Learn about IELTS

What is IELTS?

The International English Language Test (IELTS) is designed to help you work, study or migrate to a country where English is the native language. This includes countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA.
Your ability to listen, read, write and speak in English will be assessed during the test. IELTS is graded on a scale of 1-9.  
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

Why take IELTS?

If you are looking to work, live or study in an English-speaking country, then you must be able to demonstrate a high level of English language ability.
English is the third most spoken language in the world, with 379 million speakers worldwide. Being able to communicate in the native language of the country you wish to work or study in, has a wide range of benefits. It is also essential for job opportunities as well as integration into the community.
IELTS is the most popular test for those looking to migrate to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It is globally recognised by more than 10,000 employers, universities, schools and immigration bodies including 3,400 institutions in the USA.  

What's in the exam?

Paper	Content	Time
Listening	40 Questions	Approximately 30 minutes (plus 10 minutes’ transfer time)
Reading	40 Questions	60 minutes
Writing	2 Tasks	60 minutes
Speaking	3 Parts	11–14 minutes

IELTS score scale

Band score	Skill level	Description
9	Expert user	The test taker has fully operational command of the language. Their use of English is appropriate, accurate and fluent, and shows complete understanding.
8	Very good user	The test taker has fully operational command of the language with only occasional unsystematic inaccuracies and inappropriate usage. They may misunderstand some things in unfamiliar situations. They handle complex and detailed argumentation well.
7	Good user	The test taker has operational command of the language, though with occasional inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings in some situations. They generally handle complex language well and understand detailed reasoning.
6	Competent user	The test taker has an effective command of the language despite some inaccuracies, inappropriate usage and misunderstandings. They can use and understand fairly complex language, particularly in familiar situations.
5	Modest user	The test taker has a partial command of the language and copes with overall meaning in most situations, although they are likely to make many mistakes. They should be able to handle basic communication in their own field.
4	Limited user	The test taker's basic competence is limited to familiar situations. They frequently show problems in understanding and expression. They are not able to use complex language.
3	Extremely limited user	The test taker conveys and understands only general meaning in very familiar situations. There are frequent breakdowns in communication.
2	Intermittent user	The test taker has great difficulty understanding spoken and written English.
1	Non user	The test taker has no ability to use the language except a few isolated words.
0	Did not attempt the test	The test taker did not answer the questions.

What IELTS score do I need?

The higher you can score in your IELTS, reflects a better understanding and ability to communicate in English. Each immigration body, university, workplace or institution will have specific IELTS score requirements. The score you need will depend on what you are looking to do in the country, i.e work or study

How IELTS is developed

IELTS is developed to provide a fair and accurate assessment of English language proficiency. Test questions are developed by language specialists from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. The test covers four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.  IELTS test content reflects everyday situations. It is unbiased and fair to all test takers from all backgrounds.

IELTS for study

Over 3.7 million students study abroad every year. Many students study in English-speaking countries, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK and USA. Studying in an English-speaking country offers lots of opportunities. It can also allow you to specialise in a particular field or gain employment once you have finished your education. IELTS is recognised by more than 10,000 education and training providers worldwide. Some universities in non-English speaking countries also require an IELTS score if the course is taught in English.

IELTS Academic

The IELTS Academic test is suitable for those wanting to study in an English-speaking environment or university (higher education). You can also take IELTS Academic for professional registration purposes. Students can request to send their IELTS results to up to five organisations free of charge.  There is a fee for sending results to additional organisations. You can request your centre to send your results as long as your IELTS scores are valid.

IELTS General Training

The IELTS General Training test is suitable for those applying to study below degree level. This includes an English-speaking school or college.  IELTS General Training is also required for migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. The test features everyday English language skills that you will need in social and workplace environments.

Which IELTS test type is right for me?

If you want to move to an English-speaking country to study, then you should take the IELTS Academic test. For work or immigration, the IELTS General Training test is recommended. Please check the entry requirements of your organisation before choosing your test.

Understand what happens on your test day

Information and advice about your IELTS test day
You might feel a bit nervous about your IELTS test day. So that things go smoothly as possible for you, we’ve put together some information to help you understand what will happen on the day of your test. You will need to arrive in good time for your IELTS test. Your confirmation email will provide you with timings and procedures on the test day.If you arrive late, you may not be allowed to take the test. You will receive an email at least three days before the test so you will know at what time your test starts. If you have asked for special arrangements as a result of a disability or other condition, adjustments will be made for you on the test day. Please contact our staff at the test venue six weeks in advance. Make sure you are prepared and have something to eat and drink beforehand. You will not be allowed to take food into the test room and you will only be allowed to take water in a transparent bottle. All candidates under the age of 18 years must carry the two consent forms (the parent consent form and the consent form for minors) duly signed by parents on both test days - Speaking and Listening-Reading-Writing.