English language testing

What is IELTS?

IELTS is an English-language test used to support study, work and migration goals. It assesses how confidently you can use English in real-world situations.

4Language skills assessed
13,500+Organisations trust IELTS
2h 45mIELTS Academic test time
Students discussing their study goals
About IELTS

A recognised test for international opportunities.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures English-language proficiency for organisations that need evidence of your ability to study, work or live in an English-speaking environment.

IELTS results are accepted by universities, employers, professional bodies and immigration authorities around the world. Always check the exact score, test type and delivery format accepted by the organisation you are applying to.

Choose a test route that matches your goal
Understand the score required by your organisation
Prepare for Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking
Planning study abroad?UniWays Global can help you understand the English-language requirement for your intended course and destination.
Speak to an adviser →
Choose the right IELTS test

Your destination organisation determines the route.

Confirm the test type with your university, employer, professional body or visa route before you book.

IELTS Academic

Usually appropriate for university study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, and for some professional registration routes.

General Training

Designed for work, training, migration and other non-academic purposes where this route is accepted.

IELTS for UKVI

A secure test option for specified UK visa and immigration applications. Check the exact requirement first.

IELTS Life Skills

A speaking and listening test for specific UK visa and immigration routes where it is required.

What happens on test day?

Know the format so you can focus on your performance.

Follow the instructions from your test centre and booking confirmation, as arrangements can vary by location and test type.

01

Arrive prepared

Bring the identity document used for your booking and follow your test-centre instructions.

02

Complete the main test

Listening, Reading and Writing are normally taken in sequence according to the test format.

03

Take Speaking

Your speaking assessment may take place on the same day or on another scheduled date near your main test.

04

Receive results

Check the date and method for receiving results in your booking confirmation and test-centre guidance.

Why choose IELTS?

Choose a test that helps you show your ability fairly.

IELTS test content is developed through expert research to assess English-language ability in a fair and consistent way.

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Global recognition

IELTS is accepted by thousands of organisations for education, work, professional registration and migration.

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Format options

Choose the available test-centre format that meets your organisation's requirements and suits your needs.

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Individual Speaking

Speak one-to-one with a trained examiner in a focused assessment environment.

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Flexible approach

Within the relevant test sections, manage your time and responses carefully to demonstrate your skills.

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Secure results

Share your result with the organisations you authorise, following their application process.

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Preparation support

Use official resources and regular practice to become familiar with the format before test day.

Student reading IELTS information on a laptop
Frequently asked questions

Answers before you choose IELTS.

For the most accurate decision, confirm your required test and score with the organisation that will receive your result.

What is IELTS used for?

IELTS can support applications for study, work, professional registration and migration, depending on the test type and the requirements of the organisation you are applying to.

Which IELTS test should I take?

For most university applications, IELTS Academic is required. General Training, UKVI and Life Skills are used for different purposes. Confirm your organisation's requirement before booking.

How long is the IELTS Academic test?

The Listening, Reading and Writing sections of IELTS Academic take 2 hours and 45 minutes in total. Your Speaking test is scheduled separately according to test-centre arrangements.

Can UniWays Global help me prepare?

Yes. We can help you understand your study destination's English-language requirement and direct you to useful IELTS preparation and booking information.

Your next step

Ready to take the next step towards your goal?

Understand your IELTS requirement, build your preparation plan and book when you are ready.

Book an IELTS test →
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