# IELTS band requirements for UK

UK visas that ask for a Secure English Language Test (SELT) accept IELTS for UKVI (a set score in each of the four skills) or IELTS Life Skills (a pass in speaking and listening). Nursing registration is set by the NMC.

Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-08.

## IELTS scores for UK

| For | IELTS test | Minimum | Conditions |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| SELT at CEFR B1 | IELTS for UKVI | 4.0 in each of the four skills | Taken at an approved centre and awarded in the 2 years before you apply. Which level you need depends on the visa. |
| SELT at CEFR B2 | IELTS for UKVI | 5.5 in each of the four skills | Taken at an approved centre and awarded in the 2 years before you apply. Which level you need depends on the visa. |
| SELT at CEFR C1 | IELTS for UKVI | 7.0 in each of the four skills | Taken at an approved centre and awarded in the 2 years before you apply. Which level you need depends on the visa. |
| SELT at CEFR C2 | IELTS for UKVI | 8.5 in each of the four skills | Taken at an approved centre and awarded in the 2 years before you apply. Which level you need depends on the visa. |
| Student visa, below degree level | A SELT (IELTS for UKVI) | CEFR B1 | If you don't already prove your English another way: nationals of the countries GOV.UK lists, and holders of a degree from one of those countries, don't need a test. |
| Student visa, degree level or above | A SELT, or your university's own assessment | Equivalent to CEFR B2 | Your university can assess your English itself, so it may ask for a different test. |
| Nursing and midwifery registration (NMC) | IELTS Academic (including IELTS Academic UKVI) | 7 in Reading, Listening and Speaking, 6.5 in Writing | The NMC sets no overall score. Two sittings within 12 months can be combined if no score is below 6.5 (6 in Writing). IELTS Online, the IELTS Indicator and One Skill Retake are not accepted. |

*Checked against official sources on 2026-10-08*

Work out your bands on the [IELTS band score chart](/ielts/band-score-chart) or with the [IELTS band score calculator](/ielts/band-score-calculator). What the test costs where you'll take it is on [IELTS fees by country](/ielts/fees).

The PTE Academic UKVI scores for the same visas, side by side with IELTS for UKVI, are in [English test scores for UK visas](/blog/uk-visa-english-requirements).

## Questions

### Can I use IELTS Academic for a UK visa?

For a visa that needs a SELT, the IELTS test must be IELTS for UKVI or IELTS Life Skills. For degree-level study, your university may accept other evidence and assess your English itself.

### What IELTS score is B2 for the UK?

5.5 in each of Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing, in IELTS for UKVI, per the Home Office list of approved SELTs.

### What IELTS score do nurses need for the NMC?

IELTS Academic with at least 7 in Reading, Listening and Speaking and 6.5 in Writing. The NMC page sets no overall score.

**Sources**
- [Home Office: approved Secure English Language Tests (list)](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68da41cd750fcf90fa6ffb33/List_of_approved_Secure_English_Language_Tests_taken_outside_the_UK+_1_.ods)
- [GOV.UK: Prove your English with a SELT](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/prove-your-english-language-abilities-with-a-secure-english-language-test-selt)
- [GOV.UK: Student visa, knowledge of English](https://www.gov.uk/student-visa/knowledge-of-english)
- [NMC: IELTS Academic](https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/english-language-requirements/accepted-english-language-tests/ielts-academic/)
- [NMC: Accepted English language tests](https://www.nmc.org.uk/registration/joining-the-register/english-language-requirements/accepted-english-language-tests/)