Please note that if you need an IELTS test for UK visa applications, you can only take them at a UKVI approved IELTS test centre. Before you book your test, we strongly recommend that you check with the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) on the test that you will be required to submit for your application.
Please note that these changes do not affect the use of IELTS by people from the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland and ‘majority English speaking countries’ as defined by the UK Home Office
► 1Both General and Academic Training modules are accepted. The CEFR requirement for each skill must be met.
► 2IELTS is accepted by UKVI at band scores 4.0 and above, equivalent to CEFR level B1.
► 3Universities on UKVI’s list of Tier 4 Sponsors decide which exams to accept when a SELT is not required, and these may include IELTS taken at any of the 1000+ IELTS test locations.
► 4IELTS can be used where IELTS Life Skills is used; candidates would need to get 4.0 or above in Speaking and Listening (scores for Reading and Writing will be ignored).
► 5Currently, UKVI will also accept an Ofqual regulated test for this category. The test must cover Speaking and Listening at B1 level. Please note that these changes do not affect the use of IELTS by people from the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland and ‘majority English speaking countries’ as defined by the UK Home Office. More information on www.gov.uk/english-language. To find out whether you need to take an approved test, what level you need to achieve, and which test you can use, you should contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For more information, please visitGuidance on Applying for UK Visa – approved English language tests.