UK Universities for Indian Students with Low IELTS Scores

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Sristy Sharma
Updated on May 01, 2023 05:48 PM IST

Your dream to study in the UK does not necessarily have to come to a standstill because of IELTS low scores. Check out the low IELTS score universities in the UK, and alternatives in case of low IELTS bands. 

UK Universities for Indian Students with Low IELTS Scores

UK Universities for Indian Students with Low IELTS Scores: When planning your higher studies abroad, you will have come across the word “IELTS” and its requirement across universities and even for visa applications. And being a test, it is possible to score low on English proficiency tests, however, is it possible to apply to UK Universities for Indian students with low IELTS scores?

IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is a standardised language proficiency test, accepted around the globe for higher studies and immigration purposes. The test evaluates a non-English-speaking individual’s ability to communicate and survive in an English-speaking country. Therefore, it is extremely crucial to score as high as possible on the test, which evaluates candidates on four parameters including speaking, writing, reading and listening.

In this article, we will discuss whether it is possible to apply to UK universities for Indian students with low IELTS scores and if yes, then which universities are the best options. Moreover, you will also learn about the minimum IELTS scores accepted at UK universities and the alternative routes candidates can take if they have secured a low score on the test.

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IELTS Band Score Calculation

Before checking out the list of the top universities for Indian students with low IELTS scores, it is important to understand how the scores are calculated. As outlined below, the IELTS Test Report Form calculates the band scores by following the steps below:

Step 1: Section-wise raw scores are calculated on the basis of your performance in the IELTS exam. There is no negative marking involved in this process.

Step 2: Section-wise raw scores are converted into scaled IELTS band scores on the basis of conversion tables.

Step 3: The scaled band scores are rounded off to the nearest whole or half bands for each section. The resultant bands are shown in your IELTS TRF as your section-wise band scores.

Step 4: Section-wise scores are used to find an average score. The average is again rounded to the nearest whole or half bands.

The rounded-off IELTS band score derived in Step 4 is presented in IELTS TRF as your overall IELTS band score.

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Which IELTS Band Scores Are Low for UK?

The IELTS band scores below the minimum requirements of any UK university, authority, or organisation are considered as low for admission or appointment purposes. Hence, if the mentioned requirement is 5.0 IELTS bands, all scores below it are considered low for the UK.

Here are IELTS band scores and how you can expect them to be perceived in the UK:

IELTS Band Scores

UK IELTS Score Label

Description

7.0 or above

Good

All major universities will hold you eligible for master's courses.

6.0 & 6.5

Moderate

You might face some difficulties applying for masters courses, however, graduate-level foundational courses could still be applied for.

5.0 & 5.5

Fair

The scores are a popular IELTS sub-test requirement in the UK, however, it is difficult to get accepted into full-time courses.

4.5

Low

No university in the UK uses IELTS 4.5 band score as a minimum requirement for full-time courses. It is in fact a rarity even in the case of foundational courses at the bachelor's level.

4.0 or below

Poor

You should avoid applying these scores to any university at all. It is better to choose other alternatives as these are more likely to affect your application adversely.

Minimum IELTS Score Requirements in UK

IELTS band scores are a common requirement for various purposes in the UK, including university admissions, employment offers, visa applications, etc. Hence, you can expect minimum requirements to be set as well for each of these purposes.

Here are the common minimum requirements for various purposes in the UK:

Purpose

Minimum IELTS Bands Requirement

Overall IELTS Band

Section-wise IELTS Bands

Foundation Courses

4.5

4.0

Bachelors Courses

6.5

6.0

Masters Courses

6.5

6.0

Student Visa

4.5

4.0

Post Study Work Visa

4.5

4.0

Employment

6.0

5.5

PR Visa

6.0

5.5

UK Universities Accepting Low IELTS Scores

UK universities may accept low scores in the IELTS exam, however, it is subject to certain conditions. The most common is that you will have to attend a short-term language course in English to improve your language proficiency.

Universities Accepting IELTS 6.5 Bands

Universities in UK which accept IELTS 6.5 bands are many. The reason is that the score is considered as good for admission purposes. Moreover, a candidate with a 6.5 band score is able to fluently engage in conversations, even the ones related to a different field of study or work. However, in their own domain they can easily conversate, evaluate, and even sustain complex arguments.

