IELTS Eligibility: Age Limit, Qualification, Score Required

International English Language Testing System ( IELTS )

Prerna Kalra
Updated on Dec 20, 2024 11:28 IST

By Prerna Kalra

The IELTS is a popular language proficiency test for candidates who are looking to study, work or migrate to English-speaking countries and aim to gain global exposure. There are no strict eligibility criteria for the IELTS. The only IELTS eligibility criteria prescribed by IDP require candidates to be at least 16 years of age to be eligible. To appear for IELTS exam, one just need to complete the registration by paying the IELTS fees of INR 17,000. There is no upper age limit fixed to take the IELTS exam. So, any candidates above 16 years of age can take IELTS test. To understand the eligibility criteria to register for IELTS exam can check out this article.

IELTS Eligibility

 

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for IELTS?

A: 

There is no specific eligibility criterion for taking the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. It is open to individuals of all ages and educational backgrounds who wish to demonstrate their English language proficiency. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone seeking immigration or work opportunities in English-speaking countries, you are eligible to take the IELTS. There are no prerequisites such as educational qualifications, age restrictions, or prior language learning experience. The IELTS is accessible to anyone who wants to showcase their English language proficiency. However, it is preferable that students above the age of 16 appear for the exam. 

Q:   Which countries require IELTS score for admission?

A: 

In order to be eligible to study abroad, IELTS ecam scores will be required in majority of the English speaking countries. In total there are 140 countries which accept IELTS scores for admissions from international students. Some of these top countries are as follows:

Q:   Can a 10th pass apply for IELTS exam?

A: 

Yes, a candidate who is 10th pass can apply for the IELTS exam. There are no specific educational qualifications required to take the IELTS test, but candidates must be at least 16 years old. 

Q:   Can I qualify IELTS?

A: 

There are no strict IELTS eligblity criteria. So, any candidates with 16 plus years of age can apply for IELTS and with better preparation can easily qualify for the test. 

Q:   What is the minimum age for taking the IELTS Exam?? Can I do IELTS after my 10th?

A: 

The minimum age for taking the IELTS exam is 16 years. Anyone over the age of 16 can take the IELTS Test irrespective of nationality or background. IDP - the conducting body of the IELTS exam has not officially declared a minimum age limit to take the IELTS exam, but it is preferred that the aspirant should have crossed 16 years of age. IELTS - an English language proficiency exam is a requirement for candidates looking to pursue higher education abroad. And since, IELTS scores are valid for a period of 2 years, candidates who take the IELTS exam in Class 10 would have to appear again after completing their Class 12 if they plan on studying abroad. 

Table of content
  • IELTS Eligibility Criteria 2025
  • What is the minimum IELTS Score required by Top Universities?
  • IELTS Exam Eligibility Countries
  • FAQs about IELTS Exam Eligibility
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IELTS Eligibility Criteria 2025

IELTS eligibility in India for 2025 is quite straightforward. Candidates must be at least 16 years old, with no maximum age limit. No specific qualifications are required to take the exam. IELTS Exam is open to all regardless of gender, nationality, or background. IDP conducts the exam and tests candidates' listening, reading, writing, and speaking skills. Explore the below table for more information on the eligibility for the IELTS Exam:

IELTS Eligibility Criteria Requirement
Eligibility Not specific.
Required Document Valid passport
Age Limit Criteria No maximum age limit; open to all age groups, but not recommended for students below the age of 16 years.
Eligible Countries

The IELTS Exam is recognised globally by 140 countries, including the:

Minimum Educational Qualification No minimum educational qualification
Minimum Score Requirements No universal score requirement; Varies from one university to another. Check with your university while applying. 

Free IELTS Class by Shiksha - Registration 

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Commonly asked questions

Q:   How much percentage is required in 12th for IELTS?

A: 

IELTS IDP has not set any 12th score requirements for taking the IELTS. You can take the IELTS irrespective of the marks you scored in the 12th standard. So, one can attempt the IELTS exam without worrying about their class 12th score.

Q:   What are the minimum eligibility criteria for IELTS exam?

A: 

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) does not have a minimum eligibility criterion in terms of age or educational qualifications. It is open to individuals of all ages and educational backgrounds who wish to demonstrate their English language proficiency. Whether you are a student, a professional, or someone seeking immigration or work opportunities in English-speaking countries, you can take the IELTS. The exam assesses your English language skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, and there are no specific prerequisites or minimum requirements to meet before registering for the exam. Any individual can choose to take the IELTS based on their personal goals and needs.

Q:   How many attempts are possible in the IELTS exam for students looking to study abroad?

A: 

Students looking to study abroad can take the IELTS exam as many times as they wish. There is no specific limit on the number of attempts for the IELTS. However, it is important to note that frequent retesting without adequate preparation may not yield the desired results. Each attempt requires payment of the exam fee, and test dates are subject to availability. It is advisable for students to focus on improving their English language skills before attempting the exam again, rather than relying solely on multiple attempts. Preparation, practice, and understanding of the test format are key to achieving the desired scores for studying abroad.

Q:   Can a student who has recently passed his Class 10 apply for the IELTS exam?

