What is IELTS? All You Need to Know About IELTS
How IELTS Works
IELTS is designed for individuals who need to demonstrate their English ability for study, employment, or migration purposes. It is commonly taken by those planning to live, work, or study in an English speaking environment, as well as people seeking jobs that require strong English skills.
To meet different needs, IELTS offers two test options: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.
| IELTS Academic | IELTS General Training |
| This test can help you secure university acceptance, student visas, and prove your English ability to professional organisations. | This test measures your English proficiency in the workplace and is often useful to prove your level when applying for a new position in an English-speaking company or organisation. |
IELTS Test Structure
Candidates can take the IELTS test in either paper-based or computer-based formats at authorised test centres. In some regions, IELTS Online is also available. The test evaluates four essential language skills:
| Listening | This section assesses how well you understand ideas, recognise opinions and follow the development of an argument. |
| Reading | This section assesses how well you read for general sense, main ideas and details, and whether you understand the author’s inferences and opinions. |
| Writing | This section evaluates how well and how accurately you organise your ideas and write a response, along with your ability to use wide-ranging vocabulary and grammar. |
| Speaking | This section assesses how well you can communicate opinions and information on everyday topics and common experiences, as well as how you express and justify your opinions. |
Key Information about IELTS Academic & General Training
Total test duration: approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes
Test components: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking
Test schedule: Listening, Reading, and Writing are completed on the same day without breaks
Speaking test: may be held on the same day or within seven days before or after the other sections
Reasons to Choose IELTS
IELTS is built around practical, real-life communication and provides several advantages:
Open doors to global opportunities
Accepted by more than 12,500 institutions and organisations across 140+ countries, IELTS enables access to international education and professional pathways.
Strengthen your career prospects
IELTS results clearly reflect your English ability, helping employers assess your communication skills with confidence.
Prepare for international workplaces
The Listening test includes a variety of English accents, while the Speaking test reflects global usage of the language.
Support immigration applications
IELTS is widely used by immigration authorities to verify that applicants meet required English standards.
Flexible test options
You can take IELTS on paper, on computer, or online (where available), with numerous test dates offered worldwide.
Reliable and accurate scoring
IELTS is known for its fairness. All examiners are trained and experienced language professionals who assess practical communication ability.
Inclusive and accessible
Special arrangements are available for candidates with specific needs, ensuring equal and fair testing regardless of background or circumstances.
IELTS Requirements by Country
United Kingdom
IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) is approved for UK visa applications. Candidates can take either the Academic or General Training version.
Canada
IELTS is officially accepted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) as proof of English language proficiency.
Australia
IELTS is a preferred test for Australian employers and immigration authorities. Student visas, skilled migration visas, and other categories require English language evidence.
United States
Many US visa types, including student visas, require proof of English proficiency.
Unlike some other countries, certain work visas (such as H-1B and L-1) may not require English test results, but a strong IELTS score can enhance an application.
New Zealand
English proficiency is mandatory for student, work, and skilled migrant visas. IELTS is widely recognised by both employers and educational institutions.
IELTS Compared to Other English Tests
While score comparisons between different English tests can be complex, IELTS is globally recognised as a benchmark for measuring real-world English communication skills.
| IELTS vs. TOEFL | |
IELTS is widely recognised globally and not confined to UK English, making it a versatile choice for test-takers. IELTS also provides the flexibility of taking the test on paper or on computer, catering to individual preferences. | TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) tests your ability to use North American English and is primarily computer-based. |
| Both tests aim to assess English language proficiency accurately and fairly, without one being inherently harder than the other. | |
| IELTS vs. PTE | |
| IELTS Academic assesses your English skills for academic environments, while IELTS General Training also tests for practical and everyday language. | PTE (Pearson Test of English) has a strong focus on academic English. |
| Both tests are the same level of difficulty. PTE only provides computer-based testing. IELTS lets you choose between doing the test on paper or on computer. | |
| IELTS vs. C1 Advanced | |
| IELTS tests all key English skills and has wider recognition, with more test availability throughout the year. | C1 Advanced is a Cambridge exam that tests all key English skills. |
| Both are globally accepted. | |
| IELTS vs. DET | |
| IELTS testing is more comprehensive and remains the gold standard for institutions and immigration departments. | DET (Duolingo English Test) is a newly established test that provides online, on-demand testing. |
Organisations Behind IELTS
IELTS is jointly managed by leading institutions in English education:
British Council – The UK’s international organisation for education and cultural relations
IDP IELTS – An international education organisation originating from Australia
Cambridge English – Part of the University of Cambridge, specialising in English language assessment