IELTS Eligibility: Check Criteria, IELTS Exam Qualification, and IELTS Exam Eligibility Age Limit
Highlights:
- Minimum Age: You must be 16 years old or above to register for IELTS.
- Educational Qualification: 10+2 and Open to individuals of all educational backgrounds.
- Documents Required: Passport for identification since other documents like Aadhar and driving license are not accepted.
- Nationality Restrictions: Anyone, regardless of nationality, can take the IELTS.
- Widely Accepted: Recognized by universities, institutions, and immigration authorities globally.
- IELTS for Disabled: IELTS provides extra facilities for disabled students on request
British Council and IDP have set IELTS eligibility criteria to determine IELTS test eligibility for a student. Meeting the IELTS exam qualification is essential for a smooth registration and testing experience. About 1.3 to 1.4 million people take the IELTS test every year in India. As per IDP Education, there has been a yearly growth of 10-15% in the number of IELTS test takers as compared to the pre-pandemic levels.
Now, the answer to your question is that there are no strict IELTS exam eligibility criteria that have been fixed by IDP for the test takers. The minimum IELTS exam age is 16 years. There is no upper age limit for the IELTS registration. There are no academic IELTS exam criteria that are mandatory for writing the IELTS Exam. If you wish to move to an English-speaking nation for higher studies, or you wish to migrate to one for work or other reasons, you can go ahead and take the IELTS exam. However, you must note that a passport is mandatory as IELTS exam eligibility criteria.
Last year 4000000 IELTS tests were booked worldwide. There are 12500 organizations that trust IELTS. The IELTS test assesses Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Whether you’re applying for university, for a visa, or to a professional association, IELTS can be the perfect fit.
- IELTS Eligibility Criteria
1.1 IELTS Exam Eligibility Age
1.2 IELTS Exam Qualification Academic
- IELTS Exam Eligibility
- IELTS Test Eligibility Score
3.1 IELTS Eligibility Score for Canada
3.3 IELTS Eligibility for Australia
3.5 IELTS Eligibility for New Zealand
- Documents Required for IELTS Eligibility
- IELTS Exam Criteria for Retaking
- IELTS Eligibility Special Requirements
6.1 Special Arrangements for Disability
- FAQs
IELTS Eligibility Criteria
Achieving a good score on IELTS demonstrates your English language proficiency level. IELTS exam requirements for some of the top-ranked universities range on a scale of 6.5 to 7.5 bands. For visa and migration purposes, the IELTS exam eligibility score is 6.5 band for top countries. IELTS exam eligibility is based on two core factors:
- Age - IELTS exam eligibility age limit to take the test is 16 years. Candidates below this age are not allowed to register.
- Purpose - Your reason for taking IELTS should be valid. The exam is meant for specific purposes like higher studies or migration.
The newly implemented IELTS One Skill retake allows you to retake just one part of the IELTS Exam pattern. For instance, if your score is the lowest in IELTS Reading, but you’ve done well in the other sections, you have the option to retake just the IELTS reading exam and improve your score. It is mandatory to meet the following IELTS exam eligibility criteria to take IELTS One Skill Retake:
- You must have completed a full IELTS test taken at the test centre
- Your full test should be computer-based
- You must apply for the One Skill Retake within 60 days of taking the test
IELTS Exam Eligibility Age
The only eligibility criteria for IELTS exam in India and across the globe is that a candidate needs to be at least 16 years old. Anybody aged 16 or above can take this examination, irrespective of their gender, nationality, or background. There is no upper IELTS exam age limit for taking the exam. Exceptions are only made when a school needs the IELTS scores for admission purposes. However, some exceptions are made in certain countries based on local policies and norms.
- In India, candidates can take IELTS from 14 years of age with a special approval letter from the school.
- In Singapore, 15-year-olds can register with permission from parents and schools.
So, you must check the country-specific IELTS exam eligibility age limit before applying.
IELTS Exam Qualification Academic
According to IDP, there is no minimum qualification for IELTS. Anyone can take the IELTS General Training, and Academic test if they desire to pursue further education overseas or work/migrate abroad. You must understand the IELTS Syllabus before applying.
IELTS Exam Eligibility
IELTS is available in 2 test formats - Academic and General Training. You must choose the one suited for your purpose.
