What is IELTS for in 4 points
1. Studying abroad with proof of English proficiency
Planning to pursue higher education in an English-speaking country? IELTS is the gold standard for proving English proficiency, accepted by over 12,500 organisations across 140+ countries, including universities in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
- IELTS Academic evaluates skills in reading academic texts, writing essays, and participating in discussions. These are the essential language skills needed to thrive in a competitive academic environment.
- Which places accept IELTS? Search for accepting institutions by name, location, required score, or type on the official British Council page
- Wondering how long IELTS is valid? The IELTS diploma is typically valid for 2 years, so plan accordingly.
2. Career advancement
In today’s global job market, many employers and professional organisations require proof of English proficiency.
An IELTS certificate demonstrates the necessary language skills to work effectively in English-speaking workplaces. This is especially crucial in industries like healthcare, engineering, IT, and international business.
3. Immigration
Governments in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK recognise IELTS as part of their immigration process.
- The General Training IELTS module assesses the ability to use English in everyday life, including workplace and social situations. Achieving a strong score—such as band 7 or higher—can significantly improve your chances of securing a visa or permanent residency.
- For those applying to the UK, IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) is specifically designed to meet visa requirements and prove English proficiency.
4. Language development
Even the process of preparing for IELTS can help you refine English skills. The test’s structure ensures you develop practical abilities in reading, writing, listening, and speaking that are directly relevant to real-life situations.
Why IELTS is the best choice
IELTS stands out for its fair, dependable, and practical testing approach:
- Real-life focus: Unlike other tests that can feel overly academic or mechanical, IELTS emphasises practical language skills.
- IELTS Speaking test with a human examiner: Face-to-face IELTS Speaking test allows candidates to demonstrate conversational skills in a natural setting. This prepares the candidates for real communication in English-speaking environments.
- Fair assessment for all backgrounds: IELTS features a range of accents and contexts, ensuring fairness for non-native speakers from all regions. The scoring process is conducted by highly trained examiners, guaranteeing consistency and trustworthiness.
Quick links
How much does IELTS cost? Check the latest IELTS price and registration details.
- IELTS test registration
- Exam Levels & Types
- Swiss Exams Academy, comprehensive online preparation programmes: Last places for March IELSTS Academic
- IELTS General Training | Preparation
- IELTS Academic | Preparation
- IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) | Preparation