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IELTS for studying abroad

IELTS to study History in United States (2026)

History degrees are reading- and writing-intensive: you will analyse primary sources, construct essay arguments, and engage in seminars that demand sustained spoken and written English. IELTS is the most widely accepted proof of English proficiency for university admission and student-visa applications worldwide, so a strong result across all four skills directly signals your readiness for that workload. Because History assessment relies heavily on written essays and critical reading, your IELTS preparation should mirror those academic demands.

What score do universities ask for?

A commonly cited requirement is commonly 6.0–7.0 overall, set by each university (often 6.5 for undergraduate, 7.0 for graduate), set by US universities.

IELTS requirements change and vary by route, employer, and institution — always confirm the current figure with the official body before you rely on it.

Targeting North America

In the United States and Canada, many universities accept both IELTS and TOEFL, but confirm your specific institution accepts IELTS Academic. Some Canadian provinces also incorporate English-proficiency evidence into the study-permit application, so check Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or the relevant US consulate guidance alongside your university's page.

How AlmiPrep helps you get there

Prioritise the Academic Writing module, because History programmes assess you almost entirely through extended analytical essays and your ability to construct a coherent, evidence-based argument in formal written English is the skill admissions tutors most want to see demonstrated.

Start free practicePractise Writing

Frequently asked questions

How do I find out what IELTS score I actually need for my target university and student visa?
Requirements vary by institution, country, and even by faculty within a university, and they change from cycle to cycle. Go directly to the admissions page of each university you are applying to and look for 'English language requirements'; then check the official immigration authority website for the country you are applying to for the visa-specific minimum. Never rely on a third-party summary as the definitive figure.
Does it matter which IELTS test type I take — Academic or General Training?
For undergraduate or postgraduate History study at a university, almost all institutions require IELTS Academic, not General Training. Academic measures the reading and writing skills closer to university-level work, which is why universities specify it. Confirm this on your chosen university's admissions page before you book.
My History programme is taught in English but the country is not an English-speaking one — do I still need IELTS?
Usually yes. Even in countries where English is not the native language, universities offering English-medium instruction and the national immigration authority for your student visa will typically still require a recognised English-language test result. Check both the university's and the embassy's requirements separately, as they can differ.
Which IELTS skills are most tested in a History degree, and how should I prepare for those?
History demands strong academic reading (dense scholarly texts, archaic language in primary sources), formal essay writing (thesis construction, citation-integrated argument), listening in lectures and seminars, and the ability to discuss interpretations verbally in tutorials. Preparing across all four IELTS skills is worthwhile, but giving extra time to Reading and Academic Writing reflects real degree demands.
How long before my application should I sit IELTS, and can I retake it?
Most IELTS results are valid for two years from the test date, so plan to sit the test within two years of your intended enrolment. Build in time for at least one retake if needed: identify your application deadline, work backwards by allowing four to six weeks of focused preparation per attempt, and book early as test-centre slots fill quickly. There is no limit on how many times you can sit IELTS.

Other Humanities subjects in United States

History — IELTS in nearby countries

Going abroad to work instead? See IELTS for professions in United States.