Want To Know Eligibility For The IELTS Exam?

The candidate must be at least 16 years old

No education qualification is required to appear for the Test

Start IELTS Journey Now
Hero Image

Introduction

IELTS eligibility criteria are not rigidly defined by the British Council or IDP, the organizations administering the test. The International English Language Testing System assesses the English proficiency of individuals aspiring to study abroad. Eligibility for the IELTS exam is dependent of university admission guidelines, as each institution sets its own criteria for enrollment. Typically, top universities require a minimum band score of 6.0-6.5 in each section. Additionally, candidates must be at least 16 years old, although specific age requirements may vary depending on the institution.

Age Limit For IELTS: Mini. & Max.

Although, there are no restrictions for the candidates’ age limit to appear for the IELTS, they need to be 16 years old at the minimum while registering for the test. Thus, the lower limit as per eligibility for IELTS exam is 16 years. On the other hand, the upper limit for the same is not set. Therefore, an aspirant is free to apply for IELTS at any age more than 16 years and pursue their dream of study abroad without any age barrier.

Get FreeIELTS Classes
We will get you admission in Top Abroad Universities with Completely FREE IELTS Coaching! Admission

IELTS Eligible Countries

When looking forward to studying overseas, you might see IELTS as a basic requirement. But there are some countries where aspirants need to take different exams. So, the major countries where IELTS is a requisite are the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. Moreover, there are numerous universities in these destinations where the IELTS requirements for the scores differ. However, there is a borderline of the scores that several universities require as a selection criteria. Thus, to give you a clear direction of the minimum scores, here is the classification.

Eligibility For IELTS In Leading UK Universities

UNIVERSITY NAMEAPPROX. BAND REQUIREMENT
BIRMINGHAM CITY UNIVERSITY5.5-6.0
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON6.5
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD7.0-7.5
IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON7
UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE7

Eligibility For IELTS In Leading USA Universities

UNIVERSITY NAMEAPPROX. BAND REQUIREMENT
ATHENS STATE UNIVERSITY7
MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY7
HARVARD UNIVERSITY7
YALE UNIVERSITY7
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY7

Eligibility For IELTS In Leading Canada Universities

UNIVERSITY NAMEAPPROX. BAND REQUIREMENT
CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY6.5
UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA6.5
MCMASTER UNIVERSITY6.5
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO6.5-7.0
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA6.5

Eligibility For IELTS In Leading Australia Universities

UNIVERSITY NAMEAPPROX. BAND REQUIREMENT
QUT GARDEN POINT CAMPUS6.0
UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND6.5
UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY6.5
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES6.0
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE6.5

These are the approximate scores needed by the leading universities in different countries. However, the scores as per IELTS requirements might vary according to the updates in the guidelines. But one thing remains the same: the higher the score, the increased the chances of getting admission.

Who Sets The IELTS Eligibility Criteria?

IELTS is owned and run by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge Assessment English. Thus, these organisational bodies take all the major decisions regarding the IELTS eligibility criteria. Moreover, there are several things to take into consideration when marking the exam results. These IELTS requirements must be considered by the aspirants looking forward to studying or working abroad in different countries. It is because there are two types of IELTS exams: General and Academic.

Education Qualifications For IELTS Eligibility?

There are no specific educational qualifications for IELTS. Thus, anyone is competent to appear for the IELTS exam, irrespective of academic background, country, university or anything else. Therefore, the only major thing to keep in mind is the difficulty level of the test. Moreover, if you are of more than 16 years old with a valid passport and zeal to crack the IELTS, no one can stop you from appearing for the same.

IELTS Scholarship Eligibility For Aspirants

One of the greatest perks of scoring well in IELTS is becoming eligible for scholarships. As one of the organisational committees - The British Council has various awards for students around the world with good academic performance. These scholarships are accepted by any university that takes IELTS as the entrance test. Moreover, the IELTS qualification or the scores might vary according to the institute or the country to which the aspirants are applying. But the good thing is that with higher scores, aspirants are eligible to take benefits of the awards and reduce their financial load. Thus, to score well in the test and win a scholarship, you can refer to the online IELTS courses to have your hands on the entire thing.

Is IELTS Eligibility For Both The Versions Same?

