What Is a Good IELTS Rating?
Final up to date: January 2026
An excellent IELTS rating depends upon your aim. For many universities, a rating of 6.5 or greater is nice. For aggressive graduate applications and prime universities, intention for 7.0 or greater. For immigration to Canada or Australia, a rating of seven.0 or greater in every part earns important factors.
There is no such thing as a common “passing” rating on the IELTS. Every college, employer, and immigration program units its personal necessities. A “good” rating is the one which will get you the place you need to go.
This information covers what completely different band scores imply, what universities and international locations require, and learn how to enhance in the event you want the next rating.
Fast Reply: What Rating Ought to You Intention For?
| Your Purpose | Good Rating | Aggressive Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Most undergraduate applications | 6.0 – 6.5 | 7.0+ |
| Most graduate applications | 6.5+ | 7.0 – 7.5 |
| High universities (Oxford, MIT, and so forth.) | 7.0+ | 7.5+ |
| Canada Categorical Entry | 6.0 every part | 7.0+ every part |
| Australia Expert Migration | 6.0 every part | 7.0 – 8.0 every part |
| UK Expert Employee Visa | 4.0 – 6.5 (varies by job) | — |
If you’re undecided what rating you want, verify your goal establishment’s web site. Necessities fluctuate by program, even inside the similar college.
Understanding IELTS Band Scores
The IELTS makes use of a 9-band scoring system. You obtain a rating for every of the 4 sections, plus an total band rating.
The 4 sections:
- Listening (half-hour)
- Studying (60 minutes)
- Writing (60 minutes)
- Talking (11-14 minutes)
How Your General Rating Is Calculated
Your total band rating is the typical of your 4 part scores. The typical is rounded to the closest half band.
| If Your Common Is… | Your General Rating Is… |
|---|---|
| 6.1 – 6.24 | 6.0 |
| 6.25 – 6.74 | 6.5 |
| 6.75 – 7.24 | 7.0 |
| 7.25 – 7.74 | 7.5 |
Instance: If you happen to rating Listening 7.0, Studying 6.5, Writing 6.0, and Talking 7.0, your common is 6.625. That rounds as much as an total band rating of 6.5.
CEFR Alignment
IELTS band scores align with the Widespread European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This is identical framework used internationally to explain language potential.
| IELTS Band | CEFR Stage | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 8.0 – 9.0 | C2 | Mastery. Close to-native proficiency. |
| 7.0 – 7.5 | C1 | Superior. Efficient for tutorial {and professional} use. |
| 5.5 – 6.5 | B2 | Higher intermediate. Can work together fluently with native audio system. |
| 4.0 – 5.0 | B1 | Intermediate. Can deal with most journey conditions. |
| Beneath 4.0 | A2 or beneath | Primary proficiency. |
Most universities require not less than B2 degree (IELTS 5.5-6.5). Aggressive applications sometimes require C1 (IELTS 7.0+).
What Does Every Band Rating Imply?
Every band rating represents a degree of English potential. Listed below are the official descriptions from IELTS.
| Band | Stage | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 9 | Professional | Full command of English. Totally correct and fluent. |
| 8 | Very Good | Totally operational command. Occasional minor errors. Handles advanced arguments nicely. |
| 7 | Good | Operational command. Some inaccuracies and misunderstandings. Usually handles advanced language nicely. |
| 6 | Competent | Usually efficient command. Some errors however can use pretty advanced language in acquainted conditions. |
| 5 | Modest | Partial command. Handles primary communication however makes frequent errors. |
| 4 | Restricted | Primary competence in acquainted conditions solely. Frequent issues with expression and understanding. |
Scores beneath 4 point out very restricted English potential. Most educational {and professional} contexts require not less than Band 5.
Common IELTS Scores: The place Do You Stand?
Figuring out the worldwide averages helps you perceive the place your rating falls relative to different test-takers.
World common scores (Educational IELTS):
| Part | Common Rating |
|---|---|
| Listening | 6.2 |
| Studying | 6.1 |
| Talking | 6.0 |
| Writing | 5.6 |
| General | 6.0 |
Writing is the toughest part for many test-takers. The worldwide common is 5.6, considerably decrease than different sections. In case your Writing rating is holding you again, you aren’t alone.
If you happen to rating 7.0 total, you’re performing higher than roughly half of all test-takers. A rating of 8.0 places you within the prime 5%.
IELTS Rating Necessities for Universities
Necessities fluctuate by establishment and program. All the time verify your goal faculty’s web site for present necessities.
