IDP’s only requirement for IELTS exam eligibility is that candidates must be at least 16 years old to register. There is no upper age limit set by IDP, the organization that administers the IELTS exam. The IELTS is a widely recognized language proficiency test taken by individuals seeking to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries and gain international experience.
Eligibility Criteria for the IELTS Exam
IELTS Eligibility in India: In this section, we will outline the eligibility requirements for the IELTS exam in 2024. Conducted by IDP, the IELTS exam does not impose strict qualifications beyond age requirements. Candidates must be at least 16 years old to register for the test, but there is no upper age limit. This applies regardless of gender, nationality, or background. The IELTS exam evaluates proficiency in English through four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
Age Criteria for IELTS: IDP, the organization administering the IELTS exam, does not set a maximum age limit. However, candidates must be 16 years or older to take the exam.
Minimum Educational Qualification: There is no specific educational qualification required to be eligible for the IELTS exam. It is open to anyone aiming to study, work, or migrate abroad. However, applicants should check the admission criteria of the educational institution or organization they are applying to for any additional requirements.
Minimum IELTS Score Requirements for Top Universities
IELTS Score Requirements for 2024: Each university has its own set of admission criteria, including specific IELTS score requirements. Candidates should ensure they meet these requirements, along with any other eligibility criteria set by the institution. Here’s a summary of the minimum IELTS scores required by some top universities:
| University |
Minimum IELTS Score |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) |
7.0 – 7.5+ |
| Cambridge University |
7.5+ |
| Oxford University |
7.0 – 7.5+ |
| Harvard University |
6.5 – 7.5+ |
| Stanford University |
7.0+ |
| Imperial College London |
6.5 – 7.0+ |
| ETH Zurich |
7.0+ |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) |
6.0 – 8.0+ |
| University College London (UCL) |
6.5 – 7.5+ |
| University of California, Berkeley |
6.5 – 7.0+ |
Remember to verify the exact requirements of your chosen institution and program as these scores are indicative and may vary.
IELTS Eligibility by Country
IELTS Eligibility for Popular Study Abroad Destinations
IELTS Eligibility in the USA For most universities in the US, an average IELTS band score of 6.0 to 6.5 is generally required. To gain admission to some of the top universities, a higher band score may be necessary.
IELTS Eligibility in Canada
- Student Direct Stream (SDS): Overall band of 6.0 with no individual band below 6.0.
- Undergraduate Courses: Overall band of 6.0 with no band below 5.5.
- Postgraduate Courses (PG Diploma/Masters): Overall band of 6.5, with individual bands varying from 5.5 to 6.0 depending on the institution.
IELTS Eligibility in the UK
- Master’s Degree: Minimum overall band of 6.0 is required, though top universities may require a band score of 6.5 or higher.
- Pre-Masters Program: Minimum band score of 5.0 required.
- Undergraduate Degree: Minimum overall band of 6.5 is typically required, with top universities often requiring a score of 7.0 or higher.
IELTS Eligibility in Australia
- Postgraduate Degree: Overall band of 6.5 with no individual band below 6.0.
- Undergraduate Degree: Minimum overall band of 6.0.
IELTS Eligibility in New Zealand
- Master’s Degree: Minimum overall band of 6.0.
- Bachelor’s Degree: Minimum overall band of 5.5.
