 | Newcastle University | 110 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
20 | Lancaster University | 125 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
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