Minimum IELTS score to study in UK universities in 2025 ?| IDP Vietnam

There are various IELTS test formats that you need to be aware of when applying to work and obtain PR in the UK. IELTS for UKVI Academic is the test you’ll need to sit if you are looking to obtain a student visa in your undergraduate or postgraduate journey. 

IELTS for UKVI General Training is the test required for migration purposes. 

IELTS Life Skills (A1/A2/B1) is a test of your speaking and listening abilities as part of the UKVI application in certain visa categories. 

 1. IELTS scores for Graduate visa  

A significant draw for international students in the UK, the Graduate visa allows you to work and stay in the UK for up to 2 years after successfully completing your degree. This pathway offers valuable opportunities in professional growth, especially if you have good connectivity to work placements in the UK’s vibrant job market after studying. To qualify for the Graduate visa, you’ll need to be residing in the UK at the time of application and have completed your course of study under an existing Student visa.   You may have already submitted your proof of English knowledge with a minimum IELTS score during your visa application when initially pursuing higher education in the UK, so you don’t have to take another English language test. For most bachelor's degrees, you will have to obtain an overall IELTS score of at least 6.0 or 6.5, while for most master’s degrees, you need an IELTS score of at least 6.5 or 7.0. Whether it’s work placements or industry internships, if you intend to explore staying in the UK after your studies, stay informed of potential graduate visa updates and plan accordingly so you’re able to make the most of its benefits. 

2. IELTS scores for Skilled Worker visa  

The Skilled Worker visa allows you to stay and work in the UK with an approved employer for up to 5 years. If you’re a recent graduate, this route is another alternative to the graduate visa pathway. 

In order to qualify for the Skilled Worker visa, you will need a job offer, employer sponsorship in an eligible occupation, and have to take an English proficiency test with at least a level B1 on the CEFR scale in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. This means you will have to get an IELTS for UKVI score of at least 4.0 in all four components of the test. 

From 2025, first-time applicants must also be paid an annual salary of £38,700 to support accommodation and living expenses. Exemptions apply for those in certain jobs such as healthcare or education, for those under 26, are studying or recent graduates, or in professional training. 

With the Skilled Worker Visa, you get more opportunities to transition to permanent residency (or ‘Indefinite Leave to Remain’) after 5 years, with the option of bringing dependents (spouse and children) or even taking on additional work. 

3. IELTS scores for Health and Care Worker visa 

The Health and Care Worker visa allows medical professionals to work and stay in the UK. They will have to work with the NHS (National Health Service), an NHS supplier, or in adult social care. The NHS is the public healthcare system in the United Kingdom. 

The visa lasts for up to 5 years, after which you may be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain or PR in the UK. 

In order to qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa, you will have to obtain at least level B1 on the CEFR scale, equivalent to an IELTS for UKVI overall score of 4.0. This includes a minimum of a 4.0 score in each of the four skills. 

An English proficiency test score is not required if you’ve already passed an English language assessment accepted by a relevant professional body as a practicing doctor, dentist, nurse, or midwife. 

4. IELTS scores for Innovator Founder visa 

The Innovator Founder visa is perfect if you are a graduate or entrepreneur looking to set up and run an innovative, scalable business in the UK, which must be endorsed by an approved body.  

With the visa, you’ll be able to stay for up to 3 years. After 3 years, you can apply to extend or be eligible to apply for indefinite leave to remain or PR, in the UK. 

To qualify, you’ll need to prove your knowledge of the English language at a higher level. You will have to obtain a level B2 on the CEFR scale, equivalent to an IELTS for UKVI overall score between 5.5 to 6.5. You must also achieve the same scores in each of the four skills. 

5. Getting PR 

 In order to successfully migrate to the UK, there are two routes you can take.  

The first is applying for indefinite leave to remain (ILR) or PR. You will need to obtain a Pass result in IELTS Life Skills B1 (listening and speaking tests only). 

The second option is applying via the Family Visa route for indefinite leave to remain if you have family in the UK. You will need to obtain a Pass result in IELTS Life Skills A1 (listening and speaking tests only). 

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