Average IELTS Scores by Country for Study Abroad (2025) – Check Scores & Get Expert Advice!

Planning to study abroad but not sure what IELTS score you need? The IELTS test plays a key role in university admissions, work visas, and immigration across the globe. Understanding the average IELTS scores by country helps you compare global performance levels and set clear targets for your study-abroad journey. 

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is accepted by more than 11,000 institutions across 140+ countries, including top universities and immigration agencies. Country-wise IELTS averages reveal how test-takers perform globally and help you identify what score you need to stay competitive. 

Typically, English-speaking countries like the USA, the UK, and Australia have higher average IELTS scores compared to non-English-speaking nations such as India or China.  

Let’s explore the latest average IELTS scores, university cutoffs, and minimum country-wise requirements for 2025. 

What Is an IELTS Average Score? 

Before you set your target, it’s crucial to understand how IELTS scoring works. Each test section, Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, has equal weight, and your overall band is the average of these four. 

The IELTS test is scored on a 0–9 band scale, where Band 9 indicates an expert user and Band 1 represents a non-user. Country-wise IELTS averages are released by official organizations like the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge English.  

These scores differ based on factors like education systems, native languages, and reasons for taking the test (study, work, or migration). 

For example, candidates from countries with stronger English education systems tend to score higher in Reading and Listening. Conversely, Writing and Speaking averages often vary depending on English fluency and cultural familiarity with academic English. 

Also Read: IELTS Exam 2025: Dates, Full Form, Pattern & Eligibility 

Country-Wise IELTS Average Scores 

Understanding country-wise IELTS averages helps you evaluate where you stand globally. Countries with English as a primary or official language tend to have higher band scores, while developing nations show gradual improvement each year. 

Country	Overall Average Band	Section-Wise Average   (Reading / Listening / Writing / Speaking)
Germany	7.5–7.7	7.7 / 7.9 / 7.2 / 7.4
France	7.0–7.1	7.1 / 7.0 / 6.8 / 7.0
Canada	6.5–6.9	6.9 / 7.2 / 6.5 / 6.7
China	6.2	6.2 / 6.0 / 5.8 / 6.0
Australia	6.5–7.0	6.7 / 6.8 / 6.5 / 6.6
United Kingdom (UK)	6.5–7.0	6.8 / 7.0 / 6.7 / 6.9
United States (USA)	6.5–7.0	6.7 / 6.8 / 6.5 / 6.7

English-speaking countries consistently maintain higher IELTS averages due to their linguistic environment, but global non-native averages are steadily improving. 

Also Read: IELTS Exam Dates 2025: Month-Wise Schedule & Results 

IELTS Score for USA 

Before applying to U.S. universities, it’s vital to know that IELTS cutoffs vary by institution and program level. Prestigious universities often expect higher scores, especially for graduate courses. 

University	QS Ranking 2025	Minimum IELTS Score
MIT	1	7.0+
Harvard University	4	6.5+
Stanford University	6	7.0+
Caltech	10	7.0+
University of Pennsylvania	11	6.5+
UC Berkeley	12	7.0+
Cornell University	16	7.5+
Princeton University	22	8.0+

Most U.S. universities accept IELTS scores between 6.5 and 7.5, but top-tier institutes like Princeton prefer Band 8 or higher for competitive programs. 

IELTS Score for Canada 

Canadian universities and immigration programs use IELTS as a core English proficiency metric. Requirements vary based on study level and visa type. 

University	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
University of Toronto	6.5	7.0
University of British Columbia	6.5	6.5
McGill University	6.5	6.5
University of Waterloo	6.5	7.0
York University	6.5	7.5

Canadian universities typically require Band 6.5 for undergraduate and 7.0 for postgraduate courses. Immigration pathways need at least 6.0 in each band. 

IELTS Score for UK 

In the UK, IELTS requirements vary by course type. Top universities like Oxford and Cambridge have stricter cutoffs for humanities and research programs. 

University	IELTS Requirement
Oxford University	7.5 overall (min 7.0 each)
Cambridge University	7.0 overall
Imperial College London	7.0 (min 6.5 each)
UCL	6.5 overall
University of Edinburgh	6.5 overall

A Band 7.0 overall with no section below 6.5 is ideal for most top UK universities and ensures smooth visa processing. 

IELTS Score for Germany 

Germany offers several English-taught programs, and most universities expect moderate to high IELTS proficiency. 

University	IELTS Score
Technical University of Munich	6.5
LMU Munich	6.5
RWTH Aachen University	7.0
Freie Universität Berlin	6.5

A Band 6.5–7.0 can secure admission to most English-medium German universities, especially for STEM or business courses. 

IELTS Score for Australia 

Australia maintains consistent IELTS standards for both study and immigration. Universities usually set their own requirements for different courses. 

University	Undergraduate	Postgraduate
Australian National University	6.5	7.0
University of Melbourne	6.5	7.0
University of Sydney	6.5	7.0
Monash University	6.5	6.5

Australian universities generally accept Band 6.5 or above, while visa applications through the Department of Home Affairs require at least Band 6 in each module. 

Minimum IELTS Score Requirements by Country 

Here’s a consolidated view of minimum IELTS requirements for top study-abroad destinations across universities and immigration categories. 

Country	University Range	Immigration Range
Canada	6.0–7.5	Min 6.0 each band
UK	6.5–7.5	7.0 overall
Australia	6.0–7.0	5.0–7.0 (visa-based)
New Zealand	6.0–7.0	6.0–7.0
USA	6.0–7.5	N/A
Germany/France	6.0–7.0	N/A

While university cutoffs differ, maintaining an overall Band 7.0 improves your chances for both admission and visa approval globally. 

IELTS Score Insights: Global Trends in 2025 

IELTS trends in 2025 show steady improvement across non-native English-speaking countries like India, Vietnam, and the Philippines. This is largely due to better access to digital test-prep tools and increased exposure to global English media. 

Meanwhile, English-speaking nations such as the UK, USA, and Australia maintain averages above Band 7, reflecting strong linguistic foundations and educational systems. 

The global average IELTS score continues to rise, proving that test preparation resources and international study ambitions are expanding faster than ever. 

Also Read: IELTS Exam Fees 2025: Complete Fee Structure and Payment Guide 

Conclusion 

Understanding the average IELTS scores by country helps you benchmark your performance and aim for the right target band. While universities across the world have varying requirements, a score of 7.0 or above is generally considered excellent for admission and scholarship opportunities. 

Whether you plan to study in the USA, UK, Canada, or Australia, start preparing early, practice all four sections regularly, and stay consistent with mock tests. With the right guidance and preparation, achieving your dream IELTS score is absolutely possible. 

Have doubts? Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts today!