Are you old enough to take the IELTS? Or are you too old to take the IELTS? Never fear–I’ve dug up the facts on the IELTS exam age limit.
Is 16 the Minimum IELTS Exam Age Limit?
If you Google “IELTS exam age limit,” a lot of the top results seem to say that you can’t take the IELTS if you’re under 16. This is wrong, wrong, WRONG! But I don’t mean to be too harsh on the people that say this. The supposed 16 age limit is a pretty common misconception, actually.
So why do people think you can’t take the IELTS under the age of 16? Where does this weird idea come from? Well, the truth is, it’s not such a weird idea. And it’s not far from the truth. The official makers of the IELTS do recommend against taking the IELTS if you’re younger than 16. But they absolutely do allow younger test-takers to register for the test without restriction.
Don’t believe me? Let’s look at the IELTS minimum age policy, right from one of their own official websites. According to the official terms and conditions for IELTS test registration:
- IELTS is made available worldwide to all persons, regardless of age, gender, race, nationality or religion but it is not recommended to persons under 16 years of age.
-
Why does the IELTS recommend against taking the test before you’re 16?
So, if you’re under 16 and are thinking of taking the IELTS, should you worry? Why do the test-makers say this is usually a bad idea?
One of the biggest reasons is that IELTS scores expire after two years. So how is that a problem for younger test-takers? Well, the main reason people take the IELTS is to get into university or get a skilled migration visa to an English-speaking country. Generally, people don’t start uni or go overseas for work unless they’re at least 18.
With some simple math, you can see the problem. For any test-taker under the age of 16, IELTS scores will almost certainly be expired by the time they start university or go abroad for work.
If you’re under the age of 16, is there any reason to take the IELTS?
Absolutely! Some high school foreign exchange programs, bilingual high schools, and international schools ask for IELTS scores. In addition, some countries like to see IELTS scores even for younger immigrants. Canada, for example, will consider IELTS scores for international migrants as young as 14.
And of course, if you’re one of those ambitious and talented students who start high school at 17 or younger, it makes sense to take the IELTS before your sixteenth birthday.
Are you ever too old to take the IELTS?
The IELTS has no rules for maximum age and doesn’t even recommend a maximum age. Just as you’re never too old to have fun, you’re never too old to take the IELTS. (This is an especially apt comparison, as I’ve actually tutored elderly pensioners who are studying English and taking the IELTS just for fun!)
I am 15th years of age so what can I do
Hi Sejal,
As we mention in the post, you can take the IELTS! Now, whether or not to prepare for the IELTS or another English exam will depend on your personal situation and academic goals. If you want to study in an English-speaking country, I recommend researching different schools/programs to find out more about which exam or exams are required or recommended. 🙂
I hope this helps, at least a little!
After 10 can we do ielts
Yes, you can. As I’ve said before, you can technically register for the IELTS at any age. After 10 is probably better than younger than 10, actually. And of course, close to 18, or older is best. (So your IELTS scores won’t be expired by the time you can start university or migrate abroad.)
I am 50years old.Can I sit for the ielts exam?
Yes! There’s no age requirement for the IELTS 🙂
i’m 34 years old.can I do ielts and go to foreign???
Hi Amandip,
There is no age limit to the IELTS. You can sign up for the IELTS at any time. 🙂 If you’d like to go abroad, then I’d recommend checking out the immigration websites for any countries that you’re interested in or the admissions websites of any academic programs that you’d like to go to.
i am 14 years old so can i apply ??? 🙂
Yes, you can sign up for and take the IELTS 🙂
Im 19 and half year old, studying in degree second year in india.can I stop my degree now and attend the ielts exam?
Hi there,
You can take the IELTS at any time, but make sure you have a plan before you stop studying. If you take the IELTS now, you will still need to apply for school or for a visa, which can take quite a long time.
Hey Im 16 and can i take ielts and go to university at age sixteen and half? In canada
Hi Pam,
There is no age limit to take the IELTS! You can take it at any time. However, whether you’ll be able to attend university in Canada depends on the university. You will need to make sure that you’ve met all of their program requirements. My recommendation would be to take a look at the admissions websites for the schools that you’re interested in for the most detailed information.
Best of luck!
my sister want go abroad for further study but her age is only 15 years. so she is eligible for IELTS test?
Hi Bhumita,
According to the IELTS makers themselves, “IELTS is made available worldwide to all persons, regardless of age, gender, race, nationality or religion but it is not recommended to persons under 16 years of age.” So your sister absolutely can take it. 🙂
Sir after 2 yr can we write the ielts exam
Hi Afra,
I’m afraid I don’t understand your question. Two years after what? You can take the exam at any age, though it’s only recommended for those over 16.