A: 

Yes, a 10th-pass student can certainly apply for the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam. There are no specific educational eligibility requirements for the IELTS, and individuals of all educational backgrounds are eligible to take the exam. Whether you have completed your 10th grade, or high school, or hold any other level of education, you can register for the IELTS and demonstrate your English language proficiency. The exam focuses on assessing your English language skills in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, rather than evaluating your educational qualifications. So, 10th-pass student is welcome to take the IELTS and showcase their English language abilities.

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What is the minimum IELTS Score required by Top Universities?

Every university has a different set of requirements and its own set of guidelines as part of its admission process. Also, all the universities have set different IELTS exam Eligibility Criteria that candidates need to fulfil to get admitted. In addition to this, candidates should also match the other eligibility requirements set by the university or the educational institute where they are planning to enrol. Know about the IELTS cut-off across popular study-abroad destinations. 

IELTS Eligibility for Top Universities 2025

Top Universities

IELTS Exam Eligibility 2025

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Shiksha Grade A++

7.0 - 7.5+

Cambridge University

Shiksha Grade A++

7.5+

Oxford University

Shiksha Grade A++

7.0 - 7.5+

Harvard University

Shiksha Grade A++

6.5 - 7.5+

Stanford University

Shiksha Grade A++

7.0+

Imperial College London

Shiksha Grade A++

6.5 - 7.0+

ETH Zurich

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+
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Commonly asked questions

Q:   Can I pursue MS from the top universities in Canada with 73% in B.Tech & 7 band score in IELTS?

A: 

A IELTS Band Score of 7 should be enough to make you eligible to apply to top universities in Canada. However, you should always aim to get a higher Band score to be able to further your chances at the university. You can check out: IELTS Scores for the Best Universities in Canada

Q:   In which US Universities is IELTS accepted for admissions?

A: 

IELTS Band Scores are widely accepted across universities in USA, Canada and other English speaking countries. Check: IELTS Scores at the Best Universities in US IELTS scores across popular universities in the US:

S.no.UniversitiesRequired IELTS score
1Arizona State University6.0
2Washington University in State Louis6.5
3University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign6.5
4Colorado State University6.0
5Saint Louis University6.5
6The University of Texas at Arlington6.5
7Pace University7.0
8University of New Haven7.5
9Iowa State University6.0
10Northeastern University7.0

Q:   What is the minimum IELTS Band Score required to gain admission to the University of Auckland?

A: 

The minimum IELTS Band Score required to take admission in the University of Auckland is an overall score of 6.0 and no bands below 5.5 for Undergraduate courses and an overall score of 6.5 and no bands below 6.0 for Post Graduate courses. Candidates can get more information on the admission requirements on our university page: https://www.shiksha.com/studyabroad/new-zealand/universities/university-of-auckland








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IELTS Exam Eligibility Countries

This section highlights IELTS exam eligibility by Country across popular study-abroad destinations. 

Country

IELTS eligibility 

Minimum IELTS Score

IELTS Eligibility Criteria for Australia

There is ‘No’ specific eligibility criteria 

6.0 - 7.0

IELTS Eligibility Criteria for  Canada

There is ‘No’ specific eligibility criteria 

6.0 - 6.5

IELTS Eligibility Criteria for UK

There is ‘No’ specific eligibility criteria 

6.0 - 7.5

IELTS Eligibility Criteria for USA

There is ‘No’ specific eligibility criteria 

6.0 - 7.0

IELTS Eligibility Criteria for New Zealand

There is ‘No’ specific eligibility criteria 

5.5 - 7.0

IELTS Eligibility Criteria for Ireland

There is ‘No’ specific eligibility criteria 

6.0 - 7.0

IELTS Eligibility Criteria for France

There is ‘No’ specific eligibility criteria 

6.0 - 7.0

IELTS Eligibility USA

Students with an average minimum IELTS band score between 6.0 to 6.5 are eligible to apply to most universities in the US. 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.

IELTS Exam Eligibility Canada

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 IELTS Exam Eligibility
Student Direct Stream (SDS) Overall: Minimum Band 6.0
Each Band: No less than 6.0
Postgraduate Courses in Canada
[PG Diploma/Masters]
Overall: Minimum Band 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 Band 6 IELTS
Each Band: No less than 5.5

IELTS Eligibility UK

Candidates looking to study in the UK can check out the IELTS requirements in the country below. 

Program of Study IELTS Exam Eligibility
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 Band 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 pre-master programmes.
Undergraduate Degree You need an IELTS score of Band 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 Eligibility Australia

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. When you apply for your undergraduate options, you need to score a minimum IELTS Band of 6.0 overall in the IELTS exam.

Program of Study IELTS Exam Eligibility
Postgraduate Degree 6.5 with no band less than 6.0
Undergraduate Degree 6.0+

IELTS Exam Eligibility New Zealand

Candidates looking to study in New Zealand can check out the IELTS requirements in the country below.

Program of Study IELTS Exam Eligibility
Master's Degree Overall: Minimum Band 6.0
Bachelor's Degree Overall: Minimum Band 5.5







Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions

Q:   I got 5.5 bands in reading in IELTS am I eligible for getting student visa for Canada?

