Who Accepts IELTS?

IELTS is a globally recognised English test that helps people access educational and professional opportunities. With recognition from more than 12,500 organisations across 140+ countries, IELTS is trusted worldwide.
IELTS is accepted by a wide range of institutions, including:
government bodies and immigration agencies
universities, schools, colleges, and training providers
international companies and employers
professional organisations and industry associations
Before registering for the test, it is important to confirm with the organisation you are applying to whether they accept IELTS. You should also check which test version is required — IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training — and whether options such as IELTS Online or One Skill Retake are accepted.
Some organisations may also specify how the test must be taken, either at an authorised test centre or online. For example, candidates applying for migration are generally required to sit the test at an official test centre.
IELTS for Migration
For UK visa applications, both IELTS for UKVI Academic and IELTS for UKVI General Training are officially approved by the UK Home Office as Secure English Language Tests (SELT).
In addition, IELTS for UKVI Life Skills is available for applicants who only need to demonstrate their speaking and listening abilities as part of a UK visa process.
Universities That Accept IELTS
If you plan to study in the UK, an IELTS Academic test may be sufficient, and you may not need to take IELTS for UKVI (Academic).
However, requirements vary by institution, so always confirm directly with the university or college you are applying to. Organisations that recognise IELTS including educational institutions and employers will also specify the minimum score you need to achieve.