IELTS
One of the most widely accepted English tests for study abroad, with Academic, General Training and UKVI versions. The official site explains formats and scoring and offers free practice materials; check which version your programmes and visa route accept before booking.
Platform
Career Growth
IELTS (British Council, IDP, Cambridge University Press and Assessment)
About 2 hours 45 minutes per test
All
Free
What it is
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, tests listening, reading, writing and speaking, and reports a band score from 0 to 9 for each skill and overall. It is run jointly by the British Council, IDP and Cambridge University Press and Assessment. The versions that matter for study are IELTS Academic, used by universities, and IELTS for UKVI, which exists for some UK visa routes. General Training is mainly for work and migration.
What changed recently
As of 2026-09 the official site says IELTS is moving away from paper: from mid-2026 it will no longer be offered as a paper-based test, with timing varying by country, so most candidates take it on computer at a test centre. A One Skill Retake is available in many places, letting you retake a single section within 60 days of your original test instead of the whole test. Check with your test centre whether it is offered and whether your universities accept retake results.
Who it is for
Anyone applying to programmes that ask for an English test, especially in the UK, Europe, Canada and Australia, where IELTS is widely accepted. Before booking, list every programme on your shortlist and your visa route, with the accepted tests and minimum scores, overall and per section.
How to prepare
- Take a full timed practice test using the official free materials to find your weakest skill.
- Practise writing to the task types and time limits, and get feedback on task response, coherence, vocabulary and grammar.
- Practise speaking aloud on a timer.
- Book two to four months before your first deadline so you have time for a retake.
Is it worth it?
If your programmes and visa accept it, it is a safe choice because acceptance is so broad. The IELTS partners recommend that organisations accept results for up to two years, so do not test too early. The common reason for failing a requirement is one weak section, often writing, so train that specifically.
Free or paid
The test has a fee that varies by country; check the local price when booking. Official practice materials and sample tests are free on the site.
Common questions
Which version do I need for the UK? For degree-level study many universities accept IELTS Academic and may assess English themselves; some routes need IELTS for UKVI. Check your university's instructions and gov.uk.
How long are results valid? The partners recommend up to two years; some institutions set their own limits.
Ready to start?
Opens on IELTS (British Council, IDP, Cambridge University Press and Assessment) in a new tab.
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