What IELTS Score is Good

A “good” IELTS score depends on your purpose (e.g., studying, working, or immigrating) and the requirements of the institution or country you’re applying to. However, here’s a breakdown to help you determine what constitutes a “good” score:


General Interpretation of IELTS Bands

Band ScoreSkill LevelInterpretation
9ExpertFully operational command of English.
8Very goodOccasional unsystematic inaccuracies.
7GoodGenerally handles complex language well.
6CompetentCan use English effectively despite errors.
5ModestPartial command of language; may struggle.

For Different Purposes

  1. Studying Abroad

    • Undergraduate: 6.0–6.5
    • Postgraduate: 6.5–7.5
    • Competitive programs: 7.0 or higher
  2. Working Abroad

    • General requirement: 6.0–7.0
    • For high-demand professions (e.g., healthcare, law): 7.0–8.0
  3. Immigration

    • Countries like Canada, Australia, or the UK often require a minimum of:
      • 6.0–6.5 (General Training Module for immigration)
      • Higher scores (7.0+) for skilled migration pathways.
  4. Personal Goals

    • A score of 7.0+ is considered strong and shows solid command of English for both academic and professional purposes.