IELTS is essential for international students who are seeking a UK degree, from a non-English speaking country. International students need to prove their ability of English and a minimum IELTS score for UK student visa processing. Applying for the Tier 4 general student visa has some requirements that need to be met. One of the most crucial requirements for most non-EU citizens is proof of proficiency in the English Language. So IELTS requirements for UK universities, are some worldwide approved tests that help to grade your English Language skills, such as the IELTS. International students are applying for a Tier 4 Student Visa to study for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
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What is IELTS?
The full meaning of IELTS is – The International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Almost 11,000 organizations accept IELTS globally. So, when students take this test for UK studentship, they can be confident to study or work easily. Mainly, established in 1980, started almost 42 years ago. Test duration is – listening for 40 minutes, reading for 60 minutes and writing for 60 minutes. IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and is one of the most commonly used tests to judge a person’s English language skills. The different areas that are assessed for the tier 4 general student visa in UK IELTS requirements are: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
The minimum scores you need in IELTS for UKVI
There are different Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL) levels that one needs to achieve in accordance with the visa that they are applying for. There are two Tier 4 (General) student visas that you can apply for. One is for shorter courses, in which you will need to achieve a minimum B1 level according to the CEFRL, score a 4.0 in the overall IELTS for UKVI and also maintain the same score individually in all four of the skills. Those going for an undergraduate or master’s program, need to obtain an IELTS score for a UK student visa, a minimum B2 CEFRL level, with an overall score of 5.5 in the IELTS for UKVI/IELTS for UKVI3, as well as a 5.5 minimum score in each skill.
Minimum requirement chart for Degrees
For international students, the minimum IELTS scores for UK student visas are given below-
| Level of Degree | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Foundation course | 4.5 |
| Bachelor’s Degree (main course) | 6.5 |
| Pre- masters | 5.0 |
| Master’s Degree | 6.5 |
IELTS For work
If you are taking the IELTS test for a UK visa application for work or live in the UK, you need to take the following tests:
● IELTS for UKVI Academic
● IELTS for UKVI General Training
● IELTS Life Skills
IELTS for UKVI Academic
This structure is generally for those students who want to study in a university that teaches English at an undergraduate or a postgraduate level, or academic institutions of higher and further education. So the academic program measures the English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher learning environment. Therefore, many professions are also dependent upon academic test results for registration purposes in so many countries.
IELTS for UKVI General Training
Although, the IELTS General Training structure measures English language proficiency in an empirical, everyday context. So, the tasks and texts show workplaces and social situations. This step is normally for those students who are going to English-speaking countries to do their secondary education, work experience or training programs.
IELTS score for Visa Application
| Visa Category | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 (General) visa | 7.0 |
| Tier 1 (Exceptional Talent) visa | 4.0 |
| Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa | 4.0 |
| Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur) visa | 4.0 |
| Tier 4 (General) student visa – below degree level | 4.0 |
| Tier 4 (General) student visa – degree level and above and including some pre-sessional courses | 5.5 |
| Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) visa | 5.5 |
All universities and colleges in Britain accept the IELTS as an accurate test to judge a person’s English Language skills. However, it is important to note that the institution you are applying to can ask for additional requirements, so be sure to inquire beforehand. The UKVI specify dates and locations all over the world where you can officially take the test and check your IELTS score for the UK.
UKVI IELTS Costs
In the UK, they offer these tests for international students-
| Types of Tests | Fees |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic and General Training | £175-195 (Depends on location) |
| IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (Academic and General Training) | £195 |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2 and B1) | £150 |
The score for World Ranking Universities
Complete University Guide (CUG) surveyed world-ranking universities to provide their minimum IELTS score for international students. There are a number of university lists with their minimum score-
| University Name | Minimum Requirement (undergraduate) | Minimum Requirement (post-graduation) |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 7.0 | 7.5 |
| University of St Andrews | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Lancaster University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Southampton | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Glasgow | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of York | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Birmingham | 6.0 | 6.0 |
Announcement for 2022
For international students, the UK government announced some important changes to Secure English Language Tests (SELT) for visa purposes and IELTS and the new test IELTS Life Skills have been approved for UK visas that require proof of English language level. However, Tier 4 UK student visa rules remain unchanged. For proving yourself you can register many times for IELTS, there is no restriction for the IELTS test. Moreover, when you are registering for the test, make sure to state that you will use the test result to apply for a UK visa, and you have to ensure that you take the test specifically in an IELTS for UKVI session, as the UKVI may not accept the results otherwise.
Students who come from a non-English speaking country, face many problems while applying to study abroad and the IELTS test make it easier. So minimum IELTS score for UK students is not a very hard test to prove your English language proficiency.
-FAQ’s
What IELTS score is required for UKVI?
Those going for an undergraduate or master’s program, need to obtain a minimum B2 CEFRL level, with an overall score of 5.5 in the IELTS for UKVI/IELTS for UKVI3, as well as a 5.5 minimum score in each skill.
Which IELTS is required for UK work permit?
If you are taking the IELTS test for a UK visa application for work or live in the UK, you need to take some following tests:
● IELTS for UKVI Academic
● IELTS for UKVI General Training
● IELTS Life Skills
Is IELTS required for UK student visa 2022?
IELTS is essential for international students who seeking for a UK, from non- English-speaking country. International students need to proof their ability of English.
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