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

Mrunmayai Bobade
Updated on Apr 24, 2023 4:45 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 IELTS average scores are among the most searched things by the aspirants about the exam. These are calculated based on the evaluation of the four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. On this page, we will cover everything about the section-wise as well as country-wise average scores required by the IELTS test taker with the aim to achieve a better understanding of the exam comprehensively.

What are Average IELTS Scores?
IELTS Band Score
Section Wise Average IELTS Scores
Country Wise IELTS Average 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 IELTS average scores range from 8 to 7.5 bands across all sections. The table below shows the same for each section of the IELTS test:

IELTS Section	Average Score Band Required in IELTS
Listening	8 bands
Speaking	7.5 bands
Reading	7.5 bands
Writing	7 bands
Total	7.5 bands

Apply to Top Universities Abroad Based on Your IELTS Score!

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 are completely proficient in using the English language. There is a comprehensive understanding and the language is used professionally, proficiently, and consistently.
8 bands	Very good user	The English language is entirely under operational control, with only sporadic irregularities and improper speech. Despite your ability to manage lengthy conversations, you might raise a few points in random circumstances.
7 bands	Good user	The result indicates that while you have a good practical command of the English language, there are some usage, efficiency, and comprehension problems in some contexts. In general, you can understand complex reasoning and manage complex language easily.
6 bands	Competent user	Despite the poor language, mistakes, and misunderstandings, the band demonstrates good English command. You can grasp and use sophisticated language fairly well in situations that are more familiar to you.
5 bands	Modest user	Based on this score, you have a limited command of the English language and can probably understand general meanings in most instances. However, you are less capable of handling basic communication in your disciplines and you will err.
4 bands	Limited user	You will only be fully competent in situations that you are familiar with. You will often have trouble with the expression, understanding, and application of complicated vocabulary.
3 bands	Extremely limited user	You can only recognise and communicate universal meanings when you are in highly familiar surroundings. Additionally, there are regularly occurring communication breakdowns.
2 bands	Intermittent user	This IELTS band score indicates that you have trouble understanding both spoken and written English.
1 band	Non-user	Except for a few isolated words, you do not have the ability to use the English language.
0 band	Did not attempt the test	You have not provided any responses to the questions.

Section Wise Average IELTS Scores

After reviewing the IELTS band score evaluation table, it is time to rapidly highlight the IELTS average scores by component so that all readers can gain a better understanding.

Average IELTS Listening Scores

This is the first module, which has a 40-minute time execution and a 30-minute interaction limit for participants. There have been four recorded conversations, monologues, and dialogues.

Multiple-choice questions as well as short answer questions must be responded to relying on the recordings. The IELTS listening section has an average band score of 8.0. The following table indicates how applicants' IELTS Listening scores are disbursed:

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.

Country Wise IELTS Average Scores

After going through the section-wise IELTS average scores, the table mentioned below will walk you through the score requirements for Indian students to complete their higher academic education at top study abroad destinations:

Country Accepting IELTS Scores	Average Score Band Required in IELTS
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 IELTS average scores required to study at the top universities in each country:

University	Country	Average Band Score Requirement for IELTS
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?

For admission to the foreign university of your choice — the one that will give life to your study abroad dream — you need to achieve a good and competitive IELTS score. There is a fixed IELTS cutoff for each nation and university.

IELTS scores of 7 bands or higher are accepted by prestigious universities in IELTS-accepting nations, such as the United States, which is home to renowned institutions like Harvard University and Stanford University. Similarly, universities like Oxford University and Cambridge University in the United Kingdom require 7.5 bands and above.

Further, to get admitted to the best universities in Canada and Australian universities, candidates must have an average IELTS score of 6.5 or 7 bands or higher. Your IELTS test scores are also valid for two years, albeit the validity period is decided by the particular institution.

Find Out the Top Universities Abroad Accepting IELTS Scores!

Connect With Us Now!

Universities Offering Masters Programs

Admission Open 2023

Quick links

FAQs on IELTS Average Scores

What is the IELTS average 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.

What is the IELTS average 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.

What is the minimum IELTS average 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 IELTS average 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 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. While the same score band requirement for IELTS test-takers in India in 2017 was 6.04. The IELTS test is accepted by approximately 65 universities in India. In India, the IELTS average 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 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 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.

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.

Colleges accepting IELTS

Popular Degrees Abroad