IELTS 2024 Cut Off: Required Band Score for Top Universities
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )
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Avleen KaurSr. Executive Training
IELTS Cut Off 2024: The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most widely used English proficiency tests for candidates looking to study abroad. Accepted in over 11,000 organizations worldwide, including institutions, universities and key immigration authorities, the IELTS cut off across universities is the minimum required IELTS score for candidates looking to apply.
There is no minimum IELTS cutoff. The IELTS cut-off scores can vary significantly depending on the university and the country you choose to study abroad. Generally, top countries like the USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia require an IELTS score of around 6.5 & above. But one needs to check the IELTS cutoff score for their respective university they are applying for.
Candidates should note that qualifying for the IELTS cut off will only make you eligible to apply to the university but will not guarantee you admission. Candidates are required to aim for higher IELTS scores than the IELTS Cut Off to make their application stand out.
IELTS Cut Off for Top Universities 2024
The IELTS exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 9. Universities accepting IELTS scores usually pre-define the overall and sectional IELTS Cut Off for various programs to monitor the candidate's English language proficiency. The minimum IELTS score required by the university is the IELTS Cut Off. It may vary from university to university and differ for different programs. Before understanding the IELTS Cut Off, candidates should know IELTS band scores and how they are calculated.
IELTS scores are one of the most important parts of the selection criteria for Indian students looking to study abroad. Universities and colleges located in English-speaking countries ask for the English language proficiency proof of international candidates so that they are not left out owing to a language barrier. Check out the IELTS Cut Off for Top Universities according to QS World University Rankings 2024.
IELTS Cut Off for Top Universities 2024
| University |
IELTS Cut Off - Overall Score |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0 - 7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0 - 7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0+ |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.0 - 8.0+ |
| University College London (UCL) Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.5+ |
| University of California, Berkeley Campus Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.0+ |
Also Read:
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
IELTS Cut Off for Top Universities - by Country
In this section, we are going to be looking at the IELTS Cut Off scores across top universities in popular study-abroad destinations.
IELTS Cut Off for US Universities
In this section, we are going to be looking at the IELTS Cut Off scores for US Universities
| Top Universities in US | IELTS Cut Off Scores for US Universities |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 7.0 - 7.5+ |
| Harvard University | 6.5 - 7.5+ |
| Stanford University | 7.0+ |
| University of California, Berkeley Campus | 6.5 - 7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0 - 7.5+ |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.0+ |
Also Read: Minimum IELTS Score for USA
IELTS Cut Off for Canadian Universities
In this section, we are going to be looking at the IELTS Cut Off scores for Canadian Universities
| Top Universities in Canada | IELTS Cut Off Scores for Canadian Universities |
|---|---|
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A+ |
6.5 - 7.0+ |
| The University of British Columbia (UBC) Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.5+ |
| University of Alberta (U of A) Shiksha Grade A |
6.5 - 7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A |
6.5 - 7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade B++ |
6.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A |
6.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A |
6.5 - 7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A |
6.5 - 7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade B++ |
6.5 - 7.0+ |
Also Read: Minimum IELTS Score for Canada
IELTS Cut Off for UK Universities
In this section, we are going to be looking at the IELTS Cut Off scores for UK Universities
| Top Universities in UK | IELTS Cut Off Scores for UK Universities |
|---|---|
| Cambridge University | 7.5+ |
| Oxford University | 7.0 - 7.5+ |
