Do International Students Still Need to Take the IELTS? And How Can They Best Prepare?

Many parents and students assume: “Since I’m already at an international school, I probably don’t need to take the IELTS."
But in reality, IELTS remains a critical component of college applications, even for students in U.S. or IB programs.

‍

Why Is IELTS Still Important for International Students?

Even if students study in English, universities in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and elsewhere often require proof of academic English proficiency, and IELTS is one of the most widely accepted certifications.

For international students, a strong IELTS score proves:

• Proficiency in academic English, especially in Writing and Speaking
  
  
• Readiness for university-level learning, including long essays, research, and class discussions
  
  
• Commitment to preparing seriously for study abroad by planning and testing early

Too many students underestimate the importance of IELTS, only to rush last-minute and underperform, missing deadlines or limiting their university options.

‍

‍

When Should Students Take the IELTS? What Score Should They Aim For?

Ideally, students should take the IELTS by the end of Grade 10 or beginning of Grade 11—when their academic English is solid and there’s time for focused prep.

Typical target scores:

• 6.5–7.0: Standard requirement for most universities in Canada, Australia, and some U.S./Singapore schools
  
  
• 7.5+: Ideal for top-tier universities and scholarship applications

Testing early allows for retakes if needed, and reduces pressure during the college application season in Grade 12.

‍

How TAS Supports Students in Achieving Their IELTS Goals

At The American School (TAS), IELTS prep is integrated into the academic plan, especially for students aiming for top university placements.

TAS provides:

• IELTS support classes, organized by current level and score targets
  
  
• Native English teachers focusing on Speaking and Writing – the two trickiest skills for Vietnamese students
  
  
• Mock exams simulating real test conditions to build familiarity and reduce anxiety
  
  
• Personalized feedback to identify strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement

With its academic-first, skills-based approach, TAS empowers students not just to “pass the test,” but to use English confidently as a tool for critical thinking and global learning.

‍

‍

📍 Address: 6 Song Hanh Street, Long Thanh – Dau Giay Expressway, An Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, HCMC

‍📞 Hotline: 0909 046 223

‍🌐 Website: https://www.tas.edu.vn‍

📘 Fanpage:https://www.facebook.com/TheAmericanSchoolTAS‍

📧 Email: admissions@mytas.edu.vn

‍📝 Book a 1:1 IELTS & College Prep Consultation: https://tas.edu.vn/vi/admissions-page/enrollment-form