ielts general or academic for phd

Academic IELTS vs General Training IELTS: What’s the Difference?

Did you know that there are two IELTS exams? It’s true! The two formats of the exam are called IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The breakdown of Academic IELTS vs General Training IELTS largely comes down to purpose and, to a lesser degree, format. The IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training versions are similar in format, but differ in content in the Writing and Reading sections of the test. Continue reading this post for a breakdown of the major differences between the IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training, plus an IELTS General and Academic score comparison, and an answer to the question “Which one is easier: the IELTS General or the IELTS Academic?”

IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training

The IELTS academic and general tests differ more in their purpose than in their format.

Purpose: Academic IELTS vs. General Training IELTS

Academic ielts.

It might be obvious to you that the Academic IELTS is intended for (prospective) university students applying for admission in universities and programs in which English is the medium of instruction. But that’s not all – many professionals and job applicants may find that they are also required to provide scores for this version of the test.

One example is medical work . If you want to be a medical professional in Ireland, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, or Canada, you’ll definitely need to sit the Academic IELTS. A wide range of medical jobs require this version of the exam, including doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and even hospital lab technician.

Unlike the general training version, the academic version allows test takers to demonstrate some reading and writing skills that aren’t necessarily part of the everyday communicative experience of English speakers. These are considered to be distinct from reading and writing skills for general purposes (see the section on content below).

General Training IELTS

For all other immigration and employment, the general training version is used if you want to enter Canada, the USA, Ireland, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, etc. for general immigration. For example, individuals who are taking the IELTS because they are applying for permission to live in Australia near their grandchildren will find that the General Training IELTS suits their needs.

But the test is not just used for immigration. Multinational corporations sometimes use General Training IELTS scores to assess the English ability of their workers. So test-takers can use their score report to get a job, in some cases.

Format: Two Versions, Four Skills

Both versions of the test have the same general format (check out:  The IELTS Format: Four Skills, Four Tests ). Your English writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills will be tested separately no matter which version you take. In fact, there aren’t any differences between the listening and speaking sections at all. The same topics and question types can be expected on the IELTS academic or general test.

In format, the same is true of the other two sections. Both writing versions involve two writing tasks (learn more:  IELTS Writing Topics ) and both reading versions ask 40 questions in response to assigned readings. Differences begin to appear, however, in the nature of the content and task types, which we move on to now.

Content: IELTS Academic vs. IELTS General Training

University students and professionals must be equipped with English reading skills that are strong enough for texts in professional and academic journals, textbooks, and relevant magazines and newspapers. As such, the Academic IELTS uses texts taken directly from these kinds of sources to test comprehension skills. Similarly, the writing tasks specific to this version use sample topics that would be relevant in academic and professional settings. English writing skills will be assessed to make sure they are strong enough to write college-level essays.

Those taking the General Training IELTS, on the other hand, will encounter the kind of language that would appear in advertisements, guidebooks, magazines, notices, or what working people might encounter in employee manuals. A test taker’s written English will be tested on general tasks such as letter writing or basic essay writing.

IELTS General and Academic Score Comparison

Perhaps the biggest difference between these two versions of the test is the way that they’re scored. Granted, IELTS Listening, Speaking, and Writing are scored the same way on both exams. But IELTS Reading, which represents a full 25% of your score, is rated very differently on IELTS academic vs. IELTS general training.

For example, suppose you get 30 out of 40 answers correct in IELTS Reading, also known as a raw score of 30. In general training reading, that’s an IELTS Band of 5.0. But 30 out of 40 gets you a 6.0 in academic reading. Your raw scores have a totally different meaning depending on whether you’re looking at the IELTS academic or general test!

IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training Score Comparison Charts

For an official, but incomplete, chart of these Reading raw score/band score conversions, check out the second chart on the official IELTS Scoring web page . These conversions can help you come up with an IELTS general and academic score comparison.

There is also an unofficial table of the difference between Listening and Reading scores on the IELTS academic or general test. This chart, which comes from the Wikipedia article on the IELTS , is more complete than the official one. It is also very reliable. All figures come from the unofficial-but-accurate online IELTS score calculator . You can see the chart below:

Which one is easier: Academic IELTS vs General Training IELTS?

When there are two similar English skill exams, like the IELTS academic or general test, it’s always hard to say whether one is easier. After all, different students find certain things easier or harder. As the expression goes in English, “your mileage may vary.”

With that being said, the answer to the question above is… the General Training IELTS is probably easier than the Academic IELTS. Nearly every IELTS student I’ve talked to feels that it is less challenging. Writing a short letter is easier than summarizing a complicated graph or table! If you decide to pursue the General Training version, you can get started with Magoosh’s IELTS lessons here .

The makers of the test certainly seem to agree. The IELTS assumes that getting 30 out of 40 in general training reading is as hard as getting 23 out of 40 in academic reading. This is why 30/40 general training and 23/40 academic are both band 6.

However, do not assume that IELTS Listening or Speaking will be easier in general training. These two sections are the exact same format and the exact same difficulty level, no matter if you’re sitting for the IELTS academic or general test.

Does the easier nature mean you should choose General Training IELTS over Academic? Not really. Ultimately these tests really are 70% similar, and you won’t have a choice as to which format you sit for. So it’s probably better to figure out how hard the IELTS will be for you , regardless of the version you sit for.

