"What IELTS score do I need?" has a more precise answer than most guides admit — because we can read it off the real requirements universities publish. Here's what the data actually shows.
The realistic target
Across the verified programmes in our catalogue, taught master's English requirements cluster tightly: IELTS most commonly sits around 6.5–7.0 overall, with a floor near 6.0 and the most selective programmes asking 7.0–7.5. You can see the live distribution — range, median and example programmes — on our IELTS page, and the same for TOEFL, PTE and others.
Overall score isn't the whole requirement
Two traps catch well‑prepared candidates:
- Per‑section minimums. Many universities require, say, 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0. A strong reading score can't rescue a weak writing band.
- Programme‑specific bars. A university's headline requirement is the floor; individual programmes — especially in law, public health and journalism — often ask for more. Our university pages show both the school‑wide requirement and each programme's own verified score.
Scholarships raise the bar
Funding schemes frequently demand a higher score than the university itself. If you're applying for a scholarship, target the scheme's requirement, not the course minimum.
Aim one band above the minimum
Because of section minimums and scholarship bars, the safe strategy is to target half a band above your lowest acceptable score. It widens your options and protects you from a single weak section.
Know your target, then close the gap. Practise with real‑exam material and band‑calibrated feedback at IELTS Actual Tests and IELTS Writing Prep, and check your programmes' exact requirements on the tests pages.