| Imperial College London | 6.5 - 7.0+ |
| University College London (UCL) | 6.5 - 7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.0+ |
| The University of Manchester (UoM) Shiksha Grade A+ |
6.0 - 7.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A+ |
6.0 - 7.0+ |
| London School of Economics and Political Science Shiksha Grade A++ |
7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A+ |
6.0 - 7.5+ |
Also Read:
IELTS Cut Off for Australian Universities
In this section, we are going to be looking at the IELTS Cut Off scores for Australian Universities
| Top Universities in Australia | IELTS Cut Off Scores for Australian Universities |
|---|---|
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5-7.0 |
| Shiksha Grade A |
6.5-7.0 |
| The University of Sydney (USYD) Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5-7.5 |
| Australian National University Shiksha Grade A |
6.5-7.0 |
| Shiksha Grade A |
6.5-7.0 |
| Shiksha Grade A+ |
6.5-7.0 |
| The University of Western Australia Shiksha Grade A |
6.5-7.0 |
| Shiksha Grade A |
6.5 - 7.0 |
| University of Technology, Sydney Shiksha Grade A |
6.5-7.5 |
| Shiksha Grade B++ |
6.5-7.5 |
IELTS Cut Off for New Zealand Universities
In this section, we are going to be looking at the IELTS Cut Off scores for New Zealand Universities
| Top Universities in New Zealand | IELTS Cut Off Scores for New Zealand Universities |
|---|---|
| Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.0 -7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A |
6.0 - 6.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade C++ |
6.0 - 6.5+ |
| Victoria University of Wellington Shiksha Grade B++ |
6.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade C+ |
6.0 - 7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade B+ |
6.0 - 6.5+ |
| Lincoln University - New Zealand Shiksha Grade C |
6.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade C++ |
6.0 - 7.0+ |
IELTS Cut Off for German Universities
In this section, we are going to be looking at the IELTS Cut Off scores for German Universities
| Top Universities in Germany | IELTS Cut Off Scores for German Universities |
|---|---|
| Technical University of Munich (TUM) Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5+ |
| Ludwig Maximilians University Munich (LMU) Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.5 - 7.5+ |
| Heidelberg University - Germany Shiksha Grade A++ |
6.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A |
6.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A+ |
6.0+ |
| Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) Shiksha Grade B++ |
6.5+ |
| Shiksha Grade A |
6.5 - 7.0+ |
| Technical University of Berlin (TUB) Shiksha Grade B++ |
6.0 - 7.0+ |
| Albert Ludwigs University of Freiburg Shiksha Grade A+ |
5.5 - 7.0+ |
| Shiksha Grade A |
6.0+ |
IELTS Cut Off for Study Visa
Apart from the above-mentioned university requirements, IELTS is required for visa processing for various countries. IELTS score is required by various countries for issuing student visas.
IELTS Cut Off for USA Student Visa
Students with an average minimum IELTS band score between 6.0 to 6.5 can enter most universities across the country. However, students who have the desire to enter some of the world’s top universities need to aim for a band score that is slightly above average. Know all about the US student visa on our website.
IELTS Score Requirement for Canada Study Visa
Candidates who are applying for a Canada study permit need to meet the minimum requirements of the Canadian Language Benchmarks. Usually, a candidate looking to pursue an undergraduate course in Canada requires an overall 6.0 band in IELTS with no less than 5.5 in any section. Similarly, a candidate going for a postgraduate degree in Canada needs to have an IELTS score of 6.5 bands overall with not less than 6.0 in any section.
| Program of Study | Minimum IELTS Requirement |
|---|---|
| Student Direct Stream (SDS) | Overall: Minimum of 6.0 Each Band: No less than 6.0 |
| Postgraduate Courses in Canada [PG Diploma/Masters] |
Overall: Minimum of 6.5 IELTS Each Band: No less than 5.5 or 6.0 depending on the institution |
| Undergraduate Courses in Canada [Bachelor’s, Diploma, or Short-term] |
Overall: Minimum 6 IELTS Each Band: No less than 5.5 |
IELTS Cut Off for UK Student Visa
Candidates who are applying for a UK Tier 4 Student Visa to study a bachelor's or a master's course are required to meet the English language requirement set by the institution. For a Tier 4 (General) student visa - degree level and above a candidate needs to have an IELTS score of 5.5 overall and in each of the four skills.