Trisha is an IELTS blogger at Magoosh. She has a B.A. in Foreign Language and Literature and an M.A. in Applied Linguistics at UMASS Boston. Before blogging for Magoosh, Trisha taught Spanish and English to students of all ages, helping them master their foreign language or writing and reading comprehension skills. She writes and works as an academic editor from Bali, Indonesia where she enjoys yoga, slogging (slow jogging), and practicing her Indonesian with stray dogs.

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75 responses to “Academic IELTS vs General Training IELTS: What’s the Difference?”

For engineering which exam should I take?- general or academic

That’s a good question. It depends a lot on both the job and the country you’re wanting to move to. I’ve seen employers and immigration offices ask for either IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic for engineering. IELTS GT is definitely the more common requirement. But again, you’ll want to double check to make sure.

Hey I’m a final year student of Electrical engineering dept. Which test I should prefer IELTS academic or IELTS general ? I’m looking to get enrolled in Australian University

I recommend contacting your target schools to see what tests they require or recommend.

Can I apply for job instead of any course in Australia if i have cleared ielts academic exam?

Some Australian work-based visas accept IELTS Academic. This is especially true for jobs in medicine or healthcare. Many other skilled migrant visas to Australia require either IELTS General Training or TOEFL, however. So you’ll want to double-check the exact testing requirements for the particular type of job you’re looking to get.

I am an engineer. I applied & got offer letter from a Shipping company of Australia, They required IELTS score. For applying of the test which one module will be suitable for me, Academic or General training module?

For immigration purposes, the IELTS General test is usually the one you want. With that said, you could probably contact the company to ask for the exam they want. 🙂

Hi I am Naresh , i am a pharmacist , planning to work in Canada , which course is suitable for me ACADEMY OR GENERAL

I recommend looking up the visa requirements for Canada directly on their government website to ensure that you have the most up to date information about visa requirements.

Hey, I am a student and I am in my senior year of high school and i want to apply to universities in US and UK for my undergraduate program, so which ielts exam should i consider to take?

In that case you’ll definitely want IELTS Academic!

Hi, I am planning to apply for Canadian PR. Which IELTS test should I take? please note that I am working professional with engineering background.

For the most part, IELTS General is accepted for Canada PR. For more information, check out this link here .

Hello, Is it possible to immigrate with my family if I want to take IELTS Academic to study and work in Canada?

Hi Dominic,

Our expertise is in test prep, not immigration legal advice, so I’m afraid we aren’t the best people to answer this question! I recommend that you contact an immigration lawyer or look at Canadian immigration laws for an answer 🙂 Good luck!

Am doing Bachelors of Business Administration in my country Uganda but would love to upgrade for a masters in UK, USA, Australia, Canada and work at the same time. which IELTS should i take ?

Hi Philemon,

For graduate programs, you’ll want to take the IELTS Academic. 🙂

Hello, I am applying for canadian express entry program and planning to give my ielts test next month. Which ielts test is required for that? general or academic?

For Canadian Express Entry, you’ll take the General Training IELTS. For more information, check out this website.

Government of Canada – Express Entry

Hi!!! Thanks for the info. If I relocate to Canada for example, using IELTS GT, can I at any time apply in same country for admission into PG courses even as I must have worked and lived there with my IELTS GT?

Our expertise is in test prep, not admissions or immigration advice, so I’m afraid we aren’t the best people to answer this question! I recommend starting by doing some research and contacting schools directly. Good luck!

Hii…. I am looking for Ph D in UK universities. So which IELTS I need to do and how to prepare for this exam. Also want to know university how much need IELTS grad.

Hi Abhishek!

If you’re taking the IELTS for graduate programs, you’ll want to take the Academic IELTS. 🙂 The IELTS score you need will depend on the schools that you’re interested in. I’d recommend doing some research on your own to find programs that you’re interested, from there, you can check out their admissions pages or contact their admissions offices directly for more information on IELTS requirements. 🙂

Now, let’s talk about how you can prepare for the IELTS. We can definitely help you. The first thing I’d recommend is to check out our study schedules . Additionally, you could try out Magoosh IELTS with a free 7-day trial .

Hey, I am a primary school teacher by profession. Which form if ielts do I need for a PR in Australia?

Hi Praneet,

We aren’t admissions experts, so we aren’t the best people to answer this question. This blog post could be a good starting point: IELTS Scores for Top Australian Schools.

Hey, I am a student and I am in my senior year of high school and i want to apply to universities in turk or UK for my undergraduate program, so which ielts exam should i consider to take?

Most universities require the Academic IELTS, but you should reach out to the admissions office in your target schools for more information.

Hi!!! I’m looking for study PhD in USA universities. Which test will satisfy for me the IELTS or TOEFL? Is that possible I can pass the Academic IELTS with 8 or more when my english level is upper-intermediate? Please write about how I can prepare of system for take IELTS by myself.

You will have to check the admissions requirements for your target schools for more information about testing and score requirements. We have a lot of resources on our blog to help self-studyers, but I also recommend that you check out our Premium programs for IELTS and TOEF L Our Premium programs are comprehensive and will help you to prepare for either test!

Hello, im a filipino working here in K.S.A. and am planning to take IELTS exam for future use of changing work location to Australia. I would like to as how many years will be the validity of an IELTS test exam results?

IELTS certificates are valid for two years.

i wants to peruse my MS in NZ or UK, shall I go for academic IELTS>

If you’re planning to take the IELTS for graduate school, then you should take the Academic IELTS. 🙂

Hope this helps!

