I have written IELTS thrice and got only 5.5 bands. Am I eligible to study in UK or USA?

Question

I  have written IELTS thrice and got only 5.5 bands. Am I eligible to study in UK or USA?

Divyakshi Gupta · Accepted Answer

Absolutely! The bar for studying abroad is not set by IELTS. There are many more tests that can be taken for university study abroad programmes. IELTS can be replaced by other English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, etc. Your application to study abroad does not need to include IELTS, therefore not all countries demand it. 
If you don't want to take a language test, search for colleges that don't require one. Yes, there are a number of universities that don't require an IELTS score or, really, any score on a language test. The UK is the nation with the most universities falling under this category. Here is a list of UK universities that have waived this requirement:
UK
 
University of Bath
University of Manchester
King's College London
Cardiff University
University of Liverpool
Lancaster University
University of Strathclyde
University of Birmingham
University of East Anglia
Newcastle University London
 
Lastly, if your previous academic background was in English only and you received a respectably good grade in the language subject, certain colleges will also waive the English language exam requirement. For instance, if English was your primary subject up through class 12 and you had an easy 75%, and even if you are studying English exclusively for your bachelor's degree, you may be exempt from taking a language test. This point is dependent on your profile and the university to which you apply because criteria differ between institutions and depend heavily on the applicant's profile.
Let me know if this is helpful and if you need any more information from my end.

Anubhooti Dubey · Answer

Well, I can say that a 5.5 IELTS score does pose challenges for admission to universities in the UK and USA. Most competitive universities in the UK usually require a minimum of 6.0 to 6.5, depending on the course. In the USA, requirements are more varied. Some schools might accept a 5.5 coupled with additional English language courses upon arrival. 
My advice would be to consider retaking the IELTS. Preparation courses specifically tailored to the IELTS can be very effective. Alternatively, look into pathway programs that can help bridge the gap between your current level of English and what's required for your desired program. These programs often include intensive English language courses and, upon successful completion, progression into your chosen degree program. Additionally, broaden your search to include institutions with more flexible admission criteria, keeping in mind the overall academic environment and opportunities for post-graduation employment.