United States
| College Kind | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| High 20 Graduate Applications | 7.0 – 7.5+ |
| Most Graduate Applications | 6.5+ |
| Aggressive Undergraduate | 6.5+ |
| Most Undergraduate | 6.0+ |
Examples:
- Harvard Graduate: 6.5 – 7.5 relying on program (GSAS: 6.5, Enterprise/Training: 7.5 most popular)
- MIT Graduate: 7.0 for many applications (varies by division, 6.5 – 7.5)
- Stanford Graduate: 7.0 minimal
- UCLA Undergraduate: 6.5 minimal
United Kingdom
| College Kind | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Russell Group (Oxford, Cambridge, and so forth.) | 6.5 – 7.5 |
| Different Universities | 6.0 – 6.5 |
Examples:
- Oxford: 7.0 – 7.5 total (minimal 6.5 – 7.0 per part, varies by program)
- Cambridge: 7.5 total for many applications
- Imperial Faculty London: 6.5 – 7.0
Canada
| College Kind | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| High Universities | 7.0+ |
| Most Universities | 6.5+ |
| Undergraduate | 6.0 – 6.5 |
Examples:
- College of Toronto: 6.5 minimal (no part beneath 6.0)
- McGill: 6.5 minimal
- UBC: 6.5 total (minimal 6.0 per part)
Australia
| College Kind | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Group of Eight | 6.5 – 7.0 |
| Different Universities | 6.0 – 6.5 |
Examples:
- College of Melbourne: 6.5 total (no part beneath 6.0)
- College of Sydney: 6.5 – 7.0
- ANU: 6.5 total (minimal 6.0 per part)
Part Rating Necessities
Many universities require minimal scores in particular person sections, not simply the general rating. That is widespread for:
- Writing: Applications with essays, theses, or reviews
- Talking: Applications involving displays or medical work
- All sections: Immigration-related necessities
All the time verify in case your program has section-specific minimums.
IELTS Rating Necessities for Immigration
If you’re taking IELTS for immigration, your rating instantly impacts your software. Increased scores usually imply extra factors or higher visa choices.
Observe: Immigration often requires IELTS Common Coaching, not Educational. Verify your visa class.
Canada Categorical Entry
For Categorical Entry, your IELTS scores convert to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) ranges, which have an effect on your Complete Rating System (CRS) factors.
| IELTS Rating (every part) | CLB Stage | CRS Influence |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | CLB 7 | Minimal for Federal Expert Employee |
| 7.0 | CLB 9 | Vital factors enhance |
| 8.0+ | CLB 10 | Most language factors |
The distinction issues. Shifting from CLB 7 to CLB 9 in all sections can add 50+ factors to your CRS rating. In a aggressive pool, this may decide whether or not you obtain an invite to use.
Australia Expert Migration
Australia awards factors primarily based on English proficiency degree.
| English Stage | IELTS Requirement | Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Competent | 6.0 in every part | 0 factors |
| Proficient | 7.0 in every part | 10 factors |
| Superior | 8.0 in every part | 20 factors |
Reaching “Superior” English (8.0 in all sections) provides 20 factors to your visa software. For aggressive visa classes, this may be the distinction between approval and rejection.
United Kingdom
| Visa Kind | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Expert Employee (most jobs) | 4.0 – 6.5 (varies by job kind) |
| Pupil Visa | Set by establishment |
| Settlement/ILR | 4.0 in every part (Life Abilities) |
New Zealand
| Visa Kind | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Expert Migrant | 6.5 total |
| Work to Residence | 5.0 total |
Is Your Rating Good Sufficient?
Here’s a breakdown by particular rating, since that is what college students most frequently ask.
Is 6.0 an excellent IELTS rating?
It depends upon your aim. A 6.0 is taken into account “competent” and meets minimal necessities for a lot of undergraduate applications and a few graduate applications. For immigration, 6.0 in every part is the minimal for Canada’s Federal Expert Employee program, however it earns no bonus factors.
If you happen to want 6.5 or greater, a 6.0 means you’re shut. Targeted preparation will help you acquire that additional half band.
Is 6.5 an excellent IELTS rating?
Sure, 6.5 is an effective rating for many functions. It meets necessities for almost all of graduate applications worldwide. It’s above the worldwide common of 6.0.
Nevertheless, top-ranked applications and aggressive scholarships usually require 7.0+. If you’re making use of to selective establishments, intention greater.
Is 7.0 an excellent IELTS rating?
Sure, 7.0 is a robust rating. It’s categorised as “good person” and corresponds to CEFR C1 (superior). A 7.0 opens doorways to most universities, together with many aggressive applications.
For immigration, 7.0 in every part qualifies as “Proficient” in Australia (10 factors) and CLB 9 in Canada (important CRS enhance).
A 7.0 places you above roughly half of all test-takers. If you’re undecided the place you stand, strive a free IELTS follow check to get a baseline.
Is 7.5 an excellent IELTS rating?
Sure, 7.5 is a wonderful rating. It exceeds necessities for almost all applications. A 7.5 is aggressive for essentially the most selective universities, scholarships, {and professional} registrations.
A 7.5 places you within the prime 15-20% of test-takers.
Is 8.0 an excellent IELTS rating?
8.0 is phenomenal. It represents “superb person” standing and near-native proficiency. An 8.0 qualifies you for the very best language factors in immigration techniques.
