How much IELTS do I need to study in the USA?| IDP Vietnam

Many of you who are planning to study in the US are wondering how much IELTS is needed. IELTS is an English language proficiency test for those who wish to study and work in English-speaking countries. So, is IELTS a necessity when studying in the US? How much IELTS is needed to hunt for scholarships to study in the US? Let's find out in detail about IDP in this article!

Depending on the school, level of study, program and field of study you choose, the IELTS score required will vary. Most American high schools, colleges, and universities will require you to provide an IELTS certificate. Here are the general IELTS score requirements when studying in the US:

• High school level: IELTS minimum 5.0 with 4 skills.

• College: IELTS 5.5.

• Undergraduate: IELTS 5.0 or higher. To increase your chances of studying at top universities in the U.S. or have more options for majors, having a high IELTS score will be an advantage.

• Master's, PhD: Minimum IELTS 6.0

• College: IELTS 4.5 - 5.5 required

In addition, some schools also accept other English language certificates such as TOEFL or take the school entrance test instead of IELTS.

Besides meeting the academic requirements, financial conditions are also a big concern for many international students. Tuition and living expenses in the U.S. are quite expensive, so hunting for scholarships is a way to help international students reduce their financial burden significantly. To stand a chance of receiving a scholarship at a college or university in the US, you need to have a minimum IELTS score of 6.5. However, to increase your chances of receiving a scholarship, you should aim for an IELTS of 7.0 or higher.

IELTS score requirements will vary depending on the school and field of study you are applying to. Here are the IELTS score requirements of some Universities in the US in 2025:

* World Top University Rankings 2025 by Time Higher Education

See more: Top 15 Famous Universities in America 2025

Can IELTS 5.0 study in the US?

With an IELTS score of 5.0, it may be difficult to meet the requirements of colleges or universities in the US. To increase your chances of getting into top universities in the US, you should try to get IELTS between 6.5 and 7.0.

Do you need IELTS or TOEFL to study in the USA?

IELTS or TOEFL is accepted at most colleges and universities in the United States. These two certificates both help assess your English proficiency in the four skills (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing). Each college or university will require a different IELTS or TOEFL score depending on the level of study and discipline. In addition, some schools also accept other English equivalent certificates in place of IELTS and TOEFL.

Through the above article, we hope you have answered the question of how much IELTS is needed to study in the US. IELTS is one of the necessary conditions to make your dream of studying in the U.S. come true, in order to prove your English proficiency and ability to absorb in an English-speaking environment.

If you are wondering about the entrance requirements of universities in the US, please contact the IDP 19006955 hotline for more detailed advice. With IDP's experienced and dedicated team of consultants, IDP will accompany you throughout your study abroad journey, from choosing a school, choosing the right major, and preparing your study abroad application, to supporting you in hunting for scholarships and registering for the IELTS test. Moreover, IDP cooperates with many reputable partners who are committed to providing the best student services, such as international money transfers, finding housing,... helping students realize their dreams of studying abroad more conveniently.