IELTS 5.0 in CEFR
IELTS 5.0 is CEFR B1, Intermediate, on the border with B2, by the IELTS partners' own mapping (ielts.org and British Council, 2026).
IELTS 5.0 is about CEFR B1.
Get a study plan for 5.0IELTS 5.0 in other tests
| Test | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL 1–6 | 2.5 | ETS, 2026 |
| TOEFL 0–120 | 37–50 | ETS & IELTS, Apr 2025 |
| Duolingo | 80–90 | Duolingo, 2022 table, rechecked 2025 |
| PTE | 31–38 | Pearson, Jul 2025 |
| Cambridge Scale | 154–161 | Cambridge chart, measured by us |
What IELTS 5.0 means
You handle familiar topics, everyday situations and simple connected text.
Universities that accept IELTS 5.0
This band meets each university's overall IELTS minimum, as stated on its own website and checked in the last six months. Courses can ask for more, and most also set a minimum for each skill.
| University | Country | IELTS, undergrad | IELTS, postgrad |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morgan State University | United States | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Texas Southern University | United States | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| Al-Farabi Kazakh National University | Kazakhstan | 5.0 | – |
| L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University | Kazakhstan | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Ajou University in Tashkent | Uzbekistan | 5.0 | – |
| Inha University in Tashkent | Uzbekistan | 5.0 | – |
| University of Sharjah | United Arab Emirates | 5.0 | 6.0 |
| UCSI University | Malaysia | 5.0 | 5.0 |
Frequently asked questions
What CEFR level is IELTS 5.0?
IELTS 5.0 is CEFR B1, Intermediate, on the border with B2, by the IELTS partners' own mapping (ielts.org and British Council, 2026).
What is IELTS 5.0 in TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE?
IELTS 5.0 equals TOEFL 2.5 on the new scale, Duolingo 80–90 and PTE 31–38.
Which universities accept IELTS 5.0?
For example Morgan State University, Texas Southern University, and Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. Requirements differ by course and level, so check the university's own page.
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