English tests
IELTS, PTE and Duolingo scores for studying abroad
Visa rules last reviewed on 15 October 2026.
The English scores Indian students need for 2027, country by country. There are two separate hurdles: the score your university asks for, and the score the visa needs. They are often different.
By country
What each country needs
Visa rules come from the government. University figures are typical ranges for master's courses; your course page decides.
| Country | For the visa | Universities usually ask | Tests accepted | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | B2 level for degree courses (B1 below degree). Your university can confirm it, so a separate visa test is often not needed.If your university doesn't assess you itself, you need IELTS for UKVI (5.5 in each skill for degree level) or another approved secure test. | IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall, no band below 5.5 to 6.0 | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL; many accept Duolingo or Class 12 English marks | Some universities |
| Australia | IELTS 6.0, PTE 47, TOEFL iBT 67 (lower with 10 or 20 weeks of English classes first)At-home and online versions of tests are not accepted for the visa. | IELTS 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL iBT, LanguageCert, C1 Advanced, OET, CELPIP, MET | Not for the visa |
| Canada | No visa test since the Student Direct Stream closed. Your college or university sets the requirement. | IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall (colleges often 6.0, universities 6.5) | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, CAEL; many accept Duolingo | Widely accepted |
| New Zealand | No separate visa score. Your university's requirement applies. | IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 overall | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL; some accept Duolingo | Some universities |
| Ireland | No separate visa score. Your offer letter's English condition is what counts. | IELTS 6.5 overall for most master's | IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, Duolingo at many universities | Widely accepted |
| Germany | Proof that you meet your course's language requirementSome universities accept a Medium of Instruction letter from your Indian college instead. | IELTS 6.5 overall for English-taught master's (some accept 6.0) | IELTS, TOEFL; PTE and Duolingo at some universities | Some universities |
| France | Proof you meet your programme's language requirement | IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 for English-taught programmes | IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo at many business schools | Widely accepted |
| Netherlands | No separate score. The university applies for your residence permit once you meet its conditions. | IELTS 6.5 overall, often 6.0 in each band | IELTS, TOEFL; PTE and Duolingo at some universities | Some universities |
| Italy | Proof you meet your course's language requirement | B2 level, around IELTS 5.5 to 6.0 | IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo; many accept a Medium of Instruction letter | Widely accepted |
Most courses also set a minimum for each skill (listening, reading, writing, speaking), not just the overall score. A 7.0 overall with a 5.5 in writing can still be refused.
Australia
Australian student visa: the exact scores
Australia is the one major study destination that sets its own visa score. These apply to tests taken from 7 August 2025. You can enter with a lower score if you first do 10 or 20 weeks of English classes (ELICOS) in Australia.
| Test | Standard | With 10 weeks ELICOS | With 20 weeks ELICOS |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic or General) | 6.0 | 5.5 | 5.0 |
| PTE Academic | 47 | 39 | 31 |
| TOEFL iBT | 67 | 51 | 37 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 61 | 54 | 46 |
Universities usually ask for more than the visa minimum, often IELTS 6.5. We confirm the current figures for your case at your counselling session.
Score equivalents
IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL vs Duolingo
Approximate equivalents from the test makers' published comparison tables. Universities set their own minimum for each test, so always check the course page.
| IELTS | PTE Academic | TOEFL iBT (0–120) | Duolingo | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5 | 39 | 46 to 59 | 85 to 90 | B2 (low) |
| 6.0 | 47 | 60 to 78 | 95 to 100 | B2 |
| 6.5 | 55 | 79 to 93 | 105 to 110 | B2 (high) to C1 |
| 7.0 | 63 | 94 to 101 | 115 to 120 | C1 |
| 7.5 | 71 | 102 to 109 | 125 to 130 | C1 |
Timing
When to take the test
- 1
12 to 15 months before your intake
Take a practice test to see where you stand
- 2
9 to 12 months before
Book and sit the real test, leaving time for one retake
- 3
6 to 9 months before
Apply to universities with your score (scholarship deadlines are early)
- 4
3 to 6 months before
Visa application: make sure the score is still valid on the day you apply
Skipping the test
- UK universities often accept a strong Class 12 English mark for degree courses.
- Some universities in Germany, Italy and elsewhere in Europe accept a Medium of Instruction letter from your Indian college.
- Australia's visa still needs an approved test, even if the university waives it.
Not sure which test to book?
Tell us your countries and universities. In a free counselling session we tell you the test and score you need, and whether you can skip it.
Book free student counsellingFAQs
English test questions answered
Which is easier for Indian students, IELTS or PTE?
Can I study in the UK without IELTS?
Is Duolingo accepted for the Australian student visa?
What IELTS score do I need for Canada?
How long are IELTS and PTE scores valid?
What is a Medium of Instruction (MOI) letter?
What PTE score equals IELTS 6.5?
Can Kompass help me choose the right test?
Keep exploring
Next steps for your plan
Sources
- Department of Home Affairs (Australia): English language requirements for the Student visa, from 7 August 2025 (via published summaries)
- UK Visas and Immigration: Student visa knowledge of English (via published summaries)
- IRCC (Canada): study permit requirements after the Student Direct Stream closed in November 2024
- Pearson: PTE Academic and IELTS score comparison, July 2025
- Duolingo English Test: published IELTS and TOEFL concordance
University requirements are typical ranges, not guarantees; each course sets its own. Visa rules change, and we confirm current details for your case at your counselling session. Information on this site is general guidance only and not legal, migration or investment advice. Rules, fees and occupation lists change frequently — always confirm current requirements with the relevant government authority before acting.
Find out exactly which score you need
We check your target universities and countries and tell you which test to take, the score to aim for and when to book it.