IELTS for a UK university
The IELTS band UK universities ask for, with real examples from Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow, and a plan to reach yours from Bangladesh.
The band you need
| For | Test | Overall | Each skill |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Birmingham, Criminology BA (2027) | IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6.0 |
| University of Birmingham, a typical postgraduate offerVaries by programme; results no more than 2 years old. | IELTS Academic | 6.0 | 5.5 |
| University of Manchester, undergraduate5.5 for foundation courses. | IELTS Academic | Usually 6.0–7.0 | Varies by course |
| University of Manchester, postgraduate | IELTS Academic | Usually 6.0–7.5 | Varies by course |
| University of Glasgow, MBAOne Skill Retake accepted; General Training not. | IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6.0 |
Checked 29 October 2026 against the sources below. Requirements change, and your university or employer may ask for more: confirm with them before you book.
A practice plan
- Read your course's own page: the band differs between courses at one university, and the per-skill minimum matters as much as the overall.
- Check what the university accepts: IELTS Academic, IELTS for UKVI, IELTS Online, One Skill Retake. Glasgow accepts a One Skill Retake; many do not.
- Take the free placement test, then aim half a band above the requirement in practice, so a weaker day still meets it.
- Writing is most often the lowest band: check essays with the Task 2 checker and read model answers for each essay type.
Start here
Questions
Is IELTS 6.5 enough for a UK university?
For many courses, yes: Birmingham's Criminology BA asks for 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and Glasgow's MBA the same. Some courses ask for 7.0 or more, so check yours.
How old can my IELTS result be?
Usually no more than two years at the start of the course; Birmingham states two years at admission and Glasgow two years and five months before the programme starts.
How much does IELTS cost in Bangladesh?
IDP Bangladesh lists IELTS on Computer (Academic or General Training) at BDT 31,100 and IELTS for UKVI at BDT 34,850, and a One Skill Retake at BDT 18,600. Check the current fee when you book.