IELTS Band Score & Requirements
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IELTS Score Calculator
Estimate your Overall Band Score instantly. Enter your Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking scores below.
IELTS Band Score Chart
Understand exactly what your score means.
| Band | Skill Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Expert User | Full operational command of language; appropriate, accurate and fluent. |
| 8 | Very Good User | Full operational command with occasional inaccuracies. |
| 7 | Good User | Operational command with occasional inaccuracies; understands complex reasoning. |
| 6 | Competent User | Generally effective command despite some inaccuracies. |
| 5 | Modest User | Partial command, coping with overall meaning in most situations. |
Visa & University Requirements
Requirements vary by country and institution. Below are standard minimums.
| Country / Visa | Required Band | Details |
|---|---|---|
| USA (Undergrad) | Band 6.0+ | Most top universities require 6.5 or higher for TOEFL equivalent. |
| UK (Tier 4 Visa) | Band 4.0+ | Minimum for degree level is usually 6.0 with no band below 5.5. |
| Canada (Study Permit) | Band 6.0+ | Direct entry usually requires 6.5, but 6.0 is possible with ESL support. |
| Australia (Subclass 500) | Band 5.5+ | Minimum visa requirement is 5.5, but most unis require 6.0. |
| New Zealand | Band 5.5+ | Minimum for Bachelor's is usually 6.0. |
| Germany | Band 6.5+ | For English-taught programs, usually IELTS or TOEFL required. |
| France (Campus France) | Band 6.0+ | Required for courses taught in English. |
Countries Accepting IELTS
IELTS is accepted in over 140 countries. The major destinations include:
- 🇺🇸 United States
- 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
- 🇨🇦 Canada
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand
- 🇮🇪 Ireland
- 🇩🇪 Germany
- 🇫🇷 France
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland
- 🇸🇪 Sweden
- 🇫🇮 Finland
- 🇪🇸 Spain
- 🇭🇰 Hong Kong
- 🇸🇬 Singapore
Expert Tips to Get Band 8+
- Vocabulary Precision: Don't just memorize synonyms. Understand that tone (formal vs informal) required for each section.
- Task Response: For Writing Task 2, plan your essay for 5 minutes before writing. A clear structure is key to a Band 7+.
- Listening Skills: Learn to ignore distractors. The speaker often mentions all options, but only one is correct.
- Reading Speed: Practice skimming and scanning. Do not read the text word-for-word; read for keywords.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is IELTS score valid?
IELTS test report form (TRF) is valid for 2 years from the test date.
Which is better: IELTS Paper vs Computer?
Both tests have identical content and difficulty. Computer-delivered results are available in 3-5 days, while paper-based results take 13 days.
What is the IELTS Retake Fee?
If you wish to cancel your test, you can receive a partial refund. Retaking involves paying the full exam fee again (approx. $245 USD).
What is a passing score for IELTS?
There is no pass or fail. You are graded on a 0-9 scale. Your "passing" score depends on your specific institution or visa requirement.
How to check IELTS result online?
Preview your results online 3 to 5 days after your test on the official IELTS website. Paper-based results are available 13 days after the test.
What is a good IELTS score?
A score of 7.0 is considered "Good" and accepted by most top-tier universities. A score of 8.0 is "Very Good" and often required for medical or legal professionals.