IELTS Exam Eligibility 2025: Age Limit, Qualification, Score Requirements

IELTS Exam Eligibility 2025: Age Limit, Qualification, Score Requirements

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Feb 25, 2025 05:45 PM IST | #IELTS
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There are no such mandatory IELTS eligibility criteria 2025 for Indian students stated by IDP. However, the only IELTS exam eligibility criteria recommended by IDP is for applicants to be at least 16 years of age at the time of exam registration. There is no maximum age limit for IELTS. Hence, students are required to register by paying IELTS fees of Rs 18,000 to be eligible for the exam. We have mentioned the latest updates on IELTS eligibility in this article. Hence, give it a read to understand the eligibility criteria 2025 to register for IELTS exam.

This Story also Contains
  1. IELTS Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025
  2. Latest Updates for IELTS Eligibility 2025
  3. IELTS Exam Eligibility: Passing Score for Top Countries
  4. Minimum Scores & IELTS Eligibility for Top Universities
  5. IELTS Exam Eligibility Countries
IELTS Exam Eligibility 2025: Age Limit, Qualification, Score Requirements
IELTS Exam Eligibility 2025: Age Limit, Qualification, Score Requirements

IELTS Exam Eligibility Criteria 2025

Understanding the recent updates on IELTS eligibility can help international students prepare for the exam. As we have mentioned, there are no defined eligibility criteria for IELTS. Along with the age criteria for IELTS exam 2025, below are a few mandatory requirements to be met by Indian applicants at the time of IELTS registration:

IELTS Eligibility Requirements:

Particulars

IELTS Eligibility Criteria

Minimum Age Required

16 years and older

Educational Qualification

No minimum requirement

Documents Required

A valid passport

Minimum Score Requirement

No specified score is required; however, universities provide their own IELTS score requirements.

Eligible Countries

  • US

  • UK

  • Australia

  • Canada

  • Ireland

  • New Zealand

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Latest Updates for IELTS Eligibility 2025

There are instances when applicants score a low band and are willing to improve their IELTS score. For this case, there are no IELTS test eligibility criteria mentioned by IDP for reattempting the exam. Once prepared, applicants can appear for the reattempt.

IELTS One Skill Retake: There are 4 sections in the IELTS test 2025. With this one-skill retake facility, the candidate has the opportunity to reattempt that one particular section in which they have scored less. The applicant can take an IELTS one-skill retake within 90 days of the earlier test results.

IELTS Exam Eligibility: Passing Score for Top Countries

The IELTS selection procedure can vary depending on the type of IELTS exam accepted by the institute or organisation. Each university or immigration authority has its own minimum IELTS score requirement. Applicants must check the IELTS requirements of each institute and course individually before the admission application. Here are the minimum IELTS scores required by top universities in the eligible countries.

Minimum IELTS Score Required by Top Universities in the USA

IELTS Score Required by Top Universities in the UK

Minimum IELTS Eligibility Score for Top Universities in Australia

Minimum Scores & IELTS Eligibility for Top Universities

Students must note that the minimum required IELTS for universities varies depending on different factors such as the following:

Particulars Details
University TypeTypically, students need to demonstrate a higher level of IELTS exam eligibility for top universities such as the Ivy League. On the other hand, the requirements for mid-tier universities may be lower in comparison to top institutions.
Course LevelIELTS eligibility for PG courses may be higher than the UG courses
Course RequirementsCertain courses such as Literature, English honours, and more might require students to a higher level for IELTS exam eligibility in comparison to other programmes.
IELTS 2024 Writing Task 1 & 2 - Study Materials
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IELTS Exam Eligibility Countries

IELTS is one of the most popular exams worldwide. The test is accepted by over 12,000 organisations in 140 countries across the world. The IELTS score 2025 is accepted for study and immigration purposes in many countries. The IELTS eligibility to study or work in any country is the same for everyone.

Popular Countries Accepting IELTS 2025

There are no specific IELTS eligibility criteria 2025 defined particularly for different countries. However, the minimum IELTS scores as per country can be checked in the table below:

Countries IELTS Requirements

Australia

6.0 - 7.0

Canada

6.0 - 6.5

UK

6.0 - 7.5

USA

6.0 - 7.0

New Zealand

5.5 - 7.0

Ireland

6.0 - 7.0

France

6.0 - 7.0

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is the IELTS checked?

The IELTS writing test examiners reside in the UK and review the IELTS tests. Whereas, the IELTS speaking test examiners are located worldwide and directly review and score the IELTS test takers in the local testing centres.

2. Is IELTS mandatory for studying in Canada?

There are plenty of tests curated for assessing the English language proficiency. Candidates can even study in Canada without attempting IELTS. However, for this purpose, they can choose the other alternate options for English proficiency tests like PTE, TOEFL, DET, etc.

