IELTS Average Scores 2023 | Check Section-Wise, University-Wise & Country-Wise Average IELTS Scores

IELTS Average Scores 2023 - Check Section Wise, University Wise & Country Wise Average IELTS Scores

Mode
Both

Subhashri Roy
Updated on Feb 01, 2023 4:40 PM IST

It is a no-brainer when we say that the IELTS is one of the most widely accepted and used English Language Proficiency Tests for aspirants. You must have heard of terms like IELTS band scores, different types of IELTS exams, their exam patterns, and other topics. But have you ever wondered what the average IELTS scores are for the different sections of the IELTS exam?

The average IELTS scores are among the most searched things by the aspirants about the exam.

The average IELTS scores are calculated based on the evaluation of the four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Here, we will cover everything about the average IELTS scores with the aim to achieve a better understanding of the exam.

What are Average IELTS Scores?
IELTS Band Score
Section Wise Average IELTS Scores
Country Wise Average IELTS Scores
Average IELTS Scores in Top Universities Abroad
What is a Good IELTS Score?
FAQs on IELTS Average Scores

What are Average IELTS Scores?

The average IELTS scores range from 8 to 7.5 across all sections. The table below shows the average IELTS scores for each section of the IELTS test:

IELTS Section	Average IELTS Scores
Listening	8 bands
Speaking	7.5 bands
Reading	7.5 bands
Writing	7 bands
Total	7.5 bands

Know How to Achieve Band 9 in IELTS!

Connect With Us!

Degree Programs Abroad

IELTS Band Score

As most of us know, the overall IELTS band score ranges from 0 to 9. The average IELTS score is rounded up or down to the next half/whole band. Here is a closer look at the IELTS band rankings and what each individual score depicts:

IELTS Band Score	Skill Level	Description
9 bands	Expert user	You have complete operational command of the English language. The language is used appropriately, fluently, and accurately, and there is complete understanding.
8 bands	Very good user	There is complete operational control over the English language, with only rare unsystematic mistakes and incorrect usage. Although you can handle lengthy discussions well, you may make a few points in unfamiliar contexts.
7 bands	Good user	The score means that you have a good operational knowledge of English, yet there are some usage, accuracy, and comprehension issues in particular settings. You can generally handle sophisticated language with ease and comprehend thorough reasoning.
6 bands	Competent user	The band exhibits effective English command despite incorrect language, errors, and misconceptions. In more familiar contexts, you can understand and employ complicated language fairly well.
5 bands	Modest user	The score means that you have a limited mastery of the English language and are likely to cope well with overall meanings in most situations. You will, however, make mistakes and should be competent in dealing with fundamental communication in your disciplines.
4 bands	Limited user	Your total competency will be confined to scenarios that you are familiar with. You will frequently have difficulties in expression, comprehension, and application of sophisticated language.
3 bands	Extremely limited user	Only in highly familiar situations can you perceive and transmit universal meanings. There are also regular failures in communication.
2 bands	Intermittent user	This band means that you have difficulties in understanding written and spoken English.
1 band	Non-user	You have zero ability to use the English language with the exception being some isolated words.
0 band	Did not attempt the test	You did not answer the questions at all.

Section Wise Average IELTS Scores

After going through the IELTS band score evaluation table, it is now time to quickly highlight the section-wise average IELTS scores that can give a better understanding to all readers.

Average IELTS Listening Scores

This is the first module, with a duration of 40 minutes and a time limit of 30 minutes for participation. There are four dialogues, monologues, and conversations that have been recorded.

Based on the recordings, multiple-choice and short answer questions must be answered. The average IELTS score for the Listening section is 8.0 bands. Here is a table that shows how IELTS Listening scores are assigned to applicants:

Raw Marks	IELTS Band Score
11-12 range	4
13-15 range	4.5
16-17 range	5
18-22 range	5.5
23-25 range	6
26-29 range	6.5
30-31 range	7
32-34 range	7.5
35-36 range	8
37-38 range	8.5
39-40 range	9

Average IELTS Reading Scores

The average IELTS scores for IELTS Academic and General Training Reading section range from 6.5 to 8.0 bands. The tables below show marking for both the IELTS General Training and Academic sections.

IELTS Academic Reading

Raw Marks	IELTS Band Score
4-5 range	2.5
6-7 range	3
8-9 range	3.5
10-12 range	4
13-14 range	4.5
15-18 range	5
19-22 range	5.5
23-26 range	6
27-29 range	6.5
30-32 range	7
33-34 range	7.5
35-36 range	8
37-38 range	8.5
39-40 range	9

IELTS General Training Reading

Raw Marks	IELTS Band Score
6-8 range	2.5
9-11 range	3
12-14 range	3.5
15-18 range	4
19-22 range	4.5
23-26 range	5
27-29 range	5.5
30-31 range	6
32-33 range	6.5
34-35 range	7
36 range	7.5
37-38 range	8
39 range	8.5
40 range	9

Average IELTS Writing Scores

The average IELTS Writing score is about 6.0 bands. In this section, Task 1 requires you to summarise or explain any graph, table, or chart in 150 words or less while Task 2 asks you to compose a brief essay of no more than 250 words.

Average IELTS Speaking Scores

The average IELTS score for the Speaking section ranges between 6.5 and 8.0 bands. The speaking segment lasts 11-14 minutes and involves candidates speaking informally with the examiner. The assessment standards for both academic and general patterns are the same.

Know How to Prepare for IELTS?

Talk to Us!