IELTS Test Eligibility Score
Each university has a different set of eligibility criteria for IELTS exam to select students for admission. IELTS results eligibility criteria are different for universities across the world. Before enrolling, you must check the minimum IELTS score requirements. You can also check the class profile of previously attended students to understand the average IELST Score.
The average overall band score varies from 6-7.5 out of a scale of 9. Most academic institutions take higher scores for IELTS. The score band for those who wish to travel to English-speaking nations for employment purposes is less than the score band for those who pursue higher education.
IELTS Eligibility Score for Canada
IELTS Eligibility for Canada requires both academic and general scores. IELTS score band will be different for academic and immigration purposes. The minimum band score for IELTS for Academic is 6.5 or above. The minimum band score can be 6.5 but students who are admitted to universities are selected based on different aspects.
| Universities | IELTS Score |
|---|---|
| University of Toronto | 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 on each band) |
| McGill University | 6.5 |
| University of British Columbia | 6.5 (with a minimum of 6.0 on each band) |
| University of Alberta | 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 on each band) |
| McMaster University | 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.0 on each band) |
| University of Calgary | 7.0 (with a minimum of 7.0 on each band) |
IELTS Eligibility for UK
IELTS Eligibility for UK accepts scores for UK visas. The applicants are required to submit English language proof at the time of visa interview. Other than IELTS Academic and IELTS General training, a new kind of test has been introduced called IELTS Life Skills. In this test, candidates need to prove skills in speaking and listening at level A1 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). Minimum IELTS Eligibility for the UK is given below:
| University | IELTS for Undergraduate | IELTS for Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| University of Oxford | 7 | 7.5 |
| University of Cambridge | 7 | 7 |
| Imperial College London | 7 | 7 |
| University College London | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Edinburgh | 6.5 | 6.5 |
IELTS Eligibility for Australia
IELTS Eligibility for Australia requires a minimum of 6 band scores in each section. For Australian immigration and PR, candidates should have a minimum overall band score of 6. Immigration points for Australia vary with its IELTS score. Australia follows its point-based system for PR and immigration. There are certain key profile factors like education, age, and English language proficiency to get points. If the candidate applies for PR or immigration in Australia, then he must score the most on the language proficiency factor. IELTS Eligibility for Australia for immigration is as follows:
| University | IELTS for Undergraduate | IELTS for Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Australian National University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Melbourne | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| The University of Sydney | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of New South Wales | 6 | 6 |
| Monash University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Western Australia | 6.5 | 6.5 |
IELTS Eligibility for USA
Every year, the USA employs lakhs of talented immigrants from overseas. To study in the top universities of USA, candidates need to score a minimum of 7.0 overall in IELTS. There are various kinds of employment visas for the USA. Candidates have to get an overview of these working visas. Below are some of the top universities in the USA that accept the IELTS score:
| University | IELTS for Undergraduate | IELTS for Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| California Institute of Technology | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Harvard University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Princeton University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
| Yale University | 7.0 | 7.0 |
IELTS Eligibility for New Zealand
If the candidate wants to work or study in New Zealand, then the government requires minimum eligibility criteria for English proficiency. For skilled employment, applicants need to have a minimum score of 6.5 in the IELTS Academic or General Training test module. Similarly, if an employee is relocating Business Category should have a minimum score of 5 in IELTS General Training or Academic module. Entrepreneur work visa requires an overall band value of 4 whereas the investor category requires an overall band score of 3 in IELTS. To study in the top universities of New Zealand, candidates must have a minimum score of 6.5. Below is the list of top universities in New Zealand that accept the IELTS score:
| Universities | IELTS for Undergraduate | IELTS for Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Massey University | 6 | 6.5 |
| University of Auckland | 6 | 6.5 |
| University of Otago | 6 | 6.5 |
| Victoria University of Wellington | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| University of Waikato | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Documents Required for IELTS Eligibility
There are multiple documents that you must keep prepared before registering for IELTS Academic. Please verify that all documents are clear and legible. The name you are using for registration must match the name on your passport. If your passport is expired, you must rеnеw it before the test day to avoid issues.
- Passport - Passport should be valid for at least 6 months after the test date.
- Photograph - A clear, colored, passport-sized photo as per official guidelines.
- Name Change Proof (if applicable) - If your current name differs from your passport, submit official evidence like a marriage certificate, deed poll, etc.
No other ID proof, like a driver's license, Aadhaar card, etc., will be accepted on test day. Your passport is the primary document required. If you do not provide the required documentation, you will not be allowed to take the test.