I have an Job offer from Austria , to get the work permit RWR card I must have a Valid English certificate B1, I am planning to take IELTS, could you please suggest which IELTS exam I should take?

Thanks Jaydeep

Our expertise is in test prep, not immigration rules/laws. I recommend that you contact an immigration attorney or look up the requirements on the government website.

Hi I want to apply for the job of teaching in Caneda through express entry.I have done Masters in three subjects.which type of IELTS test is better for me academic or general?

Hi. I am looking forward to preparing for IELTS general exam for PR in Canada. I also want to study thereafter. Do I need to give ILETS academic exam as well?? Would e of great help. Thank You 🙂

Most universities require the Academic IELTS, so you should be prepared to take it. I recommend contacting your target schools to learn more about their requirements.

Hello Team,

I have completed my Master’s (Integrated Degree) in 2016 and have 3.4 years of IT experience. I’m in dilemma to go for PR or further study. If I take IELTS Academic, will it be applicable for both PR and study…? If not so, which one should I choose.?

Please advise me on this. I am very much confused about which exam to take.

Thanks in advance. 🙂

I want to live and work in Australia. My working background is on Information Technology, what exam should I get? IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training?

Our expertise is in test prep, not immigration rules/laws. I recommend that you contact an immigration attorney or look up the requirements on the Australian government website.

thankyou so much for your information . i wanted to study master of science so which IELTS should i need to choose?

Hi Marilyn,

You will most likely need to take the Academic IELTS for admission to a university graduate program, but make sure to check on the admissions website of your target schools to get the most updated information.

Does the general reading comprise of smaller and simpler passages as compared to academic? Does academic have more full length pages to be read and answered ?

The passages on the general test are generally easier to understand than the ones on the academic exam.

Good day I would like to migrate to Canada or Australia for job opportunities in areas like banking(customer service officer,bank manager ,etc).Can i take the IELTS general test

Hi Greater,

Our expertise is in test prep, not immigration law. I recommend that you consult with an immigration agency or lawyer.

I want to go Canada but my study gap is more than 9 years. Now please suggest me how can i get chance to take my higher education.

If you are trying to study in Canada, I recommend that you reach out directly to the admissions officers at your target schools. They can help you to understand the requirements for admission. Many people go back to school after years away. It can be difficult to get started because you are not used to studying, but work experience can look good on your resume!

I am a medical doctor with desire to follow a specialisation program in the UK.

which IELTS?

Hi Becks, Our expertise is in test prep, not immigration rules/laws. I recommend that you reach out to the UK immigration office for more information on this. You may also want to contact the organization that you plan to work with in order to complete the specialization program.

Hey, i am shubham jindal and i am a tutor of IELTS. You have shared great information. Thanks.

Hi Becks, just saw your comment and it reminded the same question I had a few months ago. when I was looking for answers I got into a really nice website (www.canada2036.com) with great information about immigrating to Canada and what you should do in order to get a Student visa.

Please I’m a graduate nurse assistant.. I hold certificate not diploma or degree which of the test should I take

Hi Abigail, this depends on what you plan to use the TOEFL for. You should contact whatever organization or school is requiring you to take the exam and ask what they prefer. Good luck!

Hey, I am shubham jindal and i am a blogger. I have completed my IELTS recentely and i got 7.5 bands in the IELTS Academic Test. I came on your website to know about the difference between GT and Academic. You have given great information sir. Thanks for sharing this type of Informational Articles. Keep posting.

I have been following Magoosh blog since quite some time and I appeared in the general examination based on the information shared here. I scored CLB level 10 and Magoosh has contributed a lot to it. 🙂

Thank you. Keep up the good work

This is great to hear, Disha! Congrats! Thanks for the note 🙂

I am an Indian. I’m planning to work in abroad (Asian countries) as an ESL teacher, having IELTS score would benefit me and I’ll have more opportnities to work. Could you please suggest me which would be the best either IELTS Academic or General Training.

Thank you in advance!

Hi Lalitha, What a great plan! If you want to work in a school and teach, I’d suggest that the IELTS Academic test is most appropriate. For more on this, check out the IELTS official post Which Test Should I Take . I hope this helps! 🙂

Good afternoon I want to live,work and also study in USA or Canada which of the IELTS EXAM should write General or Academy

Hello, Ebhodaghe!

That depends on what type of work you want to do and where you want to study. If your career field or a school you want to apply to will require the academic IELTS, then that’s the one you should take. If neither of those is the case, then the General Training is probably a better option.

I suggest thinking about what you might want to study, where you want to study, and what you would like to do for work. That will help you decide if you need the academic exam. You can even contact individual universities and find out what IELTS they require.

Good luck in your future plans!

I would like to apply for Expression of Interest (EOI) to migrate and work in Australia. I am 34 years old, and a graduate of Bachelors Degree in Pharmacy. I am a Licensure Pharmacist. I have 10 years working experience in a hospital environment in Manila, Philippines & 2years in Corp-BPO US Based pharmacy.

To qualify as Pharmacy Technician (ANSCO Code 311215), I would like to take an IELTS test, as one of the requirements by VETASSES. My question is which IELTS test should I take? 1) Academic Skills Test or 2) General Skills Test?

Hi Marylou,

We suggest you reach out to VETASSES directly to see which version of the test they require. 🙂

Best of luck to you!

