US Universities Accepting Only IELTS Scores for MS

US Universities Accepting Only IELTS Scores for MS: Most top-ranked universities in the United States accept IELTS scores as valid proof of English proficiency for MS admissions. However, it is rare for a university to accept only IELTS and reject all other English tests. In most cases, IELTS is one of the options listed along with TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo, with the required scores varying by department.

US Universities Accepting IELTS for MS

Many graduate schools in the United States accept English tests on their official admissions pages: TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, and often Duolingo. The top research universities like UC Berkeley, USC, UT Austin, Northeastern, Johns Hopkins, Purdue, ASU, University of Washington, and University of Michigan expressly accept IELTS Academic test results for master's programs; score thresholds vary by program.

MS in USA with IELTS

You can pursue an MS in the USA by submitting your IELTS Academic score, as most universities accept it as a valid English proficiency test for graduate admissions. Meeting the required band score set by each department is essential for successful admission.

• IELTS Academic is widely Accepted: Whether a program prefers TOEFL or not, IELTS Academic is recognized by almost all leading US universities as an equivalent option for demonstrating English ability.
• Scores are program-specific: Some engineering and business departments require higher bands (7.0–7.5), while many STEM or broader graduate programs accept 6.5 as a minimum.
• Score validity & submission: Official IELTS scores are usually valid for two years. Many universities require scores to be sent electronically from the test centre (E-TRF / electronic download). Paper TRFs are often not accepted.
• Conditional offers and waivers: Some schools offer conditional admission (e.g., enroll in English/bridge courses) if your band is slightly below the threshold, or waive the test if you already have a degree from an English-medium institution. Check waiver rules carefully.

IELTS Score Requirements for MS in USA

Below are common categories of IELTS band expectations for MS in USA:

• Top-tier programs / competitive departments: 7.0 – 7.5 overall (e.g., many departments at Berkeley, Johns Hopkins, some engineering/business programs).
• Broad graduate admissions (major state universities): 6.5 overall is a common requirement.
• More flexible / applied-professional programs: Some universities or programs (particularly certain MS or professional master’s) may accept 6.0 – 6.5. Conditional English support may be available.

List of US Universities Accepting Only IELTS Scores for MS

There are several well-known universities where IELTS is fully accepted as a primary English-proficiency credential. While most U.S. institutions allow multiple tests, many popular MS-granting universities recognise IELTS Academic for admission across engineering, computer science, business, and STEM programs. Below is a curated list of US universities accepting IELTS for MS applications.