What is IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)?
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.
Is there a difference in test format between IELTS and IELTS for UKVI?
IELTS and IELTS for UKVI are the same in terms of format, content, scoring and level of difficulty. However, the Test Report Form which contains your results is slightly different to show that you have taken the test at an official IELTS for UKVI location, which is approved by the UK Home Office.
Which test format should I take?
If you are a student, please check with your university / college / school which test you need before booking.
If you are applying for a Student Visa (Tier 4) at a higher education institution to enter directly onto a bachelor or postgraduate degree at a university that is a Tier 4 Sponsor, you must meet the English language level set by the institution. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS Academic results This means you may not need to take an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test but can submit an IELTS Academic result.
If you are NOT a student, please check which test format you need with the organisations you are applying to before booking the test.
Available tests
| Tests we offer | Fee | Available test dates |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic - in centre on computer | EUR 248* | Find a test date |
| IELTS General Training - in centre on computer | EUR 248* | Find a test date |
| IELTS Academic for UKVI - in centre on computer | EUR 270** | Find a test date |
| IELTS General training for UKVI - in centre on computer | EUR 270** | Find a test date |
| IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1) - in centre on computer |
EUR 177 | Find a test date |
*EUR 252 from May 2023
**EUR 273 from May 2023
What does the fee include? Our IELTS test fee includes exclusive preparation materials, free practice tests and much more.
Taking IELTS for UKVI with the British Council
IELTS for UKVI (Academic and General Training) tests and IELTS Life Skills are taken at a UKVI approved test centre. The British Council has UKVI approved venues across the world.
Our special offer which will give you free access to our brand new IELTS for UKVI preparation materials: ‘GEL IELTS Prep’, which includes personalised, smart support that works with you and your learning needs to help you reach your required IELTS for UKVI score, and includes mock tests and practice recourse for all four skills. New! Now you can get detailed feedback on Writing and Speaking from a British Council IELTS expert! Buy this new service for GBP 35, and receive a written feedback report on your writing and speaking mock test submission within 2 days.