Some of the top UK universities accepting IELTS 6.5 bands for admission are given below, along with their QS World ranking for 2023:

University

QS World Ranking 2023

University of St. Andrews

=96

Imperial College London

=6

Durham University

92

University College London

8

University of Edinburgh

15

Universities Accepting IELTS 6.0 Bands

IELTS 6.0 bands are more common as a section-wise requirement in the UK, as far as top universities are considered. However, it is still seen as a respectable score, and many UK universities accept it for admission. In fact, many mid-level universities accept students for bachelor's courses and even certain master's courses with 6.0 band scores in their IELTS exams.

Here are some of the universities in the UK that have made it to QS World Ranking 2023, as well as they accept IELTS 6.0 band scores for admission:

University

QS World Ranking 2023

University of Manchester

28

University of Warwick

64

University of Birmingham

91

University of Leeds

86

Queen Mary University of London

=125

Universities Accepting IELTS 5.5 Bands

IELTS 5.5 band score is not as popular among UK universities for admission to master courses. In fact, even if you are accepted, you might have to take up a foundation course. However, bachelor's courses can be applied for with an IELTS 5.5 band score.

You can also apply for short-term courses, such as diploma or certificate courses, with these band scores. The universities accepting an overall IELTS band score of 5.5 for their short-term courses are mentioned below, along with their QS World Ranking 2023:

University

QS World Ranking 2023

Cardiff University

166

University of Liverpool

=190

University of Surrey

305

University of Leicester

279

Aston University

561-570

Can I Study in UK With IELTS 4.0 Bands or Less?

Almost all UK universities require at least an IELTS 5.0 band score to offer admission to even foundational courses. Hence, even if they ignore the overall IELTS scores, your section-wise scores also do not satisfy their minimum requirements with IELTS 4.0 band scores and less.

In simpler words, you cannot get admission to any UK university or course with an overall IELTS score of 4.0 bands or less.

Here, it is mentionable that many UK universities allow a waiver of English proficiency test scores, which is discussed in depth below. If you are able to satisfy those conditions you can expect admission to UK universities with those scores. However, it is advised that you do not submit your application with an IELTS score of 5.0 bands or less, as it will not stand the competition with other applicants. You can check out the various alternatives of IELTS band scores, mentioned further in this article, and apply for higher study courses in UK universities, however, you must not apply with inadequate IELTS scores.

Can I Get UK Visa With Low IELTS Scores?

The minimum IELTS band score required by UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) authority is 4.0 bands. Hence, you can easily apply for any UK visa if you have at least IELTS 4.0 bands, however, a band score below 4.0 will be of no help to you when applying for visa grants in the UK.

Here, it is also mentionable that IELTS 4.0 band score is only a minimum requirement and it does not guarantee a visa. In fact, with a 4.0 band score, you can expect your application to be:

  • Rejected if you are applying for a high-level visa, such as the UK PR visa.

  • Accepted if you have applied for a Post Study Work Visa with a job offer.

  • Rejected if you are trying to avail of the stay-back privileges attached to your course study.

  • Subjected to a Personal Interview when applying for your student visa with a college acceptance letter, to determine the grounds of admission.

These are only some of the examples of possible results that your application can meet with an IELTS 4.0 band score. However, this can be deemed enough to state that a lower score will be of no help to you in getting a visa grant from UKVI.

Related Reads:

IELTS Speaking Cue Card Topics / Samples with Answers 2023

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Connectors for IELTS Writing Task 2 - Tips and Functions

How to Crack IELTS in First Attempt?

IELTS Alternatives in UK

IELTS results are not the only accepted form of English proficiency proof in the UK. Even though it is a popular choice, there are many other alternatives available. You can easily choose any of the following when applying for admission to UK universities or even UKVI:

  • Other Proficiency Tests: Some of the other accepted English proficiency test scores are TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Duolingo English Test. Apart from these popular choices, there are certain other tests, such as the Cambridge English Language test, and ESL tests. You can alternatively use any of these test scores, provided they are accepted by the university or organisation you are applying to.

  • MOI: MOI means Medium of Instruction, which is the medium that was used to gain official education. The English language proficiency test scores are required to ensure that you can grasp your study material as taught in the English language. However, if you can provide proof that all your studies up till the application have been in English medium then you may earn yourself a waiver on having to provide test scores.

