IELTS: International English Language Testing System
IELTS is an English Language Proficiency test that is required to be taken by non-native students for study in countries where the medium of instruction is English.
Among the popular study destinations IELTS is accepted by universities in UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
For Indian students interested in studying in Australia, IELTS is compulsory. Indian students cannot be granted an Australian student visa without an IELTS score. TOEFL is not accepted.
IELTS is however not accepted by most universities in USA.
The IELTS exam
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. IELTS is required for entry to university in the UK and other countries.
Who is it for?
IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.
More than 700,000 people a year take the test.
What is the IELTS test like?
You can choose between the Academic or General Training versions of the test. All candidates do the same Listening and Speaking sections.Score
Out of 9 for each section and an overall score out of 9.Level
Multi-level. You get a score between 1 and 9. Half scores such as 6.5 are possible. Universities often demand an IELTS score of 6 or 7. They may also demand a minimum score in each of the 4 sections. IELTS scores compare with TOEFL and the Cambridge exams approximately as follows:
Where do I take the test?
IELTS tests are administered at accredited Test Centres throughout the world - there are currently more than 300 Centres, in over 120 countries. Click here to find a test centre.
What is the computer-based test?
At some centres you can take the computer-based version of IELTS.
When can I take the test?
Arrange with your closest test centre. There are frequent dates, usually on Thursdays or Saturdays.
How much does it cost to take IELTS?
Fees are set by test centres. Expect to pay around £110 GBP or $160 USD.
What materials do I need?
The test is conducted by the British Council and IDP. You can contact your local British Council office to find out where your nearest test centre is located. Most centres normally have a testing session about once a month. You should contact the test centre to find out the date of the next test and collect the IELTS handbook and an application form. The filled application form should be sent back to the test centre with the test fee. You will be given a date and time of your test.
The British Council also runs short courses to prepare you for IELTS. Check details about the same from your test centre.
The test results are normally made available within two weeks of taking the test. You can also ask for more copies of your test results.
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