IELTS
What is IELTS?
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is the most popular high-stakes English language test for study, work, and migration.
IELTS is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English. The test conforms to the highest international standards of language assessment.
The IELTS test covers the four language skills – listening, reading, writing, and speaking. IELTS is recognised by more than 11,000 organisations in many countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
Respected and accepted world-wide, IELTS helps you boost your score and prepares you for success in the real world.
Your IELTS, your choice!
IELTS on Computer
You can choose to take IELTS on a computer for both the General Training and Academic tests. The test format, question types, time allocated to each test part, and content is the same for both computer-delivered test and paper-based test.
IELTS on Paper
You can take IELTS Academic and General Training on paper. The contents, test part times, question types, scoring and results of the IELTS on the paper test are the exact same as the IELTS on the computer test, but your test day experience is a little different.
ukvi and life skills ielts
IELTS for UKVI is a valid English language test for UK Visa to study, work or migrate to the UK. It assesses your English language skills such as listening, reading, writing and speaking in an academic and everyday setting.
Why choose IELTS?
If you want more out of your new life abroad or are looking to build a better future, take IELTS. Success starts the moment you choose to test with the best. Backed by Cambridge English and trusted by more universities, governments and organisations than any other test.
IELTS is globally recognised and accepted by leading universities, academic and professional bodies, and immigration departments of Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand, making it the preferred option for anyone looking to move abroad for study, work or migration.
On the other hand, the UK does not acknowledge TOEFL as a valid English Language test for migration. Moreover, the Australian immigration department only recognizes the lengthier version of TOEFL, the TOEFL iBT. OET is designed only for healthcare professionals, limiting its usefulness for individuals outside of the healthcare industry.
IELTS examiners always understand you and your accent. For PTE’s speaking component of the test, you will be taking it in a room with other test takers which can be distracting for some participants. As for TOEFL’s speaking test, you will be talking to a computer while with IELTS, your spoken English is assessed by a real person who understands different accents.
With a test centre network across 140 countries, you can take the IELTS test anywhere. PTE and CELPIP are only available on a computer; however, with IELTS, you have more choices to take IELTS on paper, IELTS on computer, or IELTS Online based on your preferences.
The best opportunities for moving and living abroad start the moment you choose IELTS.
Which test type do you take?
Where you want to study, work, or migrate to will affect which test you need to take:
- For studying in higher education or seeking professional registration, you can take the IELTS Academic test.
- For work or migration to an English-speaking country, you might take the IELTS General Training test.
- If you’re planning to go to the United Kingdom, you may need to take the IELTS for UKVI test. This can either be the IELTS Academic for UKVI test, IELTS General Training for UKVI test, or the IELTS Life Skills A1 or B1 test.If you’re planning to go to the United Kingdom, you may need to take the IELTS for UKVI test. Make sure you visit the relevant government or institutional websites to confirm which test you need to take.
How can you prepare for the test?
Before you head into your test you should understand the IELTS test format by learning about each part of the test, question types, and how IELTS examiners assess your Speaking and Writing tests.
To Improve your skills in all four parts of the IELTS test, check the below resources from IDP:
- IELTS Prepare
- IELTS regional webinar series
- IELTS on computer familiarisation tests
- IELTS Progress Check
What should you do on the test day?
- Allow plenty of time to get to the test. You will be required to register and to show your passport or National ID Card before you enter the examination room.
- If you are late, you will not be allowed to enter. Avoid the added tension of having to rush.
- No personal items to be taken into the test room. Test day staff will collect and safely store your personal belongings.
- On test day, a member of staff will verify your ID. It must be the same ID that you used when you booked the test. It must also be original, valid and include a recognisable photo of yourself.
- The test centre will then take a photograph of you. You will be required to temporarily remove anything covering your face.
- A finger scan will also be taken.
- Before you enter the test room, your finger will be scanned again to verify your identity
- When it is time to enter the IELTS test room, a test invigilator will guide you to your seat.
- You are not permitted to leave during the last 10 minutes of either of the IELTS test components. If you need to go to the bathroom at any other time, raise your hand and ask a member of staff.
- If you have a problem (for example if you think you have been given the wrong paper, you cannot hear the instructions, or you feel ill) raise your hand to attract the attention of the supervisor.
- You cannot leave your seat until your papers have been collected and you have been told to leave. You must leave any notes and materials on the desk.
When will you get your test results?
IELTS on Paper →Your test results and your Test Report Form (TRF) will be released 13 days after you complete the test.
IELTS on Computer → You test results will be available from 3 to 5 days after you complete the test.
IELTS for UKVI → If you had taken the IELTS Academic for UKVI or the IELTS General Training for UKVI tests, your test results will be available 13 days after you complete the test.
Life Skills for UKVI → If you had taken the Life Skills A1, A2 or B1 tests, your results will be available 7 days after you complete the test.
NOTE: Test Centers are NOT permitted to give test results over the telephone, via fax or e-mail to the candidate.
How many IELTS Test Report Forms (TRF) can you get?
You will receive one original Test Report Form.
You can collect your TRF at Netcom Systems IELTS offices when your results are released. You need to bring the form of identity you used to register for the test to pick up your TRF.
What is the IELTS Transfer, Cancellation and Refund Policy?
Request for cancellation or postponement of your IELTS test must be made strictly 5 weeks before the test date via email or in person only. Telephone cancellation or postponement will not be accepted.
If you requested cancellation more than five weeks ahead of the test date, you will receive a full refund (less a 25% administrative fee).
If you requested cancellation less than five weeks ahead of the test date you will receive no refund. If unforeseen circumstances prevent you from taking your test, you are eligible for a refund if you can provide evidence within 5 days of your test that your ability to sit the test will be or has been affected by serious illness or cause, such as:
- Serious Illness – hospital admission or serious injury
- Loss or Bereavement – death of a close family member
- Hardship/Trauma – victim of a crime, victim of a traffic accident
- Loss of job
- Military Service
You must complete a “Request for Refund” or “Test Day Transfer Form” and attach appropriate documentation and/or evidence, such as a medical certificate from a qualified medical practitioner, a death notice or certificate or a police report.
Failure to appear for the test without notification is considered a cancellation, no refund will be issued, and you must register and pay again if you wish to take the test on another date.
The Request for a Refund and Test Day Transfer are subject to verification before approval or rejection.