List of IELTS Accepted Countries in 2025 to Achieve Your Study Abroad Dream

The IELTS exam is an important test many students wish to apply for studying in countries where the primary language used is English. It is managed by the British Council and IDP and checks on a person’s ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

Many universities, employers, and immigration offices worldwide accept IELTS as proof of English skills. Millions of people take this test to achieve their dream of studying or working abroad every year.

This insightful guide by MSM Unify overseas education consultant helps you to understand more about IELTS accepted countries, required scores, and how various countries use IELTS for both education and immigration purposes.

Understanding the IELTS exam briefly

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is widely accepted in numerous countries for academic and immigration purposes. Many IELTS accepted countries have specific band score requirements, with some accepting scores as low as 5.5 or 6.

For those applying for immigration, countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK often rely on IELTS for immigration to assess language proficiency. Achieving the required IELTS score opens doors for education, professional opportunities, and permanent residency in these nations, making it a crucial step for many aspirants.

TOEFL Accepting Countries

List of top countries accepting IELTS scores

If you’re planning to study, work, or immigrate abroad, knowing which countries that accept IELTS is crucial. Many IELTS exam accepted countries offer opportunities for international students and skilled professionals.

Here are some of the best countries where IELTS is accepted for immigration and other purposes:

1. United States

Today, the United States is one of the most common destinations for students and migrants. Be it higher education or work, if you are doubting whether the IELTS is accepted in which countries, then the answer includes the United States as the best option.

The following is a list of the best universities accepting IELTS scores in the United States

• Harvard University
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Yale University

2. United Kingdom

With a long history of accepting international students, the UK is considered one of the IELTS accepted countries. Both the country’s universities and institutions necessitate IELTS scores for admissions, and countries that accept IELTS for immigration purposes like the UK consider using IELTS scores in visa applications.

Here are the top universities that accept IELTS scores in the United Kingdom:

• University of Oxford
• University of Cambridge
• Imperial College London
• London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• University College London (UCL)

3. Canada

Canada is known for its diverse culture, excellent education system, and welcoming immigration policies. IELTS accepted countries list includes Canada, where IELTS is a must for both university admissions and IELTS for immigration purposes.

Here is the list of top universities accepting IELTS scores in Canada:

• University of Toronto
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia
• University of Waterloo
• University of Montreal

4. Australia

Australia is another top study destination where IELTS accepted countries like Australia provide ample opportunities for students and professionals. IELTS exam accepted countries like Australia use the test for university admissions and skilled migration.

Here is the list of top universities accepting IELTS scores in Australia:

• University of Melbourne
• Australian National University
• University of Sydney
• University of Queensland
• University of New South Wales (UNSW)

5. New Zealand

New Zealand is a beautiful country with excellent educational opportunities. New Zealand is among the countries where IELTS is accepted, requiring an IELTS score in university admissions and immigration, mainly for skilled migrants.

Here is the list of top universities accepting IELTS scores in New Zealand:

• University of Auckland
• University of Otago
• Victoria University of Wellington
• University of Canterbury
• Auckland University of Technology

PTE Accepting Countries

List of countries accepting IELTS scores at a glance

Here is the list of countries accepting IELTS scores with top universities and the required IELTS score for admission:

Countries accepting IELTS for various purposes

Apart from education, IELTS is widely used for immigration and professional licensing. Below are the IELTS exam accepting countries categorized by purpose.

Countries that accept IELTs for immigration

Which countries accept IELTS for immigration? Here are the top destinations:

• Canada: Express Entry, PNP, and work visas
• Australia: Skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas
• UK: UKVI IELTS required for work visas
• New Zealand: Points-based immigration system
• Ireland: Some work permits require IELTS

Countries accepting IELTS 5.5 band

If you’re wondering which country accepts IELTS 5.5 band, here’s a list:

• Canada: Some diploma programs
• UK: Foundation and pathway programs
• Australia: Vocational courses
• New Zealand: Private colleges
• Ireland: Language courses

Countries accepting IELTS 5.5 band for PR

Not all countries accept a 5.5 band for PR, but some do. Which country accept IELTS 5.5 band for PR?

• Canada: Certain Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
• Australia: Regional work visas
• New Zealand: Employer-sponsored visas

Countries where IELTS is not required

There are countries which accept IELTS but also allow applications without it under certain conditions. Here is the answer for which country accept without IELTS exam?

• Germany: Some universities accept Medium of Instruction (MOI) proof
• Malaysia: Other English proficiency tests accepted
• Norway: IELTS waivers for English-taught programs

IELTS accepted countries for nurses

The IELTS accepted countries list for nurses includes:

• UK: IELTS 7.0 (NMC registration)
• Canada: IELTS 7.0 (Healthcare pathway)
• Australia: IELTS 7.0 (Nursing board requirement)
• Ireland: IELTS 7.0 (NMBI requirement)

In conclusion, understanding the IELTS accepted countries is crucial for those looking to study or migrate abroad. Whether you are aiming for academic excellence or a professional career, countries accepting IELTS score of 6 and other IELTS score accepting countries provide ample opportunities. The IELTS general accepting countries offer a wide range of options for international students and professionals.

By consulting with MSM Unify overseas education, you will receive expert support to navigate your study abroad or immigration plans to these countries, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to achieving your dreams abroad.

Duolingo Accepting Universities in UK

FAQs

1. Which country accepts IELTS 5.5 band for university admissions?

Countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia often accept an IELTS score of 5.5 bands for certain diploma or foundation programs, making it easier for students to gain admission to universities.

2. In which countries IELTS is accepted for immigration purposes?

IELTS is accepted in many countries for immigration purposes, including Canada, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, and Ireland. Each country has different requirements depending on the type of visa or immigration pathway.

3. Which country accepts IELTS 5.5 band for PR?

Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are some of the countries that accept an IELTS score of 5.5 band for permanent residency (PR) through specific visa categories like regional visas and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

4. Is IELTS required in all countries?

No, IELTS is accepted in many countries, but not all. Some countries may accept other English proficiency tests or allow waivers based on previous education in English-speaking institutions.

5. Which countries accept IELTS for higher education?

IELTS is accepted in numerous countries for higher education, including the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These IELTS exam accepting countries consider IELTS scores as part of their admission process.