Hi
I am 32 year old so what can i do. May i give ielts examination.
Hi Chetan,
Yes, of course you can take the IELTS! Just make sure you are adequately prepared for the exam (both content and format) and you can ace it. 🙂
Sir i m 29 years old and recently i did graduation (2018).after 12th(2010to2015) there was 5 years study gap.but now i want to go canada for furthure studies.after getting requier bands can i apply for visa
You should be able to get into a Canadian university with qualifying IELTS scores– your past diplomas won’t be regarded as expired, even if you’ve been out of school for a while. 🙂
My age is 25 . I can take admission in academic ielts
Yes! 🙂
My mom is 47 yrs old.Can she apply for ielts?
She definitely can! You’re never too old for the IELTS. According to the official rules, at least. 😉
I am 13 years. Can I apply for IELTS?..
And I wana to do my further studies in abroad?
Hi Vedika,
You can definitely apply to take the IELTS at age 13. However, we don’t recommend it. This is because your IELTS scores will expire within 2 years, long before you are eligible for higher education abroad. Generally, people don’t start university or go overseas for work unless they’re at least 18.
Hope this helps!
Hello, I am Anikha. Now I am 12 years old, I wish to take IELTS exam for my higher studies,so I am starting to prepare for exam. Could plz recommend me an age that is best to write IELTS exam?
Hi Anikha, the IELTS score is valid for 2 years. You should take the IELTS when you are ready to apply for school or program that requires the IELTS. In the meantime, the best thing you can do is to improve your general English skills.
Hi i’m french , i’m 15 years old it’s young and i’m interested by the IELTS exam but i don’t know How can i have lessons ? Where i can find the program ? And if it’s really accessible?
You’re 15 years old and already starting to study for the IELTS? Wow! With that much advance preparation, you’ve got a good chance of scoring well!
IELTS lessons are available through many sources. Magoosh IELTS offers video lessons. You may also be able to get face-to-face tutoring or IELTS classes where you live. To look at those options, I recommend talking to your high school English teacher or guidance counselor. Those people should be able to give you some advice on where to find local IELTS instruction.
IELTS tutoring is also very accessible online. Offhand, I can recommend IELTS-UK. They’re a private IELTS tutoring service that offers IELTS prep over webcam. The directors of IELTS-UK are bilingual and speak French as well as English, which should be helpful in your case. But there are many other online IELTS tutors and schools out there too. So feel free to search the web and “shop around.”
I’m 17 and my aunt plans to bring me to Australia to study and work. Should i take the ielts?
I would say so. You’re very close to the age where you can get an Australian work visa or start at an Australian university, so now is a good time to take the test. Or perhaps take the testS. I’m using plural here, because Australia requires the IELTS Academic test for university, but wants to see an IELTS General Training test score for immigration. If you’re not sure whether you want to work or study, taking both exams will keep your options open.
Hey! Can I apply for IELTS exam, my age is just 12 years.
What ambitious young student you are! You certainly can take the IELTS at age 12. However, if you do this, you’d probably only be able to use the experience for practice. IELTS scores expire after two years. It’s probably more than two years before you could start at an international high school. And it’s definitely going to be more than two years before you could enter an overseas university or immigrate to an English-language country for a job. So if you take the IELTS now, your scores will probably expire before you can actually use them.
Again though, experiencing a real IELTS could be good practice, and you’re certainly allowed to take the test, even if you’re only 12 right now.
I’m 17 years old…..
Can I write IELTS ?
Absolutely. Not only that, but you’re at a very good age to take the IELTS. You’ll be old enough for university or overseas employment by next year. It can be good to start trying for a qualifying IELTS score now!
I am inter pass(12tg class) can i apply for IELTS
You absolutely can take the IELTS. While the IELTS is available to all age groups, you’re at an especially good time in your life for taking the exam. 🙂
My son is 7 and for him to apply for the Northwestern University Center for Talent Development’s programs an IELTS is required… Of course, even though he is gifted, he’s still only 7-years-old. I have undergone the Cambridge examinations and for them a lot of general culture is needed. As I do not really know IELTS, is it the same for it?
Some general cultural information is definitely helpful on the IELTS. I’m a little surprised that they’re asking a 7 year old to do the IELTS at all though. Some of the vocabulary in IELTS, especially in the longer reading passages, is way above anything that even a gifted native English speaking 7 year old would know. And pretty much the whole exam is really designed for older test-takers with higher attention spans, high school students or adults.
