• IELTS

What is a good score for IELTS?

1850 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Feb 20,2024 04:17 PM IST

An excellent IELTS score usually ranges from 7 to 9 out of 9, which denotes a high level of English ability. But what makes a decent score can differ depending on personal objectives and what organizations or institutions want. What constitutes a decent score ultimately depends on the particular goal of the test as well as the requirements established by the organization that will be receiving the results.

Wondering what a good score for IELTS is? For the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), it is essential to understand that the definition of "good" can vary depending on individual goals and the requirements of institutions. Generally, a score of 7 or above (out of 9) is considered good, as it indicates a high English proficiency level.

However, specific requirements may differ for different purposes, such as immigration, academic admission, or employment. Ultimately, the definition of a good score on the IELTS depends on its relevance to the test taker's objectives and the standards set by the receiving institution or entity.

What is a Good IELTS Score?

Most international universities will accept applicants with an IELTS Band Score of 7 or higher. However, an IELTS score of seven bands is regarded as good. Candidates should be aware, nevertheless, that raising their IELTS score would only benefit them.

How to Get a Good IELTS Score?

Here are some pointers to help candidates achieve a high IELTS score:

• Before starting their study, candidates must comprehend the exam format and create an appropriate plan that considers their time constraints.

• It is recommended that candidates work on their English language skills. Anyone can achieve this through reading and listening to English-language media, practicing grammar and sentence structure, and increasing their vocabulary.

• Aim to focus on the test's weaker portions and prepare enough mock exams. Ignoring them could make it more challenging to perform on test day. After taking the mock exams, candidates should assess their performance and adjust their study strategies.

How is the IELTS Score Calculated?

IELTS scores range from 0 to 9. The average score for each component computes the overall band score on the IELTS. Every section has an equal-weighted score. The IELTS final result is rounded to the closest whole number. A candidate's score would be rounded to the nearest whole number (6.5 in the case of a 6.25 score and to a whole number (7 in the case of a 6.75 score). The user's skill, described before, can be measured for each score. A candidate is considered a very excellent language user if they earned an 8; conversely, if they scored a 4, they are considered limited language users and may have trouble understanding and using the language.

Internationally, organizations and institutions from English-speaking nations accept IELTS scores. People taking the IELTS exam to immigrate abroad should be aware of what a good score on the exam means, depending on the kind of visa they need. A person's goals for their IELTS score—whether they be academic, professional, or immigration—constitute a significant factor. A score that the college, university, or institute accepts could help an international student obtain a student visa.

Purpose of Taking the Test

Here are some of the major purpose of taking the IELTS test:

University Admissions	For most foreign colleges, a score of 7.0 or higher is often regarded as competitive. Top-tier universities, however, might need more excellent scores—between 7.5 and 8.0. Keep in mind that specific requirements differ based on the program and university.
Immigration	The required IELTS score for visa applications varies throughout nations. To establish the benchmark, investigate the particular specifications of the intended nation.
Professional Development	Some employers may have their cutoff points for IELTS scores when hiring multilingual individuals. Look into what is needed to enter the desired industry or position.

IELTS Band Scores

Understanding IELTS band scores is necessary before determining an IELTS good score. The IELTS exam has a score range of 0 to 9. The table below provides information about each band's competence level. Worldwide, corporations have faith in IELTS scores. Their IELTS band scores determine candidates' English language proficiency. It indicates proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing English.

To help candidates better comprehend the IELTS result, here’s detailed information about the various Band scores given below.

IELTS Band Score	Skill Level	Description
9	Expert	Proficient user and possess a functional command of the language. The candidate can speak and write English accurately and with fluency.
8	Very good	An expert user who possesses a functional mastery of the English language.
7	Good	A proficient user with a vital mastery of the English language, despite the odd error.
6	Competent user	A capable person with a vital mastery of the language yet with occasional errors and improper use of it in specific contexts.
5	Modest user	Moderate users who can manage basic conversation in their field and have a limited mastery of the language
4	Limited user	Limited user who only understands the language in conditions they are comfortable with.
3	Extremely limited user	When there are frequent communication failures, candidates only grasp the gist of circumstances that he/she is familiar with.
2	Intermittent	The test-taker needs help comprehending written and spoken English.
1	Non user	The exam taker can only utilize English for a few select terms.
0	Did not attempt	The test taker did not answer the questions.

