The USA is one of the best countries in the world for its diversified culture, beautiful geography, excellent colleges, and personal security. If you want to study in the USA, it won't come as a surprise. For any overseas student, however, satisfying the English language competency criteria for various study programmes in America can be a challenging endeavour. Most American colleges' fundamental entrance requirements for both undergraduate and graduate programmes are the language proficiency exams IELTS and TOEFL.
Varying educational institutions in the USA may have different score criteria for both tests. In order to study or migrate to an English-speaking country, non-native English speakers must pass the renowned International English Language Testing System aka. IELTS, or the Test Of English as a Foreign Language aka. TOEFL. The IELTS and TOEFL requirements for studying in the USA are explained in full below.
International English Language Testing System, or IELTS
IELTS evaluates your level of English comprehension and consists of four sections: speaking, reading, and writing. Your Listening, Reading, and Writing tests will all be given on the same day, without pauses, for a total of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
The IELTS exam has two categories:
You can find out if you have academic English language proficiency abroad by taking the IELTS Academic test. The IELTS General, on the other hand, measures your language proficiency in both social and professional contexts.
Test of English as a Foreign Language, or TOEFL
The English Language Tes score is significant in the admissions process for overseas education. "The Test of English as a Foreign Language" (TOEFL) is a widely accepted, standardised English language test used to evaluate the English language proficiency of international students in Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. More than 150 nations, including the United States, recognise the TOEFL exam score.
Universities in the United States have varying minimum IELTS and TOEFL requirements. Your IELTS and TOEFL scores must therefore satisfy the minimal standards given by the university at which you wish to enrol in a programme of study in the United States.
Let's see what the minimal IELTS and TOEFL scores are, to qualify for student visas at some of the top universities in the US:
| Undergraduate | Post Graduate |
| 6.0 on the Academic IELTS | 6.5 on the Academic IELTS |
| A minimum score of 525 on the paper-based TOEFL, 61 on the Internet-based TOEFL. | A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL. |
| Undergraduate | Post Graduate |
| 5.5 on the Academic IELTS | 6.5 on the Academic IELTS |
| A minimum score of 500 on the paper-based TOEFL, 61 on the Internet-based TOEFL. | A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 79 on the Internet-based TOEFL. |
The minimum scores required for all graduate programs are as follows:
The minimum scores required for all graduate programs are as follows:
The minimum scores required for all graduate programs are as follows:
The minimum scores required for all graduate programs are as follows:
Note: Some applicants may require higher test scores depending on educational background and program of entry.
The minimum scores required for all graduate programs are as follows:
| Undergraduate | Post Graduate |
| 6.0 on the Academic IELTS | 6.5 on the Academic IELTS |
| A minimum score of 525 on the paper-based TOEFL, 61 on the Internet-based TOEFL. | A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL. |
The minimum scores required for all graduate programs are as follows:
| Undergraduate | Post Graduate |
| 6.0 on the Academic IELTS | 6.5 on the Academic IELTS |
| A minimum score of 525 on the paper-based TOEFL, 61 on the Internet-based TOEFL. | A minimum score of 550 on the paper-based TOEFL, 80 on the Internet-based TOEFL. |
Please get in touch with us right away if you have any additional inquiries pertaining to the minimal IELTS and TOEFL criteria for US universities. One of our expert counsellors will be pleased to support you. AECC Vietnam.
TOEFL and IELTS are important not only for admissions to US universities but also for getting a US Student Visa. It is, therefore recommended that aspiring students take these language tests as it will help to get a student visa.
The IELTS score requirement for universities in the USA varies depending on the institution and program. However, generally, an overall band score of 6-7 is considered good and can be accepted by many universities.
In general, the majority of US universities and colleges require students to score a minimum of 6 band in every IELTS module. However, some institutes also accept applications from students scoring 5.5 by focusing on other factors of their profile.
Harvard University sets a minimum IELTS score requirement of 7.0 for applicants seeking admission in 2023.
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