IELTS for International Online Degree Completion
By Abhinav Jain, Founder & Director, Gateway International | Btech, MBA, Serial Entrepreneur | Study abroad consultants and AI in business specialist| 12 min read | ✓ Verified Expert
Introduction
IELTS degree completion has now become the golden ticket for Indian students who wish to earn an international degree from an accredited institution. In 2025, universities and employers will be requiring a higher level of English from their students, which will make the IELTS score essential for both entrance and future career development. This comprehensive guide will give you a full picture of the latest requirements, trends and how Gateway International can help you achieve your dreams of a degree abroad, whether you’re looking for a complete degree via IELTS, or the IELTS band that’ll allow you to graduate.
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Why is IELTS Degree Completion Crucial for Indian Students in 2025?
The IELTS certificate is more than just a certificate. It’s the foundation for access to global education, distance learning and international career opportunities. In 2025, universities in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the top European countries had established IELTS as the standard English test, especially for online and hybrid courses.
- The demand for distance learning has risen by 38 per cent among Indian students. (ICEF Monitor, 2025.).
- A minimum of 6.0 to 6.5 IELTS is required for the majority of international degree programmes.
- Now, the IELTS score is mandatory for jobs that aren’t based in India.
For Indian families, it means a direct link between your IELTS score and your child’s ability to graduate abroad IELTS ready, access scholarships and secure a global job.
| Country | UG IELTS Band | PG IELTS Band | Top University Band | Online Degree Band |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 6.0+ | 6.5–7.5 | 7.0+ | 6.0–6.5 |
| Canada | 6.0 (no band <5.5) | 6.5 (no band <6.0) | 7.0+ | 6.0–6.5 |
| UK | 6.0–6.5 | 6.5–7.0 | 7.0+ | 6.0–6.5 |
| Australia | 6.0 | 6.5 | 7.0+ | 6.0–6.5 |
| Europe | Varies | Varies | 7.0+ | 6.0–6.5 |
🎯 Important: 2025 IELTS Band Updates
- IELTS One-Skill Retake Launched: Take a single IELTS skill test within 60 days.
- ONLINE degrees require the same IELTS band as on-campus degrees.
- No exceptions to IELTS minimums.
What Are the Latest IELTS Requirements for Online and Overseas Degree Completion?
The IELTS degree completion process for Indian students is now more streamlined but also more demanding. The universities now.
- A minimum IELTS band of 6.0 (UG) or 6.5 (PG) for most programmes.
- No band below 5.5 (UG) or 6.0 (PG) in any section.
- Universities in the top league (Ivy League, Oxbridge, Group of Eight) require 7 overall band score.
- The degree program in English is the same as for on-campus degrees.
- Those applying for a visa must meet the university’s requirements.
Students wishing to graduate abroad should also prepare themselves for additional requirements, such as Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), and Proof of Funds.
How Does IELTS Degree Completion Impact Your International Career and PR?
Graduation abroad IELTS scores aren’t only for university admission. They also directly affect your eligibility for post-study work visas, permanent residence and employment abroad:
- The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia require a minimum IELTS band for work permits and PR applications.
- IT, health and business employers are now demanding IELTS scores for remote and hybrid roles.
- Graduates with a high IELTS score are preferred for global placements.
Gateway International’s graduates have been employed by Fortune 500 companies and the top research institutes because of their comprehensive IELTS preparation and strategic career counselling.
What Is the Step-by-Step Process for IELTS Degree Completion for Online Degrees?
To complete your IELTS diploma for an international distance-learning course involves several essential steps. Here’s a simplified map for Indian students:
- Universities and online programmes that accept Indian students and specify the IELTS score.
- Register for the IELTS exam. Passport required.
- Prepare for the IELTS with official IELTS materials.
- Take the IELTS test.
- Receive your band scores and see if you meet the university’s minimum (overall and sectional).
- Apply for the degree you wish to obtain, submitting your IELTS results and other documents.
- Get admitted and start studying abroad. Track your progress towards graduation.
Remember, the IELTS band you achieve will shape your academic and professional future.
What Are the Main Benefits of IELTS Degree Completion for Indian Students?
IELTS degree completion opens a world of opportunity for Indian students. And here’s why it’s a game changer in.
- Access to recognized degrees from on- and off-campus programs.
- Eligibility for valuable scholarships and financial support.
- Pathways to post-study work visas and permanent residence.
- Competition in the job market.
- Enhanced communication skills for academic and professional success.