In case you have an 8.0, you may have demonstrated glorious English potential. There may be not often a cause to retake for the next rating.
IELTS vs TOEFL: How Scores Evaluate
Each IELTS and TOEFL measure English proficiency. Most establishments settle for both check. Right here is how the scores examine.
Observe: The TOEFL modified to a brand new 1-6 scoring scale in January 2026. Throughout the transition interval (2026-2028), TOEFL reviews present each scales.
| IELTS Band | TOEFL (New 1-6 Scale) | TOEFL (Previous 0-120 Scale) |
|---|---|---|
| 9.0 | 6.0 | 118 – 120 |
| 8.5 | 5.5 – 6.0 | 115 – 117 |
| 8.0 | 5.5 | 110 – 114 |
| 7.5 | 5.0 – 5.5 | 102 – 109 |
| 7.0 | 5.0 | 94 – 101 |
| 6.5 | 4.5 | 79 – 93 |
| 6.0 | 4.0 | 60 – 78 |
| 5.5 | 3.5 | 46 – 59 |
Key Variations
| IELTS | TOEFL |
|---|---|
| Talking with a human examiner | Talking recorded by pc |
| British and worldwide English | American English |
| Paper or pc choices | Laptop solely |
| True/False/Not Given questions | No T/F/NG questions |
Select the check that matches your strengths. If you happen to favor face-to-face dialog, IELTS Talking might really feel extra pure. If you’re snug with computer-based testing and American English, TOEFL might go well with you higher.
Enhance Your IELTS Rating
If you’re not at your goal rating but, right here is learn how to get there.
Deal with Your Weakest Part
Your total rating is the typical of 4 sections. Enhancing your lowest part has the most important impression in your total rating.
For many test-takers, Writing is the weakest part. The worldwide common for Writing is 5.6, in comparison with 6.0-6.2 for different sections. If Writing is holding you again, prioritize it.
Perceive the Scoring Standards
Every part is scored on particular standards. For Writing, examiners consider:
- Activity Achievement (Did you reply the query?)
- Coherence and Cohesion (Is your writing organized?)
- Lexical Useful resource (Do you employ various vocabulary?)
- Grammatical Vary and Accuracy
Figuring out the standards helps you goal your follow. For Writing and Talking methods, see our IELTS Writing Activity 2 vocabulary information and Talking Half 2 subjects.
Get Suggestions on Writing and Talking
Writing and Talking are the toughest sections to self-assess. You want somebody to judge your responses and establish patterns in your errors.
That is the place self-study hits a wall. You may memorize vocabulary and follow timing by yourself, however you can not objectively grade your individual essay or spot the pronunciation habits that value you factors. If you’re caught on these sections, Magoosh IELTS Prep provides knowledgeable suggestions in your Writing and Talking responses so you already know precisely what to repair.
Take into account the One Ability Retake Choice
If you happen to take the computer-based IELTS, now you can retake only one part as an alternative of the complete check. That is known as One Ability Retake, launched in 2024.
Right here is the way it works:
- Accessible for computer-based IELTS solely
- Retake one part inside 60 days of your unique check
- Obtain a brand new rating report with the up to date rating
That is helpful if one part is considerably decrease than the others. As an alternative of retaking all 4 sections, you’ll be able to focus your preparation and retake solely the part that wants enchancment.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
How lengthy is IELTS legitimate?
IELTS scores are legitimate for 2 years from the check date. After that, most establishments require a brand new check.
What’s the highest IELTS rating?
The very best rating is 9.0 (Professional). Only a few test-takers obtain a 9.0 total, however it’s attainable.
Is there a passing rating on IELTS?
No. There is no such thing as a “move” or “fail.” You obtain a band rating, and every establishment decides what rating they settle for. What counts as “passing” relies upon solely on the place you’re making use of.
Can I retake only one part?
Sure, in the event you take the computer-based IELTS. The One Ability Retake choice permits you to retake one part inside 60 days. This isn’t obtainable for paper-based assessments.
What number of occasions can I take the IELTS?
There is no such thing as a restrict. You may take the check as many occasions as you want. Nevertheless, targeted research between assessments often produces higher outcomes than taking the check repeatedly with out preparation.
Ought to I take IELTS Educational or Common Coaching?
- Educational: For college admission
- Common Coaching: For immigration, work visas, and a few skilled registrations
Verify your goal establishment or visa class to verify which model you want.
Key Takeaways
- Good rating for many applications: 6.5+
- Good rating for aggressive applications: 7.0+
- No common passing rating — every establishment units its personal necessities
- Verify part necessities — many applications have minimums per part
- Writing is usually the toughest part — world common is 5.6
- One Ability Retake — you’ll be able to retake one part on computer-based assessments (2024 function)
- Scores are legitimate for two years
One of the best IELTS rating is the one which meets your particular aim. Discover out what that quantity is, make a research plan, and get to work.
And naturally, contemplate Magoosh in your IELTS prep.
Good luck along with your preparation.
