What IELTS Score Do I Need? A Guide to Scores for University, Grad School & Immigration [2026 Edition]

"If I'm studying abroad, I should just aim for an IELTS 7.0, right?"

This is something we often hear in counseling sessions, but it's actually a dangerous misconception. The target IELTS score you need can vary dramatically depending on the country, the university's level, and whether your goal is immigration or higher education.

Setting the wrong goal can lead to the unfortunate situation of finding out right before the application deadline that you can't apply because, while your Overall score is high enough, your Writing score is 0.5 points too low.

In this article, based on the latest data for 2026, we've compiled a list of target scores by goal: [Studying Abroad, Immigration, and University Entrance in Japan]. Let's start by identifying your goal and understanding the specific numbers you need to achieve.

1. [Important] Understand the Difference Between "Overall" and "Each Band" Scores

Before looking at the score guidelines, there's a golden rule every IELTS test-taker must know. For most universities and visa requirements, you must meet not only the Overall score but also the minimum score for each skill (Each Band Score).

A Common Reason for Rejection

• University Requirement: Overall 6.5 (Each Band 6.0 or higher)
• Your Score:
  • Reading: 7.5
  • Listening: 7.0
  • Speaking: 6.0
  • Writing: 5.5
  • Overall: 6.5

In this case, even though the Overall score of 6.5 is met, the application would be rejected (ineligible to apply) because the Writing score is below 6.0.

Don't be satisfied with just the average score; you must prepare with the minimum requirement for every section in mind.

2. [Study Abroad] Required Score Guidelines for University and Graduate School

Let's look at the typical score requirements for different levels, from world-class universities to standard state universities and university foundation courses.

University & Graduate School Score Guide (2024-2025)

Key Points

• The Top-Tier Hurdle: To aim for universities like Oxford, Cambridge, or the Ivy League, you'll need an exceptionally high English proficiency of 7.5 (with 7.0 in each band). This is equivalent to near-native fluency.
• The General Standard: For many universities worldwide (both undergraduate and postgraduate), an "Overall 6.5 (with 6.0 in each band)" is the standard benchmark. It's safe to set this as your initial goal.
• Differences by Major: Even within the same university, majors like Law, Medicine, Literature, and Education often require a score that is 0.5 to 1.0 point higher (7.0-7.5) than STEM fields.

3. [Immigration & Employment] Required Score Guidelines for Visas (General Training)

If you are aiming for immigration or permanent residency, you will most likely need a score from the General Training module, not the Academic module.

Canada (Permanent Residency / Express Entry)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) system.

• Minimum Requirement: CLB 7 (IELTS General 6.0 in each band)
• Points Booster: CLB 9 (Listening 8.0 / Reading 7.0 / Writing 7.0 / Speaking 7.0)

  To successfully gain permanent residency through Express Entry, it's standard practice to aim for a high score of CLB 9 or above to maximize your points.

Australia (Skilled Independent Visa, etc.)

Points for your visa application are awarded based on your IELTS score.

• Competent (0 points): 6.0 in each band (minimum requirement to apply)
• Proficient (+10 points): 7.0 in each band
• Superior (+20 points): 8.0 in each band

  Since you won't receive points if even one section falls below the threshold, achieving a balanced score across all four skills is crucial.

United Kingdom (Skilled Worker Visa)

• Current: CEFR Level B1 (approximately IELTS 4.0–5.0)
• Note: The requirement for new applications may be raised to Level B2 (around 5.5 in each band) from 2026 onwards. Always check the latest information from UK Visas and Immigration.

4. [In Japan] Using IELTS for University Admissions and Employment

Do you think IELTS is only useful if you're going abroad? In fact, it can be a powerful asset for university admissions and job hunting within Japan.

University Admissions (Comprehensive and General Entrance Exams)

Many Japanese universities use IELTS scores for application eligibility, exemption from English exams, or to award bonus points.

• Waseda University: In departments like the School of International Liberal Studies, a score of IELTS 6.5 or higher may exempt you from the written English exam. For the School of Social Sciences' self-recommendation admission, you can apply with a score from 4.0.
• Sophia University: An IELTS score of 5.5 or higher can add points to your Common Test English score, while a score of 6.5 or higher may be converted to a perfect score.
• Rikkyo University & MARCH universities: An increasing number of universities, including Rikkyo and other MARCH-level schools, will convert a score of around 5.5–6.0 to a perfect score on their English exam or accept it as an application requirement.

Employment and Civil Service Exams

• National Public Service (Career-track): An IELTS score of 5.5 or higher adds 15 points to your final exam score, and a score of 6.5 or higher adds 25 points.
• Teacher Employment Examinations: In prefectures like Tokyo and Osaka, holding an IELTS score of 7.0 (equivalent to Eiken Grade 1) can grant you an exemption from the first-stage English subject test or the practical skills test.

5. Understanding IELTS Score Levels (Comparison with TOEIC & Eiken)

For those wondering, "How difficult is an IELTS 6.0, really?", we've created a comparison chart with other common English tests like Eiken and TOEIC (based on the MEXT CEFR comparison table).

Note: As TOEIC only tests listening and reading, a direct comparison with the four-skill IELTS test is difficult. Please use this as a general guideline.

Conclusion: First, Check the Official Website for Your Target Institution's Requirements

Your target IELTS score is determined by your personal goals.

Instead of vaguely aiming for a '7.0,' start by checking the official website (Admission Requirements) of your desired university or visa program to find the exact 'Overall' and 'Each Band' scores you need.

If you're struggling with a situation like, 'My Overall score is almost there, but I just can't get my Writing score to meet the requirement,' you may have reached the limits of self-study. With a strategic approach to strengthen your weaknesses, you can definitely overcome that 0.5-point barrier.

For IELTS Preparation, Choose 'ELT'

At ELT, we propose the most efficient study plan tailored to your target school and goals. If you're struggling to break the 'Writing 6.0 barrier' or your Speaking score has plateaued, please contact us for a free counseling session.

Book a Free Counseling Session with ELT