The answer to the question is a yes. It means whichever version an aspirant is appearing for the IELTS, the eligibility will remain the same. However, there are two versions of the IELTS: Academic and General. In academics, scholars aspiring to pursue studies abroad appear. On the other hand, the general one is for the migrating or work-related training aspirants. But, no matter what the purpose of appearing for the test is, the eligibility for IELTS exam remains the same.

IELTS Eligibility Concerning The Required Documents

Yes, there are IELTS eligibility criteria for the students appearing for the test. For this, a valid passport is the major document required. Moreover, this is to ensure proper identification of the candidate. However, a driver's licence, student ID, and any other document is not considered proof of the same. Besides this, the passport must be valid for up to 6 months and have 2 blank pages as well.

Conclusion

To conclude, there are no strict requirements that automatically qualify you for the test but it's important to verify specific requirements with the university or country where you intend to study beforehand. With a valid passport and proper preparation, you're prepared to take the test. You are welcome to reach out to experts at Gradding if you have any further questions or concern

Take our Comprehensive IELTS Mock Test in Real Test Environment Now! Start Free Mock Test Start Free IELTS Mock Test
Reach the Desired Scores and Stand on Top with the Best Guidance. Talk to Experts for ielts Counselling!
Book Session

Predict Your IELTS Band Score forFree with our Band Predictor Tool!

checkmarkAnalyze Your Module-wise Preparation

checkmark100+ Mock Tests by Expert IELTS Faculty

Know Your Band Score!

Meet The Students Who Got 8+ Band in IELTS With Gradding’s Expert Guidance

Before

5

rightdouble arrow

after

8

Gradding transformed my IELTS journey. Before seeking their help, I struggled to break past a 5 Band score. However, with their guidance, I achieved an impressive 8+ Band score on my exam.

Vishal Rathore

University of Warwick

Before

5.5

rightdouble arrow

after

7

I owe my success in the IELTS exam to Gradding. Their tailored approach and comprehensive study materials helped me elevate my score from a 5.5 Band to an outstanding 7+ Band.

Jagjeet singh Rathore

University of East London

Before

6

rightdouble arrow

after

7

Gradding's assistance was invaluable in my IELTS preparation. Their insightful feedback and targeted practice sessions helped me achieve a good Band score. Thank you, Gradding!

Parmish Verma

University of South Alabama

Before

6

rightdouble arrow

after

7.5

I can't thank Gradding enough for their exceptional guidance in my IELTS journey. With their expert advice and rigorous training, I exceeded my previous Band score.

Rahul Sharma

University of Queensland

Before

6

rightdouble arrow

after

8

Gradding truly exceeded my expectations. Before joining, I struggled to achieve a Band 5 score. However, their personalized approach helped me secure a remarkable 8+ Band score in the exam.

Vishal Sharma

Birmingham City University

Before

6

rightdouble arrow

after

7

My experience with Gradding was phenomenal. Their dedicated tutors and comprehensive study materials empowered me to raise my IELTS score. I'm immensely grateful for their support and guidance.

Jagjeet singh Rathore

Hodges University

Gradding Blogs

Want to read more?

explore blogs

Frequently Asked Questions

Does eligibility for the IELTS test differ in various parts of the world?

NO! The eligibility for the IELTS test does not differ in various parts of the world. Thus, it is open to all individuals who wish to prove their English language skills.

Is there a minimum age requirement for taking the IELTS exam?

There is no minimum age requirement for the IELTS test. However, the IELTS exam is recommended for candidates who are 16 years of age or older. 

Do I need to have a certain level of English proficiency to take the IELTS exam?

NO! To take the IELTS exam, you do not need any type of proficiency. However, this test is designed to evaluate your language skills, so having some skills can be beneficial.

Is there a difference in eligibility for the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training exams?

NO! There is no difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The difference is the purpose for which you need to take the test. This is study abroad, work or immigration.

Are there any restrictions based on nationality on taking the IELTS exam?

NO! There are no restrictions to register for the IELTS test based on the nation you are from. So anyone can take the test despite the country they hail from.

Claim free IELTS Classes now!

We will help you secure admission in Top Universities Abroad with Completely FREE IELTS Coaching

Book a Free Session Now
whatsapp icon

Still Confused About Your Eligibility for IELTS?

Chat With Our Expert

disclaimer:logos and other registered trademarks of universities used on this platform are held by their respective owners. Gradding does not claim ownership or association on them, and their use is purely for informational and illustrative purposes.

Copyrights ©2024 Gradding. All rights reserved.
Gradding Rated 4.7/5 based on 4440Reviews