Are you planning to study in another country? Then you must know about the IELTS exam. Almost every student who wants to go to the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia for studies has to take this test.
But the big question is:
“How many marks should I get in IELTS to get admission in a good university?”
Don’t worry! In this post, I will explain everything in very simple words. You will learn:
- What is IELTS?
- Why do we need it?
- What is a good IELTS score?
- How much score is needed for top universities in different countries?
- Easy tips to score well
What is IELTS?
IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System. It measures your ability to read, write, speak, and understand English.
There are two types of IELTS:
- Academic – For learners who are interested in studying abroad
- General – For work or immigration
Bands ranging from 0 to 9 represent the exam score. A higher band means better English.
Why Do Universities Ask for IELTS?
If you go to an English-speaking country, you need to understand teachers, read books, write essays, and talk with people. It will be extremely challenging if your English is poor.
That is why universities ask for IELTS. It shows that you can live and study there without any issues.
What is a Good IELTS Score?
IELTS is scored between 0 and 9 bands. See what it means:
| Band | Your English Level |
| 9 | Expert (Perfect) |
| 8 | Very Good |
| 7 | Good |
| 6 | OK / Average |
| 5 | Basic |
You usually need at least 6.5 or 7.0 to get into top colleges. 7.5 or higher is required by some very large universities.
IELTS Score for Top Universities
Let’s see what score is needed in different countries.
1. USA
In the USA, the majority of highly competitive colleges require 6.5 to 7.5 bands. For instance:
- Harvard – 7.5
- MIT – 7.0
- Stanford – 7.0
- UC Berkeley – 7.0
2. UK
In the UK, most top universities usually ask for an IELTS score between 6.5 and 7.5 bands.
- Oxford – 7.5
- Cambridge – 7.5
- Imperial College – 7.0
- LSE – 7.0
3. Canada
Most Canadian universities demand 6.5 or 7.0.
- University of Toronto – 7.0
- McGill – 6.5
- UBC – 6.5
4. Australia
Most Australian universities need 6.5 to 7.0.
- University of Melbourne – 7.0
- ANU – 6.5
- University of Sydney – 7.0
Note: Courses like Medicine, Law, Journalism may need higher score (7.5 or 8) because they have more communication work.
Easy Tips to Get Good IELTS Score
- Read and listen to English daily – News, movies, songs.
- Give mock tests – So you know the exam style.
- Manage time – Answer questions quickly and correctly.
- Join coaching if needed – For extra help.
Final Words
Aim for an IELTS score of 6.5 or 7.5 if you wish to attend an excellent college. Always check your university website because every college has its own rule.
Don’t worry, IELTS is not very hard. With daily practice, you can easily score well. Your dream of studying abroad will become a reality if you begin now.
Quick Table – IELTS Score for Top Countries
| Country | Top Universities | IELTS Score |
| USA | Harvard, MIT | 7.0 – 7.5 |
| UK | Oxford, Cambridge | 7.0 – 7.5 |
| Canada | Toronto, McGill | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| Australia | Melbourne, Sydney | 6.5 – 7.0 |
