What is the difference between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?

IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are exactly the same test in terms of format, content, scoring and level of difficulty. The only difference is 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 that you have taken an IELTS for UKVI test at an approved IELTS test centre.

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 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.

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.

What is the price of the IELTS for UKVI Academic test?

The price of the IELTS for UKVI Academic test is approx $270 USD. Check the IELTS booking system for accurate prices.

IELTS for UKVI Academic Vietnam

If you want to study in the UK or apply for professional registration, you might need to take an IELTS for UKVI Academic test. It is a Secure English Language test (SELT) approved by the UK home office for visa applications to the United Kingdom.

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

IELTS UKVI Academic vs IELTS Academic

Although the test questions are the same, there are a few key differences:

Feature	IELTS UKVI Academic	IELTS Academic
Visa use	✅ Required for UK visa applications	❌ Not valid for UK visa applications
Test centre requirements	✅ UKVI-approved centres only	Standard centres
TRF format	✅ Special UKVI-secured TRF	Standard TRF
Accepted for study in UK	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (depending on visa type)

Who Needs to Take IELTS for UKVI Academic in Vietnam?

You should take the IELTS for UKVI Academic if:

You’re applying for a Student Visa (UK Student Route).
Your university or college in the UK has advised you to take the UKVI version.
You're required to prove English proficiency through a UK Home Office-approved test.

Even if your target UK university accepts regular IELTS, your visa application may still require IELTS UKVI. Always check both institutional and immigration requirements.