With Gateway’s 17 years of experience and 50,000+ placements, you can make the most of our IELTS and complete your degree abroad.
Riya Zainab
“I had the best agent and team guiding me every step of the way from shortlisting universities to submitting applications and securing my visa. They were incredibly hands-on throughout the process, especially Divya Israni, who went above and beyond to help me get into my first-choice university. I seriously couldn’t have asked for a more supportive and amazing team!”
What Are the Common Challenges in Graduation Abroad IELTS and How Can You Overcome Them?
The IELTS diploma is the passport to the world of education, but Indian students have unique problems.
- High entrance fees, 17,000 to 18,000 per exam.
- Difficulty in achieving the required IELTS band, especially in speaking and writing.
- Confusion over university-specified requirements for online vs. On-site courses.
- Visa Rejections due to insufficient IELTS Scores.
- IELTS Prep. With Board Exams or Job Commitments.
Gateway International’s expert counselors, with their free SOP generators, and exclusive ties with universities, will help you overcome every obstacle in your IELTS journey.
Arihant Jain
“Huge thanks to the amazing team for my French student visa! Hashmeet Ma’am was brilliant with the overall guidance and admission. Simran Ma’am was a lifesaver with the perfect visa documentation, making VFS a breeze. And Zainab Ma’am totally prepped me for my interviews with Campus France and EPITA. Thanks to their collective expertise, I got my visa approved incredibly fast, in just a few days! Highly recommend their service for anyone applying to France!”
IELTS Degree Completion vs. Other English Proficiency Tests: What Should Indian Students Choose?
For many international universities, IELTS certification is the gold standard for assessing English proficiency. However, some universities also accept other English tests, such as TOEFL, PTE or here’s a comparison:
| Feature | IELTS | TOEFL | PTE | Duolingo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test Format | Paper/Computer-based, in-person | Internet-based, in-person | Computer-based, in-person | Online, adaptive |
| Cost (INR) | ₹17,000–₹18,000 | ₹15,000–₹18,000 | ₹14,700 | ₹4,900 |
| Results Time | 3–5 days (computer) | 6–10 days | 2–5 days | 2 days |
| Accepted By | 11,000+ universities | 11,000+ universities | 3,000+ universities | 4,500+ universities |
| Visa Recognition | Widely accepted | Widely accepted | Growing | Limited |
IELTS remains the most widely recognized English language test for Indian students wishing to graduate abroad or pursue a degree, especially for visa and permanent residence purposes.
Akshit Virdi
“Hey, Hope you all are doing great, I am writing this review based on my application process. My name is Akshit Virdi, and I’m going to pursue Bachelor’s of engineering in Civil Engineering at University of Portsmouth. I’m extremely grateful to Gateway International and especially Prateek Panchal sir, he helped me a-lot and always support throughout my admissions and my application process. Prateek Panchal Sir built a trust as well that gateway international is not a fraud consultancy because I live in delhi and Gateway international is located in Udaipur, so it is hard to trust but there faculty is very genuine and supportive and I finally got my UK Visa with the help of:-1. Prateek Panchal – My Consultant, and whenever I call Prateek sir he picked my call even I call in late night so prateek sir is very genuine person and from the bottom of my heart, I really say Thankyou so much sir because you are a real person and I never forget you sir Thankyou once again.2. Neelam Jain – She is very kind and with the help of their perfect guidance, I cracked my CAS interview, without her I cannot cracked this interview, Thank you so much Neelam Ma’am I appreciate your efforts deeply and will always be grateful.3. Nikhilesh Soni – He helped me out in my CAS process and eVISA. Thank you Nikhilesh sir for my CAS process and appreciate your support.4. Deepti Singh Chittora – She helped me for my UKVI Visa process and Deepti Ma’am is so experienced and I got my Uk Visa in just 4 days so, thank you so much deepti mam. Overall, my experience with Gateway International is too good and they supported me at every step. Moreover, they didn’t charge me anything for my whole process, which made the entire process even more majestic. I highly recommend all my friends and colleagues to get their Visa from Gateway International. Best regardsAkshit Virdi”
Student Queries & Direct Q&A
Q1: What is the minimum IELTS band for international online degree completion in 2025?
Most universities require an overall IELTS band of 6.0 for undergraduate degrees and 6.5 for postgraduate degrees.
Q2: Can I use my IELTS degree completion score for both admission and visa?
