The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the most widely accepted English proficiency test in the world, recognized by over 11,000 institutions across 140 countries. If you are applying to study abroad, understanding which IELTS test you need — and what score is required — is one of the first steps in your application.
Comparing IELTS with PTE, TOEFL, or Duolingo? See how all four tests compare side by side: IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: Which English Test Is Right for You?
Find programs that accept IELTS
Browse thousands of programs at top institutions worldwide and apply for free through ApplyBoard.
IELTS Test Types — Choosing the Right One
There are two main versions of IELTS. Choosing the wrong one is one of the most common mistakes applicants make — always confirm which version your institution or visa application requires before booking.
IELTS Academic is the version required for undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional registration programs at universities and colleges worldwide. It assesses whether your English is at the level needed for academic study. If you are applying to study abroad, this is almost always the version you need.
IELTS General Training is used for secondary education, work experience programs, and immigration applications — including Canadian permanent residence (PR) and Australian skilled migration. It is not accepted for university or college admission in most cases.
Warning! Submitting IELTS General Training scores for a university or college admission requirement is a common mistake — always confirm which version your program requires before booking your test.
IELTS for UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) is a version of IELTS Academic approved by the UK Home Office for student visa applications. The test content is identical to standard IELTS Academic, but it must be taken at a UKVI-approved test centre and includes additional security measures. If you are applying to study in the UK and need a student visa, confirm whether your institution requires standard IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI before booking.
Test Format and Sections
The IELTS Academic test has four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Three sections are completed on the same day; the Speaking test may be scheduled separately.
Tip! IELTS is available on paper or computer. The computer-delivered version has the same content and scoring but gives faster results — typically within 3 to 5 days. Results for paper-based tests may take up to 13 days.
See the IELTS score your program requires
Browse programs on ApplyBoard to check the exact IELTS band score each institution requires — before you register for your test.
Scoring
IELTS is scored on a band scale from 0 to 9 in increments of 0.5. Each section (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) receives a band score, and these are averaged to produce your overall band score.
Note: These are general ranges only. Each institution and program sets its own minimum IELTS requirement — always check the specific score needed for your program on the Requirements tab in your ApplyBoard profile or on the institution's website before registering.
IELTS scores are valid for 2 years from the date of your test. Plan your test date to ensure your scores will still be valid when your application is reviewed.
What Is an IELTS Waiver?
An IELTS waiver (also called an English language test waiver or English proficiency waiver) is when a university or college waives the English language test requirement for a student who can demonstrate sufficient English proficiency through other means. If you qualify for a waiver, you do not need to submit an IELTS score as part of your application.
Who Qualifies for an IELTS Waiver?
Waiver eligibility varies by institution, but the most common grounds for an English language test waiver are:
- You completed your secondary school or university education entirely in English, in a country where English is the official language of instruction
- You completed a prior degree or diploma entirely in English at a recognized institution
- You are a citizen of a country where English is a native or official language (such as the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, or some African nations)
- You have previously studied in Canada, the UK, USA, or Australia for a minimum period
Note: Not all institutions offer waivers, and eligibility criteria vary significantly. Whether a waiver is available for your specific program may be shown on the Requirements tab in your ApplyBoard application. Never assume you qualify — confirm with the institution or ApplyBoard before submitting without a test score.
What Documents Do You Need for a Waiver?
If you are applying for an English language test waiver, you will typically need to provide evidence that supports your eligibility. Common supporting documents include:
- Official transcripts from your English-medium institution showing all years of study
- A letter from your institution confirming English was the sole language of instruction
- Your degree certificate or diploma (if claiming waiver based on a completed qualification)
Tip! Nigerian students who studied at institutions where English was the language of instruction may be eligible for English waivers at Canadian and UK institutions. If your secondary school or university taught entirely in English, it is always worth checking whether a waiver applies to your application before registering for a test.
Frequently Asked Questions
IELTS Academic is required for university and college admissions worldwide. IELTS General Training is used for immigration applications, secondary education, and work experience programs — it is generally not accepted for academic admissions. If you are applying to study abroad through ApplyBoard, you almost always need IELTS Academic.
An IELTS waiver means the institution has agreed to waive the English language test requirement for your application. This typically happens when you can demonstrate that you have previously studied in English at a recognized institution, or that English is your native language. If a waiver applies to your application, you will not need to submit an IELTS score — but you may need to provide supporting documents such as transcripts confirming English-medium instruction.
There is no universal minimum — each institution and program sets its own requirement. Most undergraduate programs require a band score of 6.0 to 6.5, and most postgraduate programs require 6.5 to 7.0. Competitive programs in medicine, law, and engineering may require 7.0 or higher. Always check the specific requirement for your program before registering.
IELTS scores are valid for two years from the date of your test. Make sure your scores will still be valid when your application and any visa application are reviewed.
Yes — IELTS is available in both paper and computer-delivered formats. The test content and scoring are identical. Computer-delivered IELTS typically returns results faster (3 to 5 days) than paper-based IELTS (up to 13 days). The Speaking section is always face-to-face with a human examiner regardless of format.
Your name on your IELTS certificate must match your passport exactly. If they differ, provide a name change affidavit or clarification document when uploading your scores to your application. For more information, read: Name Affidavit for Study Abroad Applications.
IELTS is the most universally accepted option, but the right test depends on your target institutions, strengths, and practical factors like cost, test centre availability, and how quickly you need results. Read our full comparison: IELTS vs PTE vs TOEFL: Which English Test Is Right for You?
Ready to start your application?
Already on ApplyBoard? Head to your dashboard to check your English language requirements. New to ApplyBoard? Create your free account and find your program today.