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Getting a high score on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) exam can open doors to study, work, and immigration opportunities around the world. While many universities and immigration programmes require a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, there are still quite a few countries accepting 5.5 IELTS bands. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the top destinations willing to consider applicants with a 5.5 IELTS score for higher education courses that provide exciting international prospects.
Countries Accepting 5.5 IELTS Bands
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is a widely recognised English proficiency exam for international candidates in particular. Scoring 5.5 on the IELTS is regarded as demonstrating a moderate level of English proficiency. While this score may not meet the requirements for some universities or visa applications, here is a list of countries that are willing to consider applicants with a minimum 5.5 IELTS band score:
1. United Kingdom
The United Kingdom is known for having competitive admission requirements, yet there are a few universities that accept a 5.5 band score on the IELTS for certain programmes. This is particularly true for professional courses or specialised MBA programmes that may not require the same level of English proficiency as other academic disciplines.
Here is a list of some of the best universities in the UK that accept an IELTS score of 5:5 along with the additional admission requirements, which can vary depending on the programme:
| University | IELTS Requirement | Additional Variable Requirements |
| University of Southampton | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Successful completion of the University’s Pre-sessional English course or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| University of Essex | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Meeting the university’s English language requirements or completing the Essex Pathways course. |
| University of Nottingham | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each band | Completion of the University’s Pre-sessional English for Academic Purposes course or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| University of Strathclyde | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Successful completion of the University’s Pre-Sessional English course or an approved English language proficiency programme. |
| University of Kent | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Meeting the university’s English language requirements or completing the Kent’s Pre-sessional English course. |
| University of Sussex | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Successful completion of the Sussex Insessional English Language Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| University of Liverpool | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Completion of the University’s Pre-Sessional English course or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| University of Sheffield | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Meeting the university’s English language requirements or completing the Sheffield’s Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course. |
2. Canada
A majority of Canadian universities have diverse IELTS score requirements, which vary based on the course that you choose to go for. Generally, most universities in Canada accept a 5.5 band score on the IELTS for undergraduate programmes, while requiring scores between 6.0 and 6.5 for postgraduate courses.
| University | IELTS Requirement | Additional Variable Requirements |
| University of Saskatchewan | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the University of Saskatchewan Language Centre’s English for Academic Purposes program or meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements. |
| University of Regina | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Completion of the University of Regina’s English as a Second Language program or meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements. |
| Carleton University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in writing and 5.0 in reading | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Carleton Immersion English Language Programme. |
| University of Windsor | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the University of Windsor’s English Language Improvement Programme or meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements. |
| Memorial University of Newfoundland | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Memorial University’s Intensive English Programme. |
| University of Manitoba | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the University of Manitoba’s English Language Centre programme or meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements. |
| University of Calgary | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Completion of the University of Calgary’s International Foundations Program or meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements. |
| Concordia University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Concordia Intensive English Language Programme. |
3. Australia
Australia is one of those popular countries accepting 5.5 IELTS bands. Several Australian universities place a high value on international experience, which is why they are willing to accept IELTS scores as low as 5.5 bands.
The average acceptable score can vary depending on the specific course or programme you apply for along with the university.
| University | IELTS Requirement | Additional Variable Requirements |
| University of Sydney | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the University’s Direct Entry English Course or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Monash University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Completion of the Monash English Bridging programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| University of Queensland | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the University’s English Language Programme. |
| University of Adelaide | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the University of Adelaide’s Intensive Pre-Enrolment Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| University of Technology Sydney | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the UTS Insearch Academic English programme. |
| Griffith University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the Griffith English Language Enhancement Strategy (GELES) or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| La Trobe University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Completion of the La Trobe Melbourne English Language Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Western Sydney University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Western Sydney University English Language Programme. |
4. New Zealand
Most universities in New Zealand accept an overall IELTS score of 5.5, with no individual component score lower than 5.0, for admission into graduate-level studies, diplomas, and certificate courses.
