In this article, we look at typical IELTS band requirements at selected universities in the United Kingdom. The scores below are for undergraduate and graduate applicants who are not native English speakers and who do not qualify for an English-language exemption.
This list focuses on a selection of UK higher education providers that are often less saturated in general IELTS guides than the most frequently covered universities. Use it as a starting point and always confirm the exact requirement on your chosen course page.
Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for Universities in the UK
| Name | Undergraduate IELTS Requirement | Graduate IELTS Requirement |
|---|
| University of East Anglia | 6.0 | 6.0–6.5+, depending on course |
| University of Liverpool | 6.0–7.0, depending on course | 6.5–7.0, depending on course |
| University of Sussex | 6.0–7.5, depending on course | 6.0–7.0, depending on course |
| University of Nottingham | Course-specific; commonly 6.0–6.5+ | Course-specific; commonly 6.0–6.5+ |
| Lancaster University | 6.5 | 6.5–7.0, depending on course |
| University of Exeter | 6.0–7.5, depending on course profile | 6.0–7.5, depending on course profile |
| Queen Mary University of London | 6.0–7.0, depending on band | 6.0–7.0, depending on band |
1. University of East Anglia
Established in 1963, the University of East Anglia is a public university in Norwich, England. UEA’s latest published facts list 17,707 students, including 12,434 undergraduate and 5,273 postgraduate students.
The university offers foundation and progression routes for international students. For example, the International Foundation in Computing, Engineering and Science prepares students for Year 1 entry in fields such as engineering, environmental science, chemistry, physics, computing, and mathematics.
Most undergraduate course pages reviewed list IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component. Postgraduate requirements commonly range from IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component to 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each component. 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 teaches a broad range of subjects and is known for programs in areas such as engineering, computer science, and architecture.
The University of Liverpool uses several English language entry profiles aligned with individual courses. Undergraduate courses generally use IELTS profiles from 6.0 to 7.0 overall, while master’s and postgraduate research courses generally use profiles from 6.5 to 7.0 overall. 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 was part of the new wave of UK universities in the 1960s and received its Royal Charter in 1961. Its main campus is in Falmer, near Brighton.
Sussex has a large international community and a strong research profile. English language requirements are grouped into standard levels depending on the course. Undergraduate IELTS levels include Standard, High, and Advanced, while Medicine (BM BS) requires IELTS 7.5 overall with 7.0 in each component. Postgraduate taught courses commonly use Standard, High, and Advanced levels from IELTS 6.0 to 7.0 overall. 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 began as University College Nottingham in 1881 and now has major campuses including University Park and Jubilee.
It offers a wide range of programs across medicine and health sciences, engineering, science, humanities, and social sciences, and hosts a large international student body.
The university accepts various English language qualifications. Many course listings ask for IELTS 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each element, while some routes use lower or higher bands. Applicants must confirm the requirement for their specific program.
5. Lancaster University
Lancaster University accepted its first students in 1964 during a period of expansion in UK higher education. For undergraduate entry, the standard IELTS requirement is 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component. For postgraduate entry, most courses use IELTS 6.5 overall, but some require 7.0 overall, so applicants should check the course page.
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 (Penryn and Truro). It offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Exeter uses English language profiles that vary by program. Current IELTS examples include Profile A at 6.0 overall, Profile B2 at 6.5 overall, Profile E at 7.0 overall, and Profile G at 7.5 overall. Applicants should verify the exact profile listed 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 member institution of the federal University of London, with roots dating back to 1785, when The London Hospital Medical College was founded as England’s first official medical school.
QMUL has a strong reputation for research and teaching and offers scholarships, funding opportunities, and loans for international students.
Its English language requirements are arranged by bands. Band 3 lists IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each component, while higher bands include 6.5 and 7.0 overall. Some programs use non-standard requirements, so applicants should check the official requirement for their course.
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 and applicant, but the scholarship recipients listed above report overall bands from 6.5 to 8.5. For example, Paulina Shifugula (University of Hull, Chevening) notes she scored an overall 6.5; Nory Ly (University of Bristol, Chevening) shares that she achieved an overall IELTS score of 7.0; and Juhliad (University of Liverpool, Chevening) reports a 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 UK master’s programs accept 6.5, while others ask for 7.0 or higher. 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.
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!