IELTS scores are used for university admission and visa approval, and are accepted provided they meet the minimum requirements set by your chosen country and course.
Q3: Are there scholarships for Indian students with high overseas degree IELTS bands?
Yes, Universities offer scholarships to students with high IELTS scores. For example, the University of East Anglia and the University of West Scotland offer up to £ 6,500 for students with higher education.
Q4: What if I score below the required IELTS band for graduation abroad?
Some universities offer conditional admission or pre-sessional English courses. However, you must meet the minimum requirements for visa and final enrollment.
Q5: Is the IELTS requirement different for online vs. On-campus degrees?
No, the IELTS requirement I mean, for the overseas degree is the same for both the online and on-campus programmes.
Q6: Can I retake only one section of IELTS if I fall short?
The new IELTS One Skill Retake lets you retake one of the skills within 60 days, making it easier to achieve your target band.
Q7: How does Gateway International help with IELTS degree completion?
Gateway International offers a bespoke package of coaching, application support, SOP and I mean, LOR guidance and exclusive university partnerships to help you achieve your IELTS.
How Gateway International Helps You Achieve Your IELTS Degree Completion Dreams
Gateway International is your trusted partner for IELTS success, offering a full range of support:
Profile Evaluation & Personalization
We examine your academic background, your English skills and your career goals to develop a degree completion plan for you.
Country & Course Selection
Our experts match you with the best-fit campus and online courses, considering your target overseas degree, IELTS score, and scholarship opportunities.
Application & Visa Guidance
From preparing your documents to visa interviews, we ensure that your application meets all IELTS and visa requirements.
Scholarship & Funding Support
We connect you to the best scholarships for high IELTS scores and help you with your education loan through our partners. Gateway EduConnect.
Pre-Departure & Post-Arrival Support
Our team offers orientation, accommodation support, and ongoing mentorship to help you thrive in your international or distance education journey.
🎯 Important: Gateway International Success Story
Deepak Kumar, one of our students, got a scholarship of 5 lac from the University of Leicester, UK, after he got the required IELTS band. He received his visa in 8 days, and is now a happy student at his master’s. The right guidance makes all the difference.
Deepak Kumar
“My name is Deepak Kumar, and I’m going to pursue my master’s at the University of Leicester in the UK. I’m extremely grateful to Gateway International and especially to my consultant Richa Ma’am for their excellent guidance and support throughout my admission and visa process. With their help, I was able to secure a scholarship of £5000, which significantly reduced my tuition burden. My UK student visa was approved within just 8 days, all thanks to their timely and professional assistance. The overall experience with Gateway International was smooth and stress-free. They supported me at every step—from shortlisting universities to preparing documents and submitting my visa application. Most importantly, they didn’t charge me anything for their services, which made the entire process even more impressive.”
Check Out: TOEFL Delhi: Your 2025 Study Abroad Guide
Conclusion
IELTS is the first step for Indian students who want to graduate abroad or earn an international degree. The right IELTS band opens the door to world-class universities, scholarships and careers. With Gateway International’s proven expertise, you can confidently navigate every stage of the process, from test preparation to visa application Remember that your IELTS journey isn’t just about getting a good score. It’s about building a future without borders. Today, let Gateway International make your dreams come true!
Explore 2025 IELTS Band Requirements
Learn the latest IELTS band requirements for top global universities and ensure you meet the necessary criteria.
About the Author
Abhinav Jain is the Founder & Director of Gateway International, a BTech, MBA, and serial entrepreneur with 17+ years of experience in international education consulting and AI in business. He has personally guided thousands of Indian students to achieve their graduation abroad IELTS goals and is recognized for his transparent, student-first approach. Connect on LinkedInFrequently Asked Questions
In 2025, undergraduate programs generally require a minimum IELTS band of 6.0, while postgraduate programs require at least 6.5.
Yes, the IELTS One-Skill Retake, launched in 2025, allows you to retake one skill test within 60 days to meet your target band.
Securing a high IELTS score enhances eligibility for work permits, permanent residency, and employment in top global markets.
Register and prepare for IELTS, achieve the necessary band score, apply to the university with your score, and comply with admission requirements.
Yes, several universities offer scholarships based on high IELTS scores. Research and apply where you meet the criteria.
Yes, in 2025, the IELTS requirements for online and on-campus degrees are aligned, with no exceptions to minimum standards.
Gateway International offers coaching, application support, SOP and LOR guidance, and partnerships with universities to help achieve IELTS goals.
