IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System – an English Language proficiency test. Globally, there are more than 4 million test takers a year, making IELTS the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.
IELTS is developed and run by the British Council in partnership with IDP Education and Cambridge Assessment English.
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How does IELTS work?
IELTS is aimed at people who want to study in an English-speaking environment, work in or emigrate to an English-speaking country, or get a job in your own country where English proficiency is required. For this reason, there are two IELTS tests to choose from:
| IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
| This test can help you secure university acceptance, student visas, and prove your English ability to professional organisations. | This test measures your English proficiency in the workplace and is often useful to prove your level when applying for a new position in an English-speaking company or organisation. |
Learn which IELTS test is right for you.
IELTS test format
You can choose to take your IELTS Academic or General Training test on paper or computer at an official test centre. You may also be able to take IELTS Online, depending on where you live. IELTS assesses the four key skills outlined below:
| Listening | This section assesses how well you understand ideas, recognise opinions and follow the development of an argument. |
| Reading | This section assesses how well you read for general sense, main ideas and details, and whether you understand the author's inferences and opinions. |
| Writing | This section evaluates how well and how accurately you organise your ideas and write a response, along with your ability to use wide-ranging vocabulary and grammar. |
| Speaking | This section assesses how well you can communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences, as well as how you express and justify your opinions. |
Key facts about IELTS Academic and General Training:
- Test length: 2 hours and 45 minutes long.
- Test format: 4 sections, including Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
- The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections take place on the same day with no breaks in between.
- The Speaking section may be scheduled on the same day or up to 7 days before or after the other sections.
Why should you choose IELTS?
IELTS focuses on real-world communication skills and offers a number of important benefits:
Access new opportunities
IELTS is trusted by 12,500 organisations in over 140 countries around the world, meaning you can study abroad at the institutions of your choice.
Learn about the organisations that recognise IELTS
Advance your career
Prove your English proficiency to future employers with secure and easy-to-understand results.
Learn about the IELTS Test Report Form
Work internationally
The Listening section of IELTS includes a range of accents and the Speaking section examines the English used by people from different parts of the world.
Learn more about the IELTS test format
Settle in an English-speaking country
IELTS helps you demonstrate to immigration authorities that your level of English meets the required standards.
Choose the test that suits you
Take the test on paper, on computer or online from the comfort of your home. With many testing dates available around the world, IELTS fits most schedules.
Be confident in your results
IELTS is a fair and accurate test. Examiners are qualified and experienced English language specialists who focus on language skills and practical communication ability.
IELTS is an accessible test
Modified versions of the test are provided to those who have special requirements on test day. These factors ensure fair testing for all, regardless of nationality, cultural background, gender or special needs.
Learn more about IELTS special arrangements.
How does IELTS help with visa requirements?
Immigration authorities in many English-speaking countries ask for proof of English language proficiency as a condition for being granted a visa. IELTS provides this proof.
- After completing an IELTS test, you will receive an official Test Report Form (TRF) that contains your IELTS score.
- Your TRF is valid for two years and should be submitted to visa authorities to prove your English proficiency.
- Each visa has its own IELTS score requirements. It’s important that you confirm what score you need to secure your visa.
Visa requirements by country
The United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand have the following IELTS requirements:
The United Kingdom
If you want to move to the United Kingdom, the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has been approved for visa applications to the UK. You can take an IELTS for UKVI test in Academic or General Training.
IELTS for UKVI assessments must be taken at a testing centre that has been approved by the UK government.
The IELTS for UKVI Life Skills test is available for those looking to secure a family visa, extension to family, spouse or partner visa, or a visa granting indefinite leave to remain or citizenship.
Learn more about IELTS for UK visas and immigration.
Canada
IELTS is accepted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) as proof of English language proficiency.
The Express Entry system is the main pathway for skilled immigration and requires English or French language proficiency: If you are applying for a study permit, work visa, professional registration or permanent residence in Canada, you will probably be required to present your test result as part of your application.
Australia
For employers and the Australian immigration authority, IELTS is a preferred English language test. Student, immigration, and general skilled migration visas all require proof of English language proficiency.
The United States of America
Many visa categories in the USA require proof of English language ability. For instance, English proficiency is a requirement for a student visa.
Unlike countries like the UK or Australia, you do not need proof of English for some work visas – including H-1B and L1 visas. However, your IELTS score can improve the chances of your application being successful.
New Zealand
Proof of English ability is required for work, skilled migrant, and student visas. IELTS is recognised and respected throughout New Zealand and is often the preferred test of universities and employers.
How does IELTS compare to other popular tests?
Comparing different test scores can be difficult, but IELTS is widely recognised as setting the standard for English language testing. To understand the advantages the test offers, let’s compare IELTS with other popular assessments.
Who develops and runs IELTS?
IELTS is run by some of the most trusted organisations in English Education:
- The British Council – The UK's international organisation for educational opportunity.
- IDP IELTS – A leading educational organisation with roots in Australia.
- Cambridge English – A part of the University of Cambridge that specialises in assessing English language proficiency.
As partners, we engage in regular research and work with organisations on an ongoing basis to ensure that all IELTS test takers are setting themselves up for success by choosing us.
Why choose the British Council for your IELTS test?
From booking to preparing for your test, the British Council offers a smooth process that helps you achieve the score you need. Here’s why millions of people like you have chosen to take their test with the British Council: