international students and a fireworks show in the UK
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British Council

Take IELTS to prove you have the right English language skills to study in the USA. Over 3,400 higher education institutions and programmes in the USA accept IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. These include:

  • Boarding schools
  • Associate, undergraduate, and graduate degrees
  • Professional and law programmes

Major institutions all over the USA recognise that IELTS gives an accurate reflection of your ability to understand, read, write and speak English. 

Download our free guide studying or working in the USA

What US universities are saying about IELTS

"I think IELTS is the best test because Kansas State University uses it!"

- Kansas State University, Miranda Asebedo

"Before deciding to accept the IELTS as an alternative to TOEFL, I sat for the exam myself and can attest to the genuine rigor it represents."

- Columbia University, New York James F Minter

"We have been accepting IELTS since 2002 and feel it is a valid test of English language proficiency. We are particularly pleased with the speaking component."

- University of Minnesota, Dean Tsantir

"IELTS worldwide availability make it an attractive option. We are pleased with the response from our international applicants."

- UCLA Director Graduate Admissions, Daniel J. Bennett

Student testimonials from the USA

"I heard that IELTS is the most accurate evaluation when it comes to assessing English proficiency."

Jisu Jang, Hospital, IELTS score 6 

"I think IELTS is unlike other English tests, especially TOFEL. When I had to choose between the two, I didn't want to study for a test in which it is impossible to get a high score without memorising useless jargon. IELTS gave me a chance to succeed with my everyday English, learned from watching UK dramas and listening to BBC radio. I think that IELTS is a very valid test. If you are really interested in English and use it on a daily basis, getting a high score is not as difficult as it is in other tests."

Chaelyeon Pak, The Catholic University of Korea, IELTS score 7 

"IELTS is widely accepted."

Ranran Li, Soochow University, IELTS score 6.5

"I heard about IELTS from many of my friends."

Mai Nguyen, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, IELTS score 6.5

"I chose to take IELTS at British Council because of the high-quality service they provide."

Reslyn Mendoza, Singapore General Hospital, IELTS score 6.5

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