What is IELTS

About IELTS

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) measures the language proficiency of people who want to study or work where English is used as a language of communication. It uses a nine-band scale to clearly identify levels of proficiency, from non-user (band score 1) through to expert (band score 9).

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular high-stakes English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than three million tests taken in the past year. The IELTS results are recognised by more than 10,000 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in 140 countries around the world.

You can choose to take your IELTS test either on paper or computer, depending on your convenience. There is no difference in the content, format or level of difficulty between the two options. Remember, you will have to carefully choose which module you wish to take - IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, depending on the purpose of your taking the test. However, to study in the UK, you’ll have to take the IELTS test approved for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI).

Why is IELTS important?

More than 10,000 organisations globally trust IELTS, so when you take the test you can be confident that it is recognised by educational institutions, employers, governments and professional bodies around the world.

As one of the pioneers of four skills 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.

Who accepts IELTS scores

IELTS is the world's most popular high-stakes English language test for higher education and global migration, with 3.5 million tests taken in the past year in over 140 countries.Organisations that recognise IELTS

These include:

  • universities, schools, colleges and training organisations
  • government departments and immigration authorities
  • professional and industry associations
  • multinational companies and employers.

The search tool below helps you to discover whether your preferred organisation accepts IELTS and what score you will need to work or study there.

You can search by organisation name, country, state or city to find institutions that accept IELTS.