International English Language Testing System or IELTS is an English proficiency test that candidates must appear for if they wish to pursue higher education abroad or be employed in an international organisation. It assesses four essential skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing.
IELTS is accepted by more than 11,000 organisations and across 140 countries. However, it is imperative to know IELTS accepted countries and prepare to migrate accordingly. Check out the LeapScholar guide for more information.
Which Countries Accept IELTS?
For many countries, demonstrating a stronghold over English is a necessity. This includes the USA, UK, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. Underlined below are its prerequisites:
- Canada
Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada asks applicants to appear for IELTS to qualify for a visa. This exam is accepted by the majority of universities and corporations in Canada. These are the University of Toronto, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Alberta, etc.
However, for postgraduate programs, its candidates must have attained an overall band score of 6.5, and for undergraduate, a 6-band score.
- New Zealand
To be eligible for a New Zealand visa permit, one must apply for skilled migrants. However, one must possess a 6.5 band overall and is applicable across Academic and General. Moreover, in each module, candidates must not have scored less than 5.5.
The University of Auckland, University of Otago, University of Canterbury, Victoria University of Wellington, Massey University accept this score. Furthermore, one must be wary that undergraduate programs require one to score a 6.0 and 6.5 overall band for postgraduate.
On the other hand, if one is applying for teaching or engineering courses, then a 7.0 overall score is required and no less than that.
- Australia
The Department of Home Affairs has set IELTS as a prerequisite for a visa. The University of Melbourne, Australian National University, University of Sydney, University of Queensland, Monash University, University of South Wales, University of Western Australia recognise this test.
Those planning to migrate to Australia need to attain a 7-band score for medical courses, 6 for undergraduate and 6.5 overall, respectively. However, different universities have set requirements for IELTS
- United Kingdom
UK Visas and Immigration accepts IELTS Academic, General and Life Skills. It is essential that candidates score a 6.5 band and applies to undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
However, Universities such as the University of Oxford demands that their applicants at least have a band score of 7.0 to 7.5. Other universities accepting this are Imperial College, London School of Economics and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, King’s College London, University of Bristol, the University of Manchester, and Glasgow.
- USA
More than 3000 institutions in the USA accept IELTS scores. These include but are not limited to California Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania, John Hopkins University, Columbia University etc.
Many universities would expect their candidates to score a minimum of 7.0 band score. However, this is not applicable across all universities. Therefore, one should research the IELTS requirements before applying.
- France
IELTS is also accepted in France. However, it is not as stringent compared to the countries mentioned above. However, candidates should attain an overall band score of 6.0-6.5 to be eligible for admission.
- Ireland
Those candidates applying for undergraduate courses need to possess a 6.0 band score overall. On the other hand, the minimum requirement is a 6.5 band for postgraduate courses.
Tips to Ace IELTS
Now that one knows the IELTS accepted countries, one can prepare for it accordingly. Applicants must follow the below-mentioned tips to score well in the exam:
- Understand the test format
As mentioned above, IELTS assess four skills. The listening and speaking sections remain the same in the Academic and General Module. However, this cannot be said for the reading and writing section.
- Take a practice test
Candidates should take a practice test as much as possible. This will help them identify their strengths and weaknesses and improve on those areas. Furthermore, one should allow a certain period to prepare each section. Moreover, one can take the help of preparatory books or online coaching.
- Enhance your vocabulary
Whenever candidates learn new words, they must note it down. In addition, they must watch YouTube videos, listen to audios and watch English movies as well.
Following these tips will help one crack IELTS with flying colours.
