As an international student, if you are planning to study, work, or move abroad in 2025, it is important to know how your IELTS score connects to CEFR levels. The CEFR full form is the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
CEFR has six levels: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, each level aligning with IELTS band score of 1-9. Many universities, employers, and immigration systems around the world use IELTS CEFR levels to set English requirements.
This article explains the CEFR levels in IELTS, why CEFR is required, IELTS equivalence to CEFR, what level you need for study, jobs, or immigration, and more.
What is CEFR?
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is an internationally recognized standard for assessing language proficiency. It provides a clear and structured way to evaluate a person’s ability to communicate in a foreign language, covering skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Many countries use CEFR levels to set goals for students in schools and universities.
The CEFR framework is divided into six levels:
A1 – Beginner
A2 – Elementary
B1 – Intermediate
B2 – Upper-intermediate
C1 – Advanced
C2 – Proficient
These levels help people understand how good they are at a language. Schools, language tests (like IELTS), and companies use CEFR levels to check if someone’s English is good enough for study, work, or immigration. Candidates who are preparing for IELTS in 2025, understanding how the IELTS band score matches with the CEFR levels is very crucial.
IELTS Band Score vs CEFR Levels Table
If you are preparing for the IELTS exam, it is good to know how your IELTS band score matches with the CEFR levels. This helps you understand your English skill level clearly.
Here is a simple chart to compare IELTS scores with CEFR levels for 2025 IELTS:
CEFR level
IELTS band score
Level of proficiency
C2
8.5 - 9.0
Proficient user
C1
7.0 - 8.0
Advanced
B2
5.5 - 6.5
Upper intermediate
B1
4.0 - 5.0
Intermediate
A2
3.0 - 3.5
Elementary
A1
2.0 - 2.5
Beginner
CEFR Level Descriptions with IELTS Equivalent
CEFR levels correspond to IELTS scores, helping test-takers assess their English proficiency. These levels range from basic (A1, A2) to independent (B1, B2) and proficient (C1, C2) users, each with distinct communication abilities suitable for different academic and professional purposes.
A1 & A2 – Basic Users
A1 and A2 levels represent basic English skills. Learners at this stage can engage in simple conversations but struggle with complex grammar and vocabulary. These levels are not sufficient for higher education or professional purposes.
A1 (IELTS 1.0 - 2.5): Can understand and use familiar expressions but struggles with independent conversations.
A2 (IELTS 3.0 - 3.5): Can handle simple communication in everyday situations but lacks fluency.
These levels are mainly suitable for beginner language learners and do not meet most academic or job requirements.
B1 & B2 – Independent Users
B1 and B2 levels indicate moderate English proficiency. Learners at this stage can interact in academic and professional settings but may still have limitations in vocabulary and grammar.
B1 (IELTS 4.0 - 5.0): Can handle casual conversations and basic work-related discussions.
B2 (IELTS 5.5 - 6.5): Can participate in academic and professional conversations with confidence.
Most universities require B2 as a minimum level for admission, and many job positions demand at least a B1 level for workplace communication.
C1 and C2 levels indicate high proficiency in English. Candidates at these levels can communicate fluently and understand complex texts.
C1 (IELTS 7.0 - 8.0): Suitable for academic and professional settings, including university coursework and business environments.
C2 (IELTS 8.5 - 9.0): Equivalent to near-native fluency, ideal for research, teaching, and expert communication.
Most top universities and multinational corporations prefer C1 or C2-level English speakers.
Why CEFR is Important for IELTS Test Takers
For test-takers, who are midway through their IELTS test preparation, understanding the CEFR and its importance for study, work, and migration to abroad is very important. It provides a detailed understanding of your English language skills based on international standards.
Many universities, companies, and visa offices around the world use CEFR levels to check if the English language skills of test-takers are good enough for studying, working, or moving to another country.
Moreover, CEFR gives a clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses in English. The CEFR level gives you a bigger picture of your skill. It’s helpful for goal setting, choosing the right study plan, and even when applying to foreign universities.
So, if you want to understand your progress better and apply confidently, you should know how your IELTS score matches with CEFR.
Additionally, check out the IELTS Band Score Chart (PDF) for a detailed breakdown of Reading, Writing, Speaking, & Listening scores.
Why compare CEFR levels with IELTS?
Comparison between CEFR levels with IELTS band scores is useful for study, work, and immigration to popular countries abroad. Here’s why this comparison is important:
Global Use: Both IELTS and CEFR are accepted around the world for studies or jobs. Comparing them helps you understand how your IELTS score fits into international language levels.
Education Admissions: Many universities and colleges use CEFR levels or IELTS bands to set English requirements for students.
Job Opportunities: Some companies, especially global ones, ask for a certain CEFR level or IELTS score in their job ads. If you understand both, you can explain your English level in the way that the company understands best.
Immigration and Visa: Many countries ask for proof of English via CEFR levels when applying for a visa or citizenship.
Clear Communication: This comparison helps students, workers, and officers to talk clearly about English skills using one system or the other.
Which CEFR Level Is Required for IELTS?
The required proficiency of CREF levels can vary for studying abroad, applying for a job, or getting a visa.
Undergraduate courses (Bachelor’s): Most universities ask for CEFR level B2 for various undergraduate courses, which is equivalent to IELTS score between 5.5 to 6.5.
