What is IELTS?

If you’ve been exploring potential academic or career pathways overseas, you might have encountered IELTS requirements as part of the application process. Just what is the IELTS, and what role can it play in your life abroad?

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English language proficiency test for study, work and migration, with more than 3.5 million tests taken in the past year. IELTS results are recognised by 12,500 organizations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments in 150 countries and test centres available in 140 countries.

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

What makes IELTS different?

IELTS stands out from other English proficiency assessments for various reasons:

• Universal recognition: 11,000+ organisations worldwide accept IELTS results as evidence of English language proficiency.

• High standards: professional registration bodies in many fields will accept an IELTS result, including accounting, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, pharmacy and teaching. After completing your studies, you may need to take the test in order to gain professional registration in an English-speaking country.

• Popular immigration requirement: IELTS is required by governments in more countries than any other English language test as a requirement for permanent residency, including the UK, Australia, Canada and New Zealand.

• Candidate-focused tests: IELTS is the only high-stakes English language test where your Speaking test is one-on-one with an examiner in a private room with no interruptions. This one-on-one, in-person interaction ensures a more natural communication assessment.

Recognised worldwide for its high standards and lifetime value, the IELTS is the preferred choice for many due to its individualised Speaking test and flexible question-answering approach. These allow you a fair chance to do your best in what is one of the most significant exams of your professional career.

IELTS also recognises that people have different approaches to answering questions. For example, 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.

IELTS test format

The IELTS test format assesses four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. 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.

How does IELTS work?

• IELTS Listening: Assesses ability to understand spoken English from various native accents, which is relevant and applicable if you choose to study in Australia, study in the UK, and more.

• IELTS Reading: Tests reading and comprehension skills through diverse question types and content.

• IELTS Writing: Measures ability to communicate effectively in written English.

• IELTS Speaking: Face-to-face to gauge spoken English fluency and coherence.

Is the IELTS the right English test for me?

What IELTS exam you should take depends on your goals for the future. There are two different IELTS tests – IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. Many countries that list IELTS as part of visa requirements also see a good IELTS score as a reflection of one’s ability to integrate into an English-speaking society.

IELTS Academic

For academic pursuits such as university applications, IELTS Academic demonstrates readiness to engage with complex academic material. It's designed to reflect the kind of language you might encounter in classrooms, from lectures to papers to exams. This is especially important for highly technical and specialised fields such as healthcare, engineering, and education.

IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training is the test for those planning to move to an English-speaking country for work or immigration purposes. What sets this version apart from IELTS Academic is its focus on broader social and workplace contexts for effective communication in everyday situations. It's also the test to take if you're applying for certain types of visas that require proof of English language proficiency for entry.

Which IELTS test should I take for visa application?

IELTS UKVI

Identifying what is the right IELTS test for your visa application is crucial. For those looking to move to the United Kingdom, IELTS UKVI is a version of the test approved specifically for UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) applications. It is available in both IELTS UKVI Academic and IELTS UKVI General Training to ensure your English language proficiency meets rigorous standards and administrative requirements set by the UK government.

What is IELTS equivalent to?

IELTS is often compared to other tests like TOEFL and PTE. While all these tests are designed to assess English language proficiency, IELTS is unique for its emphasis on real-life communication skills and face-to-face speaking tests. It's also more widely recognised for immigration purposes, particularly in Commonwealth countries.

When choosing between IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE, consider your end goal: IELTS is often preferred for its wide acceptance, real-life testing approach, and the advantages it offers in immigration contexts.

IELTS exam fees in Singapore

The fee for taking the IELTS exam in Singapore reflects the comprehensive service and globally recognised certification you receive. Knowing the cost upfront allows you to plan and prepare for the test without any surprises, ensuring that every dollar spent is a step towards achieving your dreams of studying, working, or living abroad.

IDP - IELTS partnerships worldwide

As a co-owner of IELTS, what IDP Singapore strives to do is connect test-takers to a world of academic and professional opportunities. Our global partnerships and recognition mean that your IELTS score can unlock doors to universities and workplaces worldwide. And with the recent establishment of our new HQ IDP @ One Raffles Place, our online IELTS preparation courses and material are stronger than ever.

Find out more about us and our dedication to providing the best possible support on your IELTS journey, from helping to hone time management tips for IELTS to key mistakes to avoid when sitting for the IELTS exam.

Aim high with IELTS and excel at life.