Article Summary
• IELTS Academic requirements for Saudi scholarship applications depend on the sponsoring programme, university, degree level and major.
• Universities may set both an overall band score and minimum scores for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
• The article compares indicative scores across Saudi scholarship routes and universities in the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
• Some applicants with IELTS 5.5–6.5 may have conditional admission or pathway options, subject to the university and scholarship rules.
• Verify current scores on the official programme page and use GoIELTS practice feedback to plan your preparation.
What IELTS Score Is Required for Scholarships? Typical requirements range from 5.5 to 7.5 depending on the programme, university and major. Some selective courses require 7.0 or above.
Why Do IELTS Score Requirements for Scholarships Vary by University?
When applying to study abroad, students often ask: what IELTS score is required for a Saudi scholarship? There is no single answer. Language requirements depend on the university, academic programme and its admission criteria.
One university may accept 6.0 while another requires 7.5, even in the same country or field. What explains the difference?
According to IELTS.org and IDP, variations in the IELTS score required for scholarships are mainly influenced by four factors:
| Factor | How it can affect IELTS requirements |
| Study level | Master’s and PhD programmes often ask for around 6.5–7.5. |
| Academic discipline | Law, medicine and media courses may require stronger language skills. |
| Teaching and assessment | Writing-intensive courses and presentations can affect language criteria. |
| University policy | Some institutions set higher minimum scores for admission. |
Important notes:
-
- Some universities specify a minimum in each IELTS skill, such as Writing 6.0, even if the overall requirement is 6.5.
- Many scholarship routes depend on university admission, making the course-specific IELTS requirement especially important.
Download: IELTS Score Requirements for Saudi Scholarships (PDF)Before applying, check the scholarship and university entry scores in this PDF and verify any updates with the official institution.
Scholarship Programmes in Saudi Arabia: IELTS Requirements by Sponsoring Organisation
IELTS requirements for Saudi scholarships depend on the sponsoring body, whether the Ministry of Education, a major employer such as Saudi Aramco, or a Saudi university offering domestic or overseas study opportunities. The tables below summarise indicative scores by route; confirm current eligibility with each programme.
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme: IELTS Requirements
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme supports overseas study through several routes. English-language requirements depend on the route and university; consult the Ministry of Education’s current conditions rather than assuming one universal IELTS threshold.
The programme includes Research and Development, Emdad, Waed, and the Excellence Scholarship Track. Each route covers different fields and universities, so the IELTS requirement depends on the specific destination and course:
| Route | Indicative IELTS score | Notes |
| Preparatory year (undergraduate) | 5.5 | May be considered as an entry point by selected overseas institutions. |
| General route / Waed | 6.0 | The source mentions at least 5.5 in each component; verify the specific route. |
| Healthcare and engineering | 6.5–7.0 | Varies by university and course, including in the UK and Canada. |
Admission to a scholarship route also depends on meeting the university’s English-language admission requirements, as explained by the Saudi Ministry of Education. If you are researching scholarship eligibility after secondary school in Saudi Arabia, this guide explains the relevant academic and English-language considerations. Further reading:Complete guide to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Programme
Saudi Aramco Scholarship Programme: IELTS Academic and Admission Requirements
Saudi Aramco offers overseas study opportunities for secondary-school graduates through its CDPNE (College Degree Program for Non-Employees). The source article cites IELTS Academic scores beginning at 6.0 and rising to 7.0 depending on the field and destination. Verify requirements for the current recruitment cycle directly with Aramco.
| Route | Indicative IELTS score | Notes |
| General track | 6.0 | A threshold cited for some majors; verify current Aramco requirements. |
| Specialised fields such as medicine and engineering | 6.5–7.0 | Selective universities may ask for higher English proficiency. |
IELTS Scores for Admission to Saudi Universities
Several Saudi universities, including the Saudi Electronic University, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University and Dar Al-Hekma University, set English-language requirements for specific undergraduate or graduate programmes. These are university admission criteria within Saudi Arabia, not necessarily scholarship requirements. They should be checked separately from any funding application.
| University | Study level | Indicative IELTS score | Notes |
| Saudi Electronic University | Master’s | 6.0 | Check the current postgraduate admissions page. |
| Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University | Postgraduate | 6.5 | May apply to particular language and law courses. |
| Dar Al-Hekma University | Undergraduate / scholarships | 5.5 | Available for selected business, law and design programmes. |
Programmes That May Accept IELTS 5.5: Dar Al-Hekma University
Some programmes at Dar Al-Hekma University may consider applicants with an IELTS Academic overall score of 5.5. Acceptance is programme-specific; consult the current admissions rules rather than treating the table as a universal threshold.