I recommend looking at IELTS sample tests to get a feel for the culture and language knowledge your son will need for the exam. If I may ask, what are the score requirements for your son, if any? (It’s very interesting to hear about the IELTS exam being used in a child learning program!)
M 28 can i give ielts acdemic test ????
Hi Tamanna, there is no upper age limit for the IELTS–you can take it at 28 or 108 🙂
Do one of my parent can go with me if I do Ilets before 12th and can one of my parent can do work there.pls. tell me.
It sounds like you’re asking if one of your parents can enter the exam room with you and help you with the exam? Unfortunately, the answer to that is no. However, a parent could accompany you to the test center and meet you just outside the testing room after you finish. And with or without a parent, you can take the IELTS, no matter how young you are.
I am inter pass(10 class) can i apply for IELTS
Absolutely. Anyone at any age can register for and take the test. 🙂
I am 17,i know i can do ilets,but can i apply immediately for visa after ilets exam?
That depends a lot on which country you’re emigrating to, and what kind of visa you’re going for. I would check with an immigration office if you are applying for a work visa. If you’re applying for a student visa, check with the school or schools that you’re applying for.
Am in 10 th standard and i want to do ielts to study in america further is my age right to do ielts in this as am going to be of full fifteen on 15 dec 2018
Hi there,
Thanks for reaching out to Magoosh! Our expertise is in test prep, so I’m not sure if I can answer your question fully. In the US, students are usually 18 years old before they enter university, and they must complete 12 years of schooling for admission. There are programs like EF High School Exchange Year that allow secondary students to study in the US, but you would have to research their requirements and see if you qualify. Good luck!
Without ielts exam can I go to abroad for studies, and can I participate in ielts exam through online
Hi Jyothi,
An English Language Test like the TOEFL or IELTS is required by most universities for admissions. You will have to look up the specific requirements for the schools where you wish to study.
The IELTS is a paper-based test. Some people who are applying for a visa in the UK can take the IETLS on a computer, but you still must go to a specific testing center. You can see a complete list of places to take the IELTS here.
Hi ! I am 13 years old can i apply for IELTS because i am very intersted in it.
Hi Robert,
Yes, you can take the IELTS as a 13-year-old, but it’s generally not recommended for people under 16. You should think about why you want to take the IELTS and whether it is something you plan to pursue in the next few years. Many schools, for example, require that you take your English language test within 2 years of applying. So, if you take your test now, you will have to apply by 15 in order to use your scores! It might be helpful to take the test in order to be able to practice and understand what the test is all about, but you should think about your goal and make a plan that works for you. Good luck 🙂
I can do ielts after 10th?a
I think you’re asking if you can do IELTS after 10th grade? Yes, you can. Like I said, people of any age are permitted to akae the test. But remember, your scores are treated as expired after two years. So if you take the IELTS when you still have about 2 years of high school remaining, your scores may be seen as invalid by the time you actually send them to universities. For those reasons, I recommend taking the IELTS during or after the 11th grade.
Hey!
I’m 27 can i give it? And what score should i must obtain to get in to a reputed University. Is there any chance of scholarship?
You can definitely take the IELTS at age 27, or at any age. Generally, you need at least a 6.5 to get into a good school, although some respectable schools will accept as low as a 6. There are a variety of scholarships you can get based on your IELTS score, as well as scholarships that aren’t dependent on IELTS score. Scholarship opportunities vary a good deal from uni to uni, so double check the websites of your target schools to see what scholarships might be available to you.
I am 16 years old I want to give this examination so for this what can I do
As a 16 year old, you can take the IELTS, since the test is open to anyone at any age. All you’d need to do is go to the IELTS registration website and book an exam at your nearest test center.
But be careful. IELTS scores are considered to be expired two years after the test date. So you may need to retake the IELTS at the end of high school, once your applying for schooling or work that requires the IELTS.
I’m 17 yrs old .Can I give ielts test?Is there any age limit for this?
Hi Rijan,
There is no age limit or minimujm age for the IELTS; you can take it at any age!
Is it worth for a 55 year old English teacher to take THE IELTS? Are there any expectations or prospects for a person that she?
Hi Alfredo,
This really depends on why you want to take the IELTS. The IELTS is generally used for immigration or university admissions, but you may also want to take it in order to tutor students in the IELTS or to prove your proficiency as an English teacher.
I’m 14 years old and I want to go to Canada after 10th standard . What is the criteria and is any permit required or ielts also required.
Hi Gaurisha,
This sounds like an immigration question, and we aren’t experts in immigration rules and law. I recommend starting with the Canadian government’s website and related IELTS pages.
