Have you decided to migrate or study in Australia? If yes, knowing the IELTS requirements for Australia and its scoring system becomes important for you. In general, the minimum score requirement on IELTS to move to Australia is 6.5. Understanding the scoring system will help you prepare for the exam better and help you set your goals.
IELTS Australia: Your Key to Moving to Australia
Before making a move to Australia either for reasons associated with studies or occupation, one is required to qualify for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam.
Undergraduate aspirants should have no less than six on the IELTS scorecard, whereas postgraduate applications need at least 6.5. However certain institutes potentially consider applicants who demonstrate even higher levels of English proficiency per their IELTS results.
The same goes for organisations, different organisations may have different requirements. This is the reason why scoring higher in this exam will help, as more opportunities will open for you. Understanding the Basics: How is the IELTS Score Calculated?
To understand how to calculate the IELTS score you need to first understand the two types of scores – raw scores and band scores. That is by scoring the different parts of the test, and its four components, and then assimilating it as an overall score. Understanding the difference between IELTS bands and raw scores will help you prepare better.
Your exam will have different sections for reading, writing, listening and speaking. Those sections are marked by raw scores. The Academic and General Training are scored out of 40 marks. This is then converted into the IELTS 9-band scale.
Also, read our detailed blog on How long is IELTS valid?
More Information on IELTS Bands and Raw Scores
An important point to remember is that the scores are rounded off to the nearest band or half band. What this means is that for example:
- If your score is 6.25, then your score will be rounded off to “6.5.” This is the nearest half-band.
- And if your score is 6.75, then your overall score will be increased to 7, which is the full band.
IELTS How to Calculate the Score: Score Breakdown
Each section of the IELTS Australia is scored out of 40 marks. The number you score is associated with a band. The list below will give you details on 9 bands raw scores are associated with or fall in:
- If your raw score is between 39 to 40 points, your band score will be 9.
- For those who achieve a raw score of 37 or 38, your band score falls at 8.5. A raw score of 35 or 36 translates to a band score of 8.
- Raw scores from 33 to 34 land you at a band score of 7.5, while 30 to 32 earn a 7.
- Those with raw scores in the 27 to 29 range receive a 6.5 band score. Slightly lower from 23 to 26 still places you at a band score of 6.
- Should your raw score be anywhere from 19 to 22, a band score of 5.5 is awarded.
- Scores of 15 through 18 yield a band score of 5, showing a limited though emerging command. Nearing this range with a 13 or 14 raw score lowers it just slightly to 4.5.
- At the lower end, a raw score between 10 and 12 translates to a band score of 4.
- Raw scores of 8 through 9 earn a 3.5 band score.
- Between 6 and 7 raw points place you at a 3-band score.
- The lowest band score of 2.5 is reserved for raw scores 4 through 5.
Use this list to understand the scores you will need to attain the band you are aiming for.
Calculating IELTS Scores in a Nutshell
When you prepare for IELTS consider the following tips to score better:
- You will receive 1 mark, a raw score, for each correct answer.
- So, all of your scores from sections will be summed up. Then this will be divided by four, to come to a score, which will then be associated with its relevant band. (See the list above)
- Lastly, don’t forget that the scores will be rounded off. However, only .25 and .75 scores are rounded off.
IELTS Scoring and Calculation: Example
To illustrate how the calculation for IELTS Australia or any other country works, here’s an example say you score 37 in reading, 30 in writing, 36 in speaking and 36 in listening, here is what this will mean:
- Your band score for reading is 8.
- Your band score for writing is 6.
- Your band score for speaking is 7.5.
- Your band score for listening is also 7.5.
- The sum of your scores will be calculated by adding these scores. Meaning 37 + 30 + 36 + 36, which equals 139.
- To derive the overall score, 139 is divided by 4, which comes down to 34.75.
- The band score for this will be 7.
IELTS Band Scores and What They Mean?
The requirement will depend on a point-based immigration system. Wondering what score you’d need? Here is a quick overview for you:
- A band score of 9 refers to an “expert user” English level. This translates to the student having complete command of the language.
- The band score of 8 refers to a “very good user.” This means that the student has a great command over the language with very few mistakes.
- The band score of 7 refers to a “good user,” which means that the person has a good command of the English language and has occasional inconsistencies.
- The band score of 6 refers to a “competent user,” which means the person has effective command over the language but has some errors. There is scope for some misunderstandings.
- The band score of 5 refers to a “modest user,” which means the test taker has partial command of the language. Students with this score can understand common situations but cannot deal with complex situations.
EnglishWise: Your IELTS Partner
Scoring well on your IELTS exam is crucial if you hope to obtain permanent residency or enrol in university programs in Australia. While some Australian institutions accept IELTS scores as low as 4.0, aspiring immigrants and international students should set their sights higher. Securing a result of 7 or 8 unlocks myriad opportunities, from selective degree courses at prestigious institutions to competitive skilled visa categories coveted by global talent.
EnglishWise, a tutoring centre headquartered in Dubai, fully understands the significance of maximising one’s IELTS performance. For years, they have equipped test-takers with the strategies and simulated practice necessary to achieve their target band scores. Their approach emphasises both linguistic development and exam familiarity, yielding confident, well-prepared candidates. With a team of amazing teachers, this coaching centre helps you find guidance, live discussions, information like the IELTS Australia fee, and how to prepare for the exam to get a good score. The coaching centre will help you through your journey and set you up for success.
To book a class with EnglishWise, you can write to them at their email address, info@englishwise.com.au or give them a call at +971552419200 to inquire about the classes and fees.