I’m junaid from bhimber Azad kashmir the province of Pakistan i want work in uk Care Assistant Who’s need me ielts test Academic or General please help me

Hi Junaid! We recommend that you check with the companies you’re looking to work with in the UK directly, or check the requirements of the UK government if you need the IELTS to be eligible to work there! Best of luck to you! 🙂

Best Information Regarding Ielts Exam

We’re so glad you like it! 😀

Thanks for sharing such an important post. I’m sure that many of us did not know that there are two different types of IELTS examinations. One is Academic IELTS and another one is General Training IELTS.

We’re so glad you found it helpful! Best of luck to you! 😀

Hi I’m aedan, I’m from Iran and I’m living in dubai , I want to apply for keep studying so I choose NewYork film academy, my question is what IELTS test should I get ?

We always recommend checking directly with the program you want to apply to. You should be able to email or call the admissions office at the school, and that will be your best source of information for everything you need to apply!

Best of luck to you! 😀

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General vs Academic IELTS: All you need to know

Home >> General vs Academic IELTS: All you need to know

17th Jan 2022 |

By British Council Canada

There are two formats of the IELTS test; General Training & Academic.  What are the differences between the two test formats and which one should you take?  This article will tell you all you need to know about these difference so you can make the right choice for your needs.

What is each IELTS test format used for?

General Training version

The General Training test is primarily used by governments for immigration purposes.  In Canada, Immigration, Refuges, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) recognizes the IELTS General Training test as part of its permanent residency and citizenship programs. IELTS scores are linked to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs), and these are used to determine English language ability.

Academic version

The IELTS Academic test is used for academic purposes. Schools, colleges and universities around the world accept IELTS Academic as a proof of language ability for acceptance on their programs.  This is mainly aimed at international students who do not have English as their primary language.

While most academic institutions accept the academic version of IELTS, it is always a good idea to check with the institution as they may accept both versions of IELTS.

What about using IELTS for employment purposes?

If you are using IELTS for employment purposes, there is no specific version that you need to take (unless an employer requests a specific version), so it is up to you which version you would like to take!

IELTS is accepted by over 11,000 organizations worldwide, including over 750 in Canada.  Find out which organizations in Canada accept IELTS.

Is the test content the same between IELTS General Training & Academic?

Some parts of the two different versions are the same and some are different.

• The Listening section
• The Speaking section
• Part 2 of the writing section (the essay)
• The reading section
• Part 1 of the writing section

Let’s look at these differences in more detail:

IELTS General Training Reading

The content of this test is focused more on everyday text.  For example, you may get texts such as job posting, workplace email or advertisement. There is always a longer section in the final part of the test.

IELTS Academic Reading

The texts in this version focus more on academic subjects and are usually longer than the texts in the General test. They are typically taken from newspapers, magazines, books and journals.

For both tests, you are given 40 questions and you have 60 minutes to complete the test.

Read our blog to find out more about the differences between the reading section so that you are ready for test day.

IELTS Writing (Part 1)

The other difference between the Academic & General test is the writing part 1.

IELTS General Writing Part 1

For Task 1, you are given a situation around a topic of ‘general interest’ and you have to write a letter in response to this situation.  These situations may be either formal, semi-formal or informal.  For example:

• Formal/Semi-Formal: these types of letters are based around a topic that is of a professional nature (i.e when you write to your boss at work or you write to a academic institution to get more information about their program or courses).
• Informal: this is usually when you write to a friend or family member about a personal topic (i.e. thanking a friend for something that they have done for you).

Some examples are:

You recently spent a night in a hotel and had to put up with a great deal of noise very early in the morning because of a faulty central heating system. The manager promised to contact you regarding compensation but you still haven’t heard from him.

Write a letter to the hotel. In the letter

• describe the problem at the hotel
• explain what the manager had said at the time
• say what you want the manager to do

You arranged to visit a friend in Canada but an important event at home now means that you must change the dates of the visit.

Write a letter to your friend. In your letter

• explain the important event
• apologise for the situation
• suggest a new arrangement

Find out more about IELTS letter writing in our blog.

IELTS Academic Writing Part 1

In part one of IELTS Academic Writing section, the task you are given is very different to the General test. There are three possible task types:

To see samples of tasks,  take our practice tests . Also, read our blog to get preparation tips so you are ready for your test!

For both the General & Academic test, you have to write a minimum of 150 words and you should spend approximately 20 minutes on the task.

Is one version harder than the other?

Not necessarily. The key is to prepare as much as possible so that you are familiar with the test content. If you do this, you will feel more confident on test day. Visit our preparation page to get a host of free material.

Visit the IELTS Canada homepage to find out more.

Ready to take your test?  Visit our register page to find a IELTS test venue near you.

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How to build your vocabulary for ielts, understanding your ielts results.

24th Jan 2022 |

Which Exam Is Easier : IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training?

The IELTS is one of the world's most popular English language proficiency tests. It is put together by Cambridge University, in which around 3 million candidates appear every year. The IELTS scores are admissible in over 140 countries.

A lot of IELTS aspirants have these two common questions in mind before they start their preparation - is the IELTS general easier than the academic or vis-a-vis; and which one to take? 

In this article you will learn: 

Is IELTS easy?

• How to choose between Academic and General Training IELTS.
• What is the exam formal for IELTS Academic and IELTS General?
• What is the difference between Academic and General IELTS?
• How best to prepare for the IELTS exam to score a high band in all the four IELTS sections.  
• Syllabus for IELTS Academic
• Syllabus for IELTS General

The IELTS exam is often regarded as a challenging test. However, difficulty can be subjective, as it depends on an individual's language proficiency and preparation. While some may find it relatively easy, others may struggle with certain aspects.

