Important note for Tier 4 Student VisaThis means that you do not need to take the IELTS test under UKVI specified condition, unless your institution has required you to.
However, the applicant will also need to take the UKVI IELTS (General Training) and gain an overall score of 4.0 in order to apply for a visa. This option is considered the easier of the two but is more expensive. Read a more detailed comparison of the IELTS and OET exams.
Times Higher Education World University Rankings in 2019
| World rank | Name of institution | IELTS minimum requirement (undergraduate programmes) |
|---|
| 1 | University of Oxford | 7.0 |
| 2 | University of Cambridge | 7.0 |
| 9 | Imperial College London | 7.0 |
| 14 | University College London | 6.5 |
If you are looking to work or study in UK, you may need to apply for a UK Visa and demonstrate that you have met the required level of English by taking a Home Office approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training) or IELTS Life Skills.
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.
IELTS Life Skills is a new test, approved by UKVI as a Secure English Language Test (SELT). It's for people who need to show they have speaking and listening skills at Level A1, A2 or B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
Are the IELTS UKVI results accepted by the USA institutions? Yes they are. It's the same test just with extra security features, accepted by any institution that accepts IELTS.
You can view your results and you will receive an email notification with a link to view your IELTS scores. If you took IELTS on paper, you will be able to view your results online 13 days after your test. If you took IELTS on a computer, your results will be available online within 3-5 days after your test.
Based on their response, IELTS GENERAL TRAINING is only accepted by CIC-Canada. UKVI is thus not an acceptable test for CIC as per Cambridge's response.
Can I use my score of IELTS for UKVI for other purposes in other countries? Yes, you can. IELTS score is accepted by over 10,000 educational and professional organisations across the globe.
IELTS for UKVI (Academic) delivered on computer will be held on selected dates throughout the year and registration will close one week before the test date, subject to availability of places. Test takers who choose the new option will take their Listening, Reading and Writing components using a computer.
Yes, you can apply for study visa in UK after securing 5.5 band in IELTS examination. To apply for UK Study visa, you should have secured admission in any of the UK university for pursuing your higher studies.
If you are looking to work or study in UK, you may need to apply for a UK Visa and demonstrate that you have met the required level of English by taking a Home Office approved Secure English Language Test (SELT), such as IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training) or IELTS Life Skills.
Prepare for your IELTS test
- Understand the test format. Familiarise yourself with the format of the test by reviewing the content of the test, as well as the question and task types for each section.
- Practise with sample test questions.
- Official IELTS practice materials.
- IELTS Progress Check.
- Consider a preparation course.
- Register as soon as possible.
Available tests
| Type of test | Fee | Book |
|---|
| IELTS Academic and General Training | From £170-£195 depending on location | Book now |
| IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (Academic and General Training) | £195 | Book now |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1, A2 and B1) | £150 | Book now |
| IELTS for Transportation for London (TFL) | £200 | Book now |
The required British citizenship English language test in 2019 is the B1 standard test of the CEFR. This test must be on the Home Office approved Secure English language test list (which can be found here) and is required for British naturalisation applications.
No minimum score is required to pass the test. An IELTS result or Test Report Form is issued to all test takers with a score from "band 1" ("non-user") to "band 9" ("expert user") and each institution sets a different threshold. There is also a "band 0" score for those who did not attempt the test.
For spouse or partner visa applicants, the relevant test is known as an 'English language test in speaking and listening'. For a test to be accepted, it must be taken with an approved Secure English Language Testing (SELT) provider at an approved test centre.
Can I apply for a UK study visa by taking the Duolingo English test to prove English proficiency? Due to covid-19, the IELTS exam center is closed. However, there is no confirmation from UK Government about the acceptance of Duolingo scores as an alternate to regular IELTS / UKVI IELTS.
You can also get permanent residence if you've lived in the UK for a continuous period of 5 years:
- as the extended family member of an EEA national and you've held a valid EEA family permit and a residence card throughout.
- first as the family member of an EEA national and then with a retained right of residence.
The English language test that is required for an Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application in 2019 is the B1 standard of the CEFR (or higher) in speaking and listening. This must be a Secure English Language Test (SELT) that is approved by the Home Office.