| University | Additional Variable Requirements |
| University of Auckland | Meeting the university’s English language requirements or completing the University of Auckland Certificate in English for Academic Purposes. |
| University of Otago | Completion of the Otago Uniprep Foundation Year with a B grade average or higher. |
| Victoria University of Wellington | Successful completion of the Victoria University of Wellington English Proficiency Programme. |
| University of Canterbury | Meeting the university’s English language requirements or completing an approved English language proficiency course. |
| Massey University | Successful completion of the Massey University Certificate of Foundation Studies or an approved English language proficiency course. |
| University of Waikato | Completion of the University of Waikato Foundation Studies Programme or an approved English language proficiency course. |
| Lincoln University | Meeting the university’s English language requirements or completing the Lincoln University English for Academic Purposes course. |
| Auckland University of Technology (AUT) | Successful completion of the AUT Certificate in English for Academic Study or an approved English language proficiency course. |
5. United States
The United States is known for its stringent language proficiency requirements for admission to higher education institutions. However, esteemed universities like Arizona State University and Harvard University demonstrate a more inclusive approach by accepting an IELTS score of 5.5 bands across all four components: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
| University | IELTS Requirement | Additional Variable Requirements |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing | Successful completion of the Intensive English Institute programme at the university. |
| University of South Carolina | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Intensive English Programme. |
| Texas A&M University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the Texas A&M University English Language Institute programme. |
| University of Denver | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Denver English Language Center programme. |
| University of Pittsburgh | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the Pitt English Language Institute programme. |
| University of Memphis | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Intensive English for Internationals programme. |
| University of Colorado Boulder | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the International English Center programme at the university. |
| University of New Mexico | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Center for English Language and American Culture programme. |
6. Ireland
With its picturesque landscapes, Ireland has emerged as a sought-after destination for international students and professionals alike. This friendly and welcoming nation boasts a high standard of living and a diverse range of educational opportunities. Here is a list of some of the best universities in the Ireland that accept an IELTS score of 5:5 along with the additional admission requirements:
| University | IELTS Requirement | Additional Variable Requirements |
| Trinity College Dublin | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing | Successful completion of the Trinity English language programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| University College Dublin | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Meeting the university’s English language requirements or completing the UCD English Language Academy course. |
| National University of Ireland Galway | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the NUI Galway English Language and Academic Skills course or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Dublin City University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Meeting the university’s English language requirements or completing the DCU English Language Academy course. |
| University of Limerick | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Successful completion of the University of Limerick’s English Language Support Unit program or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Maynooth University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Meeting the university’s English language requirements or completing the Maynooth University English Language Centre course. |
| University College Cork | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in writing and reading | Successful completion of the UCC English Language Academy program or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Technological University Dublin | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language requirements or completing the TU Dublin English Language Support Programme. |
7. South Africa
South Africa has emerged as a popular destination for individuals seeking quality education and promising career opportunities. While English is widely spoken in South Africa, an IELTS Band score of 5.5 is required for securing admission in universities and obtaining residency.
