A Parent's Guide to English Language Tests: What the Scores Mean for Your Child's Admission

If your child is applying to study abroad, one of the first things every university will ask for is proof that they can read, write, listen, and communicate in English at an academic level. That proof comes in the form of a standardized test score. Understanding which test your child needs to take, what score is actually required, and how that score is used in the admissions process is one of the most practical things you can do to support their application — and avoid costly delays.

Why Universities Require a Test Score

Studying in an English-speaking environment is genuinely demanding. Your child will be expected to read complex academic texts, write essays under time pressure, participate in seminars, and understand lectures — all in English, from day one. English proficiency scores are viewed as a baseline qualification for university admission. Scores substantially above institutional benchmarks will not give an applicant significant additional benefits, but scores below the required level can have serious adverse consequences (IELTS).

In practical terms: exceeding the minimum won't earn extra credit in the admissions process, but falling below it will almost certainly result in rejection — or a requirement to complete expensive English preparation courses before the degree can begin. Getting the score right the first time matters.

The Four Main Tests

There is no single test accepted everywhere. Different institutions and different countries have their own preferences. Here is what each test is, and when it applies.

IELTS Academic

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most widely recognized English proficiency test globally, accepted by over 12,000 institutions in 154+ countries (IELTS). It is jointly run by the British Council, IDP Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English — three of the most trusted names in international education.

Scores are reported on a band scale of 1 to 9, covering Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking separately, plus an overall band score. The IELTS Academic version is the one required for university admission. IELTS General Training — used for immigration and work purposes — is not accepted by universities for degree entry.

TOEFL iBT

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is administered by ETS (Educational Testing Service) and is accepted worldwide. Scores range from 0 to 120. As a guide, TOEFL 90 is broadly equivalent to IELTS 6.5, and TOEFL 100 to IELTS 7.0.

Not all institutions accept TOEFL MyBest Scores — a combined score drawing from multiple test sittings. Check the specific policy of each target university before your child submits scores.

PTE Academic

PTE Academic (Pearson Test of English Academic) is a computer-based test widely accepted across Australia, the UK, and Canada. Scores range from 10 to 90. It is one of the few tests accepted for both Australian university admission and the student visa application itself, making it a practical choice for Australia-bound students.

Note that PTE Academic Online is not accepted by all institutions — confirm before booking.

Duolingo English Test (DET)

The Duolingo English Test is the newest of the major options and has grown significantly in acceptance. According to Duolingo, they obtained acceptance at all eight Ivy League institutions in the USA.

It costs USD $59, takes approximately 45 minutes from home, and results are available within 48 hours — making it the most accessible and affordable option for families. Scores range from 10 to 160, with 120 broadly equivalent to IELTS 6.5.

One important caveat for families: Australian student visa requirements typically mandate IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic — meaning the Duolingo English Test may be accepted for university admission but not for the visa application itself. If your child is applying to Australia, verify the visa requirements carefully before relying on DET alone.

What Scores Are Actually Required — By Destination

The following are general ranges based on current admission standards. Always verify with the specific institution your child is applying to, as individual programs often have higher requirements than the institutional minimum.

Why the Overall Score Isn't the Whole Story

One of the most common — and costly — mistakes families make is focusing only on the overall band score while overlooking individual component requirements. Many programs set minimums for specific skills, particularly Writing and Speaking, that must each be met even if the overall score is sufficient.

For example: your child might achieve an overall IELTS band of 7.0 but score 5.5 in Writing. If the program requires a minimum of 6.5 in each component, that application will not meet the English language condition — regardless of the overall band. Always check component minimums on the specific program page, not just the headline requirement listed on the university's general admissions page.

If Your Child's Score Falls Just Short

Falling slightly short of a program's requirement does not automatically close the door. Many institutions — particularly in the UK and Australia — offer pre-sessional English courses for applicants who are close to the threshold. Course length typically varies: four to six weeks for a 0.5-band gap, and ten to twenty weeks for a 1.0-band gap. Successful completion satisfies the English language condition without requiring a full test retake.

However, pre-sessional courses add cost and delay your child's start date. Meeting the requirement on the first submission is always the more efficient and cost-effective route — and good preparation before the test is far cheaper than remediation after it.

Score Validity: A Timing Issue Families Often Miss

All four major English tests are valid for exactly two years from the date the results are issued. Most institutions require scores that are not more than two years old at the time of application review — not just at the time of submission. This difference matters: if your child takes a test today but doesn't start their course for 22 months, their score may expire before they enrol.

The validity period cannot be extended. If a score expires before enrolment, your child will need to retake the test — an avoidable situation with careful planning. A good rule of thumb is to take the test no more than 12–18 months before the intended course start date, leaving buffer time for a retake if needed while ensuring the score remains valid through enrolment.

Score Equivalencies at a Glance

The Bottom Line for Families

Your child's English test score is a threshold — meeting the minimum is what matters for the application, not exceeding it significantly. As a parent, the most useful thing you can do is ensure your child knows the specific requirements of each program they are applying to — overall band and component minimums — before they book their test, and that their score will still be valid at the time they enrol.

You can find the English proficiency requirements for any program available through ApplyBoard directly on each program's details page when searching.

Score requirements and test acceptance policies are set by individual institutions and are subject to change. Always verify requirements on the official admissions pages of your child's target universities before booking a test or submitting an application.