IELTS Eligibility 2025: Age Limit, Qualification & Minimum Score

IELTS Eligibility 2025: Age Limit, Qualification & Minimum Score

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Prabhjyot KaurUpdated on 06 Nov 2025, 10:23 AM IST

If you’re thinking of taking the IELTS in 2025, you must chek the test eligibility. Because many start studying without checking IELTS eligibility and end up wasting time. No such mandatory IELTS eligibility criteria 2025 for Indian students have been 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. No strict eligibility criteria for the IELTS indicates that any individual seeking to study, work or migrate to an English-speaking country can apply for the exam. There is no such maximum age limit for IELTS; however, the minimum age is 16 years. 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 2025 eligibility in this article. It includes the latest IELTS exam eligibility requirements 2025 for aspirants. 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. Minimum IELTS Requirement for Top Countries
  4. Minimum IELTS Score Required by Top Universities
  5. Minimum Scores & IELTS Eligibility for Top Universities
  6. Also Read:
  7. IELTS Eligibility for Bachelor’s & Master’s Abroad
  8. Things to Consider for IELTS Eligibility
IELTS Eligibility 2025: Age Limit, Qualification & Minimum Score
IELTS Eligibility

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 for Indian Students

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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ielts-eligibility

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.

Minimum IELTS Requirement for Top 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.

IELTS Score Accepted Top Countries

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

Popular Countries Accepting IELTS 2025IELTS Exam Eligibility IELTS Score Requirements

Australia

No specific eligibility

6.0 - 7.0

Canada

No specific eligibility

6.0 - 6.5

UK

No specific eligibility

6.0 - 7.5

USA

No specific eligibility

6.0 - 7.0

New Zealand

No specific eligibility

5.5 - 7.0

Ireland

No specific eligibility

6.0 - 7.0

France

No specific eligibility

6.0 - 7.0

IELTS 2025 Writing Task 1 & 2 - Study Materials
Aspirants who are appearing for IELTS exam can download this eBook which have complete study material for academic writing task 1 (Data Interpretation) and academic writing task 2 (Essays) sections.
Download EBook

Minimum IELTS Score Required by Top Universities

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 applying 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 Eligibility for Bachelor’s & Master’s Abroad

We have mentioned the top countries to study abroad amd their eligibility for Indian test takers. The IELTS score requirements might vary depending on the level of study and the university chosen. Here are the average IELTS score eligibility for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees abroad in top countires such as US, UK, and

IELTS Exam Eligibility USA

Course Type IELTS Score Eligibility
Postgraduate Courses
  • Overall: Minimum Band 6.5
  • Each Band: No less than 5.5 or 6.0
Undergraduate Courses
  • Overall: Minimum Band 6
  • Each Band: No less than 5.5

IELTS Exam Eligibility UK

Course Type IELTS Score Eligibility
Postgraduate Diploma6.0 to 6.5
Pre-postgraduate Courses5
Undergraduate Courses6.5 to 7.0

IELTS Exam Eligibility: Australia

Course Type IELTS Score Eligibility
Postgraduate Courses6.5 with no band less than 6.0
Undergraduate Courses6.0+

IELTS Exam Eligibility New Zealand

Course Type IELTS Score Eligibility
Postgraduate CoursesMinimum 6.0
Undergraduate CoursesMinimum 5.5

Things to Consider for IELTS Eligibility

Let us now check some of the crucial aspects to consider while understanding the IELTS exam eligibility in 2025:

  • Identification: It is important to show a valid and current passport or any other identity card on the day of tests and while registration.

  • Number of Attempts: Students can appear as many times as they want. There is no such restrictions on the number of attempts for IELTS exams.

  • IELTS Validity: The IELTS score is valid for 2 years from the date of exam. Hence, students must appear for it in advance of the submission of the university’s application deadlines and study permit applications.

  • Score Requirements: The IELTS score required for getting into universities abroad depends on the university chosen, course level, and country. It is highly advisable to students to verify with the chosen university about the IELTS eligibility requirements for admission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where is the IELTS checked?
A:

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.

Q: Is IELTS mandatory for studying in Canada?
A:

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.

Q: What is the qualification for the IELTS exam?
A:

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.

Q: What are the requirements for an IELTS score?
A:

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. 

Q: What are the 4 criteria for IELTS?
A:

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.

Q: How long is IELTS eligible for?
A:

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.

Q: Is 12th marks important for IELTS?
A:

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.  

Q: Can I furnish an alternate national ID for the IELTS exam?
A:

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

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to IELTS ?

Hello,

Yes, admission to a German private university with 52% in bachelors, 6.0 IELTS band, and a 1-year gap is possible, but options are limited.

Private universities in Germany are more flexible than public ones. You can apply for courses in management, business, or IT fields. However, you must justify the gap year and ensure a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP).

It’s better to contact universities directly, as some may ask for additional documents or foundation courses before admission.

Hope you understand.



Hello,

Here I have list out some best IELTS coaching in Hyderabad.

Manhattan Review – Experienced trainers, online & offline classes, realistic practice tests.

Manya – The Princeton Review – Tailored lessons, progress tracking, classroom & online programs.

First Academy – Cambridge-certified trainers, interactive sessions, personalized feedback.

IELTSguru – One-on-one guidance, focus on test strategies and language skills.

Abhyaas & Novus Education – Affordable, small batches, full coverage of all IELTS modules.

Choose based on batch size, demo classes, fees, and reviews before enrolling.

All the best.

The national test dates are September 6, 13, 18, and 27 for ielts academic exam.

Test centers and their addresses are decided by IDP Education and are available in major cities across the country.

You can get address here IELTS TEST CENTRES

You are running short of time usually the ideal time would be 2–3 months prior,i advice that you start with your applications that you can quicky begin with your study abroad procedure.

good luck..

Hello,

It depends on the university you are applying to. Most German universities do not require GATE for admission to a Master's in Biotechnology. However, some universities may ask for the GRE , especially if you are applying to a highly competitive program.

You should check the specific admission requirements of the universities you are interested in. Generally, having IELTS (or TOEFL) and a German language proficiency certificate (if the course is in German) is enough.

Hope it helps !