IELTS Exam Criteria for Retaking
You must be wondering how many times you can take the IELTS exam. The IELTS exam restricts how often you can take the test to ensure fairness. You must wait to register over and over in a short period.
- Minimum gap bеtwееn 2 tеsts: You can takе IELTS only oncе in a rolling 3 мonth pеriod. Your nеxt tеst datе has to bе at lеast 3 мonths aftеr thе prеvious tеst datе.
- Maximum tеsts allowеd pеr yеar: You cannot takе IELTS мorе than 12 times in a 12 мonth pеriod.
- Same modulе rеstriction: You cannot takе thе saме IELTS мodulе (Acadеmic or Gеnеral) мorе than 3 tiмеs in a rolling 6 мonth pеriod.
Some exceptions can be made for certain situations like:
- Need to meet an urgent study or visa deadline
- Significant improvement required in overall band score
- Difference of 0.5+ bands between module scores
You can request the governing body but approvals are not guaranteed. So it's best to prepare and give your 100% effort t the first go itself.
IELTS Eligibility Special Requirements
If you are a student with special requirements, you can still take the IELTS examination. Students who meet the particular requirements can take the test, which provides equal possibilities to everyone who wishes to study and work abroad. The eligibility criteria include:
- Difficulty in learning
- Deaf or hard of hearing
- Visually impaired
- Suffering from specific medical issues
If you meet any of the mentioned criteria, you are eligible for special accommodations at the exam centers. You must notify the authorities at least three months before the test.
Special Arrangements for Disability
IDP and British Council IELTS aim to provide equal opportunities to all students. If you are a student with a disability, you can request facilities like:
- Extra time of up to 30 minutes for dyslexic candidates
- Modified print papers for visual impairments (large fonts, colored paper, etc.)
- Sign language interpreters for hearing impairments
- Wheelchair access, adjustable tables, etc., for physical disabilities
To avail of these provisions, you must inform the test center at the time of registration. Relevant medical documents will be required as proof of your condition.
FAQs
Question. What is the minimum age requirement for taking the IELTS exam?
Answer. There is no minimum age requirement for taking the IELTS exam. However, it is advised that candidates under the age of 16 should contact their test center beforehand as some centers may have specific requirements.
Question. What is the minimum educational qualification required for taking the IELTS exam?
Answer. There is no minimum educational qualification required for taking the IELTS exam. It is open to anyone who wants to pursue higher education or employment opportunities in a foreign country.
Question. Is work experience necessary to take the IELTS exam?
Answer. No, work experience is not necessary to take the IELTS exam. However, if you are taking the exam for employment purposes, some organizations may require work experience as part of their eligibility criteria.
Question. Can international students take the IELTS exam?
Answer. Yes, international students can take the IELTS exam. In fact, it is a widely recognized English language proficiency test for admission to universities and colleges in English-speaking countries.
Question. Is there any limit to the number of times a candidate can take the IELTS exam?
Answer. No, there is no limit to the number of times a candidate can take the IELTS exam. However, it is advisable to prepare well and take the test only when you feel confident to avoid any additional costs and time.
Question. Is there any language proficiency requirement for taking the IELTS exam?
Answer. No, there is no language proficiency requirement for taking the IELTS exam. However, candidates are expected to have a basic understanding of English to be able to follow the test instructions and complete the test.
Question. Can candidates with disabilities take the IELTS exam?
Answer. Yes, candidates with disabilities can take the IELTS exam. The test center should be informed beforehand of any special requirements or accommodations needed to ensure a fair and equal testing experience.
Question. Can candidates take the IELTS exam from their home?
Answer. No, candidates cannot take the IELTS exam from their home. The test has to be taken in a designated test center under strict invigilation to maintain the test's integrity and fairness.
Comments
The exam conducting bodies like IDP or British Council has not decided on any age criteria for IELTS. If you are a candidate above 16 years of age and have a valid (unexpired) passport you can appear for IELTS irrespective of your nationality, gender, race, religion, or age. Also, there is no upper age limit for appearing for the exam.
The IELTS band score requirement for different countries varies. IELTS eligibility criteria are different for universities across the world. Before enrolling, you must know the class profile of the previous batch to understand the minimum IELTS score required for admissions. The average overall band score varies from 6 to 7.5 out of a scale of 9 in most countries.