Why do some students find the IELTS test hard?

• Time pressure: One reason candidates find the IELTS exam difficult is the time pressure. The test comprises four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking, which must be completed within a strict time frame. This can be daunting for test-takers, requiring them to manage their time effectively and work efficiently under pressure.
• Comprehensive skill evaluation: The IELTS exam evaluates various language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and fluency. These skills need to be showcased across different question types, such as multiple-choice, short answer, and essay writing. This comprehensive evaluation can challenge candidates who may excel in some areas but struggle in others.
• Requires understanding of different accents: The IELTS exam assesses candidates' ability to comprehend different accents and dialects, making the Listening section particularly demanding. Test-takers must train their ears to grasp nuances in pronunciation and vocabulary, which can pose difficulties for non-native English speakers.

To succeed in the IELTS exam, candidates need thorough preparation, practice, and familiarity with the test format. Understanding its demands and implementing effective study strategies can help alleviate the perceived difficulty and increase the chances of achieving a favorable score.

Choosing between IELTS General or IELTS Academic

Here let’s try to understand which exam to take - IELTS General or IELTS Academic.  

People appear for the IELTS General examination for the purpose of migration to another country. It is a part of their application as it tests their fluency in English for everyday use and communication purposes. 

On the other hand, students take the IELTS Academic if they plan to study abroad. It is also necessary for those who wish to work abroad, as many of the organisations require a decent IELTS Academics test score. However different degree programs have different band score requirements.

Here’s a list that explains how much score is required for each degree program: 

It is very important to check the requirements of the college/university/organisation where one is planning to pursue their education.

Comparing IELTS General and IELTS Academic

Now, the next commonly asked question by the students is - Which exam is easier - IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic?

Before we arrive at the answer to this question, let’s understand the format of the exam:

Format of IELTS General test 

Format of ielts academic test , important pointers: .

As per the format explained above, one can easily conclude the following:

IELTS Speaking Test and IELTS Listening Test are the same irrespective of which test you take. 

In the IELTS Speaking test, the examinee is required to sit through a one-0n-one interview and tackle questions that test their English fluency. There, it is important to learn how to prepare for the IELTS Speaking Test . 

The IELTS Listening test is the same for both the modules. Examinees are required to listen to an audio conversation and accordingly answer the given questions. This module is the easiest to score if you know how to prepare for the IELTS Listening Test .

The difference is only between the reading module and writing module.

 Now let’s look at the differences in detail for IELTS Reading and IELTS Writing.

Difference between IELTS General and IELTS Academic Tests for Reading Module

Similarities between ielts general and ielts academic: .

As explained in the above section of the IELTS reading module, you will have 60 minutes to attempt 40 questions in multiple formats. There are mainly 14 types of questions asked that includes Sentence Completion, Short Answer Questions, Matching, Classification, Sentence Completion with a Box, Short Answer Questions, Labelling Diagram, Paragraph Headings, Multiple Choice, Finding Information in Paragraph, Summary Completion, Summary Completion with a Box, Pick from a List, Table/Flow Chart Completion, True/False, Not Given and Yes/No/Not Given. 

Differences between IELTS General and Academic: 

IELTS Academic: In this, you have to watch out for the author's voice, purpose, and key arguments. There will be three long academic-style texts (academic topic, from science to history) with different difficulty levels. A glossary will be provided for any term you might not know, so don't get panicked if you encounter any unfamiliar terms. The Academic test has 3 long texts which are usually However, the entire test is designed keeping in mind the non-native speakers of the English language.

IELTS General Training: IELTS General Training tests your English- proficiency in a social setting. You can expect four short passages with variable length and difficulty from a variety of everyday situations. These can be anything from newspaper snippets to advertisements. Do remember that these everyday-style texts may seem simple but picking out the details from the chunk of information might be challenging. The topics usually revolve around notices or advertisements and are sometimes picked from company handbooks, official documents, books and newspapers.

Table below explains the differences briefly: 

Get an in-depth understanding on IELTS Reading in this blog - How to prepare for IELTS Reading Test

Difference between IELTS General and IELTS Academic Tests for Writing Module

Similarities between ielts general training and academic:.

The Writing tasks in the IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests share several similarities, let’s have a look at them:

• Time Allocation: Both the IELTS General and IELTS Academic Writing tasks require you to complete two writing tasks within a total time limit of 60 minutes. The first task is usually a shorter task that should take about 20 minutes to complete, while the second task is longer and should take about 40 minutes.
• Word Count: The recommended word count for each writing task in both the IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests is around 150 to 250 words. This range ensures that you have enough space to develop your ideas and demonstrate your writing skills without exceeding the allotted time limit.
• Coherence and Cohesion: Both tasks require you to maintain coherence and cohesion throughout your writing. This means that you should use cohesive devices such as transition words, pronouns, and conjunctions to connect your ideas and create a well-structured piece of writing. Doing so will help ensure that your writing is easy to read and understand.
• Grammar and Vocabulary: Both tasks assess your ability to use accurate grammar and a wide range of vocabulary. In order to demonstrate your language proficiency, it is important to use correct grammar and sentence structures. Additionally, using a variety of vocabulary will help showcase your language skills and impress the examiner.
• Task Response: Both tasks require you to provide a clear and direct response to the given prompt. You need to demonstrate your ability to organize and present information effectively, supporting your ideas with relevant details and examples. Additionally, it is important to address all aspects of the prompt in your writing in order to receive a high score.