Is it tough to crack IELTS test???
i am 17 years old and i completed 9th in india and then i come to italy and completed my secondary school and few months of high school can i do ielts and get admission in college in abroad for higher studies what are requirements for admissions ? can you help me !
Hi Puneet,
Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions advice, but this blog post might be helpful for you! It’s important to realize that different schools in different regions each have their own requirements–studying abroad is different in each country. Once you know where you want to study, you can easily look up the admissions requirements for different universities.
Hello i am 17 years old girl from italy actually i completed my 9th standard in india in icse board abd then came to italy and completed my secondary school after secondary school here you have to take courses for future but i can’t see my future here i want to join high school in america . can i do ielts and can i take admission in high school with my 9th transfer certificate and secondary school certificate.
Hi sir,
I am Likith aged 14 years.and I wanted to write the exam and complete my secondary education in Brisbane and do part time job . Am I able to do that??.
And how should I prepare for ilet exam.please kindly answer me.😃
Hi Likith,
I can tell you that it definitely is possible for an international student to do secondary schooling in Australia. This link may be a good place to start as you research that possibility.
Great questions! I know that Australians who hold student visas are eligible to work part time. However, I know that teens also have restrictions on how many hours they can work. So that’s a tricky question. You may need to check with Australian immigration to get a definitive answer on how much you could work as a secondary school student in Australia.
As for how to study for the IELTS, you can start with this blog’s IELTS guides:
Complete Guide to IELTS Listening
Complete Guide to IELTS Reading
Complete Guide to IELTS Speaking
Complete Guide to IELTS Academic Writing Task 1
Complete Guide to IELTS Writing Task 2
If you can get 6 points in all four modules then you will secure the minimum IELTS score for required for Canada immigration.
https://canadapt.ca/minimum-ielts-score-required-for-canada-immigration/
Is there any special care that is given in marking the papers of people taking IELTS who are under 18
Hi Alex,
The TOEFL is graded in the same way regardless of the age of the test-taker. There are no special considerations for younger test-takers 🙂
Hi, I am 64 years plus ( my date of birth is 10-4-1955), can I appear for IELTS exam.
Hi Shashikant!
There is no age limit or minimum age for the IELTS; you can take it at any age! 🙂
Sir I am 14 years old can I give the real test of ielts ???????🤔
HI Asha,
You can take the IELTS at any age, but keep in mind that the test score is only valid for 2 years.
I’m thirteen, is it possible for me to take the IELTS test? I’m starting year 10, so would it be possible for me to do IELTS?
Hi Neet!
There is no age restriction to take the IELTS, however, the official makers of the IELTS do recommend against taking the IELTS if you’re younger than 16. If you’d really like to take the exam, there is no official restriction. 🙂
Sir, I am 35 years of age….i graduated in 2007, science stream….now i want to studu further in Australia…. what are my future prospects?
There aren’t any age limits for Australian university admissions, and there aren’t age limits for taking the IELTS. So you should be able to apply for university study in Australia without your age creating any problems. 🙂
Hi am sabahat am 18 year old i did 1st year exams so can I join the ielts classes?
Hi Sabahat,
There’s no age limit for the IELTS! So, you should be able to join IELTS classes. 🙂
My birth in year 2003 tell me i apply .
HI Gourav,
There is no age requirement for the IELTS, but keep in mind that the results expire in 2 years.
Hi
Dimple
I am 30 year old but I have one child if I am go for IELTS and than shifted to other country for job should my son go with me???
Hi Dimple,
Our expertise is in test prep, not immigration law. I recommend that you consult with an immigration agency or lawyer.
Hey, I am a 12 year old student in India and I wish to give the exam after I turn 13, so is it possible for me?
Hi Shlaghya,
Thanks for reaching out to us. 🙂 You can register for the IELTS at any time. There is no age restriction.
The official makers of the IELTS do recommend against taking the IELTS if you’re younger than 16, but they absolutely do allow younger test-takers to register for the test. 🙂
Is it worth for a 55 year old to take THE IELTS? What is the limit ageto take the IELTS for Canada Immigration, THX
Hi Bill, there is no age limit for the IELTS, nor is there an age limit for immigration as far as I know. You should contact the Canadian visa and immigration office for more information.
am 39 year and looking for studying PhD in New Zealand
Is am eligible for preparing for IELTS
I can i get qualified for studying in New Zealand university
Hi Kumar,
You can take the IELTS at any age. There is no age limit. If you’re interested in schools in New Zealand, then I’d recommend taking a look at their admissions websites to see what their required IELTS band scores are. You’ll need those to be able to study.
Hope this helps!