Understanding the IELTS test

Depending on the purpose and intent which may range between academic, migration or work, you may be recommended to take one of more of the following:

• IELTS Academic

• IELTS General Training

• IELTS Academic for UKVI

• IELTS General Training for UKVI

• Life Skills.

• Generally accepted for UK universities and immigration purposes. This may be a mandatory requirement by the officials so it is recommended to clarify with application authorities of respective bodies if this is required over the usual IELTS variant.

• For studies, applying for Foundation Pathway Programmes with UK institutions, IELTS Academic for UKVI is a prerequisite whereas Bachelor’s degree and above programmes are subjected to the entry requirements by individual institutions or universities. For assistance, you may make an appointment to speak with an IDP counsellor for a detailed assessment.

• For immigration requirements, please check with your respective migrations agents or respective country embassies.

IELTS General Training is recommended for Employment and Immigration purposes but you are strongly advised to confirm with your migration agent or employer.

The IELTS Life Skills test will assess your speaking and listening skills. As it is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes. This test is for spouses whose partner (Husband/Wife) is settled down in the UK.

There are three types of IELTS Life Skills tests which are A1, A2 and B1

1. A1 - if you want to apply for a family of a settled person visa to the UK.

2. A2 - if you want an extension to family, spouse or partner visa.

3. B1 - if you want to apply for indefinite leave or become a UK citizen.

You can visit our IELTS website or contact your nearest test centre for the most up-to-date cost of the IDP IELTS test.

You can book the test online by visiting our IDP IELTS website.