The IELTS score you need depends on the country and your goal. There is no single worldwide pass mark. For study, most countries ask for IELTS 6.0 to 6.5. For migration, the level is often higher, around 6.5 to 7.0 in each skill, and Canada and Australia score each skill separately. The table below shows the typical requirement for each major destination.
Two things to notice. First, study and migration often need different scores. Second, for Canada and Australia, the rules look at each of your four skills, not just your overall band.
The simple approach is to pick your country and goal, find the requirement in the table, then build a plan to reach it. Take a free IELTS practice test to see where you stand, check your overall band with the band score calculator, and find test dates on our IELTS exam dates page.
Worldwide pass mark
None
Set by country and goal
Study (most countries)
6.0 - 6.5
Academic test
Migration (typical)
6.5 - 7.0
Often per skill
Scored per skill
CA and AU
Not the overall band
There is no single worldwide IELTS score
Each country, and each purpose, sets its own rule. A score that is enough to study in one country may be too low to migrate to another. So always match your target to the exact country and goal.
IELTS score by country: at a glance
The table below shows the typical IELTS score for each major destination, split into study and migration. These are typical levels, not fixed rules, and each university or visa sets its own requirement. Always check the official source before you apply.| Country | Study (typical) | Migration or work | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | 6.0 - 6.5 | CLB 7 (6.0 each) to CLB 9 (7.0 each) | IRCC |
| Australia | 6.0 - 6.5 | Competent 6.0 to Superior 8.0 (each skill) | Home Affairs |
| United Kingdom | 5.5 - 7.0 | Skilled Worker about 4.0 - 5.5 (B1 to B2) | gov.uk |
| UAE | 5.0 - 6.5 | No national rule (licence from 5.0) | u.ae |
| USA | 6.0 - 7.0 (top 7.0 - 7.5) | No federal English test | University sets it |
| New Zealand | 6.0 - 6.5 | Skilled Migrant 6.5 overall | Immigration NZ |
| Ireland | 5.0 - 6.5 | No strict IELTS rule | University sets it |
| Germany | 6.0 - 6.5 (English-taught) | German-language based | University sets it |
What IELTS score do you need to study abroad?
For most countries, you need IELTS Academic 6.0 to 6.5 to study at degree level. Undergraduate courses often ask for 6.0, with no skill below 5.5. Postgraduate courses usually ask for 6.5, with no skill below 6.0. Each university sets its own rule, and many also accept TOEFL, PTE or a medium-of-instruction letter. Top universities ask for more, often 7.0 to 7.5. For study, you take the IELTS Academic test. To work out your overall band from your section scores, use our band score calculator.What IELTS score do you need for migration?
For migration, the level is usually higher than for study, and it is often set for each skill. Here is how the main destinations work.- Canada. Express Entry uses the Canadian Language Benchmark. The Federal Skilled Worker floor is CLB 7, which is band 6.0 in each skill. A competitive score is CLB 9, which is band 7.0 in each skill, with 8.0 in Listening.
- Australia. Skilled migration uses three levels. Competent is band 6.0 in each skill. Proficient is band 7.0 in each skill and earns 10 points. Superior is band 8.0 in each skill and earns 20 points.
- New Zealand. The Skilled Migrant Category asks for an overall band 6.5.
- United Kingdom. A Skilled Worker visa needs a lower level, around CEFR B1 to B2.
IELTS for top universities
Top and competitive universities usually ask for IELTS 7.0 to 7.5, with a minimum in each skill. Many leading universities ask for an overall 7.0 with no skill below 6.5, and the most selective ask for 7.5. Specific courses, such as law, medicine, journalism and teaching, often set higher per-skill minimums. So if you are aiming for a top university or a competitive course, plan for 7.0 or more and check the exact rule for your course. To see what each band level means, read our guide to IELTS band scores.Academic or General Training, and which test for which country?
For university study, take IELTS Academic in every country. For migration, you usually take IELTS General Training, for example for Canada, Australia and New Zealand. For UK visas, you take the IELTS for UKVI version. Some professional bodies, such as healthcare regulators, ask for IELTS Academic even for work. When you are not sure, check the exact test type with the university or visa body before you book. You can read about the test types on the official IELTS website.Requirements change, so always check the official body
We list typical levels for context. Universities and immigration rules change, so confirm the current requirement with the official body for your country and route before you book or apply. The official sources are linked in the table above.
Common mistakes with country requirements
1
Using one number for every country
Each country and purpose sets its own rule. A score that works for one goal may be too low for another, so check the exact requirement.2
Confusing study and migration scores
Study and migration often need different levels. The score that gets you into a university may not be the score your visa needs.3
Looking only at the overall band
Canada and Australia score each of your four skills on its own. One weak skill can lower your result even with a strong overall band.4
Trusting outdated guides
Old visa names and scores still appear online but rules change often. Use the current official source, not a guide from years ago.Frequently asked questions
Which country needs the lowest IELTS score?
It depends on your purpose, not just the country. For study, some foundation and diploma courses accept band 5.0 to 5.5, and a few higher education courses in Ireland and the UAE accept 5.0. For migration, the lower levels are around band 4.0 to 5.5 for some work and partner visas. But most degree courses and skilled migration routes ask for 6.0 to 6.5 or more.
What IELTS score do I need for Canada PR?
For Canada Express Entry, the Federal Skilled Worker floor is CLB 7, which is band 6.0 in each skill. A competitive score is CLB 9, which is band 7.0 in each skill, with 8.0 in Listening. Canada looks at each skill on its own, not your overall band, so one weak skill can lower your result.
What IELTS score do I need for Australia PR?
Australian skilled migration uses three levels. Competent is band 6.0 in each skill. Proficient is band 7.0 in each skill and earns 10 points. Superior is band 8.0 in each skill and earns 20 points. Like Canada, Australia scores each skill on its own, so aim for a balanced result with no weak skill.
Do US universities need IELTS?
US universities set their own English requirement, and most accept IELTS or TOEFL. A typical requirement is band 6.0 to 7.0 for undergraduate study and 6.5 to 7.5 for postgraduate study. Top universities often ask for 7.0 to 7.5. The US student visa itself does not set a national IELTS score, so the university's rule is what matters.
What IELTS score do I need for New Zealand residence?
For the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category, the main applicant needs an overall band 6.5, from the General Training or Academic test. For study, most universities ask for band 6.0 to 6.5. Higher scores can earn extra points in the migration system, so a 7.0 or more can strengthen your application.
Is the IELTS score the same for study and migration?
No. Study and migration often need different scores. For study, most countries ask for band 6.0 to 6.5. For migration, the level is often higher and set for each skill, such as band 7.0 in each skill for competitive routes in Canada and Australia. Always check the rule for your exact country and goal.