Postgraduate courses (Master’s or higher): Usually, students are expected to reach C1 level, so the IELTS band should be 6.5 to 7.5. Academic programs that are more competitive may ask for higher scores.
Jobs in English-speaking countries: Many employers mention B2 CEFR level or more in their job description. An IELTS band of 6.0 or higher is commonly accepted.
UK Skilled Worker Visa: For UK visa routes like Skilled Worker or Healthcare visa, the requirement is usually B1 or B2 level, which equals an IELTS score between 4.0 to 5.5, depending on the job.
Canada Express Entry: The Canadian system often expects B2 or C1 level for language eligibility. You may need an IELTS score of 6.0 to 8.0, depending on the visa type or program.
Australia PR (Permanent Residency): Australian immigration usually requires at least B2 CEFR level.
CEFR Levels in IELTS for Study, Work, and Immigration
CEFR levels and IELTS band scores are used in many countries to check English language skills for studying, working, or moving abroad.
For Study: Most universities and colleges need students to have a certain CEFR level to join an English-taught course.
B2 level (IELTS 5.5 to 6.5): Undergraduate programs.
Master’s degrees: C1 level (IELTS 6.5 to 7.5) or higher.
For Work: When applying for jobs in English-speaking countries, many companies ask for at least B2 level, which is 6.0 or above IELTS band score. Some jobs in healthcare, law, or teaching may need C1 or even C2 level.
For Immigration: Countries like the UK, Canada, Australia, and others need proof of English for visas and PR (Permanent Residency).
UK visas often need B1 or B2 level (IELTS 4.0 to 5.5).
Canada asks for B2 or C1 depending on the immigration stream (IELTS 6.0 to 8.0).
Australia PR usually requires B2 level, so IELTS 6.0 or more is needed.
How to Improve Your IELTS Score to Reach a Higher CEFR Level?
If you want to move to a higher CEFR level like B2, C1, or C2, you need to increase your IELTS band score. This needs regular practice, smart study, and using the right tips. Here are some simple ways to help you:
Understanding Your Current Level
Assessing your current CEFR level helps you create a focused study plan. Self-assessment tools and IELTS practice tests can help determine your strengths and weaknesses.
You can identify your current CEFR level by taking mock IELTS tests and analyzing your reading, writing, listening, and speaking performance.
Strategies to Improve from A2 to B1/B2
To move from A2 to B1 or B2, candidates need to strengthen their vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills through structured learning.
Read English newspapers and books to expand vocabulary.
Practice speaking with native speakers or use language learning apps.
Take structured IELTS preparation courses for targeted improvement.
Strategies to Improve from B2 to C1/C2
Achieving C1 or C2 requires advanced English proficiency. Learners should focus on improving academic writing, comprehension, and fluency in professional communication.
Engage with complex reading materials, such as research papers.
Practice structured essay writing to improve academic English.
Listen to podcasts and debates to refine fluency and pronunciation.
The CEFR levels in IELTS help you compare your English proficiency on a global standard. The Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) uses six levels, A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2, ranging from beginner to expert. IELTS bands (0–9) are mapped to these levels so universities, employers, and immigration offices can set clear language requirements.
For competitive programs or immigration, always check the exact CEFR or IELTS band required. If you need help with IELTS preparation or understanding CEFR levels for your goals, connect with upGrad experts.
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CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. It is a global standard that helps define how well someone can use a foreign language. IELTS scores are matched with CEFR levels to show your English proficiency clearly.
How many CEFR levels are there?
There are six CEFR levels – A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. A1 is beginner level, and C2 is near-native fluency.
What is a good CEFR level for studying abroad?
Most universities abroad require students to have B2 or C1 CEFR level, which is an IELTS score of 6.5 or above.
What IELTS score is equal to B1?
A B1 CEFR level equals an IELTS band score of 4.0 to 5.0.
What CEFR level is an IELTS score of 6.5?
An IELTS score of 6.5 matches with CEFR B2 level, which is often the minimum for academic programs.
What CEFR level is IELTS 7.5?
IELTS 7.5 is equal to CEFR level C1, which means advanced English proficiency.
Is CEFR used by all countries?
Yes, many countries and institutions use CEFR levels to check English skills for admissions, jobs, and immigration.
Is CEFR useful for work visa applications?
Yes, many countries like the UK and Canada use CEFR levels to decide English language eligibility for work visas.
Can I improve from B1 to B2 in IELTS?
Yes, with regular practice in grammar, vocabulary, and IELTS mock tests, you can improve your level.
What CEFR level is best for immigration?
Most immigration programs accept B1 or B2 CEFR level, but C1 may be required for skilled roles or PR.
What IELTS score is equal to C2?
C2 is the highest CEFR level, and it equals an IELTS score of 8.5 to 9.0, showing expert-level English.
Is A2 level good for study abroad?
No, A2 CEFR level (IELTS 3.0–3.5) is very basic and not accepted by universities for academic programs.
Do all universities use CEFR levels?
Most international universities use IELTS band scores, but they also refer to CEFR levels for clarity.
How do I find my CEFR level through IELTS?
You can check the IELTS to CEFR conversion chart, or refer to your IELTS Test Report Form (TRF) to understand your level.
Can CEFR levels help in job interviews?
Yes, many companies ask for CEFR-based English certificates to judge your speaking and writing abilities, especially in global roles.
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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