There are two tests available: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

The test you choose should be based on what it is you want to do. The Academic test is usually for entry into university. General training is used for migration purposes. The organisation where you plan to work or study sets the requirements. So before you book your test, it is good to check which one is right for you. 

IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training tests your English language proficiency in a practical, everyday context. The tasks and tests reflect both workplace and social situations. IELTS is the only English test that provides General Training for migration purposes. 

Take IELTS General Training if you want to: 

• Migrate to Australia, New Zealand, or another English-speaking country 

• Get another job in your own country. 

• Study or train below degree level 

• Work in an English-speaking country 

Learn more about IELTS General Training 

IELTS Academic 

You should do IELTS Academic for an academic environment. For example, studying at University. This test measures whether your level of English language proficiency at an academic level. It reflects aspects of academic language. Also, it helps to assess if you’re ready to begin your studies. 

Take IELTS Academic if you want to: 

• Study at an undergraduate level or above 

• Get a job that requires professional registration (for example, doctors, nurses, teachers or lawyers) 

Learn more about IELTS Academic

Book your IELTS test now

With IELTS, you choose how you take your test.

You can choose which delivery format you’re more comfortable with – IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer.

• If you take IELTS on paper, you answer on paper using a pencil or pen.

• If you take IELTS on computer, you will type your answers on a keyboard.

Whether you choose to take the IELTS on paper or on computer, you will speak with a human examiner in the IELTS Speaking test.

You can do your IELTS Academic or your IELTS General Training test on a computer. This is the same test as the IELTS on paper test. But, instead of writing your answers on paper, you type them on a computer. So, why would you do IELTS on computer? 

For almost 30 years, IELTS has been a paper-based English test that people have used to achieve their work, study and migration dreams. But you asked for more choice – and we’ve listened. Meet IELTS on computer: the same IELTS test you know, delivered via computer, with multiple test sessions a day and fast results. 

• Results in 1-5 days 

• More test days 

• Free IELTS Familiarisation test (mock test for IELTS on computer)

• IELTS One Skill Retake is available in eligible test centres

Learn more about IELTS on computer