IELTS 5.5 in CEFR
IELTS 5.5 is CEFR B2, Upper intermediate, by the IELTS partners' own mapping (ielts.org and British Council, 2026).
IELTS 5.5 is about CEFR B2.
Get a study plan for 5.5IELTS 5.5 in other tests
| Test | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL 1–6 | 3.5 | ETS, 2026 |
| TOEFL 0–120 | 51–66 | ETS & IELTS, Apr 2025 |
| Duolingo | 95–100 | Duolingo, 2022 table, rechecked 2025 |
| PTE | 39–46 | Pearson, Jul 2025 |
| Cambridge Scale | 162–168 | Cambridge chart, measured by us |
What IELTS 5.5 means
You follow the main ideas of complex texts and talk with native speakers without strain on either side.
Universities that accept IELTS 5.5
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guildhall School of Music & Drama | United Kingdom | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Ravensbourne University London | United Kingdom | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Arkansas State University | United States | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Auburn University at Montgomery | United States | 5.5 | – |
| Canadore College | Canada | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Atlantic Technological University | Ireland | 5.5 | 6.0 |
| Griffith College | Ireland | 5.5 | 6.5 |
| Leipzig University | Germany | – | 5.5 |
Frequently asked questions
What CEFR level is IELTS 5.5?
IELTS 5.5 is CEFR B2, Upper intermediate, by the IELTS partners' own mapping (ielts.org and British Council, 2026).
What is IELTS 5.5 in TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE?
IELTS 5.5 equals TOEFL 3.5 on the new scale, Duolingo 95–100 and PTE 39–46.
Which universities accept IELTS 5.5?
For example Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Ravensbourne University London, and Arkansas State University. Requirements differ by course and level, so check the university's own page.
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