Types of IELTS required for studying in the UK

According to the current scenario, there are a number of English proficiency exams that are available for international students to study abroad. Out of the various English proficiency exams IELTS stands out as a prime subject especially when it comes to studying in the UK. Before anyone gets their study or work visa endorsed, one should go for the international English Language Testing System (IELTS) and meet the required prerequisites.

Types of IELTS for UK

The different types of IELTS required to study in the UK are:

• IELTS Academic for UKVI
• IELTS General Training for UKVI

IELTS Academic for UKVI

The IELTS academic for UKVI is a secure English Language Test which is approved by the UK home office for visa applications to the United Kingdom. If you are from India and want to give your IELTS academic for UKVI you need to connect with your nearest IELTS office near your locality.

IELTS General Training for UKVI

The IELTS general training for UKVI is the same as IELTS general training test in terms of content, format, scoring and the level of difficulty. The IELTS general training for UKVI is only available at IELTS test centres near your area.

Structure of IELTS Test (IELTS General Training & Academic)

There are essentially 4 sections of the IELTS test- Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Brief of each section is mentioned below:

Listening

The listening section of the IELTS exam involves recordings of native English speakers and based on that answering a series of questions. This section is similar for both IELTS General training and IELTS Academic tests.

Reading

The reading test is meant to assess the candidate’s range of reading skills, however there is a difference between the IELTS academic and general training of the IELTS Academic test. The IELTS general training test puts more emphasis on passages related to workplace and general interest topics. All this includes extracts from books, magazines, newspapers, advertisements and company handbooks.

Writing

There are two tasks in both the Academic and General test. However, there is a difference between both of these tests in the writing module. Task 1 involves writing a letter as a response to a situation and task 2 involves discussing an argument or point of view through an essay.

Speaking

In this test, candidates will engage in a conversation with a certified IELTS Examiner, discussing a familiar topic through a mix of short and long questions. There is no distinction between the IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic tests in this section.

IELTS for UKVI

For UK visa applications, whether for IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic, it is essential to take the test at a UKVI-approved IELTS test center. This is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a student visa, as IELTS for UKVI is necessary.

Applicants seeking a Tier 4 student visa to study a bachelor’s or postgraduate degree at a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS) institution must meet the English language proficiency level specified by the university or college. While all British universities and colleges accept IELTS results, IELTS for UKVI scores can also be used to fulfill this requirement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the types of IELTS required for studying in the UK is essential for Indian students planning their academic journey. Whether it’s the IELTS Academic test for university admissions or the IELTS for UKVI for visa purposes, selecting the correct version is crucial to meeting both institutional and immigration requirements. By preparing strategically and choosing a UKVI-approved test center when necessary, Indian students can ensure a smooth application process and take a confident step toward achieving their educational goals in the UK.
If you are not confident in paying online & scheduling your IELTS exam. You can even approach your nearest trusted study abroad consultancy.

FAQs

What are the different types of IELTS?

The different types of IELTS include IELTS academic, IELTS General Training and IELTS for UKVI. Each type of IELTS is designed for specific purposes such as academic study, migration or visa applications.

What are the types of IELTS for the UK?

IELTS general training is used for migration or work purposes in the UK. If applying for a UK visa, you must take the IELTS General Training for UKVI to meet the visa requirements.

Can IELTS types be used interchangeably?

No, IELTS types serve specific purposes. For example, standard IELTS scores may not be valid for UK visas, where IELTS for UKVI is required. Always confirm the specific IELTS type needed by your institution or immigration authority.

What are the UK IELTS requirements for university admissions?

The UK IELTS requirement for university admissions can be different from one institution to another however, it typically ranges from an overall score of 6.0 to 7.5, depending on the program and institution. Specific band requirements for Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking may also apply.

Are the test formats different among the types of IELTS exam for the UK?

Yes, the types of IELTS exam for the UK format varies. These are IELTS Academic and General Training differ in the Reading and Writing sections, while IELTS Life Skills focuses only on speaking and listening. IELTS for UKVI follows the same format as standard IELTS but with additional security measures.