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IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) is the world’s most popular English language test for work, study, and migration.

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

The test assesses your English-language ability across the four skills: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Also, you can choose between the Academic or General Training versions of the test. The Academic IELTS is required for university or college admission, while the General Training IELTS is intended for career and immigration purposes.

In this article, we will explain why IELTS is important and how you can benefit from it.

What is the main purpose of IELTS?

  • It is the test for study – thousands of the world’s most reputable universities and colleges will accept your IELTS results as evidence of your English language proficiency.

  • It is the test for professionals − professional registration bodies in many fields will accept an IELTS result, including accounting, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and teaching bodies in many countries. This means that after completing your studies, you may need to take the test to gain professional registration in an English-speaking country. If you choose IELTS as the test you take to enter university, you will be familiar with the IELTS test format when you sit it again for professional registration.

  • It is the test for migration – IELTS is accepted by governments in more countries than any other English language test as a requirement for permanent residency. The governments of the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand accept IELTS results. The IELTS score you need depends on the requirements of your visa.

Check out more on IELTS entry scores for studying and living abroad!

IELTS helps you move forward and achieve your goals. Watch the video below to find out why you need IELTS:

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What are the advantages of IELTS?

  • Globally recognized test

Accepted by over 11,000 organizations around the world, IELTS is the world's most recognized English language test that is trusted by the immigration authorities in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Canada.

  • Your IELTS, Your choice

Life is full of choices and making the right decision for your future is important. With IELTS, you are given choices before and after the test ensuring you are best placed for your future:

- With IELTS, you can choose how you want to take your test - on paper or on computer .

- You can choose between the Academic or General Training versions of the test.

- You can choose to take the test for study, work, or migration.

- You can choose a test date and location convenient to you, with over 1,400 test locations globally across 56 countries.

  • Taking the IELTS test can enhance your employment prospects

Excellent communication skills are essential these days as fifty-five countries have English as their first language. Demonstrating a good command of the language could open up options for you to pursue a career in a foreign country!

Many countries such as New Zealand and Canada require you to go beyond ‘conversational’ English. Instead, to gain employment in these countries, you need to demonstrate that you are a ‘competent’ user of the language by achieving a particular score in your IELTS test.

  • IELTS develops your English language skills

The IELTS test assesses the four language skills – Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading. Through our IELTS Prepare hub, you will learn various study tips that will help enhance your English language skills.

  • IELTS reflects communication in real life

Unlike other tests which have an automated speaking test, IELTS involves a live interaction between you and the examiner. This helps to mimic real-world conversations such as interactions with your neighbors and colleagues, better preparing you for life in a foreign country.

This IELTS advantage could be one of your key considerations in deciding between IELTS or other tests.

  • IELTS helps you achieve your future goals in life

The IELTS test helps you to set clear goals and motivates you to study harder. When you lack clear objectives and goals, it's easy to not study as hard, or wait until the very last minute. With the IELTS test, the goals are clearly defined so it helps to motivate you to study on a daily basis, which also improves your English skills.

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