What IELTS Score Do I Need? Programs by Level

In short

Whether your IELTS score is enough depends on the program: language schools take students at any level after a placement test, Foundation needs at least IELTS 4.5 or equivalent, and UK master's degrees usually ask for UKVI IELTS 6.5. Exact requirements differ by school and course, so we recommend checking your score with EFC Education.

• Language school: A placement test puts you in the right class.
• Foundation: At least IELTS 4.5 or equivalent; 1–2 years depending on your score.
• Undergraduate: IELTS UKVI is required; students without Foundation can also be accepted with IELTS Academic.
• Master's: Usually UKVI IELTS 6.5.
• Italy: At least B1 for English-taught master's programs.

Which options fit my score?

Here is a rough map based on the program information on our site:

• No score yet: Start at a language school and use an IELTS preparation course to get ready for the test.
• Around IELTS 4.5: You can apply for Foundation; at this level the program takes 4 terms (2 years).
• IELTS 5.0–6.0: Foundation takes 2–3 terms (1–1.5 years). For an undergraduate degree, we check the required score with you for each university and course.
• UKVI IELTS 6.5: You have reached the level UK master's applications usually ask for.
• English at B1 or above: You can consider English-taught master's programs in Italy.

Can I go to a language school without an IELTS score?

Yes. A language school is a good first step whether or not you have a score. When you start, you take a placement test and join a class that matches your level. In the UK, alongside general, intensive, business and professional English, there are IELTS and TOEFL preparation courses, so a language school can also help you raise your score.

In the UK, four-week courses start from 600 GBP, and programs can run for up to 40 weeks. Prices depend on the city, accommodation and course length, so confirm current figures with EFC Education. More on our language schools page.

What IELTS score do I need for Foundation?

To apply for Foundation you need at least IELTS 4.5 or an equivalent language certificate. Your score also sets how long the program takes:

• IELTS 4.0–4.5: 4 terms (2 years)
• IELTS 5.0–6.0: 2–3 terms (1–1.5 years)

In other words, the higher your score, the sooner you move on to your degree. If you are below 4.5, we can look together at which schools may accept you, or whether a language course first makes more sense.

Foundation is required for students with fewer than 13 years of schooling. Because high school in Türkiye takes 12 years, most students without A Levels or the IB start their degree this way. More on our Foundation page.

Which IELTS do I need for an undergraduate degree?

IELTS UKVI is required for an undergraduate degree abroad. IELTS for UKVI is the version of IELTS approved for UK visa and immigration purposes. Students applying directly, without a Foundation year, can also be accepted with IELTS Academic. The score you need depends on the university and the course.

If your language level or grades are not there yet, there are two routes:

• International Year One: For students whose grades or language level fall short, it leads into the second year of a degree.
• Conditional offer: If you do not yet meet the requirements, your place is confirmed once you do.

See all routes on our undergraduate page.

Is IELTS 6.5 required for a master's?

UK master's applications usually ask for UKVI IELTS 6.5. It sits in your application alongside your undergraduate transcript, personal statement, two reference letters, CV and passport.

If you have not reached 6.5 yet, your options are:

• A language school or pre-sessional course: For students who need to improve their English.
• Pre-Master: For students with lower grades or language scores. It leads directly into the master's, and applications are open all year.

More on our master's page.

What English level do I need for programs in Italy?

Most programs in Italy are taught in Italian, but more than 300 are taught in English. For English-taught master's programs, you need a language certificate of at least B1, an intermediate level on the European CEFR scale. More on our university in Italy page.

How can I be sure my score is enough?

The figures here are a general guide; each school and course can set its own requirement, and requirements can change. The program finder on our programs page asks about your goal, your high school background, your English level and the region you have in mind, then suggests a program. For certificate programs and universities in Asia, ask us directly about language requirements.

To find out exactly which doors your IELTS result opens, get in touch with EFC Education and we will plan the right route for your score and goals. If you have not taken the test yet, our language schools are a good place to start.