In this article, we are going to look at the average IELTS band requirements for some universities in Great Britain. The scores below are for undergraduate and graduate students who aren’t native English speakers.
This list of higher education providers is from the mid-tier of the UK’s university system, as the top-seeded universities have been reviewed thousands of times already on many different platforms. Check out our list to learn more.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for Universities in the UK
1. University of East Anglia
Established in 1963, the University of East Anglia is a public university in Norwich, England. It has four faculties and twenty-six schools offering undergraduate and graduate programs to over 17,000 students.
The university is frequently ranked among the top institutions in the UK. It also offers an International Foundation program that prepares students from abroad for direct entry into the first year of undergraduate studies in areas such as Law, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Most undergraduate applicants need an overall IELTS score of at least 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, while many postgraduate programs ask for 6.0 overall with higher requirements in specific bands. Always check the exact requirement for your course.
Here is what University of East Anglia Scholars say about IELTS:
“Yes, I took the IELTS, as it was required for university admission.”
Hinda
“I prepared for and obtained an IELTS score, which played an important role in securing admission to UEA.”
Syeda Sajia Afroz Rumpa
2. University of Liverpool
Established in 1881, the University of Liverpool is one of the original “red brick” universities and a major higher education provider in Northwest England.
The university now has over 35,000 students, including around 8,000 international students, and is known for its strong programs in Civil Engineering, Computer Science, and Architecture.
The University of Liverpool uses several English language entry profiles aligned with individual courses. Applicants should confirm which profile applies to their program by checking the official IELTS requirements.
Here is what University of Liverpool Scholars say about IELTS:
“Moving forward, I took the IELTS (7.5 overall score) and applied to several potential institutions, successfully securing acceptance letters from more than five universities.”
Juhliad
“I obtained an English language test waiver because English formed an integral part of my previous academic preparations… I did not take any language proficiency tests because English is the official language in my country, Ghana.”
Afua Ampomah-Amoako
3. University of Sussex
The University of Sussex is considered one of the “younger” UK universities, established in 1961, with its main campus in Falmer, near Brighton. It has over 21,000 students, many of whom are on undergraduate programs.
Sussex has a large international community and a strong research profile. English language requirements are grouped into standard levels depending on the course, while Medicine (BM BS) requires significantly higher scores. Applicants should review the detailed undergraduate and postgraduate IELTS requirements for their chosen program.
Here is what University of Sussex scholars say about IELTS:
“For admission into the University of Sussex, a valid IELTS score was mandatory for my course in Energy and Climate Policy.”
Baijnath Kumar Paswan
“In the end, I scored a 7.5 band, which met the requirement comfortably.”
Aarti Rajput
“Coming from an English-speaking country, I was able to use my A-level WAEC certificate to waive the English language proficiency requirement.”
Hamza Waziri
“At the University of Sussex, I was exempted from taking IELTS or TOEFL as I met the English language requirements through my prior education; you can check specific course requirements on the university’s website.”
Anveshi Gupta
4. University of Nottingham
The University of Nottingham, founded in 1881, has major campuses at University Park and Jubilee, and is one of the largest universities in the UK.
It offers a wide range of programs across Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, Science, and Humanities, and hosts a large international student body.
The university accepts various English language qualifications. Typical minimum IELTS scores start from 6.0, but many courses require higher bands, so applicants must confirm requirements for their specific program.
5. Lancaster University
Lancaster University was established in 1964 during a period of expansion in UK higher education. For most programs, an overall IELTS score of 6.5 is required for both undergraduate and postgraduate entry, with specific component scores depending on the course.
The university’s main campus is at Bailrigg and is organized into a collegiate system with several faculties and a wide range of degree programs.
6. University of Exeter
The University of Exeter has campuses in Exeter (Streatham and St Luke’s) and Cornwall (Truro and Penryn). It offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Several programs, particularly in Humanities and related disciplines, require higher IELTS scores. Many master’s programs expect at least 7.0 overall, so applicants should verify the exact requirement for their chosen degree.
Here is what University of Exeter Scholars say about IELTS:
“I took the IELTS test and scored a band 7.”
Mouhamadou Bamba Samb
“Yes, I took the IELTS. I prepared using online practice tests, self-study materials, and mock exams, which helped me strengthen my academic English proficiency.”
Aryan More
7. Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) is a constituent college of the federal University of London, with roots dating back to 1775 as a medical school.
QMUL has a strong reputation for research and teaching, with most programs delivered at its Mile End campus. It is known for offering various scholarships, funding opportunities, and loans for international students.
Here is what Queen Mary University of London scholars say about IELTS:
“The IELTS exam goes beyond simply knowing the language – it has its own structure and specific techniques.”
Dayne Perdomo
“Yes, I took the IELTS and scored 8.0 out of 9.0.”
Olayemi Stephen Bakare
“I’m currently studying in the UK, and in general, the most widely accepted tests are IELTS and TOEFL.”
Jeziel Mateus de Abreu
IELTS Scores of Students Studying in the United Kingdom
IELTS Scores in the United Kingdom — FAQs (from Scholarship Recipients)
What IELTS score do UK scholarship recipients commonly have?
Scores vary by program, but recent recipients typically report overall bands between 6.5 and 7.5. For example, Paulina Shifugula (University of Hull, Chevening) notes she “scored an Overall of 6.5”; Nory Ly (University of Bristol, Chevening) shares “I achieved an overall IELTS score of 7.0”; and Juhliad (University of Liverpool, Chevening) writes, “I took the IELTS (7.5 overall score).” Peter (Cardiff University, GREAT) also reports an IELTS 7.5.
Is a 6.5 IELTS enough for a UK Master’s?
It can be. Some programs accept 6.5 while others ask for 7.0 or 7.5. For instance, Paulina entered an AI/Data Science MSc at the University of Hull with 6.5, whereas Nory at Bristol had 7.0 and Juhliad at Liverpool had 7.5. Always check your specific course page. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
We hope that this article on IELTS band requirements in the UK was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Study in the UK guide and more Available Programs for International Students!
