The United States is a well-known study-abroad destination among Indian and international students. Many US universities and colleges accept international students for different courses. But, for international students planning to study in the USA, one of the first things you will need is a good IELTS score. The IELTS test checks how well you can understand and use English in real-life situations like classes, exams, and daily life. Almost all top universities in the USA accept IELTS exam as proof of English language skills. But the minimum IELTS score needed depends on the course and university.
For example, if you are applying for a bachelor’s degree, many colleges ask for at least a 6.0 or 6.5 band. For master’s (MS) or MBA programs, the requirement is usually higher, between 6.5 to 7.5. Some universities also check if your score is good in each section: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about the IELTS score for the USA, visa requirements, and tips to score higher. Explore variousMasters programs in USA for international students and Master of Professional Studies in Applied Machine Intelligence at Northeastern University. You can also research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Oxford University to get detailed admission and fee information.
What is the Minimum IELTS Score for USA?
If you are planning to study in the USA, you need a good IELTS score to show your English language skills. Most US universities accept IELTS and set a minimum band requirement for admission. But the score depends on what course you’re applying for: bachelor’s, master’s, or MBA.
In general, the minimum IELTS score for USA is:
For bachelor’s courses: usually 6.0 or 6.5 overall
For master’s or MS: mostly 6.5 to 7.0 band
For MBA programs: higher scores like 7.0 to 7.5 may be needed
Also, some universities check individual section scores too. For example, even if your overall score is 6.5, you might get rejected if one section (like writing or speaking) is below 6.0. So, always check both overall and section-wise IELTS requirements on the university website.
IELTS Score Requirements for Top Universities in USA
If you want to study in the USA, one of the most important things is your IELTS score. Top universities in the USA ask for a minimum IELTS band score to check your English skills. This score helps them know if you can understand lectures, write essays, and speak well in class.
Both are trusted by students and universities. Let’s look at the minimum IELTS requirements based on QS World University Rankings in 2025.
Why IELTS Score is Important for USA Universities?
Your IELTS band score shows how well you can use English in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Most top American universities need a score of 6.5 to 8.0. Some schools also need a minimum score in each section, like no less than 6.0 in writing or speaking.
List of USA Universities Accepting 5.5 IELTS Score for Admission
Getting into a top university in the USA is a dream for many students, but it is not always easy. Along with good marks in school or college, students also need to show strong English language skills.
While many US universities need a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 or 7.0, not every student can reach that level. If you are someone who has an IELTS score of 5.5 or 6.0, don’t worry, there are still some good US universities that accept low IELTS scores.
If you are planning to study for a master’s degree in the USA, you will also need a good IELTS score. Most US universities look for a minimum band score to make sure you can do well in your coursework.
Here are the minimum IELTS requirements for postgraduate programs at top-ranked MS universities in US according to THE Rankings 2025:
IELTS Requirement for Popular Courses in USA for Indian Students
If you are planning to study in the USA, your IELTS band score is an important part of the admission process. Different courses and universities ask for different IELTS requirements, depending on how competitive the program is. For Indian students, popular programs like engineering, MS (Master’s), and MBA usually require a minimum IELTS score between 6.0 to 7.5.
Below is a simple breakdown of the IELTS band scores needed for top universities in the USA, based on course type.
IELTS Score for Best Engineering Universities in USA
To get into top engineering colleges in the USA, most universities ask for a minimum IELTS band score of 6.5 or 7.0, but highly ranked ones may want even more.
For MS (Master of Science) programs in USA, the IELTS requirement depends on the subject and university. Courses like computer science, data analytics, biotechnology, and environmental science usually ask for 6.5 or above, but some may need up to 7.5.
If you want to study in the USA, you need a USA student visa. Most students apply for the F1 visa, which is for full-time study. To get this visa, you must show that you can understand and speak English well.
The minimum IELTS band for a USA student visa (F1) is usually 6.0 overall. But if you are going to a top university, it is better to have a score of 6.5 or 7.0 or more. Some schools may ask for a minimum score in each section (reading, writing, listening, speaking).
