View entire study abroad journey

Minimum IELTS score to study in UK universities in 2024

Topics covered

IELTS score to study in UK universities

With a range of esteemed educational institutions, the UK has cemented its reputation as a top study destination choice for those looking to further their studies.

On top of that, the vibrant country also offers exciting experiences and unique landmarks for those looking to enjoy weekends off campus.

Year after year, many students from all over the world seek out and choose to study in the UK.

If you’re planning to take this route, you should know that UK universities require international students to prove their proficiency in the English language through recognised systems like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. The test will also come in handy if you’re looking to work or live in the UK.

Make sure you prepare accordingly to achieve the minimum band score necessary on the IELTS test.

Minimum scores for UK universities

To successfully study in the UK, you’ll be required to obtain a student visa, which you can only get if you meet the English proficiency requirements set by your education institution.

Here are the minimum IELTS requirements according to the top-ranked universities in the UK.

Complete University Guide (CUG) rankings in 2024

The CUG university rankings is an independent rankings provider for UK universities. It offers course and expert advice for students who want to learn more about studying in the country.

Rank	University	IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes)	IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes)
1	University of Cambridge	7.0	7.0
2	University of Oxford	7.5	7.0
3	London School of Economics and Political Science	7.0	7.0
4	University of St Andrews	6.5	7.0
5	University of Bath	6.5	6.5
6	Imperial College London	6.5	6.5
7	Loughborough University	6.5	6.5
8	Durham University	6.5	6.5
9	UCL (University College London)	6.5	6.5
10	Lancaster University	6.5	6.5
11	University of Warwick	6.0	6.5
12	University of Edinburgh	6.5	6.5
13	University of Surrey	6.5	6.5
14	University of Birmingham	6.0	6.5
15	University of Exeter	6.0	6.0
16	University of Bristol	6.0	6.0
17=	University of Southampton	6.5	6.5
17=	University of York	6.5	6.5
19	University of Manchester	6.0	6.0
20	University of Sheffield	6.0	6.5

Times Higher Education world university rankings in 2024

One of the world’s most established metrics, the Times Higher Education world rankings assesses universities based on the following five key performance indicators: teaching, research quality, research environment, international outlook and industry income.

Rank	University	Global rank	IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes)	IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes)
1	University of Oxford	1	7.5	7.0
2	University of Cambridge	5	7.0	7.0
3	Imperial College London	8	6.5	6.5
4	UCL (University College London)	22	6.5	6.5
5	University of Edinburgh	30	6.5	6.5
6	King’s College London	38	6.5	6.5
7	London School of Economics and Political Science	46	7.0	7.0
8	University of Manchester	51	6.0	6.0
9	University of Bristol	81	6.0	6.0
10	University of Glasgow	87	6.5	6.5
11	University of Southampton	97	6.5	6.5
12	University of Birmingham	101	6.0	6.5
13	University of Sheffield	105	6.0	6.5
14	University of Warwick	106	6.0	6.5
15	University of Leeds	129	6.0	6.5
16	University of Nottingham	130	6.5	6.5
17	Queen Mary University of London	135	6.0	6.5
18	University of York	147	6.5	6.5
19	Lancaster University	155	6.5	6.5
20=	University of Liverpool	168=	6.0	6.5
20=	Newcastle University	168=	6.5	6.5

QS World University rankings in 2024

The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world rankings is also another global premier ranking system which rates universities by institution and subject through academic reputation, citation, faculty to student ratio, employer, international and sustainability indicators.

Rank	University	Global rank	IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes)	IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes)
1	University of Cambridge	2	7.0	7.0
2	University of Oxford	3	7.5	7.0
3	Imperial College London	6	6.5	6.5
4	UCL (University College London)	9	6.5	6.5
5	University of Edinburgh	22	6.5	6.5
6	University of Manchester	32	6.0	6.0
7	King’s College London	40	6.5	6.5
8	London School of Economics and Political Science	45	7.0	7.0
9	University of Bristol	55	6.0	6.0
10	University of Warwick	67	6.0	6.5
11	University of Leeds	75	6.0	6.5
12	University of Glasgow	76	6.5	6.5
13	Durham University	78	6.5	6.5
14	University of Southampton	81	6.5	6.5
15	University of Birmingham	84	6.0	6.5
16	University of St Andrews	95	6.5	7.0
17	University of Nottingham	100	6.5	6.5
18	University of Sheffield	104	6.0	6.5
19	Newcastle University	110	6.5	6.5
20	Lancaster University	125	6.5	6.5

Further your studies in the UK with IDP

Are you ready to take the plunge and pursue higher education in the UK?

If so, take the next step with IELTS by IDP!

As a joint owner of the IELTS test, IDP has decades of experience in helping students to prepare for and take the test, and we can help you too.

You’ll gain all the benefits at your fingertips, from a wealth of official IELTS preparation resources to convenient test locations, when you download the IELTS by IDP app.

Get started by booking your IELTS test today!

Book your IELTS test

Watch the story of lifelong dreams, passion and determination that truly reflects the journey of our IELTS test takers. IELTS is the breakthrough to a world of full of incredible.

Book now