| Program of Study | Minimum IELTS Requirement |
|---|---|
| Master's Diploma | In the UK, a master's degree may take 12–24 months to complete. To be admitted to a master's programme, you must earn a bachelor's degree. A master's course requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or above. However, a score of 6.5 or more is required for admission to top universities. |
| Pre-Masters | This course is primarily intended for people who want to advance their communication and language abilities before enrolling in a master's programme. You must have an IELTS band score of 5.0 or above to be admitted to a pre-master’s programme. |
| Undergraduate Degree | You need an IELTS score of 6.5 or above to be admitted to an undergraduate programme. However, you must have an IELTS band score of 7.0 or higher if you want to enrol in a top UK university. |
IELTS Score Requirement for Australia Student Visa
Generally, to study in Australia, candidates are required to score a minimum IELTS Band of 6.5 overall with no band less than 6.0 for their postgraduate degree. And when you apply for your undergraduate options, you need to score a minimum IELTS Band of 6.0 overall in the IELTS exam. Know more about the Australia student visa, on our website.
| Program of Study | Minimum IELTS Requirement |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate Degree | 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
| Undergraduate Degree | 6.0+ |
IETS Cut Off for New Zealand Study Visa
International students looking to study Bachelor's in New Zealand would require a minimum overall IELTS Band Score of 6.0 with no band less than 5.5. Similarly, candidates looking to pursue a Master's would require a minimum overall IELTS Band Score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. Know more about the IELTS score requirements to study in New Zealand here:
| Program of Study | Minimum IELTS Requirement |
|---|---|
| Diploma | 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 |
| Bachelors | 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 |
| Graduate Diploma | 6.0 with no band less than 5.5 |
| Post-graduate Diploma | 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
| Masters | 6.5 with no band less than 6.0 |
source: IDP | IELTS
What are IELTS Band Scores?
IELTS Score Banding: The IELTS assesses your English language skills and maps them on a Band Score of 1 to 9. IELTS IDP - the conducting body of the IELTS exam in India does not release any IELTS Cut Off. IDP only declares the IELTS results while releasing the TRF (Test Report Form). IELTS TRF includes the scores of all four sections, IELTS Reading, IELTS Writing, IELTS Speaking, and IELTS Listening scores and the overall IELTS Band Score. The IELTS band score ranges from 1-9 for each section and overall. Below we have provided you with the IELTS band scores along with their corresponding skill level for you to be able to interpret your IELTS results better. Note: IELTS Cut Off for top universities like Harvard and Stanford is usually 7 or 8.
| IELTS Band score |
Skill Level |
|---|---|
| 9 |
Expert user |
| 8 |
Very good user |
| 7 |
Good user |
| 6 |
Competent user |
| 5 |
Modest user |
| 4 |
Limited user |
| 3 |
Extremely limited user |
| 2 |
Intermittent user |
| 1 |
Non-user |
| 0 |
Did not attempt the test |
How to calculate IELTS Band Scores 2024?
IELTS Score Banding: To calculate your IELTS Band Scores you just need to simply take out the mean (average) of all the sections’ scores, namely, Listening Band Score, Reading Band Score, Writing Band Score, and Speaking Band Score. With the IELTS band score calculator, you can get your Reading and Listening score and overall score. That is the sum of all the scores divided by four.
If the average comes out in a decimal point, then it will be rounded off to the nearest half or whole band. For instance, if the average comes out in .25, then it is rounded up to the next half band. So, in this case, if your average score is 6.25, then the final score will be counted as 6.5. In other cases where the average is .75, then it will be rounded off to the next whole band. Therefore, if you get a 6.75 band, the final score will be taken as 7.
IELTS Band Score Sample of Candidates A & B
| IELTS Sections | IELTS Band Score Candidate A |
IELTS Band Score Candidate B |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Listening Band Score | 7.5 | 5.0 |
| IELTS Reading Band Score | 7.5 | 4.5 |
| IELTS Writing Band Score | 6.0 | 5.0 |
| IELTS Speaking Band Score | 8.0 | 5.0 |
| IELTS Band Score Calculator (The sum of all sections divide by 4) | 29.0 / 4 | 19.5 / 4 |
| IELTS Score | 7.25 | 4.875 |
| Final IELTS Band Score (after rounding off) | 7.5 | 5 |
Candidates looking for assistance with university admissions abroad are advised to get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors on our website.
