Stage 5 · Lesson 2 of 7
IELTS Academic
tests four skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. You get a from 0 to 9 for each skill and overall. It is widely accepted for study.
IELTS for is a separate version for some UK visa routes. is how long a result stays usable. As of 2026-09, the IELTS partners recommend that results are accepted for up to two years.
IELTS is also moving to computer delivery, with paper tests being withdrawn in many places from mid-2026. In some centres, a lets you retake a single section within a set period. Prepare with the official practice materials and timed writing practice.
Common trapignoring the minimum per section: an overall 7 with a 5.5 in writing still fails many programmes.
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- Student visa (GOV.UK)Go deeper
The official rules on proving English for a UK Student visa