IELTS Test
Foreign nationals from a non-English speaking country will need to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test to apply for certain visas and study programs abroad.
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What is an IELTS test?
The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test determines the English language proficiency of non-native English speakers. The IELTS test was created in 1989 and remains one of the most respected language tests in the world with millions of tests taken every year in over 140 countries. IELTS tests are managed by the British Council, IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.
This popular English language test helps determine a non-Native speaker’s ability to listen, speak, read, and write in the English language. IELTS tests are often required if a foreign national from a non-English speaking country would like to apply for a visa, permanent residence, or study program in an English-speaking country such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the United States.
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What's in an IELTS Test?
There are two types of IELTS tests: the IELTS Academic Test and the IELTS General Training Test. Both of these exams help to determine the non-Native speaker’s abilities in listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and speaking abilities.
The IELTS Academic Test is typically reserved for those who are applying for a Student Visa at an English-speaking academic institution where they will be studying at an undergraduate or postgraduate level. IELTS General Training is normally reserved for those who would like to work, train, study (at a secondary school), or immigrate to an English-speaking county.
The IELTS test will consist of listening and reading sections where the test taker will be given 40 questions in each section. This is followed by a writing section where the test taker will be given two writing tasks. Lastly, the test taker will then have their speaking ability assessed via a one-to-one interview with an examiner. This section is recorded for monitoring and re-marking in case the test taker objects to the score given.
Who needs to take an IELTS test?
Foreign nationals who are from a non-English speaking country will most likely need to take an IELTS test as part of the set of requirements when applying for a visa or an undergraduate or postgraduate level study program in an English-speaking country such as Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
For example, the IELTS exam is one of the two English language tests on the UK government’s list of approved Secure English Language Tests (SELTs). Therefore, anyone applying for a UK visa will need to pass the basic IELTS band requirements in order to come to the UK for work or study. Furthermore, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand also required an IELTS score for immigration-related purposes.
In addition, higher education study programs all over the world, including in the United States require an English language test such as IELTS in order to be accepted.
Where can you take an IELTS test?
Worldwide, there are over 1600 locations in over 140 countries where individuals can take an IELTS exam. For more information about where to book a test, visit the IELTS website here.
Depending on local demand, there will be up to 48 test dates available per year for the IELTS Academic test and 24 test dates for the IELTS General training test.
Those who are taking the IELTS Life Skills test for UK immigration purposes must do so in UK test centres that are approved by the UKVI.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Immigration Advice Service before making any decisions based on the content provided.
Last modified on October 10th, 2024 at 6:41 am
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Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of an IELTS exam will vary depending on the foreign currency exchange rate at the time. In general, the cost to take an IELTS test will range from $245-$255.
Certain academic institutions and visa programs will require IELTS exam scores to be within a certain range of time in order to be considered. Therefore, some IELTS exam scores may expire. Normally, IELTS exam scores are considered valid if they are less than 2 years old.
There are several ways to prepare for an IELTS test including taking part in preparation courses, hiring private tutors to improve your language skills, and taking practice tests where you can get used to the exam format.
Cambridge University Press sells official IELTS sample materials that include practice tests for both the General Training and Academic exams complete with reading and writing answer sheets, listening transcripts, sample writing responses, and a DVD for the listening portion.
You can expect to receive your IELTS test band score 3-5 days after the test date if you took the computer-delivered exam. For those who took a paper-based test at a test centre, the test report form will be posted to them 13 days after the test date.