A: 
GRE and IELTS are both requirements for any form of study you wish to pursue along with the additional work experience that may be required based on the course. If you believe you're falling short on the experience front, my best suggestion to you would be to enroll yourself in a form of study which would then allow you to scale up to a PR and a job opportunity in Canada. One of the interesting one's that I recently encountered is this Study & Work programme where you basically get to do a course while earning part-time and once you finish the course, you can work full time for about 6 months.

Q:   Is study in Sweden without IELTS possible for MBA?

A: 
Hi Harsh, You must take either IELTS or TOEFL to prove your English language skills. Not giving one of them is not an option. Secondly, you should check the university’s websites as MBA programmes have altogether a different requirement.

Q:   Am I eligible for studying in Canada with 6.5 bands in IELTS? I have recently done my Diploma in mechanical with 7.39 CPI.

A: 

You need to have overall 6.5 bands with no module less than 6.0, in order to qualify for study in Canada.

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FAQs about IELTS Exam Eligibility

IELTS Eligibility FAQs

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Commonly asked questions

Q:   Can students take the IELTS exam in a single day?

A: 

Yes, students can take the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam in a single day. The exam is typically conducted over the course of a few hours, allowing candidates to complete all the sections on the same day. The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections are usually administered back-to-back, with a short break in between. The Speaking section, which is a one-on-one interview, may be scheduled on the same day or on a different day, depending on the arrangements made by the test center. It is important to check the specific schedule and instructions provided by the test center where you plan to take the IELTS exam.

Q:   How many attempts are possible in the IELTS exam for students looking to study abroad?

A: 

Students looking to study abroad can take the IELTS exam as many times as they wish. There is no specific limit on the number of attempts for the IELTS. However, it is important to note that frequent retesting without adequate preparation may not yield the desired results. Each attempt requires payment of the exam fee, and test dates are subject to availability. It is advisable for students to focus on improving their English language skills before attempting the exam again, rather than relying solely on multiple attempts. Preparation, practice, and understanding of the test format are key to achieving the desired scores for studying abroad.

Q:   What is the meaning of 'Eligibility: GRE|IELTS|TOEFL'? Does that mean that either of them is mandatory or all of them?

A: 
Hi Akash Patel, Generally, this means either of them but one cannot opt between GRE or IELTS, GRE or TOEFL, etc. GRE is completely different and is an aptitude test for a particular subject or so. Whereas IELTS or TOEFL is for English language proficiency. So generally it's GRE and IELTS or TOEFL. You have to check the website carefully and get it confirmed by the university where you saw this line.

Q:   Is it possible to get admission to universities abroad without appearing for the IELTS exam?

A: 

Indian students should note that most English speaking universities abroad would require you to prove your English language skills through one of the many English proficiency tests available such as your TOEFL, IELTS, PTE and Duolingo to name a few. So candidates might not have to go ahead with the IELTS exam however, they would have to appear for some other English language proficiency exam as part of the admission process. Read: Which exam to give for which course to study abroad

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Comments

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I am an associate professor in Physics and Awarded Ph.D. ( Tech) in Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE). I am looking for Postdoctoral Position/ Course in Physics/Engineering on online /hybrid mode in prestigious universities abroad ( USA, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia etc.) / Indi

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Reply to Dr Jatindranath Gain

T

Tajkia Sultana

9 months ago

Hii, I want to complete my Bachelors in Malaysia from Bangladesh. But I am not understanding which books to choose for taking preparation as I want to take preparation at home.Pls help me to choose the best books and let me know if there is any free-student scholarship in Malaysia.

Reply to Tajkia Sultana

R

Rahul Singha

9 months ago

Hello Tajkia. I would highly recommend that you opt for books/ study material that is available on the official website of IDP - the conducting body of the IELTS exam. The books would have the latest syllabus and cover everything you would need to know to ace your IELTS exam.

T

TOM Titus

a year ago

Hi I have a query. I completed my 12th on 2017 and I been working from 2018 to 2023 can I get admission on Diploma course

Reply to TOM Titus

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Tom. Admission processes are university-specific. And since you have been working from 2018 to 2023 - this would only add to your resume as work experience. You can also look for assistance with university admissions from our counsellors here.

Hello shiksha I just finish my B A in political science. I want to study abroad now? Can I complete MA here. And then what kind of work will I get. I would be very happy if you answer. Thank you

Reply to Mustafijur molla

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Mustafijur. If you are looking for assistance with applying to universities abroad. Get in touch with our Shiksha Study Abroad Counsellors and book a counselling session absolutely free, Click Here

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Aditi

a year ago

Hi Shiksha Study Abroad, I have a query, I completed my bachelors in the year 2020 with first division, so can I apply on the basis of MOI?

Reply to Aditi

R

Rahul Singha

a year ago

Hello Aditi. Thank you for writing in. A Medium of Instruction Certificate (MOI) is accepted proof of English proficiency. However, whether your preferred university/ college would be considering the MOI is something you will have to check. This is entirely at the discretion of the university and th

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