Where can IELTS take me?
Achieve your study and work abroad goals with IELTS. Recognised by over 13,500 organisations worldwide, IELTS is the world’s most trusted English test for university admission, work visas and migration.
Why choose IELTS to study and work abroad?
Whether you want to work, study or join family members abroad, IELTS lets you prove your English level and achieve your goals.
Learn, communicate and succeed in your chosen country
Studying abroad opens doors to world-class education, new cultures and lifelong connections. Taking IELTS Academic lets you apply for study visas in English-speaking countries, improve your communication skills and gain confidence to succeed in academic environments.
Unlock career opportunities
Access new employment opportunities abroad with IELTS General Training, which many employers and immigration authorities ask for. Preparing for the test also strengthens your workplace communication skills and prepares you to work in international organisations.
Meet requirements for visas, migration and living abroad
Taking IELTS lets you meet official requirements and relocate to many English-speaking countries, like the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. It shows immigration authorities that you have the required level of English for immigration visas and residency permits.
Which countries accept IELTS for study, work and migration abroad?
Plan your move with IELTS. Explore top Australian universities, work opportunities and visas.
Study in Australia
Work in Australia
Get detailed information on the best Canadian universities, and why take IELTS for visas and employment.
Study in Canada
Work in Canada
Move to the UK with IELTS. Explore UK universities, work culture, living costs and visas.
Study in the UK
Work in the UK
Everything you need to know about moving to the USA for work or study, and how taking IELTS can help.
Study in the USA
Work in the USA
Which professions require IELTS?
If you want to pursue exciting career opportunities overseas, read on to discover employers and professional bodies in key industries that accept IELTS.
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Healthcare
IELTS is accepted by major regulatory bodies for medicine, nursing, pharmacy and veterinary medicine in Australia, Canada, the USA and the UK.
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Education
If you plan to teach abroad, you can use IELTS as part of your application to the national education system in your destination country.
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Law
Strong English skills are required to practise law in an English-speaking country, so IELTS is commonly accepted for professional licensing.
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Other professions
There are many other professions in fields like engineering, architecture, IT and accountancy, where you can use IELTS to prove your English skills.
Start your international study journey with the British Council
When you take IELTS, you join an international community of test-takers, teachers and change-makers. Access our support network to get your international study off to the right start.
Access better international opportunities with IELTS
IELTS opens doors to global employment opportunities. When you take the test, you take your first steps towards a brighter future—wherever in the world you want to go.
IELTS for study and work abroad: FAQs
Take a free practice IELTS test or use an approved English language assessment tool. Your results will indicate if you have the necessary English level to study, work or apply for a visa to Australia.
Australia generally requires an English test like IELTS for visa applications. For detailed information on which visa categories IELTS helps with, visit the official Australian Immigration website (opens in a new tab).
You can assess your English level using our free practice tests for IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. We also offer lots of free materials and resources to help you study and prepare.
Use official IELTS practice materials or other tests to assess your English level. Your results will show whether you meet the language requirements for universities or work purposes in the USA.
Visa requirements vary by country and visa type. That means where you want to go and whether you want to work, study or join family members. For most English-speaking countries, the required English Exams for abroad scores range between IELTS Band Score 4 to 7.5.
IELTS General Training is the best English test for working abroad. Choose IELTS Academic if you want to study abroad rather than work.