IELTS Scoring for Different Sections

The IELTS exam pattern consists of 4 different sections, including Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking; each of the 40 questions in the Reading and Listening portions can result in a maximum score of 40. The IELTS administrator converts the raw scores to the band score before awarding the marks. Different band descriptions have been provided for the Speaking and Writing components of the IELTS exam. The combined score from these two areas will be the average of these descriptions.

The band descriptions for the Writing component are task achievement, coherence and cohesion, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy. The band descriptions for the Speaking part are fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical variety and correctness, and pronunciation.

IELTS Scores Validity

Candidates need to know that their IELTS scores are good for two years. However, the IELTS results have a three-year validity period for applications for skilled migration. While the general validity is 2 years, certain institutions might have different requirements.

*For immigration purposes in Australia, IELTS scores remain valid for 3 years.

Conclusion

A strong IELTS score varies based on personal objectives, educational institutions' or immigration policies, and visa rules. For most purposes, a score of seven or higher is regarded as satisfactory; however, a score of eight or higher is frequently preferred for competitive programs or scholarships. As a trustworthy educational consulting company, Canam can assist prospective test-takers in studying abroad and reaching their goals by offering them tools and advice specific to their needs and efficient study methods.

FAQ

Can I retake IELTS writing only?

Any one of the IELTS test sections—Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking can be retaken.

Is 6.5 a good score in IELTS?

The score band of 6.5 is considered as competent and is borderline B2/C1

Is IELTS 7 low?

The seven bands have a "Good" skill rating, which denotes "Excellent use of the language in some situations."

Is PTE easier than IELTS?

Aside from variations in the structure and style of assessment, both tests are relatively straightforward.

What is a fail score in IELTS?

In IELTS, there is no pass/fail score. Every test-taking performance is evaluated, and candidates receive a score between 1 and 9.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

Wrexham University - Northop Campus

Wales, UK • 3 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 11000-13000 / year

The University of Edinburgh

Scotland, UK • 532 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 23000-35000 / year

University of South Wales - Treforest Campus

Wales, UK • 153 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 13000-14000 / year

Northeastern University - Seattle Campus

Washington, USA • 6 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 0-0 / year

Red River College Polytechnic - Notre Dame Campus

Manitoba, Canada • 49 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 13500-22000 / year

Mount Allison University

New Brunswick, Canada • 48 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 20000-20500 / year

Simon Fraser University - Surrey Campus

British Columbia, Canada • 40 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 35000-36000 / year

University at Albany - State University of New York

New York, USA • 216 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 29000-30000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

University Visit - SRH Hochschule Berlin , Germany

Study in Germany • University Visit

Hyderabad-Kukatpally • 03:00PM

In-Person Event

University Visit - ICN Business School, France

Study in France • University Visit

kochi2 • 04:00PM

In-Person Event

University Visit -SP Jain School of Global Management

Study in Australia, Dubai, Singapore • University Visit

Bangalore • 03:00PM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online

- Live Classes

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Education System in Singapore

Singapore, also known as the "Lion City," has one of the most holistic and innovative education systems in the world. The Organization for Economic Co...

Updated on • Dec 12,2024 05:03 PM IST • Singapore

Medical Courses in UK

Medical courses in the UK are recognised globally for their academic challenge, updated facilities, and comprehensive practical experience. UK Univers...

Updated on • Dec 10,2024 05:36 PM IST • study in the UK

MBBS in Germany

Studying an MBBS in Germany offers a pathway to a world-class education in medicine, attracting thousands of aspiring doctors from around the globe ev...

