With a range of esteemed educational institutions, the UK has cemented its reputation as a top study destination choice for those looking to further their studies. On top of that, the vibrant country also offers exciting experiences and unique landmarks for those looking to enjoy weekends off campus. Year after year, many students from all over the world seek out and choose to study in the UK. If you’re planning to take this route, you should know that UK universities require international students to prove their proficiency in the English language through recognised systems like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. The test will also come in handy if you’re looking to work or live in the UK. Make sure you prepare accordingly to achieve the minimum IELTS score for UK universities.
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UK IELTS band requirements for admission in universities
UK universities require IELTS scores of 6.5 or above from applicants. We have listed the IELTS scores for UK for various programme levels below:
IELTS score for UK for Undergraduate degree | IELTS score for UK for Pre-Masters | IELTS score for UK for Master's diploma |
|---|---|---|
You need an IELTS score of 6.5 or above to be admitted to an undergraduate program. However, you must have an IELTS band score of 7.0 or higher if you want to enrol in a top UK university. | This course is primarily intended for people who want to advance their communication and language abilities before enrolling in a master's program. You must have an IELTS band score of 5.0 or above to be admitted to a pre-master's program. | In the UK, a master's degree may take 12–24 months to complete. To be admitted to a master's program, you must earn a bachelor's degree. A master's course requires a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or above. However, a score of 6.5 or more is required for admission to top universities. |
To successfully study in the UK, you’ll be required to obtain a student visa, which you can only get if you meet the English proficiency requirements set by your education institution.
Complete University Guide (CUG) rankings in 2026
The CUG university rankings is an independent rankings provider for UK universities. It offers course and expert advice for students who want to learn more about studying in the country. Explore the list of top universities as per CUG rankings and minimum IELTS band requirements for UK for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Rank | University | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programs) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programs) |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Cambridge | 7.0 | 7.0 |
2 | University of Oxford | 7.5 | 7.0 |
3 | London School of Economics and Political Science | 7.0 | 7.0 |
4 | University of St Andrews | 6.5 | 7.0 |
5 | Durham University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
6 | Imperial College London | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7 | Loughborough University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
8 | University of Bath | 6.5 | 6.5 |
9 | University of Warwick | 6.0 | 6.5 |
10 | Lancaster University | 6.5 | 6.5 |
11 | University of Exeter | 6.0 | 6.0 |
12 | University of York | 6.5 | 6.5 |
13 | UCL (University College London) | 6.5 | 6.5 |
14 | University of Birmingham | 6.0 | 6.5 |
15 | University of Bristol | 6.0 | 6.0 |
16 | University of Sheffield | 6.0 | 6.5 |
17 | University of Southampton | 6.5 | 6.5 |
18 | University of Edinburgh | 6.5 | 6.5 |
19 | University of Surrey | 6.5 | 6.5 |
20 | University of Manchester | 6.0 | 6.0 |
Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2026
One of the world’s most established metrics, the Times Higher Education world rankings assesses universities based on the following five key performance indicators: teaching, research quality, research environment, international outlook and industry income. Discover the top universities according to Times Higher Education world rankings and the minimum IELTS band score requirement for universities in UK.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programs) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Oxford | 1 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
2 | University of Cambridge | 3 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
3 | Imperial College London | 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
4 | UCL (University College London) | 22 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
5 | University of Edinburgh | 29 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
6 | King’s College London | 38 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7 | London School of Economics and Political Science | 52 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
8 | University of Manchester | 56 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
9 | University of Bristol | 80 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
10 | University of Glasgow | 84 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
11 | University of Birmingham | 98 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
12 | University of Sheffield | 108 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
13 | University of Leeds | 118 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
14 | University of Warwick | 122 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
15 | University of Southampton | 129 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
16 | Queen Mary University of London | 134 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
17 | University of Liverpool | 143 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
18 | Newcastle University | 144 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
19 | University of Nottingham | 130 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
20 | University of York | 147 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
QS World University rankings in 2026
The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) world rankings is also another global premier ranking system which rates universities by institution and subject through academic reputation, citation, faculty to student ratio, employer, international and sustainability indicators. Find the top ranking UK universities as per QS World University rankings and the minimum IELTS score requirements for UK.
Rank | University | Global rank | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programs) | IELTS minimum requirement (postgraduate programs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Imperial College London | 2 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
2 | University of Oxford | 4 | 7.5 | 7.0 |
3 | University of Cambridge | 6 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
4 | UCL (University College London) | 9 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
5 | King’s College London | 31 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
6 | University of Edinburgh | 34 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7 | University of Manchester | 35 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
8 | University of Bristol | 51 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
9 | London School of Economics and Political Science | 56 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
10 | University of Warwick | 74 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
11 | University of Birmingham | 76 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
12 | University of Glasgow | 79 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
13 | University of Leeds | 86 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
14 | University of Southampton | 87 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
15 | University of Sheffield | 92 | 6.0 | 6.5 |
16 | Durham University | 94 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
17 | University of Nottingham | 97 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
18 | University of St Andrews | 113 | 6.5 | 7.0 |
19 | Newcastle University | 110 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
20 | Lancaster University | 125 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
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