IELTS Score for USA 2024 - Student Visa, Requirements, Universities

IELTS Score for USA 2024 - Student Visa, Requirements, Universities

Edited By M Anusha | Updated on Mar 13, 2024 03:55 PM IST | #IELTS

IELTS score for USA - IELTS is one of the top preferred English proficiency tests to study in the USA. An IELTS score of 6.5 to 7.5 is necessary to qualify for the English language requirements of the top universities in the USA. This IELTS band requirement for America varies for each university.

Students planning to study in the USA, should know about the required IELTS score for USA universities they are applying for. Checking these IELTS scores beforehand, help the candidates in setting their targeted score required for their dream universities and prepare accordingly.

The IELTS score for the USA is accepted by more than 2900 organisations for study work and immigration purposes. As the course of instruction is carried out in the English language, the IELTS score for USA is the primary essential in university admissions. Not just confined to universities or colleges, many other government organisations like the immigration authority, and professional registrations accept the IELTS score in America.

This Story also Contains
  1. IELTS Score for USA University Admission
  2. IELTS Score for Top Universities in USA
  3. Affordable Universities in USA - Minimum IELTS score
  4. Universities Accepting IELTS Score 5.5 in USA
  5. IELTS Score for USA Student Visa
  6. What Should I do if I Score Less in IELTS?
  7. Study in USA without IELTS

IELTS Score for USA University Admission

Securing a good IELTS Academic score certifies that the candidate will be able to understand the lecture and will be able to communicate in their academic and local community effectively. So for this purpose, candidates need to satisfy the qualifying IELTS score for American universities.

In general, students scoring IELTS scores of 6.0 to 6.5 have higher chances of admission to US universities.

However to secure seats in the

Universities accepting the IELTS exam, along with the whole IELTS score, the individual IELTS section scores like reading, speaking, writing and listening skills are also considered. These IELTS scores for USA universities can vary for each course. Have a look at the USA IELTS band requirement at the top 10 universities in the country.

IELTS Score for Top Universities in USA

University

QS Ranking 2024

Minimum IELTS Score (Undergraduate course)

Minimum IELTS score (Master’s course)

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

1

7

7

Harvard University

4

Not Required

7.5

Stanford University

5

Not Required

7.0

University of California, Berkeley

10

6.5

7.0

University of Chicago.

11

7.0

7.0 - 7.5

University of Pennsylvania

12

7.0

7.0 -7.5

Cornell University

13

7.0

7.0

California Institute of Technology

15

7.0

7.0

Yale University

16

7.0

7.0

Princeton University

17

7.0

7.0

Affordable Universities in USA - Minimum IELTS score

University

Minimum IELTS Score (Undergraduate course)

Minimum IELTS score (Master’s course)

University of South Florida

6.5

6.5

University of Pennsylvania

7

7.0 -7.5

University at Buffalo SUNY

6.0

6.5

Arizona State University

6.0

6.0

Purdue university

6.5

6.5

University of Chicago

7.0

7.0 - 7.5

Iowa state university

6.0

6.5

University of Arizona

6.0 - 6.5

7.0

Rutgers University

6.5

7.0

Mississippi State University

6.0

6.5

University of Texas at Arlington

6.5

6.5

Texas Tech University

6.5

6.5

California State University, Long Beach

6.0

6.5

Universities Accepting IELTS Score 5.5 in USA

Students who are thinking of universities with 5.5 IELTS scores in USA. Then here is the list below.

Universities with 5.5 IELTS qualifying scores

Herzing University

University of Louisiana, Monroe

Central New Mexico Community College

Southwestern Oklahoma State University - Weatherford

Colorado State University, Pueblo

St. Cloud State University

Concordia University, Michigan

Southern Arkansas University

Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park

South University

Devry University, Alpharetta Campus

Southeastern Oklahoma State University

Utah Valley University

San Francisco Conservatory of Music

University of Wisconsin, Platteville

Ohio Northern University

University of Redlands

New York Film Academy, New York

University of North Georgia, Gainesville

Navitas at Western Kentucky University

University of Montana

Missouri Western State University

University of North Alabama

Montana State University, Billings

University of Mississippi

Midway University

IELTS Score for USA Student Visa

International students can also take the IELTS exam to meet the English proficiency requirement for a USA students visa. The immigration authority has not laid any specific IELTS requirement for USA student visa, it usually accepts the English proficiency requirement of the university or institution. There are 3 types of student visas. All the estimated IELTS bands required for American student visa are given below.

IELTS Score USA Student Visas

Type of Visa

Minimum IELTS band for USA (Approximately)

F Student Visa

UG degree - 6.0

PG degree - 6.5

J Exchange Visa

6.0 - 6.5

M Student Visa

6.5

What Should I do if I Score Less in IELTS?

Students who fail to qualify for the IELTS score for USA universities by a few bands can opt for the IELTS one-skill retake option. The feature allows the student to retake one section in the IELTS to improve the score.

Study in USA without IELTS

Yes, students can study in USA without IELTS. Some universities in the USA accept admission without the requirement of an IELTS score. Here are the alternatives to IELTS required by the universities.

  • Students have/had spent the last 2 to 3 years in education that is taught in the English language. (or) A degree from a non-US college, completed in English mode of instruction.

  • Obtain other English language proficiency scores like TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the required IELTS score to study in USA?

Students willing to study in the USA need to get an average IELTS score of 6.0 to 7.0 to avail of admission opportunities in many of the USA universities. The top-most universities in the country require an IELTS score of 7.0 to 7.5.

2. Can I study in USA with 5.5 bands?

Yes, there are universities in the USA that accept the 5.5 IELTS score for admission purposes. However, students can still take time to achieve a 6.0 or higher IELTS score to get placed into better universities.

3. Is 7.0 IELTS score good enough to study in America?

Yes, an IELTS score of 7.0 is good enough to meet the English language requirements of the many top universities in the USA. Also, make sure the individual section scores are not below 6.0 to 7.0.

4. Are 6.5 IELTS bands good for USA?

To study in America, IELTS band 6.5 is good enough to meet English language requirements for many best US universities. Along with the overall score candidate should also make sure the individual section scores are not below 6.0 or 5.5.

5. What is the validity of IELTS score for USA?

Usually, an IELTS score is valid for up to 2 years. However, organisations accepting IELTS in the USA can choose the validity period based on their need and requirements.

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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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