How can IELTS help me?

IELTS can help you access opportunities to study, work or live in English-speaking countries by demonstrating your English language proficiency.

What IELTS tests are available?

The main IELTS test options include IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training and IELTS for UKVI.

IELTS assesses communicative English skills through practical tasks that measure listening, reading, writing and speaking abilities.

IELTS is accepted by over 12,500 organisations worldwide, including universities, schools, training organisations, employers, industry associations, government departments and immigration authorities.

For more than 35 years, IELTS has helped people demonstrate their English language skills and achieve their study, work and migration goals. It is trusted by organisations around the world.

What is IELTS Ready Premium?

IELTS Ready Premium is the British Council's IELTS preparation toolkit, providing access to preparation materials, practice resources and expert support.

What support does the British Council provide for IELTS preparation?

The British Council provides IELTS preparation support through IELTS Ready Premium, expert guidance and resources designed to help candidates prepare effectively for test day.

What is IELTS?

Q: What is IELTS?

IELTS is the world's most trusted English language test. It is accepted by more organisations and governments than any other English language test for study, work and migration.

Q: Why take the IELTS test with the British Council?

With over 90 years of experience in English language education, the British Council provides expert support, quality test delivery and preparation resources to help candidates succeed in IELTS.

IELTS is the world’s most trusted English test. Accepted by more organisations and governments than any other test, IELTS leads the way for testing English skills for study, work or migration.

Book your IELTS test

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How can IELTS help you?

Exciting opportunities around the world start with IELTS. If you plan to study, work or live in an English-speaking country, then IELTS is the test for you.

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IELTS Academic

Best for studying abroad at a university.

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IELTS General Training

For working abroad at an English company.

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IELTS for UKVI

For UK visas.

Explore IELTS test types

How does IELTS work?

IELTS is a test of communicative English skills. By testing listening, reading, writing and speaking skills through practical, real-world tasks, IELTS shows the world that you’re ready to succeed.

Understand IELTS

Learn about IELTS and find out what to expect on test day

Book the IELTS test

We offer a choice of formats, regular test dates, and late booking options

Prepare for the IELTS test

Target your score with our exclusive British Council preparation resources

Get your IELTS results

IELTS on computer results typically arrive online within two days

Find out more

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Download our Quick Guide to IELTS Success

Get your copy of our essential guide on how to succeed at IELTS, including expert preparation tips.

Download a quick guide to IELTS

Who accepts IELTS?

IELTS is accepted by over 13,500 organisations globally, including:

Universities, schools and training organisations.
Government departments and immigration authorities.
Employers and industry associations.

Find out who accepts IELTS

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Why choose IELTS?

IELTS is trusted by organisations all around the world. For over 35 years, it has helped people prove their English skills and move forward with confidence.

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Ready to succeed

Start your next chapter with English skills that help you succeed

Global recognition

With acceptance at more than 13,500 organisations worldwide, trust IELTS to take you anywhere

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Faster results

Fast-track your plans and typically get your score within 48 hours

One Skill Retake

Plan smart and resit one skill, not the whole test, to boost your score

Learn more about why to choose IELTS

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"My experience with [the British Council] was excellent. The staff were professional and helpful, the process was smooth, and everything was well-organised. I felt supported and confident throughout."

Test taker
Kenya

Why take the IELTS test with the British Council?

With over 90 years’ experience in English language education, the British Council knows what it takes to succeed in IELTS. We offer expertise at every step, so you can feel confident on test day.

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Free IELTS preparation worth US$170

Get access to IELTS Ready Premium, our exclusive exam preparation toolkit

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Your test, your way

We offer a network of venues and regular test dates, including late booking

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Make test day your success day

From checking in to signing out, our staff will put you at ease on test day

How the British Council can help with IELTS