  • Foundation English Course: Many students tend to dictate their intention to join foundational language courses, either of the university or any recognised organisation, to ensure the university that they will improve their language skills. However, this undertaking needs to be supported by the IELTS minimum score requirements of the university. If your score falls between 5.0-6.5 IELTS bands, then you must make this declaration. One of the popular foundation courses is ESL or English as a Second Language.

  • Test Waivers: Similar to MOI, you are allowed a test waiver if your studies up till now have had a compulsory English language subject and if you have consistently scored 75% or above in the exams designated for it. This waiver is again privy to proof, that is you need to provide a mark sheet, class schedule, and minimum hours of study designated for the subject in your annual academic year. Your attendance proof may also be asked for.

  • University Interviews: If your IELTS band score is as per the minimum requirement, then your application overall suggests your proficiency in English, however, if the score still requires reassurance, then the university may invite you to attend an interview to check your skills. Though many master's courses include student interviews, it is not as common for bachelor's courses. Hence, you must make the most of this second chance.

Note: You must ensure that the alternative you are choosing is a valid option at the university or organisation you are applying to. If it is not clear in their announcement, then you must make a personal query before choosing to go for any alternative, even choosing another test score for the application.

Therefore, while it is possible to get into UK institutions with low scores, it is recommended to retake the test with better preparation and confidence, subsequently, scoring higher in the next try. Moreover, choosing to get into UK universities for Indian students with low IELTS scores will narrow the options available, which will subsequently impact your career prospects as well.

As detailed above, it is important to have secured at least 5.0 in the IELTS Academic tests to be able to study at any one of the top universities in the country. Additionally, the IELTS scores will also affect the visa application process, which is crucial to enter the country. Therefore, if you are looking for UK universities for Indian students with low scores, we recommend trying out an alternative route or retaking the test to improve your options.

In fact, some universities may even suggest alternative routes to students that they consider to have great potential but are unable to provide the necessary proof of language proficiency. Therefore, don’t give up! Try harder and you will be able to study your dream course at your dream university abroad.

We also recommend registering with us and connecting with our team of expert study abroad counsellors who are dedicated to helping you achieve your dreams.

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FAQs

What is meant by clubbing IELTS scores in the UK?

The practice of clubbing IELTS scores in the UK meanswhen you attempt the IELTS exam twice within a span of six months. You can use the scores of both tests for application to UK universities, provided no section-wise IELTS band is less than 6.5 in both these tests. You can mention to the university which tests attempt to consider for each individual section.

Can I use clubbed IELTS results to study in the UK?

Yes, you can use clubbed IELTS results to study in the UK. However, it is important to understand that you cannot club your scores if they are lower than 6.5 bands. The practice is common for an application to highly qualifying courses, with high minimum score requirements, generally, 6.5 or above. Some of the courses accepting clubbed IELTS band scores are nursing, dentistry, doctoral degrees, etc.

Can I apply to 5.5 IELTS bands universities in UK for a master’s course in 2023?

Yes, you can apply to 5.5 IELTS band universities in UK for a master’s course in 2023. However, you cannot apply for full-time courses directly. If you submit supporting documents that show that you have a certain history in the English language and can work on it to have a better proficiency, then you may be accepted for pre-masters foundational courses.

Is a 6.0 IELTS band low for UK universities for master’s courses?

Yes, a 6.0 IELTS band is low for UK universities for master’s courses. While it is a common section-wise requirement, overall band scores are placed for 6.5 or above. However, you can still apply to middle or low-ranking UK universities with these scores, and they might accept you. Moreover, the master’s courses of comparatively lesser qualifying streams may also be applied with an IELTS band score of 6.0.

What to do if my IELTS band score is too low?

If your IELTS band score is too low to be used for application to UK universities, then you can check out the alternatives available for IELTS scores. While these alternatives are mentioned above, you can always consult experts to get in-depth information about them. Additionally, you can use your preceding use of the English language to gain educational qualifications as proof.

Is a 4.5 IELTS band good for UK universities for bachelor’s courses?

No, a 4.5 IELTS band is not good for UK universities for bachelor’s courses. You need much higher IELTS bands to apply for bachelor’s courses at UK universities. However, if you can apply for simultaneous language foundation courses, then you may be accepted for them. If the university is offering online courses, then also you may be accepted with 4.5 bands.

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