Take IELTS to prove you have the right English language skills to study in the USA. Over 3,400 higher education institutions and programmes in the USA accept IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. 

Major institutions all over the USA recognise that IELTS gives an accurate reflection of your ability to understand, read, write and speak English.

IELTS is:

  • trusted by the USA’s top 25 universities 
  • accepted by all Ivy League colleges 
  • recognised by 100 per cent of the top 100 international student enrolling universities in the USA.

Good IELTS scores help you to get into the university of your choice. Find out the IELTS score you need.

► Check the list of institutions and universities in the USA that accept IELTS

Scholarships to study

More than US$8.8 billion is given to international students as financial support for studying in the USA. Most of this aid comes directly from colleges and universities.

► Read more on how you can get scholarships in the United States

Studying and working in the USA

Depending on the college or university where you are, you may have the opportunity to work on campus up to 20 hours per week during school term in the first year of study. Holidays and summer vacation, when there is no class, you can work up to 40 hours per week.

Remember that these jobs are not guaranteed and, in general, they pay between $7-10 per hour.

Additional resources are available to help you understand the options for work and studies.

► If you would like to study or work in the USA, take the IELTS test

What USA universities are saying about IELTS

'I think IELTS is the best test because Kansas State University uses it!'  – Kansas State University, Miranda Asebedo

'Before deciding to accept IELTS as an alternative to TOEFL, I sat for the exam myself and can attest to the genuine rigor it represents.' – Columbia University, New York, James F Minter

'We have been accepting IELTS since 2002 and feel it is a valid test of English language proficiency. We are particularly pleased with the speaking component.' – University of Minnesota, Dean Tsantir

'IELTS worldwide availability make it an attractive option. We are pleased with the response from our international applicants.' – UCLA Director Graduate Admissions, Daniel J. Bennett

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