Updated on • Dec 09,2024 05:49 PM IST • Study in Germany

Letter of Motivation for Germany

If you are planning to study abroad, you must know that the SOP is the most essential document for the application process. In Germany, the same SOP i...

Updated on • Dec 07,2024 05:11 PM IST • Germany

Part-Time Jobs in Germany for International Students

Studying abroad is an experience of a lifetime, incorporating distinct incidents and events. Students are advised to work part-time to make this adven...

Updated on • Dec 06,2024 04:38 PM IST • Study in Germany

Health Insurance in Germany for International Students

Do you know that Germany has one of the world's oldest national health insurance systems? That's right, and the health insurance system of Germany dat...

Updated on • Dec 06,2024 04:05 PM IST • Study in Germany

Scholarships in Germany for International Students

For international students looking to pursue their higher education abroad, Germany is known as one of the most affordable study destinations. Its cre...

Updated on • Dec 06,2024 03:59 PM IST • Study in Germany

Study Permit for Canada

Planning to study in Canada? But in order to heading off to the land of the maple leaf, it's important to understand how to apply for a Canadian study...

Updated on • Dec 05,2024 05:04 PM IST • Study in Canada

Student Life in UK

The United Kingdom is home to some of the most renowned universities that provide learning opportunities to students nationwide. The country is known ...

Updated on • Dec 04,2024 04:46 PM IST • study in the UK

Master of Information Systems (MIS) in USA

In today's fast-paced and digitally-driven world, organizations increasingly depend on information systems to streamline operations, enhance decision-...

Updated on • Dec 02,2024 05:28 PM IST • USA

Bachelor of Nursing Courses in Australia

Are you passionate about helping others and drawn to the dynamic world of healthcare? A Bachelor of Nursing in Australia could be the perfect la...

Updated on • Nov 30,2024 03:16 PM IST • Australia

Study Medicine in Germany

Are you an international student planning to study medicine in Germany? We want to tell you are going in the right direction, as Germany hosts world-c...

Updated on • Nov 27,2024 05:34 PM IST • Study in Germany

Universities of Applied Sciences in Germany

Germany is gaining popularity for its top-notch universities of applied science, known as Fachhochschule. These esteemed institutes offer top-quality ...

Updated on • Nov 27,2024 05:22 PM IST • Germany

Student Life in Germany

Germany is known for its affordable education and top-class universities in Europe, but what is it like to become a student at a German univ...

Updated on • Nov 27,2024 04:18 PM IST • Study in Germany

Complete Undergraduate Admissions Guide to Study in Germany

Ever dreamt of studying in a land steeped in history and innovation? Germany, a powerhouse of education and engineering, beckons you with it...

Updated on • Nov 27,2024 03:54 PM IST • Study in Germany

PTE Score Chart 2025: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation

Most international institutions demand proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests a necessity to pursue higher education. While...

Updated on • Nov 26,2024 01:55 PM IST • PTE

Masters in Project Management in USA

Students with ISTJ Personality may have a successful future in project management as their sole personality aligns with the needs of an exceptional pr...

Updated on • Nov 26,2024 01:15 PM IST • USA

IELTS Speaking Questions

The IELTS exam is a popular way for people who want to study overseas, but don't speak English as their first language or where it's not spoken often....

Updated on • Nov 25,2024 03:45 PM IST • IELTS

Accounting Courses in USA

The United States has always been a land of opportunities, especially in education. The allure of studying accounting in the US remains strong, thanks...

Updated on • Nov 25,2024 03:33 PM IST • USA

IELTS Writing Task

IELTS Writing Task One of the most crucial aspects to scoring well on an exam is writing. The IELTS assesses both Academic and General Training in ...

Updated on • Nov 21,2024 05:46 PM IST • IELTS

What is a good score for IELTS?

Table of Contents

What is a Good IELTS Score?

How to Get a Good IELTS Score?

How is the IELTS Score Calculated?

Purpose of Taking the Test

IELTS Band Scores

IELTS Scoring for Different Sections

IELTS Scores Validity

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online