IELTS for a Masters - A Guide for International Students

3.5 million students take the IELTS exam each year and is recognised by thousands of universities across the world, from the UK and Ireland to Australia and America. There are different types of IELTS test, with the main two being the IELTS Academic (which you'll need for a Masters) and the IELTS general training which isn't suitable for students. In the UK, the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) costs £200, but the standard IELTS Academic test without the UK visa requirement costs £165.

Thinking about studying a Masters abroad? If you're an international student, proving your English language proficiency is often a key part of the application process—and the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most widely accepted tests worldwide.

In this comprehensive guide, I'll break down everything you need to know about the IELTS exam for postgraduate study. I'll walk you through typical IELTS score requirements for universities, what the test involves, how much it costs, and the different types of IELTS exams available. You’ll also find helpful advice on how to choose the right version for Masters-level study and tips to help you prepare effectively.

Whether you’re just starting your research or getting ready to apply, this guide will give you the clarity and confidence you need to approach the IELTS with success.

Jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English, IELTS helps people prove that they have the standard of English required by higher education institutions, immigration authorities, employers and professional registration bodies.

IELTS can be taken as a paper-based or computer-based exam. It consists of four distinct papers which, when taken together, will take you two hours and 45 minutes to complete. Question formats range from multiple choice and sentence completion to written responses and summaries.

• Listening – You’ll answer 40 questions on four different audio recordings of native English speakers (with a variety of accents). This section takes 30 minutes.
• Reading – Again, you’ll answer 40 questions on a series of general interest texts written for a non-specialist audience. This section is one hour long.
• Writing – You have to complete two writing tasks in one hour, one of which should be around 150 words long and the other 250 words. The shorter task involves writing a description of a piece of visual information (a chart or table, for example), while the longer one is a written response to an argument or issue.
• Speaking – Uniquely among the major English language tests, the speaking portion of IELTS is a face-to-face interview with an examiner, lasting between 11 and 14 minutes. Test takers are asked a series of general questions and then have to speak on a certain topic. This topic then forms the basis of a discussion in the final part of the speaking exam. In some cases you can take the speaking test up to one week before or after the rest of the assessment.

You’ll receive your IELTS results 13 days after taking the test.

There is no eligibility criteria for taking the IELTS exams. Anyone can take it at any point, regardless of their background, age, nationality etc.

This depends on the institution and programme, but in general you’ll need an overall IELTS score of at least 6.5, with no particular skill – listening, reading, writing and speaking – below a certain level. Some universities may accept an IELTS score of 6.0.

If you’re applying for a course that demands a high degree of literacy – English Literature, for example – you may find that you need to achieve an IELTS score of 7.0 or 7.5.

IELTS is accepted as proof of English language proficiency by more than 10,000 education and training providers across the world. This includes almost all universities in the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, as well as over 3,000 American institutions.

Chances are, if you’re looking to study an English-taught course, IELTS will be accepted by your prospective university. However, it’s always worth double-checking before you book the test.

You can view a list of the organisations that accept IELTS on the test’s website.

Please note that, as mentioned above, you’ll need to sit the IELTS VI version if you’re applying for a UK visa. Also, an IELTS score is only valid for two years after you’ve taken the test.

When and where can I take the IELTS exam?

IELTS is available at over 1,200 test centres in more than 140 countries – please see a list of IELTS test locations. There are typically 48 fixed dates for IELTS tests each year, with up to four exams a month depending on local demand.

If you didn’t get the result that you wanted, there’s no time limit before you’re allowed to retake the exam. But it’s worth taking some time to reflect on your options and make sure that you’re fully ready for another go at IELTS. Don’t rush into resitting the exam! Many universities run IELTS preparation courses, so it could be worth thinking about registering for one of those if you need to improve your grade.

IELTS fees depend on the type of exam you’re taking and the test provider.

If you’re taking the IELTS for UKVI (Academic), the standard cost is £200.

If you’re taking a standard IELTS Academic test (without the UK visa requirement), the cost varies from provider to provider. You can expect to pay around:

• £165 in the UK
• NGN 68,000 in Nigeria (USD $190)
• INR 12,100 in India (USD $185)
• RMB 1,960 in China (USD $310)
• €223 in Germany
• €230 in France

How to prepare for the IELTS exam

Preparing for the IELTS exam effectively is key to achieving the score you need for Masters-level study. Here are some steps to help you get started:

Understand the test format: The IELTS exam is made up of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Each section assesses different language skills, and knowing what to expect in each part will help you feel more confident on test day.

Take a practice test: Completing a full practice test is one of the best ways to assess your current level. It can help identify areas where you need to focus your efforts and familiarise you with the timing and structure of the exam.

Build your academic vocabulary: Since IELTS is often used for university entry, academic vocabulary plays a crucial role—especially in the Writing and Reading sections. Reading academic articles, journals or newspapers in English can help you naturally expand your vocabulary.

Improve your English every day: Immersion is key. Try to engage with English regularly through TV shows, podcasts, online articles or conversation practice. Daily exposure will improve your fluency and listening comprehension over time.

Consider a preparation course: IELTS preparation courses are widely available online and in-person. These often include guided practice, feedback on your writing and speaking, and targeted exam strategies that can boost your score.

Time your preparation: Give yourself at least 6–8 weeks to prepare before taking the test—longer if you're starting from a lower level. Planning ahead will also give you time to retake the exam if needed before university deadlines.

How do I send my IELTS result to the university?

After you’ve taken the IELTS and received your results, you’ll need to share your score with the universities you’re applying to. If you selected up to five institutions when registering for the test, your results will be sent to them automatically at no extra cost. This is the easiest and most efficient option if you already know where you plan to apply.

If you didn’t nominate any institutions during registration, or if you want to apply to more universities later on, you can request that your Test Report Form (TRF) be sent to them directly. This can usually be done through your test centre or the official IELTS online portal. There may be a small administrative fee for each additional TRF sent.

Many universities now accept IELTS results electronically, which is typically faster than sending paper copies. However, it’s important to check with each university to see which format they accept. Some may also ask you to enter your IELTS TRF number when submitting your application, so always follow the institution's specific guidance and keep an eye on any relevant deadlines.

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