Differences between IELTS General Training and Academic: 

Find the table below that briefly explains the differences between IELTS general and academic writing tasks: 

Know more on How to prepare for IELTS Writing Task 2

Now coming to the question, which test is easy: IELTS Academic or IELTS General?

The common norm is that the IELTS Academic Test is slightly difficult as compared to the IELTS General Test, for obvious reasons. 

• In the General Training exam, you'll encounter questions that revolve around everyday life, covering topics that are relatable and familiar. On the other hand, the Academic test takes you on a more focused journey, diving into specific subjects and academic contexts.
• There is a difference between the scoring formats of these tests, as there is always a difference of 1 band. The reason for this difference lies in the complexity of the reading materials. In the IELTS Academic test, questions are designed to assess your ability to understand and analyze complex academic texts. Therefore, you need a higher level of reading comprehension to answer the questions correctly. On the other hand, the reading passages in the IELTS General Training test are simpler and more straightforward, and the questions are designed to test your ability to read and understand texts related to everyday life situations. Hence, the questions in the General Training reading section are easier to answer than those in the Academic test. For example, If you have a score of 37-38 out of 40, you get 8.5 bands in IELTS General reading . But with the same score, you will get 8 bands in IELTS Academic reading. Therefore, to ensure fairness in the scoring system, the band score for the General Training Reading section is slightly higher than that of the Academic test.

Commonly Asked Questions about IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

1. i am applying for an undergraduate degree program. which exam should i take.

The IELTS General Training exam is most suitable if you’re applying for any undergraduate degree program. But there are colleges, and schools that specifically would like to check your ability to present logical explanations. So before you book your exam, check the criteria of that particular college for clarity. 

2. I am going to study at a university for a graduate/post-graduate degree. Which will be the most suitable exam for me?

You should be focusing on the IELTS Academic exam if you’re planning to study in higher education. The test will assess if you’re ready to begin studying the subject in the English language. 

3. I am going to apply for a visa or migrate to an English-speaking country. Which exam should I appear for?

If you are planning to migrate to countries like the UK, USA or Australia, you probably need to appear for the IELTS General Training test. But you must check the criteria before applying because the requirements can change very quickly. 

4. Is the IELTS Academic test extremely difficult?

Most of the parts of the IELTS General and Academic Tests are the same. The only difference lies in the two modules where you need to present your opinion logically. It is slightly more difficult than the General exam but once you understand the strategies, it will be easy to handle the questions. 

5. Would IELTS General be considered if I am applying for a job in a foreign country?

Most of the time organizations in English-speaking nations seek IELTS Academic scores and they have already mentioned the minimum eligibility criteria. But it is always a good idea to contact the organization and get clear information. 

6. Which IELTS is easy paper or computer?

There is much of a difference between the two. Especially, when it comes to factors such as the test format, question types, time allocated to each test part, and content, the two are identically the same. The only difference is that the experiences of both tests are different, and rightfully so. Therefore, when it comes to choosing the mode of the IELTS exam, you should weigh factors such as your typing speed versus your writing speed. The faster, the better. 

7. Does handwriting matter in IELTS?

Yes. It is undoubtedly important to maintain clear and readable handwriting throughout your answer script when sitting for the IELTS examination, specifically if you choose the handwritten mode of the exam. When it comes to the style of writing, it is totally up to your own choice. All styles of writing (cursive, etc.) are admissible in the IELTS exam. 

8. Can I take the IELTS exam from home?

In the wake of the COVID-19-induced lockdown, IELTS announced a new system of testing whereby individuals can choose to give their IELTS exam from the comfort of their homes. IELTS Online is a specialized arrangement for IELTS Academic givers so that they can continue their education journey. 

9. Is IELTS marked by a computer?

Yes and no. The IELTS Reading and Listening sections are marked automatically by the computer. On the other hand, the IELTS Writing and Speaking sections continue to be graded by trained Examiners.

10. Can I prepare for IELTS from home without taking coaching?

Yes. Anyone can prepare for IELTS from home without taking any form of coaching. However, one should be well versed in the English language, and also have a hold on the examination pattern, syllabus, and marking criteria. One should also make sure that their source of information is genuine and follows the right rules. You can visit our website for free IELTS study material so that you can prepare at home without taking any coaching. 

Both these courses are taught by the best instructors in the industry. The contents of these courses are uniquely created to build a strong foundation that helps students to answer any type of question asked on the test. The classes are conducted in small groups with the exception of doubt clearing and speaking sessions which are conducted one-on-one for individual attention.

If you are looking for a comprehensive IELTS preparation course or just want to work on a particular section, get in touch with us at www.yunolearning.com . You can also find free practice tests for self-study. In case of any query, give us a call at 098739 98199 .

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IELTS Prep Courses & Tutoring

IELTS PhD Requirements

Language testing policies in doctoral programs.

IELTS waivers for graduate programs, including those that culminate in the awarding of a doctor of philosophy, are commonly granted to applicants with bachelor's degrees from universities in which English is the main language of instruction. However, advanced degrees earned in English do not always satisfy language requirements. A PhD applicant who completed a bachelor's degree in France and a master's degree in the United States, for example, may be required to take an English language assessment. Specific examples of PhD programs with this sort of policy include the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Yale School of Public Health. Other PhD programs are more generous with their waiver policies. The Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago considers one year or more of full-time study at a university in an English-speaking country and/or any undergraduate or graduate degree from such an institution to be convincing proof of language skills.

