University of California, Los Angeles IELTS requirement: minimum band scores for 2026
University of California, Los Angeles based in Los Angeles, California publishes IELTS Academic minimums for both undergraduate and graduate study. The two cards below show those institutional baselines; the editorial body translates the bands into a study target and lists the programmes that publish their own, higher thresholds.
No single minimum published. UCLA undergraduate admissions does not publish a hard cut-off; it says it looks for competitive scores of 7.5 or above on IELTS. A test is required only if the applicant has fewer than 3 years of English-medium instruction.
Graduate Division minimum overall band score on IELTS Academic; applies to all graduate applicants. Some majors require higher.
Last verified 2026-06-02. The figures on this page are taken from University of California, Los Angeles's own admissions page. Verify against the official source before relying on a specific number; programme directors can revise English requirements between intakes.
About UCLA and its IELTS requirement
UCLA's Graduate Division sets a firm minimum overall IELTS Academic band score of 7.0 for graduate admission (TOEFL iBT 87), with some majors requiring higher. For undergraduates, UCLA does not publish a hard cut-off but says it looks for competitive scores of 7.5 or above on IELTS.
Translating the published minimum into a study target
For graduate study the institutional minimum is overall 7.0 with no published per-section minimum (CEFR C1). Graduate Division minimum overall band score on IELTS Academic; applies to all graduate applicants. Some majors require higher.
How to prepare for the UCLA IELTS minimum
A target of 7.0 requires reliable performance across all four sections (CEFR C1). Most candidates at this band drop marks on Writing Task 2 or Speaking Part 3 because those sections reward extended, organised argument rather than accuracy alone. Practise full-length under timed conditions, then drill the weakest section.
Other English tests UCLA accepts
Graduate: TOEFL iBT minimum 87 (pre-Jan-2026 scale). Undergraduate competitive scores: TOEFL 100+ (sub-scores 24+), Duolingo 135+. Scores valid two years.
Alternatives and thresholds change between intakes. Confirm on the official admissions page before relying on a specific alternative test.
Official sources
- University of California, Los Angeles — official English-language requirements (primary source for the bands on this page)
- IELTS.org — IELTS scoring in detail (official nine-band scale and how each band is awarded)
- British Council — IELTS band scores explained
Common questions
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