The importance of IELTS scores in university applications
The English language skills that universities usually require from non-native English speakers, and the situations where these requirements may be waived.
Most universities in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and other countries require non-native English speakers to show proof of their English language skills. They usually accept the IELTS or the TOEFL, but it is always best to check with the specific university or program you are applying to. Some students are exempt from the language requirement, like citizens of English-speaking countries. But there are some exceptions, like residents of Quebec in Canada who may have to take an English language test. And in some cases, students who have completed the International Baccalaureate program in English or earned a secondary or tertiary diploma from an English-speaking school may be exempt. But it all depends on the university’s policy.
How universities use IELTS scores to decide whom to admit
Universities usually require IELTS scores as part of the application. They mostly look for a minimum score to prove your English language proficiency. Getting a higher score than the minimum requirement will not give you much advantage, but getting a lower score can have negative consequences. For example, if a program requires a total IELTS score of 7.0, getting an 8.0 will not make you more likely to be accepted, but getting a 6.0 will most likely lead to rejection.
Consequences of having low IELTS scores when applying to university
If your IELTS score is too low, you may not be admitted to the university. In some cases, you may be required to take English language courses before starting your studies. These courses can be expensive, so it’s best to get a good IELTS score the first time around. You can improve your English skills by taking professional IELTS preparation courses.
An example of how universities help students improve their English language skills.
International undergraduate students admitted to the University of Edinburgh may be required to take English language courses before they start their studies. The amount of preparation required depends on their IELTS scores.
A student with a total IELTS score of 4.5 must take a three-term English for Academic Purposes course, which has a duration for 44 weeks and costs approximately ₹ 10 lakhs
Students with a total IELTS score of 5.0 or 5.5 must take a 32-week course, which costs over ₹ 6 Lakhs.
Students with a total IELTS score of 6.0 must take a 10-week course, which costs ₹ 4 Lakhs.
Students with a total IELTS score of 6.5 (with no score below 5.5) must take a 7-week course, which costs ₹ 2.75 Lakhs
Students who fully satisfy the university’s IELTS benchmark of 6.5 total and 6.0 for each section are encouraged (but not required) to take a 4-week course, which costs ₹ 1.5 Lakhs.
English language requirements for student visas
You need to prove your English language skills to get a student visa in some countries. The required IELTS score for a student visa is usually lower than the score required by universities. For example, to get a Tier 4 General Student visa in the UK, you need an IELTS score of 5.5 to 6.5 in each section.
It is important to remember that university admission and visa qualification are two separate processes with different language requirements. So, you need to check the requirements for both before you apply.
