Planning to study abroad and wondering whether you need IELTS, what score you should target or whether your WAEC result can save you from taking the test?
There are several things study-abroad aspirants should understand before registering for IELTS.
According to Scholarship Region, IELTS is one of the most widely accepted English-language tests for international study, with more than 13,500 organisations worldwide accepting it, including universities, colleges and other academic institutions.
Here are 15 things you should know before taking the test.
1. IELTS is an English proficiency test
IELTS, which stands for International English Language Testing System, is used to assess the English-language ability of people who want to study, work or migrate to English-speaking countries.
Study-abroad aspirants commonly use it as part of the admission process for universities and other higher education institutions.
2. IELTS Academic is usually the one you need
Aspirants taking IELTS because they want to study at a university abroad will generally need IELTS Academic.
IELTS General Training is mainly used for work, migration and other non-degree purposes.
Don’t register for the wrong version without first checking your university’s requirements.
3. IELTS tests four English skills
The test assesses four areas:
– Listening
– Reading
– Writing
– Speaking
Your performance in these areas contributes to your overall IELTS band score.
4. IELTS scores range from 0 to 9
IELTS uses a 0–9 band scale to measure English proficiency.
You receive an overall band score, but universities may also look at your individual scores in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
5. There is no universal IELTS score for studying abroad
This is one of the most important things to understand.
There is no single IELTS score that every study-abroad aspirant must achieve.
The score you need depends on the university, programme and level of study.
6. Your university determines the score you need
Two universities in the same country may have different IELTS requirements.
One university may accept an overall 6.0, while another may require 6.5 or higher.
Check your university’s official admission requirements before deciding what score to target.
7. Your programme can also affect your required score
Your chosen course can make a difference.
Some programmes, particularly professional or specialised courses, may require higher English-language scores than others.
Don’t only search for the general IELTS requirement of a country. Check the requirement for your specific programme.
8. You may need a minimum score in every section
Getting the required overall score may not be enough.
A university could require 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0.
This means you must achieve at least 6.0 in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking while also meeting the 6.5 overall requirement.
9. 6.5 is a useful benchmark, but it is not a universal pass mark
Scholarship Region notes that 6.5 overall is a common benchmark across several popular study destinations.
However, scoring 6.5 does not automatically qualify you for every university.
Some courses may accept a lower score, while others may require 7.0 or higher.
10. IELTS requirements differ across popular study destinations
Typical requirements vary across countries.
In the UK, universities commonly require around 6.0–7.0, depending on the programme.
In Canada, around 6.5 is a common requirement, although some programmes may ask for more.
In Australia, requirements commonly fall between 6.0 and 7.0.
In Ireland, universities generally require around 6.0–7.0.
In New Zealand, universities commonly require around 6.0 for undergraduate study and 6.5 for postgraduate study.
These are only general ranges. Your university’s actual requirement is what matters.
11. The US does not have one standard IELTS requirement
Aspirants planning to study in the United States should not assume that one IELTS score applies to every university.
Universities set their own English-language requirements, and some programmes may have additional conditions.
Check the admission page of the university and programme you are applying to.
12. WAEC or WASSCE may sometimes replace IELTS
This could save some Nigerian aspirants the cost and stress of taking IELTS.
According to Scholarship Region, some universities accept WAEC or WASSCE English as proof of English proficiency.
The University of Colorado Boulder, for example, accepts WASSCE/WAEC English at B3 as an alternative to IELTS for undergraduate English proficiency.
Seattle University also accepts a WAEC or NECO English grade of C4 or higher for applicants from Nigeria and other West African countries.
However, this is not a universal rule.
13. Your WAEC English grade matters
Having WAEC or WASSCE does not automatically mean you are exempt from IELTS.
The university may require a particular grade in English.
Aspirants hoping to use WAEC instead of IELTS should check the minimum English grade accepted by their chosen university.
14. Check whether you qualify for an English-language exemption
Checking your university’s requirements before spending money on IELTS can save you time and money.
Look out for these conditions:
– WAEC/WASSCE is accepted.
– Your English grade meets the required minimum.
– Your result satisfies the university’s conditions.
– The exemption applies to your programme and level of study.
You may already have an accepted qualification and therefore may not need to take IELTS.
15. Don’t book IELTS before checking your university’s requirement
The biggest lesson is simple: check first, prepare second and register third.
Visit the official admission page of your chosen university and find out the exact English-language requirement for your programme before booking your IELTS test.
Know the required overall score and whether the university has minimum scores for individual bands.
If you already have WAEC or WASSCE, check whether it can satisfy the requirement.
IELTS can be an important part of your study-abroad journey, but getting the right information before taking the test can save you both time and money.
Source: Scholarship Region.
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