"The application deadline for studying abroad is in three months. Can I reach IELTS 6.5 in time?" "How much study time do I actually need to get from my current English level to my target score?"
This is a common concern for anyone starting their IELTS preparation. Before jumping into studying without a plan, understanding the distance to your goal—the time required—is the first step toward success.
This article explains the general study timeframes based on official data and provides strategic approaches to efficiently shorten that period, even with a busy schedule.
1. The Benchmark: Around 200 Hours to Improve Your Score by 0.5
First, let's look at the global standard. According to benchmarks like the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), used by organizations such as Cambridge Assessment English, it takes approximately 200 hours of guided learning to move up one level (equivalent to about a 0.5 to 1.0 band increase in IELTS).
This means that for self-study, it's common to estimate between 200 to 300 hours to raise your score by 0.5 bands.
Estimated Timeframe Based on 3 Hours of Study Per Day
A simple calculation looks like this:
- 200 hours ÷ 3 hours/day ≈ 2.5 months
- 300 hours ÷ 3 hours/day ≈ 3.5 months
You might be thinking, "Does it really take that long just to improve by 0.5?" However, this is just an average estimate. By improving the "quality of your learning" with the right strategy, you can shorten this period. Conversely, if you continue with inefficient study methods, it's not uncommon for your score to remain unchanged even after six months.
2. Difficulty and Timeframes by Target Score
Let's look at a realistic roadmap for each target score, assuming a learner is starting with an Overall (OA) score of 5.5.
Case 1: Aiming for OA 6.0 (Foundation Building Stage)
- Target: University exchange programs, etc.
- Estimated Timeframe: 2–3 months (100–200 hours)
- Strategy: At this stage, the most important thing is to "fill in foundational gaps." Before focusing on IELTS-specific techniques, if there are gaps in high-school level vocabulary and grammar, your score won't improve no matter how many practice tests you take. The fastest route is to thoroughly review basic vocabulary and grammar in the first month and then work on official practice tests for the remaining time.
Case 2: Aiming for OA 6.5 (The Standard for Many Universities)
- Target: Admission to most international universities and graduate schools.
- Estimated Timeframe: 4–5 months (300–400 hours)
- Strategy: Many test-takers hit a "wall at 6.0." To break through it, you must overcome your weaker sections (especially Speaking and Writing). A common strategy for many non-native English speakers is to maximize scores in Reading (R) and Listening (L), while aiming for a solid 5.5–6.0 in Speaking (S) and Writing (W) to achieve a total of 6.5.
Case 3: Aiming for OA 7.0 or Higher (Top Universities & Graduate Schools)
- Target: MBA programs, competitive graduate schools, skilled migration.
- Estimated Timeframe: 6 months to 1+ year (500+ hours)
- Strategy: The 0.5 band jump from 6.5 to 7.0 is on a different level than previous increases. It's not just about test techniques; your genuine "English proficiency" is tested. This requires a long-term commitment to increase your overall exposure to English through activities like listening to English news and reading academic texts, not just test preparation.
3. Three Variables for "Shortening" Your Study Time
If you're thinking, "I can't spend that much time!" then your only option is to change the "quality (density)" of your learning. People who successfully shorten their study period have these three things in common:
① Focus Intensely on the "Easiest to Improve" Skills
Stop studying all four skills equally. The skills that tend to improve most quickly are Reading and Listening. You can see rapid results in these areas through self-study and mastering specific techniques. A valid strategy for a short-term push is to maximize your scores here while aiming to "avoid major mistakes" (i.e., secure a 5.5–6.0) in Speaking and Writing.
② Eliminate Uncertainty with Professional Feedback
The most time-consuming part of self-study is improving Writing and Speaking. It's difficult to analyze what's wrong with your own essays, leading to wasted time. By getting professional correction and guidance for these skills, you can dramatically speed up your improvement cycle. In fact, many students have cut their study time in half by using professional feedback services.
③ Solidify Memory by Making English a Daily Habit
Neuroscience (e.g., the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve) shows that studying for "1.5 hours every day" is far more effective for retention than "cramming 10 hours on the weekend." Piecing together small pockets of time—vocabulary during your commute, listening during your lunch break—and ensuring you "never have a day without English" is the fastest way to reach your goal.
4. Sample Study Schedules for Professionals and Students
Finally, here are some sample schedules from past learners who successfully carved out study time despite being busy.
[Weekdays: Master Your Spare Moments]
- Morning (30 mins): Review vocabulary from the previous night, shadow listening audio.
- Commute (1 hour round trip): Use vocabulary apps, listen to English news passively.
- Evening (1.5 hours): Focus on intensive tasks like in-depth reading or essay writing.
[Weekends: Train Your Brain with Mock Tests]
- Morning (3 hours): Complete a full practice test from an official guide under timed conditions.
- Afternoon (2 hours): Thoroughly analyze your mistakes (understand *why* you got them wrong).
The biggest key to achieving your goal quickly is the commitment to prioritize English for a set period, which might mean cutting back on TV and social media or declining social invitations.
Conclusion: Studying Without a Plan Is a Detour
Improving your IELTS score requires a certain amount of time. However, by understanding your starting point and your goal, and by having a strategy for "what to let go of and what to focus on," you can significantly shorten that period.
If you feel you can't create an optimal schedule on your own or you absolutely need a 6.5 in the next three months, getting professional help to design a study plan is a smart choice.
For IELTS Preparation, Choose "ELT"
At ELT, we work backward from your current English level, target score, and available time to create a streamlined "shortest-path study plan." Why not start by creating your personalized roadmap in a free counseling session?