| College | Examples of programmes | Notes |
| Business and Law | Marketing, international relations, law and human resources | The source cites IELTS 5.5; verify current course rules. |
| Education, Health and Behavioural Sciences | Psychology, speech and language, audiology | The source cites 5.5 for certain programmes. |
| Engineering, Computing and Design | Interior design, architecture, computer science, cybersecurity | The source cites IELTS 4.0 for selected courses; check directly. |
If your IELTS overall score is 5.5, check Dar Al-Hekma University’s conditional admission options for eligibility and subject-specific details.
SABIC Overseas Scholarship Programme: IELTS Requirements
SABIC supports international study opportunities for selected Saudi secondary-school graduates. The source article cites IELTS Academic 6.0 as a threshold; please check the current application announcement and SABIC scholarship eligibility requirementsYou can also explore Our comprehensive SABIC scholarship guide
Can IELTS Be Replaced by TOEFL or STEP for a Scholarship?
Some institutions accept TOEFL or other approved tests instead of IELTS Academic. However, acceptance varies by sponsor, university and scholarship route.
| Test | May be accepted? | Notes |
| TOEFL iBT | Often | Accepted by many universities as an IELTS alternative, subject to score rules. |
| STEP | Sometimes | Used for selected local Saudi admission routes. |
| EmSAT | Programme-dependent | Used in some UAE higher education contexts; not a universal scholarship substitute. |
Even so, IELTS Academic remains a common choice for international university applications; see IDP Saudi Arabia.
IELTS Requirements by University: United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia
The IELTS score needed for a scholarship depends on the university and major, which affects eligibility for overseas scholarship programmes. Requirements can differ even within the same country: some courses accept 6.0 while others require 7.5 or more. The following examples show the variation.
What IELTS Score Is Required by US Universities?
According to IELTS.org USA, thousands of US institutions accept IELTS Academic, including leading research universities. Requirements differ across undergraduate and postgraduate courses:
| University or study level | Indicative IELTS score | Notes |
| General undergraduate programmes | 6.0–6.5 | Accepted by some universities; confirm per course. |
| Selective universities | 7.0–7.5 | Some courses also set minimum scores in each skill. |
| Master’s and doctoral programmes | 6.5–8.0 | Varies considerably by department. |
At many US universities, an overall score of IELTS Academic 6.0 or 6.5 may satisfy the language threshold for selected undergraduate programmes. Always review minimum component scores and the current programme listing, as IDP. Related guide:Top US universities for scholarship applicantsA more detailed guide
Examples of Universities Listing IELTS 6.0–6.5
| University | Indicative IELTS score | Notes |
| Texas A&M University | 6.0 | Check the exact campus and undergraduate programme. |
| University of Florida | 6.0 | Requirements differ across majors. |
| Arizona State University | 6.0 | A figure cited for selected undergraduate programmes. |
| Cleveland State University | 6.0 | Admission or pathway options may apply. |
Another example mentioned in the source is Cornell University, which has programme-specific requirements, while Manhattan-based universities may set higher thresholds for some doctoral degrees. Check the relevant department rather than relying on generalisations. Note: scholarship programmes often require an admission offer, so the university’s English-language rules can be decisive.
What IELTS Score Do UK Universities Require?
UK universities may require IELTS AcademicIELTS for UKVI depending on the course and visa route. The former Tier 4 route is now known as the Student visa; approved test requirements should be checked against current UKVI guidance.
| Institution or route | Indicative IELTS score | Notes |
| Student visa / former Tier 4 | 4.0–5.5 | Visa requirements depend on course level and approved test rules. |
| Russell Group universities | 6.5–7.5 | For example, selected Cambridge and LSE courses. |
| Law and medicine | 7.0–8.0 | Some courses require stronger Writing and Speaking scores. |
You can arrange official IELTS result delivery through the British Council results service. You can also estimate your overall score with the GoIELTS band score calculator
Studying in Canada: IELTS Requirements for Universities and Study Permits
Canadian universities set their own IELTS Academic requirements. Study permit language evidence is a separate matter and depends on current immigration rules; consult the university and official Canadian immigration guidance. See also IDP India for general context.
| Programme | Indicative IELTS score | Notes |
| Undergraduate degree | 6.0–6.5 | Check UBC, University of Toronto and McGill course pages. |
| Postgraduate degree | 6.5–7.5 | May differ by faculty and programme. |
| Study permit application | Varies | Immigration documentation and university admission are separate requirements. |
Related guide:IELTS for Canadian immigration: a complete guide2026
Australia and New Zealand: IELTS for Study and Immigration
Universities in Australia and New Zealand often accept IELTS Academic for degree entry, but the exact requirement varies by course. Immigration rules are separate. See IDP’s IELTS guidance and the official programme pages.
