Good IELTS Score for UK and USA for University Admissions and Immigration

What is considered as a Good IELTS score in the UK?

There are different IELTS requirements in the UK for the work visa as it depends upon different things such as the duration of your stay etc. However, in most cases, you have to demonstrate the level of B1 or B2 proficiency in English. Moreover, these type of requirements is explained in the format of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework whose criteria ranges from level A1 to C2. You can refer to this chart above in this article. 

Moreover, different schools and different organizations can also help you with immigration purposes. However, it is up to them what criteria they set for the IELTS score.

Some Examples of requirements for international students

• University of Birmingham

According to the recent information found on the website of the university, the requirement for a good score of IELTS varies depending upon the program you choose. There is a different IELTS requirement for grad and undergrad programs. The lowest score you need is 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each section. On the other hand, the most competitive degree programs at Birmingham university require a high score of band 7 with a minimum of 7 in each section of IELTS. Apart from this, it is also sometimes possible that the university accepts you conditionally for some degree programs with a 5.5 band score and no less than 5.0 in each section. 

• University of Westminster: 

According to requirements posted by the university for IELTS, the students who want to pursue graduate programs need a 6.5 band score with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections. However, for the undergraduate programs, the university requires a 6.0 band with a  minimum of 5.5 in each section. 

What is considered as a Good IELTS score in the USA?

Surprisingly, the USA has not set minimum criteria for the English proficiency requirements needed for visa applications. Moreover, if you are going to the USA for the purpose of study then you have to demonstrate the English skills before you get admitted into the institution. The IELTS good score varies on the type of institution and it is different for the type of degree program and level of a degree program. The following are some of the examples to give you an idea about IELTS requirements in the USA. 

• The University of South California 

According to recent information, the University of South California requires a band 7.0 or more for the Ph.D. application with a minimum of 6.0 in each section. Moreover, for the master’s degree programs you need a 6.5 band with a minimum of 6.0 in each section. Apart from this undergraduate programs require a 7.0 or more in the IELTS exam.

• UC Berkeley 

It requires a minimum of 6.5 bands for undergraduate programs while for a graduate program you need a minimum of 7.0 band. 

• New York University  

New York University has not set a minimum requirement for IELTS, but they want you to submit a language proficiency score. However, on the website, they have mentioned that the international students who were admitted to the programs were having a minimum of 7.5 IELTS score. 

So what did you infer from this? This means that firstly you have to find a good, reliable source for the IELTS preparation. If you are wanting to apply at the high ranked universities then you should try to achieve a good score of band 7.0. But if you are not targeting the high-rank universities then a good IELTS score can be a bit lower for you. But never forget to check the websites to gain all the information you need.