What is IELTS?

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.

What makes IELTS different?

The IELTS results are recognised by more than 12,500 organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations, and governments, in 150 countries around the world, and test centres are available in 140 countries.

The test content for IELTS is developed by an international team of experts and undergoes extensive research to ensure the test remains fair and unbiased for any candidate regardless of nationality, background, gender, lifestyle, or location.

You can take IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, depending on the organisation you are applying to and your plans for the future. If you are planning to study or move to the UK, you will need to take an IELTS test approved by the UK Visa and Immigration Authority known as IELTS for UKVI.

How does IELTS work?

Understanding the IELTS and its components is crucial for anyone preparing to take this globally recognised English language proficiency test.

IELTS exam format

The IELTS test format comprises various components to assess candidates across four core language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. You will take the Listening, Reading, and Writing tests all on the same day one after the other, with no breaks in between. Depending on your test centre, your Speaking test may be on the same day as the other three tests or up to seven days before or after that. The total test time is under three hours.

Why is the IELTS format fairer for test takers?

You deserve a fair chance to do your best. That’s why, unlike other tests, IELTS gives you a quiet room for an individual Speaking test with no distractions or interruptions.

IELTS also recognises that people have different approaches to answering questions. For example, with IELTS, you can answer questions within the Reading test and the Writing test in the order that suits you. You can also make changes to your Reading answers during the hour of the Reading test and adjust your Writing responses during the hour of the Writing test.

What is IELTS for? Is it the right English test for me?

Determining whether the IELTS is the right English test for you largely depends on your goals and objectives. Whether you're planning to study, work abroad, or simply wish to benchmark your English skills against an internationally recognised standard, IELTS can be the key to unlocking new opportunities and achieving your aspirations.

Why choose IELTS?

It is the study test − thousands of the world’s most reputable universities and colleges will accept your IELTS results as evidence of your English language proficiency.

It is the test for professionals − professional registration bodies in many fields will accept an IELTS result, including accounting, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and teaching bodies in many countries. This means that after completing your studies, you may need to take the test to gain professional registration in an English-speaking country. If you choose IELTS as the test for applying to a university, you will be familiar with the IELTS test format when you take it again for professional registration.

It is the test for migration – IELTS scores are required by governments in more countries than any other English language test as a requirement for permanent residency. The governments of the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand accept IELTS results.

It is the test that’s fairer to you – did you know that IELTS is the only high-stakes English language test where your Speaking test is one-on-one with an examiner in a private room where you will not be interrupted by other test takers? There are no computers, no technical problems and no distractions.

Now that you know what the IELTS exam is for, there are two main types of IELTS in Malaysia: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The choice of test depends on your specific goal, be it higher education, professional practice, or migration.

IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic is designed primarily for individuals planning to pursue higher education or seeking professional registration in an English-speaking environment. This version of the test assesses whether a person is ready to begin studying or training in an entirely English medium, ensuring they can comprehend academic language and handle complex subject matter.

The test focuses on academic language proficiency across four skill areas: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. The Listening and Speaking sections are the same as in the IELTS General Training; however, the Reading and Writing sections are more oriented towards academic subjects.

In the Reading section, test-takers encounter texts typical of those found in university coursework, such as excerpts from books, journals, and newspapers. The Writing section includes tasks like describing visual data or interpreting graphs, which are common in academic settings.

IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training is suitable for individuals aiming to undertake non-academic training, gain work experience, or for immigration purposes to English-speaking countries. This test focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts.

The General Training version also covers the four language skills but with a focus on everyday English. The Listening and Speaking sections are identical to the Academic version. However, the Reading and Writing sections are tailored to reflect the language used in everyday work and social situations.

In the Reading section, test-takers engage with extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, notices, advertisements, and company handbooks, providing a practical understanding of these texts. The Writing section might include tasks such as writing a letter or explaining a situation, which are more aligned with real-life scenarios than the academic-focused tasks.

Which IELTS test for visa application?

If you're applying for a visa to the United Kingdom from Malaysia, understanding what the UKVI IELTS is will be crucial. The IELTS Academic for UKVI exam may be a requirement for proving your English language proficiency for your application. This version of the test is a Secure English Language Test (SELT), fully approved by the UK Home Office for visa applications to the United Kingdom.

The IELTS Academic for UKVI mirrors the standard Academic IELTS in content, format, scoring, and difficulty level. The key difference lies in its administrative aspects, as it is offered only at test centres that fulfil specific requirements set by the UK Home Office. Consequently, the Test Report Form (TRF) you receive after taking the IELTS for UKVI will also have a different appearance to reflect its specific UKVI compliance.

