IELTS FOR UK
The UK government has announced important changes to language testing for visa
applications by reducing the number of tests accepted for visa purposes and bringing in new
requirements for the way the tests will be conducted.
IELTS – the world’s most popular test of English for higher education and global migration –
has been approved for all UK visas that require applicants to provide proof of their level of
English. This plays an important role that IELTS has long played in language testing for
immigration in the UK and other countries, including Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
According to the new arrangements, IELTS tests for UK visa applications will be offered
throughout the year in more than 100 key locations throughout the world, and a new test –
IELTS Life Skills – will be introduced for people who need to prove their speaking and
listening skills at level A1 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
IELTS tests for visa purposes can only be taken at authorised centres and the centre must
follow procedures specified by the UK government. When a test is booked, the customer
must specify what the test is for and ensure that the centre is authorised to run tests for this
purpose.
IELTS tests for UK Visas and Immigration are managed by the IELTS SELT Consortium,
which comprises the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge English Language
Assessment.
Those who are applying for a Tier 4 student visa to a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) to study
for a bachelor or postgraduate degree are required to meet the English language level set by
the institution. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. This means students
can apply with an IELTS result from any of the 1,000 IELTS test locations worldwide unless
their institution has additional requirements.
IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training and IELTS Life Skills are accepted by the UK
Visas and Immigration (UKVI) as proof of English proficiency for those wishing to live, work
and study in the UK.
Only IELTS exams with ‘UKVI’ in the titles are accepted by the UK Home Office. As
standard, the UK Home Office requires an overall pass rate of 4.0 as part of the visa
application. However, the pass rate for registering with the NMC is much higher.
Should you take Academic IELTS or OET?
For most applicants, taking the UKVI Academic IELTS is the most straightforward, because it
covers the pass-score for both the UK Home Office and the Nursing and Midwifery Council.
However, it is the more difficult test, with a lower pass rate. It is also the cheaper option.
The Occupational English Test (OET) is an easier exam, designed more specifically for
healthcare professionals and based around healthcare scenarios. To register with the NMC,
an applicant taking the OET needs to score an overall Grade B. However, the applicant will
also need to take the UKVI IELTS (General Training) and gain an overall score of 4.0 in
order to apply for a visa. This option is considered the easier of the two but is more
expensive
Before you book your test
1. Make sure to check which test you need with the organisations you are applying to.
2. If you are looking to work, study or live in the UK, there is a specific IELTS test for the UK
Visas and Immigration. See which IELTS test is right for you.
3. Have a form of valid ID (Passport or national ID card) at hand, as you will need to upload
a clear photocopy of it when you book your test. Please note that candidates under 18 years
of age have to supply written consent by a parent or guardian in order to apply for a test
place.
4. Read our information for candidates which contains important information about the test
format, the question types and the test results. Please note that IELTS is not recommended
for test-takers under the age of 16.
5. At the British Council, we are committed to providing you with the support you need to
enable you to do well in the test.
6. Pay for your test. Requirements vary so check with your booking centre.
IELTS test date confirmation
● You will receive a confirmation email approximately 5-10 days before the test date
giving you the start time of your test and the venue address.
● Your Speaking test may be scheduled on the same day as the other sections, or on a
different day within a 7-day window before or after your main test day. The test centre
will send you a confirmation for the Speaking Test date.
● After booking your test, you will also receive an automatic email with your access
codes to the free online course: Road to IELTS.
● You will also receive your IELTS Reference Number to access the Test Taker Portal.
Please make sure that you have included your email address correctly when you
book your test.
IELTS – ACADEMIC VS GENERAL IN UK
IELTS Academic is perfect if you want to pursue a Bachelor’s or a postgraduate degree
the programme, or seek professional registration in the UK.IELTS General Training is probably
best for you if you want to study below degree level, or you want to work or emigrate to the
The UK or another English-speaking country.
IELTS for UKVI General Training
IELTS General Training module measures English language proficiency in a day today
context. The tasks and texts reflect both workplace and social situations. This format is
normally for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education,
work experience or training programs. This version of the test is also often a visa
requirement if you are planning to migrate to English speaking countries, like the United
Kingdom.
Note: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training tests for UK visa applications and
non-UK visa applications are the same—similar in content, examiners, format, level of
the difficulty, scoring and so on.
IELTS Life Skills
IELTS Life Skills is a test of Speaking and Listening, available at Common European
A framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) levels A1 or B1. It is designed to meet the
requirements of UK Visas and Immigration for certain visa categories and other immigration
purposes.
It is generally for applicants who need to show that their English speaking and listening skills
meet the required CEFR level A1 or B1, depending on the requirement of the visa category.
Simple ways to study for IELTS With AEON Group of Institutions
● Test yourself with practice questions.
● Record yourself doing an IELTS Speaking test.
● Test out computer delivered IELTS.
● Take some time to learn all about the IELTS test.
● Keep your general English level up.
● Follow the Listening, Reading, Writing & Sparking test series provided by the respective faculties.
We guarentees you a valid band score in your ielts test and assure you your dream destination.
AEON GROUP OF INSTITUTIONS, KOTTIYAM, KOLLAM
We provide classes for, IELTS, OET, SPOKEN ENGLISH, INTERVIEW TRAINING & UKVI
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