IELTS exam: Types, Test Modules, Factors & Score Requirements

As the most popular English test for higher education and immigration, it’s no surprise that there are more than 3.5 million applicants who take the test yearly. IELTS is required by educational institutions, immigration, and professional registration bodies as part of the skills of the applicants for admission or recruitment process. This test has been designed to test the English language proficiency of the applications.

What is the IELTS test format? 

There are 4 types of test papers: listening, reading, writing, and speaking which will fall under the two modules namely:

1. Academic Module 

This is a test to be taken for those who want to apply for an undergraduate or postgraduate course or take up a professional course such as doctor or nursing, etc.

2. General Training Module

This is a test suitable for those who want to migrate to English-speaking countries like the UK, US, Canada, and Australia. In some cases, it is also applicable for those who want to train or study below degree level.

Table of IELTS Test Format

What are the types of IELTS Tests?

1. Computer Delivered IELTS

Fee: 205.03 US Dollar

It is the same format as a paper-based test except it’s on a computer. The benefit of this test is the option of choosing dates and exam time slots as per your preference. It is conducted three times a day/ week and results are within 3-5 days.

2. Computer Delivered IELTS for UKVI

Fee: 208.07 US Dollar

This test is no different from the Academic one, except it is to be taken at test centers laid down by the Home Office guidelines. The test is suitable for those of you who want to register or apply for a visa or professional courses in the UK. The test format and difficulty will be the same as other types of IELTS tests. 

3. Pen and Paper IELTS

Fee: 205.03 US Dollar

It is a traditional method of taking a test on a desk with question papers and answer sheets at a test center. You will need to use a pen or HB pencils for writing, listening, and reading tests while the speaking test will be on one with an examiner. 

4. Pen and paper IELTS for UKVI

Fee: 199.00 US Dollar

This test is taken on paper like the general IELTS pen and paper test. The only difference is that the UKVI test is approved by the UK Home Office for various purposes. 

How do you choose the right type of IELTS exam?

This test It’s very easy since there are two modules that follow the same test format. But they differ based on your personal requirements. 

If you seek to study at a low degree level, work, or even want to migrate to English-speaking countries, general training is one of the most ideal types of IELTS exams. 

If you seek to study at a UG or PG level or work in the UK, this is the best type of IELTS test exam. 

So, weigh out factors such as requirements, personal preferences, and exams when deciding between the General Training and Academic exams. 

It is important to do thorough research and preparation before you finalize any of the IELTS tests.

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What are the IELTS score requirements?

Whether you plan to study for a degree, or professional, or require a visa in the United Kingdom, Australia, US, or Canada, you will need to submit an IELTS score as part of the application process. 

Minimum IELTS score requirements for the UK

In general, a test score of 6.0 to 7 is accepted in most universities. 

If you want to study in some of the top-ranking universities in the UK, you will have to get a score of 7+. Nevertheless, the universities have their own IELTS score requirements based on the degree level of study.

You should also know that to get the Tier 4 student visa, you will need to show a good score on your IELTS test. 

The minimum IELTS score is 6.0 bachelor’s Degree and 6.5 Master’s Degree.

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Minimum IELTS Band Requirements for USA

In most universities in the US, the general rule of the test score is 6 and above. 

If you want to get into the top-ranking universities in the US, then you need a minimum score of 7 and above. There are also good universities that accept 6 and above too based on the level of study.

To get a student visa to the United States, you need to get a good IELTS score. 

The minimum score for Bachelor’s Degree is 6-6 and Master’s Degree is  7-7.5

Canada IELTS band requirements 2024

For every university, degree, and course, the criteria will be different in Canada. 

If you score 7 and above, you can seek admission into the best and top-ranking institutions in Canada. Otherwise, the mid-range universities also take up students with a score of 6 and above. 

If you want to get a student visa to Canada, you need to have a good IELTS score which is one of the requirements. 

The minimum score for a Bachelor’s Degree is 6 Bands with no less than 5.5 in each module while for a Master’s Degree, it should be a minimum of 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each module. 

Australia IELTS band Requirements 2024

Like many countries, Australia has an IELTS requirement for students to get admission into universities. 

To get admission into top-class universities, you need to score 6.5, but this depends on the course and university requirements. 

There’s a requirement of 6.5, with no band score of less than 6.0 for your postgraduate degree and 6.0 for your UG degree.