IELTS Exam Eligibility Criterial: 2020

IELTS does not have stringent requirements for eligibility. However, there are a few conditions that need to be satisfied.

Eligibility criteria:

Age requirements:

According to the instructions released by the British Council and IDP, only candidates over 16 can attempt the exam. Even the application form asks for the test taker’s age. There is a section which requires the candidate’s age, where only options above 16 years are listed

The authorities have clearly mentioned that “it is not recommended to people under 16 years of age”.

Eligibility:

Passport

The test taker must possess a valid, non-expired passport. This becomes all the more important if the test taker is taking the test outside their own country.

Purpose:

The test taker will be eligible to take the exam if he/she is under one of the categories listed below.

Planning to study in UK/Australia/Canada/New Zealand/USA
As a medical professional, planning to work or study further in UK/Australia/USA
Planning to emigrate to Canada/Australia/New Zealand.

Cases where IELTS may be needed:

If the test taker needs admission into a Bachelors Degree course:

The test taker needs to have completed a senior secondary education level which is equivalent to the secondary education of the foreign country he/she is applying to.

If the test taker needs admission into a Masters Degree course:

The test taker needs to have completed a 4-year Bachelor’s degree which is equivalent to the Bachelor’s degree in the country he/she is applying to.
English language test scores. [IELTS can be taken as the English language test]

If the test taker needs admission into a Doctorate course:

The test taker needs to have completed a valid Master’s Degree from a recognized university.
English language test scores. [IELTS can be taken as the English language test]

Proof of relevant work experience.