Can I use my IELTS Academic results for migration purposes?

IELTS Academic and General Training are two wholly separate types of test, for two different purposes. While some individual organisations may accept an Academic result in the place of a General Training one, this decision is up to them. You will need to contact your specific organisation to learn more.

What is the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training?

If you plan to migrate to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK or the USA, taking an IELTS General Training test makes sense. Or if you are planning on studying in secondary education, or enrolling in vocational training, this might still be the right choice. But if you plan to study in higher education or want professional registration in an English-speaking country, you might need to take an IELTS Academic test.

What band score do I need to study abroad?

The band score you need to study abroad is set by the institution to which you are applying and not by IELTS. The score needed to apply for a course may vary based on the institution or programme you want to apply for. If you are not sure which band score you need to apply for your desired course, check out our Who accepts IELTS page or double-check with the institution you wish to apply to.

What band score do I need to migrate abroad?

The band score you need to migrate to a particular country varies. Check our Who accepts IELTS page to check which band score you need.

What is the difference between IELTS on paper and IELTS on computer?

If you choose to take IELTS on computer, you will take the Listening, Reading and Writing test parts using a computer. If you choose to take the IELTS on paper, you will complete the Listening, Reading and Writing test parts on paper. The Speaking test for both paper and computer are face to face with an examiner. This is the best way to measure your speaking skills as it takes a more realistic approach: a life-like conversation with an examiner.

Will I handwrite or use a computer in my IELTS test?

This depends on whether you take an IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer test. If you take IELTS on a computer, you type your writing, reading and listening answers using a keyboard. In an IELTS on paper test, your answers are written in pencil.

Does each IELTS test vary in difficulty?

In the IELTS Reading test for example, if the test is more difficult, the band score is adjusted. Also, it can depend on how familiar you are with the topics.

IELTS Types, which test do I need to take?

You must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language proficiency if you want to work, live, or study in an English-speaking country. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is an English language test designed to help you study, migrate, or work in a country where English is the native language.

How many types of IELTS tests are there?

Depending on your goals or purpose for moving abroad, you may choose to sit one of the following IELTS tests:

IELTS Academic test
IELTS General Training test
IELTS Academic for UKVI
IELTS General Training for UKVI

IELTS Test Types

IELTS has a number of different test types which you can choose from according to your intent.

IELTS Academic

If you plan to study in higher education or seek professional registration, you can take the IELTS Academic test.

IELTS General Training

If your goal is to study secondary education, work, or migrate to an English-speaking country, IELTS General Training test might be right for you.

IELTS for UKVI

Where you want to study, work, or migrate will affect which test you need to take. If you want to go to the United Kingdom, you will need to specifically take the IELTS for UKVI test. This can either be the IELTS Academic for UKVI test, IELTS General Training for UKVI test.

An IELTS examiner will look at your English speaking and listening skills, and your ability to obtain and convey information, speak to communicate, and engage in discussion.

You will be assessed on your ability to listen and respond to spoken English where you have to obtain and convey basic information and communicate on familiar topics.

The examiner might ask you to describe a topic, give opinions or preferences and justify those, and explain and expand on a topic. You will also be expected to communicate with both the examiner and the other test taker.

There are no band scores with any of the Life Skills tests, your results will be given as a pass or fail.

IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are the exact same test in terms of format, content, scoring, and level of difficulty. The only difference is that an IELTS for UKVI test is approved by the UK Home Office for work, study, and migration purposes.

If you take an IELTS for UKVI test, your test report form will be a little different to show you have taken an IELTS for UKVI test at an approved test centre.

Make sure to visit the relevant government or institutional websites to confirm which test you need to take, as government agencies, institutions, and other recognising organisations set their own IELTS entry requirements.