Who can take IELTS?

Whether you need an IELTS test or not depends on your reason to sit the test. If you are enrolling for higher studies/courses/training, the University/school/workplace might ask for an IELTS test score. As part of the migration process, you might have to provide the IELTS scores with your visa application.

We strongly recommend that even if you are a native English speaker, you prepare for the IELTS test and become familiar with the test format. Knowing what to expect on test day is essential, and if you are not familiar with the test you may make avoidable mistakes. We also recommend you become familiar with the assessment criteria to fully understand how the examiner will mark your test. Download IELTS Support Tools to help you get ready for test day.

IELTS is an international test, and every version of the test is the same level of difficulty, no matter where in the world you take the test. We suggest you take the test wherever you feel most at ease and select a Test Centre that suits you. Use the Australian Test Centre search to browse Test Centres in your city based on your needs (close to public transport, small test rooms etc.)

IELTS is an international test, and we accept your accent wherever in the world you’re from. When you sit your Speaking test, remember that your pronunciation is important – however, you will not lose marks for speaking with an accent. A variety of accents will also be used during the Listening test.

UK visa applicants must ensure that they register for an ‘IELTS for UKVI’ test date at one of the UKVI locations.

The IELTS test for UK visa purposes is designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specific to UK Visas and Immigration. There are no differences in the test format or questions. The actual test taken is the same – same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on.

Test Report Forms, however, will be slightly different in order to show that test takers have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session.

IELTS for the UK

You can use your results in most countries and for different purposes but before you book your test, it's good to check what the IELTS requirements are for your application.

IELTS test results are accepted by over 11,500 organisations worldwide, including universities, colleges, governments and employers.