IELTS Score for USA Work Visa and PR
In the USA, some job roles like nursing, teaching, or healthcare, IELTS is required by licensing bodies or employers.
The USA has no fixed IELTS requirement for a permanent residency or a green card. But if you are applying through employment, or for jobs where English is important, IELTS is required, depending on the employer.
IELTS vs TOEFL for USA – Which is Better?
The USA accepts both IELTS and TOEFL for higher education for international students. Most top-ranked US universities accept both tests to check the English skills of aspirants. However, which test is better for you depends on multiple factors. Here’s a brief comparison between the IELTS and TOEFL tests, which will help you understand both the exams better.
Feature
IELTS
TOEFL
Test Format
Paper-based or Computer-based
Mostly Computer-based
English Style
Uses British English
Uses American English
Speaking Test
Done face-to-face with a real person
Done on computer with recorded answers
Speaking Time
Shorter speaking section (around 11–14 minutes)
Slightly longer (about 17 minutes)
Which Test is More Accepted in the US?
TOEFL is accepted by almost all universities in the USA, as it is more common there. But now, IELTS is also accepted by over 3,400+ US institutions, including top ones like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT.
However, many students prefer IELTS over TOEFL due to its face-to-face speaking test in front of an IELTS examiner, simple and clear question types, and global popularity.
The minimum IELTS score for USA in 2025 depends on your university and course. Most US universities ask for at least 6.0 overall for undergraduate and 6.5 for postgraduate courses.
Top universities like MIT, Harvard, Stanford, Yale, and Columbia want 7.0 or higher, and some programs need even more.
Always check the exact IELTS requirement for your chosen university and course, as some also ask for minimum scores in each section (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking).
If you need help with IELTS preparation, university selection, or the visa process, talk to upGrad experts. They will guide your study abroad journey to the USA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the minimum IELTS score to study in USA?
Most USA universities require minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or 6.5. For MBA or master’s, many ask for 6.5 to 7.5 band score.
Can I get admission in USA with 5.5 IELTS score?
Yes, some USA universities accept 5.5 band, like California State University and University of Mississippi.
Is 7.0 IELTS score good for USA universities?
Yes, 7.0 band is very good. Top universities like MIT, Stanford, Harvard accept this score.
Do I need IELTS score for USA student visa (F1)?
Yes. For F1 student visa, you must show English skills. Mostly 6.0 or more is needed, but 6.5 or 7.0 is safer.
Is IELTS needed for USA PR or work visa?
Not always. For USA PR, IELTS is not required. But for some jobs like nurse or teacher, it may be needed by employer.
Which is better for USA – IELTS or TOEFL?
Both IELTS and TOEFL are accepted. Many students choose IELTS because it has real speaking test and is a bit easier.
What IELTS band is required for MIT and Harvard?
Both Harvard and MIT want minimum 7.0 IELTS score for UG and PG courses.
What is the IELTS score needed for MBA in USA?
For an MBA in the USA, most colleges require 7.0 or more. Top schools like Columbia, Harvard may want a 7.5 band.
Can I apply if I have low IELTS score?
Yes. Some colleges give conditional admission. You may need to take extra English classes along with your course.
Can I apply for MS in USA with 6.0 in IELTS?
Yes, some universities accept a 6.0 band for MS in USA, but top courses need a 6.5 to 7.5.
Do I need same IELTS score in all 4 sections?
Many colleges want at least 6.0 in all 4 parts – Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening.
What IELTS band is needed for bachelor’s degree in USA?
For a bachelor’s in the USA, most colleges ask for a 6.0 or 6.5 band.
What to do if I don’t meet the IELTS score?
You can try community colleges, take foundation programs, or retake the IELTS again after practice.
Is only IELTS enough for USA admission?
No. You also need good grades, SOP, LOR, resume, and other documents. But IELTS is very important.
How long is IELTS score valid for USA?
The IELTS score is valid for 2 years. Make sure it’s not expired when you apply.
Sunita Kadian, co-founder and Academic Head at Yuno Learning is an expert in IELTS and English communication. With a background in competitive exam preparation (IELTS, GMAT, CAT, TOEFL), interview pre...
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