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More than 11,500 organisations recognise IELTS in over 140 countries as a true indicator of your English-language skills. These organisations are wide-ranging, from universities to training institutions, government departments and immigration agencies, professional and industrial organisations. Each of these organisations set a minimum band score, so make sure to find out the IELTS entry requirements needed for your application. You can search for your IELTS recognising organisation on this page.
You can use your IELTS score to apply to educational institutions around the world. Multinational companies also accept IELTS as proof of your English-language skills, as well as immigration authorities in Australia, Canada, the UK and in the USA. Some occupations in English-speaking countries require IELTS for professional registration, such as nursing and teaching.
The minimum band score needed to study or work at a particular organisation, or migrate to a country may vary. Make sure to check the IELTS band score you need before taking the IELTS test.
Ask IELTS
IELTS is a secure English-language test that is accepted by more than 11,500 organisations across the globe, from education institutions to employers, as well as government and professional bodies. IELTS is not an exam.
IELTS assesses your English-language proficiency across four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking in either an academic, higher education or practical, everyday setting.
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.
Since IELTS is an individual English-language proficiency test, no other test results will be able to count towards your IELTS score.
The minimum age you can take IELTS varies by your location. In most countries there is no (minimum or maximum) age limit for the IELTS test.
That being said, it is not recommended that anyone under the age of 16 sits the test. Test takers under 18 will be chaperoned to the test rooms, from the test rooms, and while they undertake their Speaking test.
IELTS is no more difficult than any other exam. The questions are straightforward and designed to assess how well you can use your English – not to trick you or test your opinions. As with any exam, IELTS requires thorough preparation. Also, remember that there is no pass or fail in IELTS. The results are reported on a 9-band scale (1 being the lowest, 9 being the highest). This scale has remained consistent for over 20 years. The score you need is determined by the requirements of your visa or the institution/ organisation to which you are applying. Always remember to check what score you need before you take the test.
This is a common myth. It is important to understand that the IELTS test is delivered in the same way all over the world and will be the same level of difficulty wherever you sit the test. Think about where you will feel most confident taking the test, and this may well be in your home country. Keep in mind that all IELTS examiners in each country receive the same high level of training and are closely monitored to ensure they rate your responses consistently wherever you sit the test.
IELTS success stories
A compilation of IELTS success stories with many different test takers sharing their experiences and how IELTS helped shape their global career.
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