Country Wise Average IELTS Scores

After going through the section-wise average IELTS scores, the table mentioned below will walk you through the average IELTS scores required by Indian students to study in top study abroad destinations:

Country Accepting IELTS Scores	Average IELTS Scores
USA	6.0-7.0
Canada	5.5-6.5
UK	6.0-7.0
Australia	6.0-6.5
New Zealand	6.0-6.5
Germany	6.0
Ireland	6.0-7.0
UAE	6.5 or above

Average IELTS Scores in Top Universities Abroad

The table highlighted below depicts the top study abroad destinations for Indian students and the average IELTS scores required to study at the top universities in each country:

University	Country	Average IELTS Scores
Oxford University	UK	7.0
University of Cambridge	UK	6.5
London School of Economics and Political Science	UK	7.0
Harvard University	USA	7.0
Yale University	USA	7.0
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	USA	7.0
University of British Columbia	Canada	6.5
University of Toronto	Canada	6.5
McGill University	Canada	6.5
Australian National University	Australia	6.5
Griffith University	Australia	6.5
University of Canberra	Australia	6.5
Auckland University of Technology	New Zealand	6.0
University of Canterbury	New Zealand	6.0
Victoria University of Wellington	New Zealand	6.0
Technical University of Munich	Germany	6.5
Ludwig Maximilians University Munich	Germany	6.5
University of Heidelberg	Germany	6.5

What is a Good IELTS Score?

A strong and competitive IELTS score is necessary for admission to your selected foreign university that will fuel your study abroad dream. Every country and university now has its own IELTS cut off.

Top universities in IELTS-accepting countries, such as the United States, which is home to world-class universities such as Harvard and Stanford, accept IELTS scores of 7 bands or above. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, universities like Oxford and Cambridge require 7.5 bands or higher.

An average IELTS score of 6.5 or 7 bands or higher is necessary for admission to top universities in Canada and Australia. Furthermore, your IELTS results are valid for two years; however, each institution determines the validity time.

How to Score Band 7+ in IELTS in One Go?

Connect With Our Mentors!

Universities Offering Masters Programs

Admission Open 2023

Quick links

FAQs on IELTS Average Scores

What is the average IELTS score in India?

The average IELTS score in India of Indian test-takers who speak Hindi as their first language is 6.5. The average IELTS score of test-takers in India in 2017 was 6.04. The IELTS test is accepted by approximately 65 universities in India. In India, the average IELTS score required by organizations accepting IELTS is 5.8.

Is IELTS hard for Indians?

No, the IELTS exam is not hard for Indians. The exam is easy for individuals who prepare properly and have a clear understanding of the format of the exam. It will take several months to prepare properly. Most people believe IELTS is simple, and as a result, they end up getting a low average IELTS score or band.

What are the average IELTS score requirements for Canada?

There is no minimum or average IELTS score requirement for immigration in Canada. However, language requirements for admission to a top Canadian university might be stringent at times. Furthermore, most universities require both an overall score and per-section criteria. For example, good institutions typically require a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6 in each component.

What is the average IELTS score in Australia?

The average IELTS score in Australia of test-takers with English as their first/native language is 7.0. The IELTS exam is accepted by around more than 750 universities in Australia. In Australia, the average IELTS score requirement for organisations accepting IELTS band score is 6.1.

What is the minimum/average IELTS score that is required for New Zealand?

The minimum/average IELTS score which is required for New Zealand varies for different purposes which are enlisted below:

A total average ILETS score of 6.5 in the IELTS General or IELTS Academic module is necessary for the Skilled Migrant Category.
Business Categories: The required IELTS band score for the principal applicant is determined by the category under which the individual applies.
- Employee of a Relocating Business Category: at least 5 points in either the General or Academic category.
- Entrepreneur Residence or Entrepreneur Work Visa: at least an IELTS band score of 4 in the General or Academic module.
- Investor: IELTS General or Academic module overall band score of at least 3.
- Residence from Work Category: IELTS General or Academic module of at least 5 IELTS band scores. The same is true for their spouse and children.

What is the minimum average IELTS score for the UK?

The minimum average IELTS score for the UK varies as per the course you wish to pursue. Students must have a minimum IELTS band score of 6.0 to 6.5 on average and a band score of 7 for some of the top universities in order to pursue a degree program in the UK. However, various courses at the same university may have varying IELTS score requirements, therefore it is best to visit the university's website for more information.

What is the minimum average IELTS score that is required for a UK student visa?

The minimum average IELTS band score that is required for a UK student visa is 4.0 or above in the Speaking and Listening sections, whereas the scores for Reading and Writing can be ignored.

What is the average IELTS score for Germany or German test-takers?

The average IELTS score for Germany and/or German test-takers is 7.3 across all four IELTS parts (listening, reading, writing and speaking). This level suggests that test-takers were adequately advanced to study linguistically difficult subjects.

Is an average IELTS score of 6 enough to go to Germany?

An average overall IELTS score of 6 is enough to get into most of the renowned and well-known universities in Germany. Having said that, if you really wish to aim to move higher in the ranking list, you need to get an average IELTS score of 6.5 or higher to apply to the top German universities.

What is the average IELTS score for France?

The average IELTS score for France, of test-takers with French as their first/native language is 6.3. There are around more than 180 universities in France that accept the IELTS test from international students. French universities such as Ecole Polytechnique, University of Montpellier and ECE Graduate School of Engineering accept IELTS scores between 6.0 and 7.0.

Colleges accepting IELTS

Popular Degrees Abroad