| University | IELTS Requirement | Additional Variable Requirements |
| University of Cape Town | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the University of Cape Town English Language Course or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| University of Pretoria | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the University of Pretoria’s English for Educational Purposes course. |
| University of the Witwatersrand | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the Wits English Language Course or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Stellenbosch University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Stellenbosch University’s English Language Courses. |
| University of Johannesburg | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Completion of the University of Johannesburg’s English Language Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Rhodes University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the Rhodes University’s English Language Course or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| University of KwaZulu-Natal | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s English Language Support Programme. |
| Nelson Mandela University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the Nelson Mandela University’s English Language Support Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
8. Malaysia
Many universities in Malaysia require an IELTS Band score of 6 or higher for admission. However, Malaysia is one of those countries accepting 5.5 IELTS bands for specific courses like English language programmes. Here is a list of some of the best universities in the Malaysia that accept an IELTS score of 5:5 along with the additional admission requirements:
| University | IELTS Requirement | Additional Variable Requirements |
| University of Malaya | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the University of Malaya Intensive English Course or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Universiti Putra Malaysia’s English Language Proficiency Course. |
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Completion of the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s English Language and Communication Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Intensive English Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s English Language Support Programme. |
| Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS’s English Language and Communication Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Multimedia University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language requirements or completing the Multimedia University’s English Language Proficiency Programme. |
| Taylor’s University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the Taylor’s University’s English Language Support Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
9. Singapore
Singapore features stringent requirements for IELTS scores, with universities generally expecting an overall score range of 6-7 bands. However, certain universities may ofer flexibility to permit applicants with scores as low as 5.5 bands for specialised courses. Here is a list of some of the best universities in the Singapore that accept an IELTS score of 5:5 along with the additional admission requirements:
| University | IELTS Requirement | Additional Requirements |
| National University of Singapore (NUS) | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the NUS Centre for English Language Communication’s English Proficiency Programme. |
| Nanyang Technological University (NTU) | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the NTU Centre for Professional and Continuing Education’s English Preparatory Course or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Singapore Management University (SMU) | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the SMU Centre for English Communication’s English Language Support Programme. |
| Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the SUTD English Language Proficiency Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the SIT English Language Programme. |
| Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the SUSS English Language Proficiency Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| James Cook University Singapore | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the James Cook University Singapore English Language Preparatory Programme. |
| INSEAD Singapore | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the INSEAD English Language Programme. |
10. Philippines
The Philippines is celebrated for its welcoming community and and scenic beauty. With English as one of its official languages, the country presents an accessible destination for English language learners. It is one of the leading countries accepting 5.5 IELTS bands for international students. While an IELTS Band score of 5.5 may be accepted for certain universities, it is may vary for different institutions and programmes.
| University | IELTS Requirement | Additional Variable Requirements |
| University of the Philippines | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the University of the Philippines’ English Proficiency Programme. |
| De La Salle University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the De La Salle University’s English Language Institute programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Ateneo de Manila University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Ateneo de Manila University’s English Language Proficiency Programme. |
| University of Santo Tomas | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the University of Santo Tomas’ English Language Center programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| Mapúa University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the Mapúa University’s English Language Enhancement Programme. |
| Silliman University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the Silliman University’s English Language Institute program or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
| University of the East | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Meeting the university’s English language proficiency requirements or completing the University of the East’s English Language Proficiency Programme. |
| Lyceum of the Philippines University | 5.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in each band | Successful completion of the Lyceum of the Philippines University’s English Language Enhancement Programme or meeting the university’s English language requirements. |
While a 5.5 band score on the IELTS exam may not meet the requirements for some highly competitive universities, there are still numerous opportunities available across the globe for students and professionals with this level of English proficiency. By strategically researching and applying to universities in countries accepting 5.5 IELTS bands, international students can take their career to the next level.
FAQs
1. What are some popular countries accepting 5.5 bands in IELTS?
Countries that accept an ELTS score of 5.5 bands include Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, the United States and many others.
2. Is a score of 5.5 bands in IELTS considered good?
While a 5.5 IELTS band score is regarded as a modest level of English proficiency, its acceptability depends on the country and university along with the specific course requirements.
3. Which reputed universities in Ireland accept a 5.5 IELTS band?
Renowned universities in Ireland that accept this score include Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, and the National University of Ireland, Galway.
4. Do minimum IELTS requirements remain the same across countries?
No, minimum IELTS band score requirements vary across countries along with the university-specific and course-specific requirements.
5. Is a 5.5 band score acceptable for applying to universities in Australia?
Yes, if you have a 5.5 band score in all four components (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) on your most recent IELTS exam, you are eligible to apply. Western Sydney University and Victoria University are among the universities in Australia that accept this score.
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