IELTS: one test, countless opportunities
Show your English-language ability for study, work and life abroad. Get clear advice on the right IELTS route, preparation and your next steps.
An English test designed around real communication.
IELTS assesses your ability to use English in real-world contexts. It is used for higher education, professional registration, employment and immigration purposes, depending on the test type and the requirements of the organisation you are applying to.
You can choose from test-centre options on computer or paper, and in some locations IELTS Academic online. Always check the format accepted by your university, employer, professional body or visa route before booking.
Build confidence in each part of the test.
IELTS assesses Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Academic and General Training share Listening and Speaking, while Reading and Writing are tailored to the test route.
Listening
Follow spoken English in a variety of everyday, academic and professional contexts.
Reading
Understand written information and demonstrate your ability to locate and interpret key detail.
Writing
Show that you can organise ideas clearly and communicate effectively in writing.
Speaking
Demonstrate your ability to communicate naturally in English with an examiner.
Targeted practice
Use practice material to identify your strengths and the skills that need more attention.
Clear next steps
Plan how you will prepare, book your test and send results to the right organisation.
Match the IELTS test to your goal.
Your chosen course, university, visa route or professional body will tell you the test and score they require. Check this before booking.
IELTS Academic
Usually suitable for students applying to undergraduate or postgraduate study, and for some professional registration routes.
IELTS General Training
Designed to assess everyday English for work, training, migration and other non-academic contexts.
IELTS for UKVI
A secure test option for specified UK visa and immigration applications. Check your exact visa requirement before booking.
IELTS Life Skills
A speaking and listening test for specific UK visa and immigration purposes where it is required.
Turn preparation into a practical routine.
Build familiarity with the test, improve your English skills and make sure you understand the route you are taking before test day.
Confirm
Check which IELTS test, score and delivery format your organisation accepts.
Assess
Use a practice test to understand your current level across all four skills.
Practise
Create a schedule for reading, listening, writing and speaking practice.
Book
Choose an available test date and prepare the identity document required by your test centre.
Useful IELTS information and next steps.
Use these pages to understand the test, prepare with confidence and decide when to book.
Answers before you book.
Check the latest conditions with the organisation you are applying to, particularly for visas and professional registration.
Which IELTS test do I need for university study?
Most higher education applicants need IELTS Academic, but you should confirm the required test, score and accepted delivery format directly with your university or course.
Can I take IELTS online?
IELTS Academic online is available in selected locations and may be accepted by some educational organisations. It is not accepted for immigration purposes, so always check with your destination organisation first.
How should I prepare for IELTS?
Start by understanding the four skills and your target score. Use practice material, build a realistic weekly routine and focus extra effort on the skills that need improvement.
What should I take on test day?
Follow the instructions from your booking confirmation and test centre. You will normally need the identity document used for your booking.
Ready to plan your IELTS journey?
Speak with a UniWays Global adviser for support with your study plans, English-language requirements and next steps.
