About United States

There is no British Council test centre in United States' capital Washington, D.C.. Besides the capital, there are several other IELTS test centres across the country.

IELTS data

Several universities in United States require IELTS as proof of English proficiency to enrol in an English-taught programme

• Lowest IELTS score required: 2.5
• Highest IELTS score required: 9.0
• Average IELTS score required: 6.3
• Number of universities accepting IELTS: 2349
• Number of studies accepting IELTS: 97135

Background of United States

The United States, a young democracy with a unique history, is known for its cultural contributions, including film, television, and sports like baseball and American football. It's a massive country, with each state offering its own distinct history and feel. International students from around the world are drawn to the U.S. to experience its culture and top-ranked universities.

U.S. universities consistently dominate global rankings, and there are an astounding number of accredited institutions. According to the Association of American Colleges and Universities, there are 2,613 accredited four-year colleges and universities in the U.S. Higher education institutions are categorized into research universities, community colleges, liberal arts colleges, and vocational schools, each offering tailored programs. Most Bachelor's or Master's degrees are pursued at research universities or liberal arts colleges. All classes are delivered in English, and universities offer extensive support for international students. While English is widely spoken, there is no official national language. To apply, students need to provide proof of English proficiency, such as an IELTS or TOEFL certificate.

English requirements in United States

To study in English at one of the universities in United States you may need proof of English proficiency. There are several standardised English tests that you can take to prove your English level, such as the PTE (Pearson Test of English), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), CAE (Cambridge Advanced English) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System), offered by British Council and IDP. IELTS is the most popular of these tests, with British Council offering more than 1,000 test locations and being accepted by more than 11,500 organisations worldwide.

4 most popular study destinations for students in United States