IELTS Cut Off 2024 FAQs
How many Bands is 30 out of 40 in the IELTS Reading Section?
In the Reading test, you will answer 40 questions. A variety of question types are used, e.g. multiple choice, True/False/Not Given, matching, and sentence completion. Your answers are either correct or incorrect, so the marking is a little different to the Speaking and Writing tests. You will receive one mark for each correct answer, with the total number of marks determining your band score. The tables below indicate the average number of marks required to achieve a particular band score in Academic Reading:
- Band score 5 = 15 out of a raw score of 40
- Band score 6 = 23 out of a raw score of 40
- Band score 7 = 30 out of a raw score of 40
- Band score 8 = 35 out of a raw score of 40
What is 17 out of 40 in IELTS listening?
In the Listening test, you will answer 40 questions that relate to audio clips that will be played to you. Your answers are either correct or incorrect, so the marking is a little different to the Speaking and Writing tests. You will receive one mark for each correct answer, with the total number marks determining your band score. The table below indicates the average number of marks required to achieve a particular band score in the Listening test:
-
Band score 5 = 16 out of a raw score of 40
-
Band score 6 = 23 out of a raw score of 40
-
Band score 7 = 30 out of a raw score of 40
-
Band score 8 = 35 out of a raw score of 40
Is 6.5 a bad IELTS score?
A score of 6.5 in the IELTS exam is not considered a bad score. It falls within the band range of 6.0-6.5, which is categorized as a "competent user" level. This score indicates that you have a reasonably good command of the English language and can use it effectively in most everyday situations. However, whether a score of 6.5 is considered good or not depends on the specific requirements of the institution or organization you are applying to. Some universities or programs may have higher score requirements, especially for competitive programs or fields of study. It is important to research and understand the score expectations of the institutions or organizations you are interested in.
Additionally, consider your own personal goals and requirements when evaluating your IELTS score. If your intended purpose, such as university admission or visa application, has a minimum requirement of 6.5, then achieving that score can be considered satisfactory and meet the criteria for many purposes. Ultimately, the perception of a good or bad IELTS score can vary depending on individual circumstances and the specific requirements of your goals.
What is the IELTS cut off score for the US student visa?
The IELTS cut-off score for a US student visa can vary depending on the specific requirements set by the educational institution and the visa category you are applying for. The United States does not have a universal IELTS cut-off score for student visas. Typically, universities and colleges in the US have their own English language proficiency requirements for admission, which may include a minimum IELTS score. Students with an average minimum IELTS band score between 6.0 to 6.5 can enter most universities across the country. However, students who have the desire to enter some of the world’s top universities need to aim for a band score that is slightly above average.
It is recommended to check the specific English language proficiency requirements of the educational institution you are applying to. Their official website or admissions office will provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the required IELTS score for student visa applications. Additionally, it's important to note that the US visa application process involves multiple factors beyond just the IELTS score, such as academic qualifications, financial documentation, and the overall strength of your application. Meeting the minimum IELTS score requirement is just one aspect of the visa application process.
Is 6.5 a good IELTS score for the UK?
A score of 6.5 in the IELTS exam is generally considered a good score for many universities and programs in the UK. However, it's important to note that the score requirements can vary depending on the specific institution, program, and level of study. Some universities in the UK may have higher or lower score requirements based on factors such as the competitiveness of the program, the subject area, and the level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate, etc.). Additionally, certain programs or institutions may have specific requirements for individual sections of the IELTS exam, such as a higher score in the Writing or Speaking section.
It is advisable to research and check the specific score requirements of the universities or programs you are interested in. The official websites of the universities or the admissions offices can provide detailed information on the required IELTS scores for different courses. Ultimately, while a score of 6.5 is generally considered good, it is important to ensure that it meets the specific requirements of the institution and program you are applying to in order to increase your chances of admission
- Universities in USA1036 Universities
- Universities in Canada173 Universities
- Universities in Australia121 Universities
- Universities in UK175 Universities
- Universities in Ireland33 Universities
- Universities in New Zealand70 Universities
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