For undergraduate degrees, some Australian and New Zealand programmes may consider an IELTS overall score around 6.0, whereas postgraduate courses can require 7.5. Immigration requirements are different; see our Australia immigration guide.
Countries and Pathways That May Accept IELTS 5.5
If your current band score is 5.5, you may still have options through foundation courses or language pathway programmes, subject to scholarship eligibility.
| Country or programme | Indicative score | Pathway details |
| Selected UK universities | 5.5 | For example, preparatory language courses at universities such as Bedfordshire. |
| Community colleges in the US and Canada | 5.5 | Some pathways lead to partner-university transfer. |
| Selected Australian universities | 5.5 | Conditional offers or foundation courses may be available. |
According to IELTS Who Accepts, many international institutions consider 5.5 for some foundation or conditional admission pathways. Related reading:A complete guide to cultural scholarships
IELTS Requirements for Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD Programmes
The IELTS score required for study abroad varies by level. Undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes evaluate language readiness against different academic demands. Here is an overview:
IELTS Scores for Bachelor’s Degrees by Major
Undergraduate programmes sometimes offer more flexible language thresholds than postgraduate degrees, although writing-intensive and regulated fields may set higher requirements.
| Major | Indicative IELTS score | Notes |
| Humanities and social sciences | 6.0–6.5 | Some UK and Canadian courses accept this range. |
| Engineering and science | 6.5–7.0 | Often applies to competitive programmes. |
| Medicine and health sciences | 7.0–7.5 | Professional and clinical requirements can be higher. |
For example, University of Liverpool may require an overall score of 6.5 for some undergraduate courses, with higher standards for clinical disciplines.
IELTS Scores for Master’s Degrees, Including MBA Programmes
Master’s courses often demand stronger academic English. Requirements vary between research degrees and professional programmes such as MBAs.
| Programme | Indicative IELTS score | Notes |
| Academic master’s degree | 6.5–7.5 | Some courses also specify a minimum Writing score. |
| Professional master’s (MBA/EMBA) | 7.0–7.5 | Strong professional communication skills may be required. |
For example, Cornell University may list an overall IELTS requirement for a selected postgraduate programme, while the IDP India guide describes UK universities accepting IELTS for master’s admissions at scores around 6.5–7.5, depending on the university and major.
PhD and Research Scholarships: Higher English-Language Expectations
Doctoral scholarship programmes may set higher language thresholds because of their research, academic writing and presentation demands.
| University or programme | Indicative IELTS score | Notes |
| Selective universities such as Harvard and MIT | 7.5–8.0 | May apply to particular faculties or degrees. |
| Research PhD | 7.0–7.5 | Some programmes require higher Writing scores. |
| Law or philosophy PhD | 7.5–8.0 | Check the relevant department’s admissions page. |
For example, Harvard Kennedy School publishes its own language requirements. A general guide from Manhattan Review also discusses the scores often requested by research universities. Further reading:Best IELTS preparation courses
Majors with Higher IELTS Requirements: Medicine, Law and Media
Some fields may call for higher IELTS scores because they involve specialist terminology, academic writing, critical analysis and professional communication.
| Major | Indicative IELTS Academic score | Notes |
| Medicine and dentistry | 7.0–7.5 (sometimes 8.0) | Some UK and Australian clinical programmes, including selected University of Sydney courses, set higher thresholds. |
| Law | 7.0–7.5 | Course requirements can be particularly demanding in Writing. |
| Media and journalism | 7.0–7.5 | Advanced speaking and analytical writing may be required. |
Leading universities may raise their English-language thresholds for courses involving complex medical, legal or media documentation. For students interested in healthcare scholarships, King Fahad Medical City is one organisation worth researching. Always verify any stated clinical language requirements against its current programme announcement. Related reading:Complete IELTS Writing guide
Leading Universities That May Require IELTS 7.0 or Above
For scholarship applicants targeting selective universities such as Harvard, Oxford or Stanford, some programmes expect scores in the 7.0–8.0 range. Requirements are department-specific, particularly for research and professional courses.
