IELTS eligibility
Who can take IELTS, age limits, identity documents and how often you can sit it. This guide is part of our full IELTS guide.
Eligibility
No minimum qualification. Test takers should be 16 or older. A valid passport is the only identity document accepted at most centres.
Who takes the IELTS
University admission, UK visas (UKVI), work and migration in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Questions
Which IELTS should I take for a UK university?
IELTS Academic for degree-level study. IELTS for UKVI Academic only if your university or visa route requires it, typically for pre-sessional English or below-degree courses.
What is a good IELTS score?
6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 satisfies most universities. Health, law and teaching programmes ask for 7.0.
How long are IELTS results valid?
Two years from the test date. Universities usually require the score to be valid on the course start date.
Can I study in the UK without IELTS?
Many universities accept Medium of Instruction letters, school English marks or alternatives like PTE and Duolingo. Check each course.
How many times can I take IELTS?
As many as you like. Results from different sittings cannot be combined.