If you are planning to study, work, or migrate to UAE, an English proficiency test is a crucial first step in your journey. IELTS continues to lead the industry in global recognition and reliability, though some candidates are exploring secondary options like PTE, TOEFL, or Duolingo for specific requirements.
Read on to explore why IELTS is the number one choice among other English language proficiency tests for students and professionals.
Understanding English proficiency tests in UAE
To succeed in UAE, you need to demonstrate you can communicate effectively in English. However, depending on your objectives and goals, English proficiency can mean different things. Every test has its own style and approach, from IELTS to other English language tests. In this section, we will explain how these tests work in UAE, how they are scored, and which one best suits your goals.
Why English proficiency is key for UAE
English is the primary language in UAE as it’s used in both education and business. Proving your English language proficiency with a test like IELTS, or others is important for many reasons:
Academic Admissions: Most universities in UAE, such as Khalifa University, Zayed University, and many others, demand a specific English score to make sure you will be able to follow and understand lectures and projects.
Visa and Immigration: Having an official English proficiency certificate is often an essential requirement to process your paperwork.
Professional Opportunities: Most multinational companies in UAE require English language proficiency for hiring and promotions.
The dominant player: IELTS in UAE
People from all over the world take the IELTS test for many reasons. One of the reasons why IELTS is so popular is that it is widely accepted by many organisations in UAE; IELTS test results are accepted by universities, colleges, schools and governments, as well as professional and industry bodies. One of the advantages of IELTS and why it is so popular is that it is available in a large number of places around the world.
The IELTS test consists of four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. You will always take the Listening, Reading, and Writing parts all on the same day, one after the other, with no breaks between them. Your Speaking test is usually scheduled on the afternoon of the test day; however, it can be scheduled within seven days before or after that. You will be contacted by your local IELTS test centre to inform you of the date and location of your Speaking test.
Your IELTS test results are presented as band scores, with each band reflecting a different level of English language proficiency and ranging from 1 to 9. You will receive a band score for each section of the test—Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking—as well as an overall band score.
IELTS vs. its top competitors: A detailed comparison for UAE
Below is a detailed comparison of IELTS and other English proficiency tests to help you decide which one matches your goals in UAE.
Points of Comparison | IELTS | TOEFL (iBT) | PTE (Academic) | Duolingo English Test (DET) |
Format | Available in both formats: paper and computer. The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview. | Available on computer only. The Speaking test is recorded into a microphone. | Available on computer only. Taken at test centres. | 100% online. |
Content and Accent | Uses a mix of British, Australian, and American accents. Tasks feel like "real-world" English. | Focuses on Academic English only. Test content is mostly multiple-choice. | Diverse accents. Focuses on fast-paced, integrated tasks. | Short and adaptive tasks. Focuses on general and academic fluency. |
AI | Uses human examiners for Speaking and Writing. It feels like real-life interactions. | Mix of AI and Human graders. | 100% AI-scored with no human interaction at all. | 100% AI-scored with remote proctoring. |
Retake Flexibility | IELTS One Skill Retake allows you to retake 1 section instead of the whole test if you’re not satisfied with your score. not satisfied with your score. | Must retake the entire test. | Must retake the entire test. | Must retake the entire test. |
Preparation Support | A large number of exclusive free and paid preparation materials offered by IDP. | Many academic books and online courses. | Specialised AI-practice platforms available. | Limited official study materials and specialised tutors in UAE. |
Speaking Test Experience | Face-to-face with an examiner. | Recorded into a microphone. | Recorded and scored by AI. | Recorded and scored by AI. |
Acceptance in UAE Universities | Accepted by all UAE universities, all government departments, and all Golden Visa applications. | Accepted by most UAE universities. | Accepted by most major universities and professional bodies. | Accepted by many private universities, but not for visas. |
Making your decision: Which English test is right for your UAE journey?
While there are several testing options for English language proficiency, IELTS remains the top choice. An IELTS test certificate is the only one that’s guaranteed to be accepted by all UAE universities, government bodies, companies, and the UAE Golden Visa.
Additionally, IELTS is the only test that offers the One Skill Retake option in UAE, allowing test takers to retake any one part of the test; Listening, Reading, Writing or Speaking without redoing all four parts. IELTS One Skill Retake is also accepted by various universities and professional bodies..
Practical tips for test takers in UAE
Succeeding in your English test isn't just about knowledge, it’s also about how well you prepare for your test. Here is how to make the process smoother:
Effective Preparation Strategies: Take a practice test to determine your English language level and your current weak points. You can even switch your daily media, such as podcasts, news, and even the settings in your phone, to English to help you build natural fluency. We encourage you to complete the English self-assessment tool questions developed by IDP IELTS and receive expert tips and resources to help you improve your Listening and Reading skills.
Navigating Test Centres in UAE: IDP has IELTS test centres across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain. Always arrive 30 minutes early and bring your original Emirates ID or Passport—digital copies are not accepted.
Understanding Your Scores and Retake Options: IELTS offers One Skill Retake which allows you to retake only one skill instead of redoing the whole test so you’re satisfied with your score. IELTS test results are available from 1 to 5 days after your IELTS on computer test and 13 days after your IELTS on paper test.
If you want a test that opens doors in UAE, from top universities to the Golden Visa, and the safety net of the One Skill Retake, then IELTS is your test of choice.