The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for higher education and global migration.

Why is IELTS important?

More than 11,000 organization globally trust IELTS, so when you take the test you can be confident that it is recognized by educational institutions, employers, governments, and professional bodies around the world.

As one of the pioneers of four-skill English language testing 30 years ago, IELTS continues to set the standard for English language testing today. Governments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom use IELTS to process immigration applications.

Find out which organisations currently accept IELTS.

How does IELTS work?

IELTS has been developed by some of the world’s leading language assessment experts and will test the full range of English skills needed for success in your new job or study placement abroad.

You’ll be assessed on the following elements:

Listening Reading Writing Speaking

Make sure you’re familiar with how the IELTS test works and find out more about the IELTS test formats.

Choosing the right test

There are two IELTS tests available – IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. The test you choose should be based on  what you want to do.

IELTS Academic – measures whether your level of English language proficiency is suitable for an academic environment. It reflects aspects of academic language and evaluates whether you’re ready to begin training or studying.

IELTS General Training – measures English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and tests reflect  both workplace and social situations.

If you are taking the IELTS test to support a UK visa application to work, live or study in the UK, you may need to take the IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) Academic or General Training or the IELTS for Life Skills test.

Find out which is the right test for you.

Who owns IELTS?

IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.