| University or programme | Indicative IELTS score |
| Harvard Kennedy School (selected doctoral programmes) | At least 7.0 |
| Cornell University (selected postgraduate programmes) | 7.0–7.5 |
| Oxford, Stanford and Imperial College London (selected courses) | 7.5–8.0 |
According to information published by Harvard University, some graduate programmes set minimum IELTS scores of 7.0 or more, with component requirements where specified. Likewise, Cornell University sets admission standards at programme level; an overall 7.0 may be required by certain departments, with higher scores elsewhere. The Manhattan Review guide also mentions universities such as Oxford, Stanford and Imperial as examples of institutions where selected research courses can have high language requirements. Practical tip:If you are considering a competitive research programme, plan your IELTS preparation around the course’s published overall and section minimums, rather than assuming that 7.5 is mandatory everywhere. Further reading:IELTS scores for immigration
Universities That May Accept IELTS 6.0–6.5
If your IELTS score for scholarship applications is currently between 6.0 and 6.5, you may be eligible for selected courses in the United States, Canada and elsewhere. Many universities offer programmes in this range, although requirements differ by department and may include minimum skill scores.
| University or country | Indicative IELTS score | Notes |
| Texas A&M University, US | 6.0 | Check campus and degree-specific thresholds. |
| Kent State / University of Colorado | 6.0–6.5 | Some undergraduate or postgraduate routes may consider these scores. |
| Cleveland State University | 6.0 | Direct entry or English-language pathways may be available. |
| Virginia Commonwealth / Central Michigan | 6.0–6.5 | Selected programmes may have flexible entry requirements. |
IELTS regional resources provide examples of universities that may accept an overall 6.0 for selected courses; individual programme pages remain the final reference. University search platforms such as Yocket also list institutions and courses by stated English-language requirements. Important:These universities may offer international study opportunities without requiring an immediate overall score of 7.0. Because scholarship language requirements often depend on university admission, they may be options worth reviewing. For an indicative assessment of your current skills, try the GoIELTS practice test to understand whether your current IELTS preparation level is approaching your target or needs further work.
Universities and Pathways That May Consider IELTS 5.5
Even if your IELTS overall band is currently 5.5, this does not necessarily end your study-abroad plans. Some institutions provide preparatory pathways or conditional offers that require additional English-language study before academic entry.
| Institution or country | Indicative IELTS score | Admission pathway |
| Selected Canadian community colleges | 5.5 | May offer on-campus language pathways. |
| Selected US institutions | 5.5 | Conditional admission with academic English preparation. |
| Middlesex and Greenwich, UK (selected routes) | 5.5 | May involve preparatory language study. |
| Universities in Malaysia and Ireland | 5.5–6.0 | Requirements vary by course and institution. |
According to IELTS’s institutional recognition directory, some universities consider 5.5 for foundation and pathway routes, depending on the course.
What Does This Mean for Scholarship Applicants?
- You may be able to enter your degree programme after completing an approved preparatory course.
- Some scholarship sponsors may accept conditional university offers, but always check their specific rules.
- Pathways can be helpful when your current IELTS result is close to the required band.
Learn how to book an IELTS test step by step.
How to Choose the Right IELTS Target for Your Scholarship or Degree
Do not choose a university based on a headline IELTS score alone. Compare the entry rules for your intended programme, academic level and scholarship sponsor before deciding what score to aim for.
Practical Steps: Find the Required Score by Major and University
- Identify your study level: bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate.
- Choose your intended major, such as medicine, law or business.
- Read the English-language entry requirements on the university’s official course page.
- Check component minimums for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- Compare universities that accept your current score with those asking for a slightly higher band.
If you do not know your programme’s minimum IELTS band, start with the official IELTS institution search and the university’s admissions website. Use a GoIELTS practice test as a training baseline.
Read our IELTS Reading guide (2026).
How Far Are You from Your Target Band?
If your current overall result is 6.0 and your target is 6.5 or 7.0, identify which skills you need to improve rather than focusing only on the overall gap.
- Prioritise the lowest-scoring skill, especially Writing or Speaking if the course sets specific minimums.
