The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world's most popular English test for higher education and global migration. It is a standardised English language test designed for foreign speakers who wish to study, work and live in an English-speaking environment.
IELTS is the only Secure English Language Test approved by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for visa customers applying both outside and inside the UK. It also meets requirement for immigration to Australia, where TOEFL and Pearson Test of English Academic are also accepted, and New Zealand. In Canada, IELTS, TEF, or CELPIP are accepted by the immigration authority.
Educational institutions, employers, professional registration bodies and government immigration agencies often require proof of English language skills as part of their recruitment or admission procedures. IELTS is widely accepted for these purposes.
IELTS is designed to test the language ability of people who want to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. Currently, over 3 million tests are taken each year.
IELTS enables you to:
- start your journey into work or study in another country
- prove your English language skills
- decide on a module to match your goal – Academic or General Training
Reasons to choose IELTS:
- Results are available in 13 calendar days.
- The test is offered in over 1,200 locations, in
more than 140 countries.
- Over 10,000 organisations worldwide accept IELTS as proof of language ability.
Key facts
- Band score range: 1–9
- Test format: Paper-based
- No. of papers: 4
- Length: About 2 hours 45 minutes
The nine bands are described as follows:
IELTS and the CEFR
