IELTS tests for UK Visas and Immigration

If you want to study in the UK or apply for professional registration, you might need to take an IELTS for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Academic test.

The IELTS for UKVI Academic test is the same as the Academic test in terms of content, format, scoring and level of difficulty. However, the UKVI test is only available at test centres that meet the administrative requirements outlined by the UK Home Office. Your Test Report Form (TRF) will also look slightly different if you take the IELTS for UKVI test.

Studying in the UK

The UK is home to some of the best universities in the world, from Oxford to Cambridge and those that glide under the radar, such as the University of Edinburgh. If you are looking to study in the UK, you’ll be happy to hear that most British universities and colleges accept IELTS for UKVI Academic results.

Check out our Who accepts IELTS scores page for more information on the IELTS score you need to be able to study at particular institutions. The UK Government visa checklist is also useful to check if you need a UK visa.

What is IELTS for UKVI?

IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is a Secure English Language test (SELT) approved by the UK Home Office for visa applications to the United Kingdom.

What is the difference between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?

The IELTS for UKVI Academic test has the same content, test format, scoring and difficulty level as the Academic test. The UKVI test is offered in a UKVI-approved test centre that follows the administrative standards established by the UK Home Office. If you take the IELTS test for UKVI, your Test Report Form (TRF) will also look a bit different. And the same thing applies to IELTS for UKVI General Training.

IELTS for UKVI Academic test

Most British universities and colleges accept IELTS for UKVI Academic results if you’re looking to study in the UK. IELTS for UKVI Academic is applicable to those who wish to take the test and pursue undergraduate or graduate studies in the UK through a student visa, and test takers who seek professional registration in the UK.

IELTS for UKVI registration

The IELTS for UKVI registration process is the same as the IELTS test; the only difference is choosing IELTS for UKVI when choosing the test type. Check this step-by-step guide on how to book your IELTS test.

Types of study visa in the UK

The UK offers several types of study visas to accommodate different educational goals and durations. Whether you're planning to attend a short course, pursue a full degree or take part in an exchange program, it's important to choose the right visa type for your situation.

Find the right study visa

You may need a visa to come to the UK to visit, study or work. Depending on your nationality, you may need to get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA). Visit Gov.uk for more information.

Types of study visa

Student visa You can apply for a student visa to study in the UK if you’re 16 or over and you:

have been offered a place on a course by a licensed student sponsor.
have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances.
can speak, read, write and understand English.
have consent from your parents if you’re 16 or 17 - you’ll need evidence of this when you apply.

If you’re 16 or 17 and you want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa instead. * This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (General) student visa.

Child Student visa You can apply for a Child Student visa if you’re between 4 and 17 years old and you want to study at an independent school in the UK. You must:

have an unconditional offer of a place on a course at an independent school.
be able to show you’ll have access to enough money to support you in the UK and pay for your course.
have the consent of your parent or guardian to study in the UK - you’ll need to prove this when you apply.

* This visa has replaced the Tier 4 (Child) student visa. Study English in the UK (Short-term study visa) You may be eligible for a Short-term study visa if you’re taking an English language course in the UK. Your course must last longer than 6 months but not more than 11 months to be able to apply for this type of visa. If your course lasts:

6 months or shorter - you’ll need to apply for a Visitor visa.
longer than 11 months - you’ll need to apply for a Student visa.

Or check which visa you need to study in the UK if you’re still unsure. Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor You can visit the UK as a Standard Visitor for tourism, business, study (courses up to 6 months) and other permitted activities. You can usually stay in the UK for up to 6 months. You might be able to apply to stay for longer in certain circumstances, for example, to get medical treatment. Depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa to visit the UK. You should check if you need a visa before you apply.

Sponsors and sponsorship

Students: if your education provider loses their sponsor license You’ll need to find a new course with a different education provider if your sponsor loses their license. Your new education provider will need to sponsor you. Your current visa will be limited to 60 days (or however long you have left on the visa if it’s less than 60 days). UK visa sponsorship management system Use the sponsor management system (SMS) to meet your requirements as:

an employer sponsoring Worker and Temporary Worker visa holders.
an institution sponsoring Student and Child Student visa holders.

Learn More

IELTS Academic Reading

IELTS Academic Writing

IELTS Listening

IELTS Speaking Test

IELTS on computer test

IELTS on paper test

Are the questions tested before they get used in the IELTS test?

Of course!  Every test question that appears on the IELTS test is designed, screened and tested by Cambridge Assessment English (CAE) to ensure it meets standard requirements before being released as test material. This can take up to two years to ensure every question complies with our high standards  for  all test takers.
Our research  ensures  IELTS remains fair and unbiased for anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality, background, gender or lifestyle. Our highly trusted  team  ensures every version of the test is of comparable difficulty. 

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 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 the IELTS test centre send my results to universities overseas?

When booking  your IELTS test, you  are  given the option to have your IELTS results sent up to up to 5 nominated institutions. If  you have  already taken the test  and would like to send your results to a recognising organisation, contact the  test centre  where you sat your exam. They will be able to help. Note that  there may be additional fees  for this.