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Minimum IELTS score to study in UK universities in 2023

With a range of reputable educational institutions, the UK has cemented its reputation as a top choice of study destination 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 choose to study in the UK.

If you’re planning to follow suit, you should know that UK universities require international students to prove their proficiency in the English language through International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test scores.

Hence, you’ll have to take the IELTS test and also attain the minimum band score necessary.

Minimum scores for UK universities

To successfully study in the UK, you’ll be required to obtain a tier 4 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 2023

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 Oxford	7.0	7.5
2	University of Cambridge	7.0	7.0
3	London School of Economics & Political Science	7.0	7.0
4	University of St Andrews	6.5	7.0
5	Imperial College London	7.0	7.0
6	Durham University	6.5	6.5
7	Loughborough University	6.5	6.5
8	University of Bath	7.0	6.5
9	UCL (University College London)	6.5	6.5
10	University of Warwick	6.5	7.0
11	Lancaster University	7.0	6.5
12	University of Edinburgh	6.5	7.0
13	University of Southampton	6.5	6.5
14	University of Birmingham	6.5	6.0
15	University of Bristol	6.0	6.0
16	University of Leeds	6.0	6.5
17	University of Manchester	5.5	7.0
18	University of Surrey	7.0	To be confirmed
19	University of Exeter	6.5	7.0
20	University of York	6.5	7.0

Times Higher Education world university rankings in 2023

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

Rank	University	Global rank	IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes)	IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programmes)
1	University of Oxford	1	7.0	7.5
2	University of Cambridge	3	7.0	7.0
3	Imperial College London	10	7.0	7.0
4	UCL (University College London)	22	6.5	6.5
5	University of Edinburgh	29	6.5	7.0
6	Kings College London	35	7.5	7.0
7	London School of Economics & Political Science	37	7.0	7.0
8	University of Manchester	54	5.5	7.0
9	University of Bristol	76	6.0	6.0
10	University of Glasgow	82	7.0	7.0
11	University of Warwick	104	6.5	7.0
12	University of Birmingham	108	6.5	6.0
13	University of Southampton	108	6.5	6.5
14	University of Sheffield	114	6.0	6.5
15	Lancaster University	122	7.0	6.5
16	Queen Mary University of London	124	6.5	6.5
17	University of Leeds	128	6.0	6.5
18	University of Nottingham	130	5.5	6.5
19	University of Exeter	137	6.5	7.0
20	Newcastle University	139	6.5	6.5

QS World University rankings in 2023

The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world rankings is also another global premier ranking system which rates universities by institution and subject through academic, student, employer and international 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	4	7.0	7.5
3	Imperial College London	6	7.0	7.0
4	UCL (University College London)	8	6.5	6.5
5	University of Edinburgh	15	6.5	7.0
6	University of Manchester	28	5.5	7.0
7	Kings College London	37	7.5	7.0
8	London School of Economics & Political Science	56	7.0	7.0
9	University of Bristol	61	6.0	6.0
10	University of Warwick	64	6.5	7.0
11	University of Southampton	78	6.5	6.5
12	University of Glasgow	81	7.0	7.0
13	University of Leeds	86	6.0	6.5
14	University of Birmingham	91	6.5	6.0
15	Durham University	92	6.5	6.5
16	University of Sheffield	96	6.0	6.5
17	University of St Andrews	96	6.5	7.0
18	University of Nottingham	114	5.5	6.5
19	Newcastle University	122	6.5	6.5
20	Queen Mary University of London	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?

At IDP, we have the experience and expertise to help you out.

From offering 7 convenient IELTS test locations to providing support and resources to help you prepare for the test, here’s why you should take your IELTS test with us!

Get started by booking your IELTS test today!

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