IELTS Acceptance at the Doctoral Level

Applicants to PhD programs at universities in most English-speaking countries are probably safe in assuming that the IELTS will be accepted, although it is most definitely a good idea to verify the requirements of a given doctoral degree offering before proceeding with test preparation. Universities in the United States often prefer the TOEFL over the IELTS, probably because the former is an American assessment that features American English. The majority of American institutions will consider the IELTS, but some PhD programs will accept the TOEFL only. The Harvard Graduate School of Education permits doctor of education leadership (EdLD) students to submit IELTS scores, but PhD applicants must take the TOEFL. At the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, the TOEFL is the only acceptable English exam for doctoral study, and the IELTS may not be substituted.

IELTS Score Requirements for PhD Study

Study at the doctoral level will be difficult if not impossible to complete without the ability to fluently communicate in the English language. IELTS score expectations therefore tend to be quite high for PhD programs, although some schools have a single IELTS benchmark for graduate students at all levels. The Harvard Graduate School of Education "seeks" doctoral applicants with IELTS scores of at least 7.5 on each paper of the academic test. The IELTS minimum score for the PhD offering at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business is 7.0 per section, which equals a minimum total score of 7.0. Applicants to the PhD program at Case Western Reserve University's Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing must also receive a total IELTS score of 7.0 or above. The Department of Computer Science at Kent State University expects all graduate applicants, including those pursuing a PhD, to produce a total score at or above the 6.0 level.

The IELTS and Teaching Assistantships

Some graduate schools will require international candidates for teaching assistantships to complete the IELTS or TOEFL even if they are waiver-eligible under standard admission protocols. The Department of Communication at the University of Arkansas is an example of a PhD program that expects all non-native English-speaking TA applicants to "demonstrate competency in written and spoken English," irrespective of citizenship and regardless of waiver status. The IELTS is accepted for this purpose, and the minimum scores are a 7.0 on the speaking paper and a 6.0 on the writing paper (waiver-eligible applicants do not have to take the other IELTS sections). International TA applicants may also be interested to know that some researchers have found a correlation between high listening assessment scores and high marks on course evaluations. Effective teaching is obviously dependent on effective communication.

Financing PhD Study

International students who are not citizens of the countries in which they are studying are often ineligible for financial assistance from host governments. However, a number of loan and grant options from other sources can be used to pay the expenses associated with PhD programs. For example, the Gates Cambridge Scholarships for International Students are available to PhD students at the University of Cambridge in any field of study. Applicants who are citizens of any country other than the United Kingdom are eligible, and these awards cover both fees and living expenses. The George Washington University Global Leadership Fellowships are intended for doctoral students from certain countries in Asia and Africa. These fellowships cover up to 18 credit hours of tuition per academic year, and they are renewable for up to five years. Some awards and grants use IELTS scores as a partial determinant of eligibility (the Global Leadership Fellowships require a minimum IELTS score of 7.5). Prospective PhD students would be wise to invest time in conducting internet research on available funding opportunities.

• Which test should I take?

IELTS Academic: Your Passport to Studying Abroad

Download your copy of the Guide to IELTS Academic Test

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is the world’s most popular English proficiency test. IELTS offers two main tests : the IELTS Academic test and the IELTS General Training test.

The IELTS Academic test is the international gold standard for measuring English language ability in academic contexts, such as universities or colleges.  If you want to apply to an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in an English-speaking environment, you’ll likely have to succeed on the IELTS Academic test.  

Understanding how the IELTS Academic test works is a key first step in your journey to studying overseas. Here, we provide an overview of the test, starting with the important question — how does IELTS compare with other English proficiency tests? 

For a summarised PDF of this article, get your copy of the Guide to the IELTS Academic Test  

The IELTS Academic Test vs. Alternatives 

Did you know that over 4 million people take IELTS every year? Though IELTS is a leading name in testing, there are a few other noteworthy alternatives you might consider. These include: 

• TOEFL - Operated by the Educational Testing Service (ETS), TOEFL leans towards American English and mainly provides computer-based testing, though paper-based testing is accessible in limited areas. IELTS, on the other hand, accepts both US and UK forms of English and includes conversation with an examiner who will help the test taker achieve their highest-possible score. 
• PTE Academic - Managed by Pearson, PTE Academic primarily serves those eyeing university education. While it's a pathway for visa applications to Australia and New Zealand, the global acceptance and the learning resources of IELTS is more helpful for test takers.  
• C1 Advanced - Having been accepted by 9,000+ institutions, C1 Advanced (formerly Cambridge English: Advanced) is another common English language assessment. While the exam also tests reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills, the extensive preparatory resources of IELTS may provide a better experience for test takers. 
• Duolingo English Test (DET) - The DET is an online on-demand test that doesn’t require advanced booking to take. While it is accepted by over 4,000 institutions, DET testing is less widely relied upon than IELTS.  
• Password English Language Test - Primarily used in the UK and Europe, this online test is administered by the CRELLA research group. Despite offering carefully designed tests and fast results, the Password English test is recognised by relatively few institutions.

What makes IELTS so special? 

When it comes to proving your English proficiency , you want an exam that prepares you for real-world scenarios. By studying for the IELTS Academic test, you get training in the English you’ll actually use in university. The assessment is well-rounded and tests all key skills, including listening, reading, writing, and speaking. 

