IELTS is the world’s proven English test. Over 1.4 million candidates take the test each year to begin their journey into international education and employment.
What is IELTS?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assesses your level of English and creates opportunities for you all over the world. The IELTS score demonstrates your ability to communicate in English across all four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking. Most universities across Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK accept IELTS. The test is conducted four times a month at centres in more than 130 countries, and is open to all. The results are available in just 13 days time.
Why IELTS?
- IELTS is accepted by over 6,000 institutions worldwide, including universities, colleges and employers in English-speaking countries and beyond.
- In the USA, IELTS scores are accepted by over 2,500 universities and colleges including those in the Ivy League and other top institutions.
- IELTS is used for immigration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK.
- IELTS uses Australian, North American and British varieties of English, making it a truly international test.
IELTS Band Scores
Students receive a score reflecting their level of English language ability. Candidates are graded on their performance, using scores from 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The results from the four parts then produce an Overall Band Score as shown below.
| 9 Expert User |
| 8 Very good user |
| 7 Good user |
| 6 Competent user |
| 5 Modest user |
| 4 Limited user |
| 3 Extremely limited user |
| 2 Intermittent user |
| 1 Non user |
| 0 Did not attempt the test |
IELTS Test Format
IELTS is available in two formats - Academic and General Training. Both are graded using the same criteria.
Academic – Institutions of Higher and Further Education
The Academic module is for candidates wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, or seeking professional registration.
General Training – for school, work or migration
The General Training module is for candidates wishing to migrate to an English-speaking country to pursue secondary education, work experience or training programs.
All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules. Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed in one day. The Speaking test may be offered on the same day or up to a week before or after the other parts. See below for a diagram of the test format.
Every institution has its own entrance requirements. Contact the institution you are applying to for more information about which module to take and the minimum score they require. You can also find this information online.
Want to study abroad? Find your nearest IELTS test centre.
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