- Use IELTS Writing practice and feedback to identify what is limiting your performance.
- Set a realistic study schedule, then reassess your progress before booking the official test.
What If Your Current IELTS Score Is 5.5?
You may be able to apply for a conditional place or an English-language pathway, subject to university and scholarship approval. Examples to investigate include:
- Global Pathways at Pace University in the US: check the current entry criteria and any English preparation available.
- University options in the UK: verify the course-level criteria rather than assuming all accept an overall 5.5.
These programmes may provide a route toward academic admission after you meet their language requirements.
Find Your Starting Point with a Free GoIELTS Practice Test
GoIELTS offers IELTS-style practice tests to help you assess your skills and plan your next steps toward overseas study.
What you can review:
- Skill-by-skill training feedback to help identify areas that need attention in Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
- An indicative practice result to compare with your personal target, not an official IELTS prediction.
- A practical study plan focused on the skills most relevant to your application.
Learn about
How to Work Toward the IELTS Score Required for Your Scholarship
To work toward your target band, you do not have to start from scratch. Review Understanding IELTS scores across all four skills to identify where to focus your effort. If time is limited, consider IELTS study plan as a structured short study plan—not a guaranteed way to move from IELTS 5.5 to 7.0.
Ready to Plan Your Scholarship Journey?
Explore your starting point with a GoIELTS practice test. Its feedback is intended for preparation and is not an official IELTS score.
Use your results to decide where to focus next, whether you are applying for a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral programme. Start preparing for your next application milestone.
Frequently Asked Questions
A strong IELTS score can help you meet university admission and scholarship language requirements, but it does not guarantee a place or funding. Admission decisions also consider academic qualifications, available places and the scholarship provider's rules.
No. Both are official IELTS test partners. The result is assessed against the same IELTS standards. Choose an authorised test centre and the IELTS test type accepted by your university or scholarship sponsor.
An overall IELTS 6.5 may meet the entry requirement for certain degree programmes, but others require 7.0 or above and may specify minimum scores in each skill. Do not treat one IELTS band as a fixed CEFR equivalence or a universal scholarship threshold.
No. UK universities may accept IELTS Academic or other approved evidence of English-language ability, depending on the course. Some visa routes have additional rules for approved secure English language tests. Always check your university and the official UK visa guidance.
IELTS Academic is intended for higher education and is commonly requested for university-based scholarships. IELTS General Training focuses on everyday and workplace contexts and is typically used for migration or training purposes. Confirm which version your university or sponsor accepts.
Many UK degree programmes ask for an overall IELTS score around 6.0–6.5, while some postgraduate or highly selective courses require 7.0 or higher. The exact threshold and skill minimums depend on the university and programme.
There is no single IELTS score for all scholarships. Depending on the sponsoring organisation, degree and university, applicants may encounter entry requirements from approximately 5.5 to 7.5 or higher. The official programme announcement is the final reference.
The University of Manchester sets English-language requirements for individual degree programmes. Some courses may require an overall 6.5 with minimum section scores, while others differ. Use the university's official course page for the latest requirements.
The University of Edinburgh's IELTS requirements depend on the degree and school. An overall band of 6.5 with minimum component scores appears for some courses, but other programmes have different thresholds. Check the university's published language requirements for your chosen programme.
About the Content Team at GoIELTS
GoIELTS creates specialized content for IELTS with contributions from writers experienced in education and test preparation.
We follow clear editorial standards for accuracy and quality — read our Editorial Policy
Related Posts
IELTS Academic Test Samples PDF
December 26, 2025
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program 2026: Requirements, Paths and Applications
February 21, 2026
IELTS Vocabulary: Common Words for All 4 Skills 2026
June 6, 2026
NEOM Scholarship Program 2026: Eligibility, Majors, IELTS and Application Guide
February 1, 2026
How to Prepare for IELTS in 2026: 7 Steps to Success
March 9, 2026
AlUla Scholarship Program 2026: Requirements, Majors and How to Apply
February 16, 2026
GoIELTS is an independent training platform specializing in IELTS preparation and is not affiliated with any official organization that owns or administers the IELTS test. The content is provided for educational and informational purposes only and reflects our team’s experience and the latest information available at the time of publication. Information may change without notice. Any use of the information is at the reader’s own responsibility, and results vary depending on each learner’s level and effort. For the latest official requirements, we recommend checking the official IELTS website and the relevant scholarship or sponsoring authority. — Full Disclaimer