The score depends on where you're going
Most international universities require IELTS as proof of English proficiency. The band score you need depends on where you're applying:
- UK undergraduate: 6.0 to 6.5 overall, no band below 5.5
- UK postgraduate: 6.5 to 7.0 overall, no band below 6.0
- Canadian diplomas and bachelors: 6.0 overall
- Canadian graduate programmes: 6.5 to 7.0
- Germany (English-taught): 6.0 to 6.5 (some accept TOEFL or DAAD certificate instead)
- USA undergraduate: 6.0 to 7.0 depending on institution
Which test format?
IELTS Academic is what universities require. IELTS General Training is for migration purposes, not study. Don't book the wrong one.
IELTS on Computer is faster (results in 3 to 5 days vs 13 days for paper). Same content, same scoring.
How long to prepare?
For a confident speaker of English starting from 5.5: 6 to 8 weeks of focused prep gets you to 6.5+. For someone starting from a lower base, plan 3 to 4 months.
How PEC helps
As an official British Council IELTS registration partner, we handle your test booking and prep recommendations. We also explain which test format suits your destination so you don't pay twice.