Minimum IELTS score to study in USA university in 2024

Whether you’re looking to study abroad in the USA or work there, international students must still prove their proficiency in the English language with recognised tests such as the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

IELTS is the most recognised high stakes English proficiency test in the world and is often a prerequisite to enter most schools in major cities overseas. This is especially relevant in countries like the US, where English is the first language. Are you considering applying to a university in the US as an international student? If so, you may be wondering about the minimum IELTS score required for admission.

Many universities in the US accept IELTS scores as part of their admission requirements. However, the minimum IELTS score needed can vary depending on the university and program. In this blog, we will discuss the recommended IELTS scores for US universities, providing you with valuable information to help you prepare for your study abroad journey.

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Minimum IELTS score for US universities

With the average minimum IELTS band score between 6.0 to 6.5 in the United States, potential students can enter most universities across the country.

However, students who have the desire to enter some of the world’s top universities need to aim for a band score that is slightly above average.

Given the international standards and reputation of these educational institutions, it can be quite competitive but certainly not impossible.

Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings in 2024

Times Higher Education (THE) is one of the three most established organisations responsible for the publication of global university rankings each year.

The organisation boasts highly extensive and sophisticated performance indicators to provide the most balanced and objective comparisons across all eligible universities in that particular year.

Five key performance indicators can be categorised into five aspects: teaching, research quality, research environment, industry income, and international outlook.

In the 2024 rankings this year, nine US universities retain their spots in the global top 15. This includes powerhouse institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Stanford, and Yale, to name a few.

Here’s a more in-depth look into the minimum IELTS requirements for the top universities under the 2024 THE World University Rankings.

QS World University Rankings in 2024

Alongside Times Higher Education World University Rankings, the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings is also among the top three most established and internationally acclaimed ranking systems.

This ranking system has a different set of assessment criteria that contribute to a university’s final score in the global performance tables.

Its eight key metrics include academic reputation, employer reputation, citations per faculty, faculty-to-student ratio, international student ratio and international faculty ratio, international research network, employment outcomes, and sustainability. All of these play a crucial part in determining how an institution is perceived on a global scale.

In 2024, 10 universities made it to the top 20 of QS World University Rankings including Ivy League universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, Yale, and Columbia.

Here are the minimum IELTS requirements for American universities according to the QS world ranking system.

Please note that the specific requirements for IELTS band scores, universities, and colleges in the USA may vary and it's always recommended to check with the individual institutions or consult with an education advisor for up-to-date and accurate information.

IELTS scoring scale

Understanding the IELTS scoring scale is essential for test-takers looking to prepare for the test. IELTS scores are used by universities in the US to assess an individual's English language skills. The IELTS test is scored on a scale from 0 to 9, with half-point increments, providing a comprehensive evaluation of a test-taker's abilities in four key language skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Here is a skill-level scoring of the IELTS test:

What are the steps to take if the IELTS band score falls below the desired level?

If your IELTS band score is not high enough to meet your desired level, here are some steps you can take:

• Identify your weaknesses: Review your test results to identify which sections or skills you struggled with the most. It could be reading, writing, listening, or speaking. Understanding your weaknesses will help you focus your efforts on improving those specific areas.

• Review the test format: Familiarise yourself with the format of the IELTS test, including the types of questions, timing, and scoring criteria. This will help you understand what to expect and how to approach each section of the test effectively.

• Work on your weaknesses: Once you have identified your weaknesses, focus on improving them. For example, if you struggle with reading, practice reading comprehension exercises and work on strategies to improve your reading speed and accuracy.

• Seek guidance: Consider enrolling in an IELTS preparation course or working with a qualified English language tutor who can provide you with feedback, guidance, and strategies to improve your performance. They can also help you identify and work on your weaknesses more effectively.

• Manage your time: Time management is crucial in the IELTS test. Practice managing your time effectively during your practice tests to ensure that you have enough time to complete all sections of the test. Use techniques such as skimming and scanning to quickly locate information in reading passages and practice writing within the time limits.

• Stay updated with test changes: Keep yourself updated with any changes or updates to the IELTS test format or scoring criteria. Visit the official IELTS website or contact the then IELTS test centre for the latest information.

Further your studies in the United States with IDP!

Now that you have an idea of the minimum requirements needed to enter the best universities in the United States, it’s time to start preparing for the IELTS test!

If you don’t know where to start, we’re here to guide you each step of the way.

As a joint owner of the IELTS test, IDP has decades of experience in helping students to prepare for and take the test.

Download the IELTS by IDP app to gain all the benefits at your fingertips, from a wealth of official IELTS preparation resources to convenient test locations.

Begin by booking your IELTS test today!