Top Countries That Require IELTS for Study or PR
Planning to study or settle abroad? Discover the top countries where IELTS is a key requirement for university admissions and permanent residency applications.
If you’re dreaming of studying or settling abroad, there’s a good chance the IELTS exam is your golden ticket. 🌍
Whether it’s for university admissions, visa processing, or permanent residency (PR), IELTS is recognized in over 140 countries — but some make it absolutely essential.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top countries where IELTS is a must-have, and what kind of scores you’ll need to make your move.
🎓 Why IELTS Is Required for Study or PR
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is used by governments and institutions to assess your ability to live, work, or study in an English-speaking environment.
- Academic IELTS is typically required for universities and colleges
- General Training IELTS is often used for immigration or work visas
Let’s look at where it matters most.
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
The UK has long required IELTS for both higher education and visa applications.
- Universities: Top schools often require 6.5–7.5 overall, with no band less than 6.0.
- Skilled Worker Visa: Requires IELTS General Training with a minimum Band 4.0–5.0, depending on the role.
- Spouse/Partner Visa: Usually requires A1 or A2 level, achievable through IELTS Life Skills.
💡 Want to see actual university score requirements? Check out our guide:
👉 IELTS Requirements for Top Universities
🇨🇦 Canada
Canada is one of the most IELTS-heavy countries for both education and PR.
- Express Entry (PR): IELTS General is used for language points (CLB levels). A Band 6.0+ in each skill is often required to be competitive.
- Student Visa (SDS Stream): Requires 6.0 in each skill for faster processing.
- Colleges & Universities: Require between 6.0 and 7.5, depending on the program.
✈️ Pro Tip: A higher IELTS score gives you more CRS points in the Express Entry system.
🇦🇺 Australia
IELTS is a standard requirement for:
- University Admissions: Most programs ask for 6.5–7.0 overall
- Skilled Migration (PR): A Band 6.0 in each skill is the minimum for most visas, but Band 8.0 gets you maximum immigration points
- Work Visas: Varies by occupation, but generally Band 6.0–7.0
💬 Note: Australia also accepts other English tests, but IELTS remains the most widely recognized.
🇳🇿 New Zealand
New Zealand requires IELTS for both education and residency pathways:
- Student Visa: Minimum 6.0 overall, but specific programs (like Nursing) may demand 7.0+
- PR (Skilled Migrant): Requires evidence of competent English – typically IELTS 6.5+
📌 Important: IELTS must be taken within 2 years of your visa application date.
🇺🇸 United States
IELTS is accepted widely, though not always mandatory for immigration:
- Universities: Most require 6.5–7.5 for admission, especially graduate programs.
- No federal IELTS requirement for PR, but it’s often part of university and employer requirements.
🧠 TOEFL is also widely accepted, but IELTS is gaining popularity, especially in STEM fields and among international scholarship programs.
🇮🇪 Ireland
- Student Visa: Requires IELTS 5.0–6.5, depending on course level.
- Universities: Usually ask for 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0
- Work Permits & PR: English proof often includes IELTS, with Band 6.0+ being common.
🛫 Summary Table: IELTS Requirements by Country
| Country | Study IELTS Band | PR / Visa Band | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | 6.5–7.5 | 4.0–5.0 (GT) | Life Skills IELTS accepted |
| Canada | 6.0–7.5 | 6.0+ (GT) | Higher score = more CRS points |
| Australia | 6.5–7.0 | 6.0–8.0 (GT) | Max points at Band 8.0 |
| New Zealand | 6.0–7.5 | 6.5+ | Must be within 2 years |
| USA | 6.5–7.5 | N/A | IELTS more common now |
| Ireland | 6.0–6.5 | 6.0+ | Accepted for most permits |
GT = General Training IELTS
✍️ Final Tips
- Always check the latest requirements on government or university websites
- Some countries accept alternatives like TOEFL or PTE — but IELTS is the safest bet
- Take Academic IELTS if applying to universities, and General Training for work/PR
🎯 Ready to Boost Your Band Score?
Practice with realistic, examiner-style mock exams for both Academic and General IELTS at 👉 ieltsexam.ai/ielts-mock-tests
Get instant AI feedback, scoring, and sample answers!