This test ensures that applicants meet the English language proficiency standards required for their visa applications, making it a crucial step for those aiming to pursue academic or professional paths in the UK.

IELTS exam fees: What is the cost for test-takers?

IELTS test dates

IELTS test dates are offered 36 times in a year. You should be able to find 2-3 dates every month although this may differ for test types and modules.

IDP - IELTS partnerships worldwide

IDP is a co-owner of the IELTS alongside the British Council and Cambridge Assessment English. This partnership reflects IDP's commitment to delivering a high-quality, accessible English language assessment tool on a global scale.

IDP's involvement in IELTS extends to providing test-takers with numerous testing locations across the world, ensuring convenience and accessibility for those looking to take the test. With an extensive network that spans various countries and regions, IDP ensures a seamless and accommodating test-taking experience for a diverse group of candidates.

Beyond administering the test, IDP also excels in offering comprehensive support to IELTS candidates. This includes providing detailed information about the test, offering preparation materials, and conducting preparation workshops and seminars. These resources are invaluable for test-takers seeking to understand the test format, improve their English skills, and perform their best on the test day.

List of IELTS test locations in Malaysia

• Book IELTS Test

• IELTS Ipoh

• IELTS Johor Bahru

• IELTS Kota Kinabalu

• IELTS Kuala Lumpur

• IELTS Kuching

• IELTS Melaka

• IELTS Penang

• IELTS Subang Jaya

• IELTS Tawau

• IELTS Kepong

• IELTS Kluang

• IELTS Nilai

Learn more about IELTS in Malaysia

IELTS, as a globally recognized English proficiency test, plays a pivotal role for individuals in Malaysia seeking international education, professional opportunities, or migration. Here’s a guide to help you navigate through the IELTS journey in Malaysia.

How to prepare for IELTS

Preparing for IELTS in Malaysia involves understanding the test format and practising extensively. Utilise official preparation materials, including practice tests, to familiarise yourself with the test sections. Joining IELTS online courses can also provide structured guidance and feedback.

Booking your IELTS test

To book your IELTS test, visit the IDP website, select your preferred test type and location, fill out the registration form, upload necessary ID documents, and complete the process with an online payment for confirmation.

About the IELTS scoring system

IELTS scores range from 0 to 9, assessing your proficiency across Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Each band score reflects a specific level of English ability, with an overall score representing an average across all four sections.

IELTS on Computer

The IELTS on Computer is an alternative to the paper-based format. In Malaysia, this option is available at all test centres. It features the same test components but allows you to take the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections on a computer.

Frequently asked questions about IELTS

Where can I take my IELTS exam?

In Malaysia, IDP offers IELTS tests at 15 official IELTS test venues. All these locations offer only IELTS on Computer tests.

How much does it cost?

As of December 1, 2024, the IELTS test fees are RM 865 for Regular IELTS on Computer, RM 970 for UKVI IELTS on Computer, and RM 820 for IELTS Life Skills. Payment can be made online using a credit card, in cash at IDP Malaysia offices, or via bank transfer. For assistance, contact any of IDP's eight offices.

How do I book/register for the test?

You can book the IELTS test with IDP Malaysia. Simply select your preferred date, fill out the online registration form, and upload a scanned copy of your ID (passport or national ID). Complete the process by paying the test fee online using a credit card, or through alternative methods if available. You'll receive a confirmation once your booking is successful.

What if I need to postpone or cancel my IELTS test?

If you need to postpone or cancel your IELTS test, the first step is to inform the test centre where you initially booked. For cancellations or postponements made more than five weeks before your test date, you will be entitled to a refund, but be aware that an administration fee will be deducted. If you cancel or postpone within five weeks of the test date, the full test fee is charged unless you have a valid medical reason. In such cases, submitting a medical certificate within five days of the test date will allow you to receive a refund, minus any local administrative costs.

What can I take into the test room?

On your IELTS test day, bring the same ID (passport or national ID) you used during registration. This is necessary for both the main test and the Speaking test. Test staff will check it before entry and the Speaking test examiner will verify it again. There's no need for passport photos as your photo will be taken at the test centre. For IELTS on Computer, pencils and erasers are provided. Phones must be switched off and left with personal belongings in a designated area. Avoid bringing valuables or electronics into the test room.

For more insight into what is a good IELTS score and other test-related queries, please visit our FAQ page.

IELTS test format

The IELTS test evaluates you on all four language skills - listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Read up to learn about the test format for IELTS - General Training and Academic.

Get in touch with the IDP support team in Malaysia

Call our IELTS support team from Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 5.00 pm, and Saturday, 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, or walk into any of our eight offices in Malaysia.