IELTS 6.5 in CEFR
IELTS 6.5 is CEFR B2, Upper intermediate, on the border with C1, by the IELTS partners' own mapping (ielts.org and British Council, 2026).
IELTS 6.5 is about
CEFRLevels A1–C2
B2
Upper intermediate
Borderline C1
IELTS, 2026
IELTS 6.5 is about CEFR B2.
Get a study plan for 6.5IELTS 6.5 in other tests
| Test | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL 1–6 | 4.5 | ETS, 2026 |
| TOEFL 0–120 | 81–90 | ETS & IELTS, Apr 2025 |
| Duolingo | 120–125 | Duolingo, 2022 table, rechecked 2025 |
| PTE | 55–62 | Pearson, Jul 2025 |
| Cambridge Scale | 176–184 | Cambridge chart, measured by us |
What IELTS 6.5 means
You follow the main ideas of complex texts and talk with native speakers without strain on either side.
Universities that accept IELTS 6.5
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aberystwyth University | United Kingdom | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Birkbeck, University of London | United Kingdom | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Adelphi University | United States | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| American University | United States | 6.5 | 7.0 |
| Acadia University | Canada | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Bishop's University | Canada | 6.5 | – |
| Adelaide University | Australia | 6.5 | – |
| Avondale University | Australia | 6.5 | 6.5 |
Frequently asked questions
What CEFR level is IELTS 6.5?
IELTS 6.5 is CEFR B2, Upper intermediate, on the border with C1, by the IELTS partners' own mapping (ielts.org and British Council, 2026).
What is IELTS 6.5 in TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE?
IELTS 6.5 equals TOEFL 4.5 on the new scale, Duolingo 120–125 and PTE 55–62.
Which universities accept IELTS 6.5?
For example Aberystwyth University, Birkbeck, University of London, and Adelphi University. Requirements differ by course and level, so check the university's own page.
Getting ready for IELTS?
More free IELTS tools
All free toolsIELTS score converter
Compare an IELTS band with TOEFL, Duolingo and PTE scores and CEFR levels.
IELTS band score calculator
Average your four skill bands, rounded the way IELTS rounds them.
Speaking topic generator
Answer random Part 1, 2 and 3 questions on an exam timer.
University IELTS requirements
Look up the IELTS score a university asks for, with the source.