Use the IDP IELTS app to create your IELTS daily study plan

Have you ever sat down to study for IELTS and thought “What should I do today?”

An IELTS study plan might be just what you need.

When you set aside regular study time, you build consistency, but without a clear plan, it’s easy to waste time deciding what to do or searching for materials. A structured preparation plan takes that pressure away and helps you stay on track.

With an IELTS study plan, you know exactly what to focus on to build the skills you need for the test.

Planning your study time doesn’t just help you feel more confident for your IELTS test. It also helps you become better at setting goals, managing your time, and staying organised, skills that you can use in your studies and career.

The IELTS by IDP app makes it easier to create and follow an IELTS daily study plan.

With it, you can:

• Assess your English skills.

• Access 150+ IELTS articles.

• Watch IELTS preparation videos.

• Test yourself with quizzes and flashcards.

• Join free IELTS events and masterclasses.

• Access courses from Macquarie University and E2 Test Prep.

• Get expert advice through the IELTS Prepare by IDP vodcast.

In this article, we’ll share more practical strategies to help you prepare more efficiently and effectively using the IELTS by IDP app.

This is a question we often get asked. Our IELTS Community expert Reza Tasviri explains why the answer is different for everyone:

Another of our IELTS Community experts, Linda Alley, recommends focusing on how you use the preparation time you have.

If you’re taking IELTS to move to a new country, we know that creating an IELTS study plan is only one part of your to-do list.

That is where the IELTS by IDP app can help. The app offers an all‑in‑one IELTS experience, so you can book your test, prepare and access your results in one place.

Whether you prefer reading study guides, watching videos or listening to podcasts, the IELTS by IDP app includes preparation resources for different learning styles.

Here’s what you can find:

• IELTS checklist: Not sure what to do first? The checklist guides you through each step of your IELTS journey.

• English self‑assessment tool: Answer some short IELTS questions, receive an instant score and get preparation tips to help you improve.

• Band score explainers: Learn how IELTS band scores are calculated and what you need to demonstrate to achieve your target score.

• Upcoming IELTS events: Find free online or in‑person IELTS masterclasses near you.

• IELTS Prepare by IDP video podcast: New to IELTS? This 10‑part video podcast series covers everything you need to know about the test.

• Articles: Read grammar guides, test‑tip blog posts, and interactive language skills articles with built‑in quizzes.

• Videos: Watch videos on pronunciation, recorded masterclasses and explanations of how the IELTS Writing test is marked.

• Quizzes: Test your grammar, vocabulary and IELTS knowledge with short quizzes, matching games and flashcards. Track your progress and receive study recommendations.

• Online courses: Access lite versions and free trials of online courses from Macquarie University and E2 Test Prep. You can upgrade for full access or receive this when you book your IELTS test with IDP.

• IELTS Community by IDP: Explore popular questions from the IELTS Community and get answers you can trust from IELTS experts.

Download the IELTS by IDP app in Google Play.

Download the IELTS by IDP app in iOS App Store.

So, how do you create a timetable for IELTS preparation that fits in with your schedule and lifestyle?

Be realistic about your study time

Start by thinking about your typical week. How much time can you realistically spend on IELTS each day? Remember, your study time doesn’t have to be the same every day. You might study for two hours one day and only 20 minutes the next and that’s fine. The key is to stay consistent and keep moving forward.

Compare your current level with your target score

Next, look at your target band score and compare it with your current level of English. This will give you a clearer idea of how much preparation time you may need.

It’s also important to understand your strengths and weaknesses. If you’re not sure, try to get expert feedback. You can also use our free English self-assessment tool to guide you.

Set SMART goals for IELTS success

Once you know what to focus on, set SMART study goals to target the skills you need to work on. That is, goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-Bound. Our article How to Create Achievable Goals gives some useful tips for this with IELTS examples.

When you create your study plan, make sure it covers all parts of the test, not just the areas you find most difficult.

A strong IELTS study plan should include a mix of:

• Test familiarisation – understanding the format, question types, requirements and how the test is scored.

• Strategy building – learning techniques for approaching questions such as identifying key words and predicting the type of information missing.

• Skill building – improving language skills such as vocabulary and grammar.

• Test readiness – checking your progress through practice tests and feedback.

• Time management practice – completing tasks under test conditions.

So, what does a weekly IELTS study planner look like? This will be different for everyone but here’s an example of what you might include, depending on how much time you have each day:

A good study plan is the first step. The next step is to make sure you stick to it. Here are our top tips to help you study more effectively and stay motivated throughout your IELTS preparation.

• Be consistent: Regular study matters more than long study sessions. You don’t need to study for hours every day or even study every single day. Short, regular sessions help you build momentum and remember what you’ve learnt.

• Be flexible: Your study plan should allow room for real life. You might get sick or miss a session for other reasons. This doesn’t mean your plan has failed. Adjust your schedule when you need to and keep going.

• Stay accountable: Sharing your goals can help you stay on track. Tell friends and family about your study plan or connect with someone else preparing for IELTS. Regular check-ins can keep you motivated and focused.

• Use official IELTS practice tests: Not all online IELTS materials reflect the real test. When you use official IELTS practice tests, you can prepare with confidence. The IELTS by IDP app includes preparation materials created or endorsed by IDP, one of the three co-owners of the IELTS test.

• Include English practice in daily life: If English is not your first language, combine test preparation with language-building activities. Use English outside your study time by listening to podcasts, watching videos or reading about topics you enjoy. If you live in an English-speaking country, practise speaking English with those around you.

• Add variety to your study sessions: Studying the same way every time can make it hard to stay motivated. Mix things up by trying different activities to keep your study sessions interesting.

• Build your vocabulary: Set aside time to practise using new words. Spaced repetition can help. This means reviewing vocabulary at increasing intervals instead of cramming everything at once.

• Identify your errors: Look for patterns in your mistakes. For example, you might struggle with verb tenses or writing clear topic sentences. Focus your study time on these weaker areas to make faster progress.

• Get feedback on your progress: Get feedback from IELTS experts to help you understand how you are improving or use a self-assessment tool to guide your next steps.

• Reward yourself: Celebrate progress by giving yourself a reward after each study session. This could be something as simple as watching an episode of your favourite show or meeting a friend for coffee.

The IELTS by IDP app makes starting easier by letting you study anytime, anywhere.

It helps you stay consistent by giving you the flexibility to keep practising, even on days when you don’t have time for a longer session at your computer. Turn spare moments into valuable study time by jumping on the app for a quick practice session:

• While commuting to work

• In a gap between classes

• Before an appointment

• While waiting for a friend

Make the most of short study sessions with these in-app resources

If you've got 5-15 minutes:

• Try our online matching games, quizzes and flashcards

• Find an answer to one of your IELTS questions in IELTS Community

• Watch one of our short preparation videos

If you’ve got 20-30 minutes:

• Take the English self-assessment tool

• Listen to an episode of the IELTS Prepare by IDP podcast

• Dip into a module from one of the short online courses

Use our web-based IELTS Prepare Hub for practice tests

For deeper learning, combine the app with longer practice sessions using resources from the Prepare Hub on our website.

If you’ve got more than 30 minutes:

• Time yourself and test your skills with IELTS practice tests and questions

• Take the official IELTS Familiarisation Test to experience the test screens

• Explore the IELTS preparation library to find the right materials for you

We know that everyone’s study journey is different. That’s why, at IDP, we give you the flexibility to prepare your way.

Download the IELTS by IDP app today.