IELTS is a powerful qualification that can open doors to study and work. IELTS is accepted by over 12,500 organisations in more than 140 countries.

This includes:

  • government departments and immigration authorities
  • universities, schools, colleges and training organisations
  • multinational companies and employers
  • professional and industry associations

Please contact the specific organisation[s] you are applying to in order to confirm that they accept IELTS and to verify the type of test they require you need to take, i.e. IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. 

Some will also specify how you should take that test, i.e. in an official test centre or online. For example, if you are taking IELTS for migration purposes, you will need to take your test in an official test centre. 

IELTS for migration purposes

For UK visa applications, both version of the IELTS for UKVI (i.e. Academic and General Training) are approved by the UK Home Office as Secure English Language Tests (SELT). This also applies to the IELTS for UKVI Life Skills test, which is specifically designed for people who need to prove their speaking and listening ability as part of a UK Visa application.

Universities that accept IELTS

If you are coming to the UK to study, you may not need to take an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test; your IELTS Academic result may be sufficient. 

Be sure to check what test you need to take with the specific university or college you are applying to. IELTS recognising organisations will also specify the test score you need to achieve – this applies both to universities and colleges as well as to potential employers.

Start by using our handy search tool

You can find out who accepts IELTS test results (and whether this includes your preferred organisation[s]) by using the search tool below. This tool will also tell you what score you need to either study or work in that organisation.

You can search by organisation name, location, minimum band score or organisation type, so there’s plenty of flexibility.

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