3. What is the qualification for the IELTS exam?

To attempt the IELTS exam the candidates must be above 16 years of age and have completed the 10th class education. There is no minimum requirement in the percentage to be acquired in the 10th class. Any candidate who has passed the 10th class with the minimum age requirement will be eligible to attempt the IELTS exam.

4. What are the requirements for an IELTS score?

A minimum IELTS qualifying score of 5.0 band is required to get admission into courses offered by abroad universities. However, to get admission into top universities, the minimum IELTS score is 7.0 bands. Kindly note that the minimum score requirement for IELTS differ for each university. Hence, the applicants should check the official website of the university to find out the eligible score requirement. 

5. What are the 4 criteria for IELTS?

The writing and speaking sections of the IELTS test are scored based on 4 criteria/areas such as the following.

  • Fluency and coherence

  • Lexical resource

  • Grammatical range and accuracy

  • Pronunciation

The other two listening and reading sections of the IELTS test have 40 questions each. Every question in these sections is given 1 mark for each right answer.

6. How long is IELTS eligible for?

The IELTS exam results are valid for up to 2 years. However, for skilled immigration applicants, the IELTS results validity period is three (3) years.

7. Is 12th marks important for IELTS?

No, there is no minimum 12th-mark requirement for IELTS. Anyone who has completed their 12th class education can take the IELTS exam irrespective of their minimum marks.  

8. Can I furnish an alternate national ID for the IELTS exam?

The ID proof required for the IELTS exam criteria differs from country to country. For India, the candidates need to furnish a passport as ID proof. For other countries, it may also accept the government-issued ID. The exact requirements can be checked while filling out the IELTS application form. Students who are carrying the ID proof to the IELTS test centre must show the same, which is selected during the IELTS registration.

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Questions related to IELTS

Have a question related to IELTS ?

Hello,

One the most general tips for the preparation of both tests would be to go for a structured approach and understand the format of the tests respectively and work on improving grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation along with it take regular tests and reviews them. Both have 4 section, Reading, Listening, Writing and Speaking, so all four must be kept in focus, and thus you must plan your time according to your needs and areas of improvement.

Now, for TOEFL, it's recommended to use resources from ETS, that is, official materials and tests.

For IELTS, it's recommended to use resources from IDP, British Council and Cambridge, that give you sample tests and questions.

Wishing an all the very best for the test.

Hello Student,

For the AMC (Australian Medical Council) exam , which assesses international medical graduates for practice in Australia, the IELTS requirement is generally a minimum overall score of 7.0 , with no individual band score below 7.0 (in Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking).

Alternatively, the AMC also accepts equivalent scores from OET, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic :

  • OET : A grade of B in all four components.
  • TOEFL iBT : A minimum overall score of 94, with minimum scores of 24 in Listening, 24 in Reading, 27 in Writing, and 23 in Speaking.
  • PTE Academic : A minimum overall score of 65, with a minimum score of 65 in each communicative skill.

Meeting these requirements is essential to proceed with the AMC’s application and registration processes.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries then feel free to share your questions with us we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you and wishing you all the best for your bright future.


Hello

To be eligible for the Australian Medical Council (AMC) exams , candidates must demonstrate English .

AMC assessment process :

1. Accepted English Language Tests and Scores

IELTS ( International English Language Testing System ) :

Overall band score : 7.0 in each band ( listening , reading , writing and speaking ) .

PTE Academic ( Pearson Test of English Academic ) :

Overall score of 65 in each band ( listening , reading , writing and speaking ) .

2. Validity of Test Scores

The test results must be no older than two years at the time of submitting your AMC application .

3. Preparation Tips for IELTS

Practice regularly : Build your language skills across all four components .

Take practice exams : practice can help improve speed and accuracy .

professional coaching if needed , specially for writing and speaking , which are often the most challenging part .

Use official IELTS resources : Cambridge IELTS books , online mock tests and other reliable materials can give you an accurate rating  .

4. Application Tips

Ensure that your English test scores are valid and meet the minimum requirements before applying .

Keep a copy of your scores as they may need to be provided to both the AMC and registration authority in Australia .

Hope this helps you .

All the best

If you have completed a master's degree in the UK, you might still need to take the IELTS test to qualify for a Permanent Residency (PR) or Work Visa in Australia. While your degree from an English-speaking country like the UK may demonstrate your proficiency in English, Australian immigration authorities typically require a standardized English language test score, such as IELTS, to assess your language skills formally.

For better guidance, Invicta Institute can provide you with detailed information and assistance regarding the specific English language requirements for Australian PR or Work Visa applications. Invicta's experienced counselors can help you navigate the process and determine if your UK degree suffices or if you need to take the IELTS test.


Since you're currently in the first year of your Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com), planning ahead for your MBA abroad is a wise decision. The ideal time to take your IELTS exam is during your third year of B.Com. This timing ensures that your IELTS score, which is valid for two years, will still be valid when you apply for MBA programs.

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