IELTS Exam To Study Abroad

Academic & General IELTS by IDP

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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test checks the applicant’s proficiency in the English language. Since the primary language in countries that accept IELTS scores is English, the IELTS eligibility criteria tests applicants understating of the language, viz. Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

Types of IELTS test

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) offers two main types of tests: the IELTS Academic and the IELTS General Training. The choice between these two types depends on your specific goals and the requirements of the organization or institution you are applying to. 

  • Academic IELTS test - Students who wish to pursue education in an English speaking country, are required to appear for the academic IELTS test. Typically, there are four IELTS exam dates available each month for the Academic IELTS. Candidates have the flexibility to select their preferred test date from the available options and can choose from a list of 55 diverse test centers, covering a wide range of locations.
  • General IELTS test - Individuals who wish to migrate to an English-speaking country for employment purposes need to appear for the general IELTS test. The general training IELTS exam is offered twice a month. This test is available for 24 days in 2023. General IELTS tests are mostly held on Saturdays and Thursdays for the student's convenience.

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Eligibility Criteria of IELTS

There is no stringent criteria for IELTS qualification. Instead, it is the score obtained in the test which acts as IELTS Exam eligibility for different universities.

IELTS eligibility criteria 2023: Minimum age

The IELTS exam, conducted by IDP, does not have a specified IELTS age limit. However, individuals who wish to register for the IELTS exam must be a minimum of 16 years old.

IELTS eligibility criteria 2023: Education qualification

IDP does not require any specific minimum educational qualifications requirement for the IELTS test. Whether you aim to pursue higher education abroad, work internationally, or migrate to another country, you are eligible to attempt the IELTS exam, be it the academic or general training test. Nonetheless, it is crucial for candidates to familiarize themselves with the admission requirements of the educational institution or organization to which they are applying. These institutions may have their own set of eligibility guidelines that candidates need to meet.

IELTS Eligibility criteria for top countries
The eligibility criteria for taking the IELTS exam generally depend on the specific requirements of the organization or institution where you intend to use your IELTS score. Below is a general overview of IELTS eligibility criteria for some top countries.

IELTS Eligibility criteria for top countries

The eligibility criteria for taking the IELTS exam generally depend on the specific requirements of the organization or institution where you intend to use your IELTS score. Below is a general overview of IELTS eligibility criteria for some top countries.

Top 5 USA universities and required IELTS bands

University IELTS Bands Required
Massachusetts Institute of Technology 7
California Institute of Technology 7
Harvard University 7
Princeton University 7
Yale University 7

Top 5 Canada universities and required IELTS bands

University Band
University of Toronto 7.0
University of Waterloo 6.6
University of Alberta 6.5
McGill University 6.5
University of British Columbia 6.5

Top 5 UK universities and required IELTS bands

University Band
University College London 6.5
University of Edinburgh 6.5
University of Oxford 7-7.5
University of Cambridge 7
Imperial College London 7

Top 5 Australian universities and required IELTS bands

University Band
University of Melbourne 6.5 (with no section score less than 6.0)
University of Sydney 6.5 with no band below 6.0
University of New South Wales 6.5 with no band below 6.0
University of South Wales 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each band or equivalent
University of Queensland 6.5 with 6.0 in all sub-bands or equivalent
Although there might be a score that can be very good for a particular university, it may not be the best score to secure admission for others. There is a varying trend in terms of the score, which eventually varies the IELTS eligibility. Since the score band varies, students are usually advised to aim for a score of 8.0 band and more to avoid any chances of inadmissibility in their desired university. Universities treat the scores as an essential IELTS qualification metric for admissions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Is there a minimum IELTS qualification score?

No. There is no minimum IELTS score. Rather it's the score band that calls the shots when it comes to admission at universities abroad. One needs to have a score of 7.0 band and above as most of the universities set the minimum score of 7.0 band to consider a candidate for admission. Again the score band varies, and it shouldn’t be seen as IELTS eligibility criteria.

What is the maximum ILETS age limit?

IELTS Exam eligibility doesn’t have any bar on the maximum age of an applicant in terms of age limit. One can appear at the IELTS Exam at any age irrespective of region. However, the minimum age limit for appearing is 16 years.

Is it necessary to take coaching for the IELTS Exam?

It depends on your level of English and your ability to converse in the language. If you feel you are good at English, you can prepare on your own, but it’s always advised to take guidance. Taking proper guidance helps you honing your skill and make you aware of the exam pattern, as it is not solely about the language. One must know the strategy to attempt the paper to get a good score.

Is there a minimum 12th-grade percentage requirement for taking the IELTS exam in 2023?

No, there are no specific 12th-grade percentage requirements for the IELTS exam in 2023, according to IELTS IDP. Your 12th-grade marks do not impact your eligibility to take the test, so you can proceed with the exam without worrying about your high school performance.