There was a time when going abroad for work was a necessity. This was due to poor employment opportunities in people’s home countries. However, the tables have now switched and even students are now moving abroad for master’s degrees. If you want the same, whether it’s for work or studies, then an important hurdle that you must take on is the IELTS tests.
You might already be aware of the four key areas in IELTS tests – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. However many test-takers are often confused about what score they need. While the obvious solution is to get the highest score possible, it is not as easy as it sounds. And, knowing what score you’ll need will give you something to strive for.
This blog will give you everything you need to know about IELTS scores, how the IELTS band system works, and also some insider tips to get the best IELTS score. So let’s begin.
Understanding IELTS Scores
The IELTS scoring system makes use of a band scale that ranges from 0 to 9. Each band shows a specific level of ability, which helps universities and immigration authorities assess how suitable a person will be in an English-speaking environment.
- Band 0-2: Non-user – Lacks basic understanding of English.
- Band 3: Limited User – Can understand familiar situations with very basic English.
- Band 4: Limited User – Handles familiar situations with some difficulty.
- Band 5: Developing User – Can understand the gist of everyday topics in familiar contexts.
- Band 6: Competent User – Operates effectively in familiar situations. May show occasional inaccuracies, or misunderstandings.
- Band 7: Good User – Handles most situations without significant problems.
- Band 8: Very Good User – Handles complex topics with fluency and understanding.
- Band 9: Expert User – Has full command of the language, appropriate for all situations.
Decoding Score Requirements
It’s a common misconception that there is a single, universal IELTS score requirement. The score you need completely depends on the institution or immigration authority you’re applying to.
Universities:
Open the official website of your target universities and look for information about admission for international students. Chances are, they’ll have a clear outline of the IELTS score that you’ll need for the course that you want to learn.
Employers:
Only some companies provide IELTS scores in their career pages. But most of them mention the English language proficiency you’ll need, in wordings. So to get a clear score requirement, the best way is to contact the hiring agency or employer directly.
Immigration Authorities:
Most government immigration websites have comprehensive information on visa applications and their prerequisites. Look for the section “English Language Requirements” where you may get the right IELTS score for your specific immigration program.
Common IELTS Score Requirements by Purpose
Now that you know how to find specific score requirements, let’s take a look at some common benchmarks based on your goals:
Studying Abroad:
Most universities across the world set a minimum IELTS score requirement of 6.0 overall, with at least 5.5 in each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking). However, top universities with high competition may demand a higher overall score of 6.5 with no band score below 6.0.
Here’s a table with some common score ranges for undergraduate and master’s degrees in popular destinations for Dubai residents:
| Country | Popular Study Destination | Common IELTS Score Range (Undergraduate) | Common IELTS Score Range (Master’s) |
| Canada | Toronto, Vancouver | Overall: 6.0 – 6.5 | Overall: 6.5 – 7.0 |
| United Kingdom | London, Manchester | Overall: 6.0 – 7.0 | Overall: 6.5 – 7.0 (may vary by program) |
| Australia | Sydney, Melbourne | Overall: 6.0 – 6.5 | Overall: 6.5 – 7.0 |
| United States | New York City, Los Angeles | Overall: 6.0 – 7.0 (may vary by university) | Overall: 6.5 – 7.0 (may vary by program & university) |
Work Visas:
It is not common for employers to mandate specific IELTS scores. However, for roles that involve international business and frequent client interactions, they may have English language proficiency requirements. As you’d expect, these requirements depend on the industry and the job position.
For example, an MNC hiring a multilingual marketing associate might demand a higher score (like 7.0 overall). A construction company needing a site supervisor might need only a lower score.
Immigration:
Some immigration programs use IELTS scores as part of a point-based system to find an applicant’s eligibility. Canada’s Express Entry program awards points for English language proficiency shown through IELTS. So, a higher score translates to more points, increasing your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Insider Tips to Achieve Your Target Score
Now that you know everything about IELTS score requirements, it’s time to work on achieving that score. Here are some tips:
Set a Realistic Target Score:
Instead of shooting for the stars right away, understand your current English skills. Take a practice test to find your baseline score and then set a realistic target score that you would need for your goals. Remember to take into account the amount of free time you have for the preparation process.
Practice Makes Perfect:
If you’re not used to consuming English content, start with popular English movies, and TV shows with subtitles. Slowly move to books and english newspapers and even English podcasts. Try to speak in English whenever you can. There are many online communities dedicated to helping people speak and write in English.
Master Test-Taking Strategies:
The IELTS test format has specific requirements and techniques that you can learn and master. The easiest way to do that is to join the CNA Training Institute‘s IELTS coaching in Dubai. Our IELTS training gives you advanced strategies for each section, be it Listening, Reading, Writing, or Speaking.
Utilize High-Quality Practice Materials:
Our IELTS training center in Dubai offers you a comprehensive library of practice materials, including mock tests, sample answers, and expert feedback. This helps you find your strengths and weaknesses, and continuously improve your performance.
Remember, even experts were once beginners. The sooner you start IELTS preparation in Dubai, the easier it will be for your final test.
