IELTS Requirements for United Kingdom
Europe
The UK requires IELTS for UKVI for all visa applications. Universities accept standard IELTS Academic, but immigration requires the UKVI-approved version.
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Study Visa
Russell Group universities typically require 6.5-7.0
Work Visa
Skilled Worker visa requires minimum B1 (IELTS 4.0+), rising to 5.5 in 2026
Immigration / Permanent Residency
Minimum Overall
5.5
Minimum Each Band
5.5
Points System
Yes
Points-based system; higher IELTS does not earn extra points
Popular Fields of Study
United Kingdom has approximately 50 universities that accept international students with IELTS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need IELTS for UKVI or regular IELTS?
For visa applications you need IELTS for UKVI taken at an approved test centre.
What IELTS score do UK universities require?
Most require 6.0-7.0 overall, with top universities requiring 7.0+.
Is IELTS General accepted for UK study visas?
No, you need IELTS Academic for university study in the UK.
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