IELTS for the UK

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.

An added advantage for international students is that over 1,000 British universities and colleges accept IELTS Academic results. This means that, in some cases, you may not be required to take the IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test. Instead, you can submit your IELTS Academic score.

The United Kingdom is renowned for housing some of the world's most prestigious universities, providing international students with an unparalleled academic journey, including the following benefits:

• Upon completing their studies at a British university, international students are eligible for a two-year work visa.
• An overwhelming 80% of international alumni highly recommend studying in the UK.
• Moreover, 69% of these alumni believe that their UK university affiliation has significantly accelerated their career progression.

However, checking the specific test and score requirements with the university or college you are applying to before booking your test is essential.

You can read more about IELTS here: What is IELTS?

IELTS for Studying in the UK

There are several types of IELTS tests available to suit your specific goals.

• You must appear for IELTS Academic if you want to purs ue higher education at the undergraduate or postgraduate level or work in a professional organisation in an English-speaking country.
• On the other hand, if you plan to study below a degree, work in an English-speaking country (either on your own or abroad), or immigrate to an English-speaking country, you must take IELTS General Training Test
• If you are applying for a UK visa to work, live, or study in the UK, you should take a secure English language test (SELT). Both the IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) Academic or General Training, as well as the IELTS Life Skills test, have been approved for various UK Visa and Immigration purposes. These include UK visa renewal, British Citizenship, Settlement, and Leave to Remain.

Additional read: IELTS for Studying Abroad

IELTS for UK Academic Test

The IELTS Academic test is designed for individuals who want to study or join a professional organisation in an English-speaking country.

IELTS evaluates your readiness to study or train, where English is the primary means of communication. If you plan to move to an English-speaking country for education or work, you must demonstrate your English language proficiency.

Also, IELTS band scores are accepted by over 11,500 institutions, including universities, employers, professional associations, and governments in 140 countries worldwide.

English Language Requirements for UK Universities and Educational Institutions

IELTS is widely accepted by most universities and colleges in the UK. Institutions generally set specific IELTS score requirements for admission, with higher scores often required for more competitive courses.

Preparation Strategies for IELTS Academic

To prepare for IELTS Academic, you must:

• Practice actively listening to English audio materials, such as lectures, podcasts, and interviews, to improve your listening skills.
• Develop efficient reading strategies to enhance your reading speed and comprehension.
• Strengthen your writing skills by practising writing essays, reports, etc.
• Utilise official IELTS preparation materials, sample tests, and online resources to familiarise yourself with the test structure and practice under timed conditions.

IELTS Requirements of UK Universities Course-Wise

For various courses and degrees, a varied IELTS score is required. Most universities demand IELTS scores of 6.5 or above from applicants. We have listed the IELTS scores for various programme levels below:

Minimum IELTS Requirements of the Top Universities in the UK

To study in the UK, securing a Student Visa is essential, and eligibility for this visa depends on meeting the English language proficiency criteria specified by the educational institution you are applying to.

Outlined below are the minimum IELTS requirements as stipulated by some of the top-ranked universities in the UK.

Why do more International Students Choose IELTS for Studying in the UK?

IELTS has always been a popular choice for international students who want to study in the UK. And here’s why:

• Flexible formats: IELTS is offered in two formats – IELTS Paper-based and IELTS on Computer. You have the flexibility to opt from any of the two formats
• Face-to-face speaking test: Real-life trainers are better evaluators than a machine, they understand the expressions, and emotions and will comfort you at the time of the test. While a machine will go buy the rule book
• Exam frequency: IELTS is conducted up to 4 times a month for paper-based and up to 7 days a week and 3 times a day for computer-delivered format
• Quicker results: Results for the computer-delivered exam are out within 3-5 days

Test Fee for IELTS

You can take your test on paper or computer, whichever is convenient for you.

For more information: Fees for IELTS for UK

What to do if the IELTS Band Score is not high enough?

If you feel that your English skills are still not up to the mark with what is required to score a good band, then you might need to put in some extra time and effort for better preparation. At IDP, we have a range of free materials available to help you prepare for your IELTS exam.

IELTS is an essential language test that you need to attempt and score well to gain admission to a university abroad. Don’t worry, if you have any queries, we would be happy to help you. So, feel free to walk into any of your nearest IDP IELTS centres and we’ll be happy to guide you.