IELTS courses and examinations accommodate both British and American spelling, making them relevant for universities around the world. But one stand-out feature of the assessment is that it focuses on understanding the English spoken by different nationalities. The Listening section includes a range of accents, making it an ideal choice if you’ll be studying in multicultural universities. 

IELTS also offers significant flexibility. Depending on their location, learners can choose between taking the test on paper or on computer. Also, in some locations you'll have the choice to take the IELTS Academic test in a test centre or online from the comfort of your home. Many other exams, like TOEFL, are primarily computer-based, which may not suit everyone's preferences. 

The IELTS test is accepted nearly everywhere and is recognised by 12,000 organisations , including immigration departments in countries like Australia, Canada, the US, the UK, and New Zealand. If you're looking to study or settle in these countries, IELTS might be the best choice.

Which English proficiency test is right for you? 

Choosing the right test can be like picking the right running shoes; it really depends on your own needs and where you're planning to go. Some universities prefer one test over another, and some countries have unique visa requirements.  

The availability of test preparation resources also makes a huge difference in your confidence and readiness. Carefully consider IELTS and its alternatives before choosing the best test for you.

How IELTS opens doors to higher education

If you want to attend a top-tier university, where English is the primary language of instruction, you'll likely find IELTS is not just preferred — it's often a requirement. There's a good reason for that.

The IELTS Academic test fairly and accurately measures whether you have the level of English language proficiency needed in academic settings.  

It isn't just about understanding English. The IELTS Academic test also prepares you for the unique demands of academic language. IELTS achieves this by testing key features of academic language. This ensures you’re prepared to engage with texts, lectures, discussions, and activities common in higher education. 

IELTS also tests your ability to overcome cultural challenges and thrive in English-speaking environments. This is true for all degrees, regardless of whether you want to study computer science in Boston or literature in London.

Succeeding on the IELTS Academic test tells universities and visa officers that you’re socially, intellectually, and culturally prepared for your academic journey. 

What can you expect when taking the IELTS Academic test? 

While there are over 1,600 IELTS test locations in more than 140 countries, the most convenient way to take your IELTS Academic test is through an organisation that co-owns the test, like  The British Council . 

The IELTS Academic test is 2 hours and 45 minutes long and consists of  four sections : Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

You can take the test at a local testing centre or online from the comfort of your home — or any other private location with a stable internet connection. This offers you greater flexibility in choosing your test environment. IELTS Online is available in selected regions, so please check if it's available in your country. 

The Listening, Reading, and Writing sections take place on the same day with no breaks in between. The Speaking section may be scheduled up to a week before or after the other sections.

Learn more about the IELTS Academic test format  

How to prepare for the IELTS Academic test 

Preparation is key to succeeding on your IELTS Academic test. This requires understanding the test format, improving your skills, and building your confidence so you can perform under test conditions. At the British Council, we offer a variety of resources, including exclusive access to  IELTS Ready ,  to help you do just that. 

Learn more about  IELTS Ready  and other IELTS preparation materials  

Understanding your IELTS score 

IELTS scores are easy to understand and are assessed using a scale that ranges from 1.0 to 9.0. The higher your score, the higher your level of English language proficiency. Each university will have its own minimum score requirements for accepting applications. 

Typically, these minimum scores fall within the 6.0 to 7.0 range. Of course, achieving a higher score will improve your chances of being accepted. After confirming that your score meets the criteria of your ideal university, you'll need to  submit an official Test Report Form  (TRF) or its electronic version (eTRF) as proof of your eligibility. These are provided upon completing the IELTS Academic test.

Learn more about IELTS scores  

Why you should choose the British Council for your IELTS Academic test 

With decades of experience and a global reputation for quality, the British Council is the preferred choice for millions of IELTS test-takers. Here's why you should choose the British Council for your IELTS Academic test: 

Global recognition

With 90 years of experience in English education and a presence in 100+ countries, the British Council is a globally recognised authority in English language teaching and assessment. Our expertise ensures you’re in safe hands. 

Unmatched preparation support

We provide more preparation than any other test provider through our  IELTS Ready   offer. Plus, when you book with us you unlock IELTS Ready Premium, which includes a personalised study plan and over 40 practice tests. Make sure you book early to make the most of these resources. 

Trusted, transparent and flexible

IELTS is jointly run by the British Council and our services are trusted by over 12,000 organisations worldwide. Depending on your location, you can choose between IELTS on paper or IELTS on computer. We also offer the option to take the new IELTS Online academic test that can be taken from the comfort of your home.

Simple booking and convenient dates and locations for your test

From booking your test to receiving your results, we have systems in place to guide you every step of the way. All official British Council IELTS test centres are modern, comfortable, and conveniently located. Test dates are scheduled throughout the year, letting you pick the date that best suits your calendar. 

Stress-free experience with a professional and friendly staff

From the moment you book your test to the day you get your results, we ensure a seamless, supportive, and transparent experience. Our classes are led by highly trained educational specialists. IELTS tests are run by experienced staff who ensure your test day runs smoothly.

One Skill Retake

When you take IELTS on computer with the British Council you also have access to the One Skill Retake option. This means you can retake a specific section of the test, rather than the entire test, saving time and money if you only want to improve your score in a single section. Check  here  to see if One Skill Retake is available in your country. 

IELTS success stories 

Hear from English learners like you who have worked with the British Council to succeed on their IELTS Academic test and secure a place at their university of choice. 

“I received everything I needed for taking my test via email as soon as I'd booked my test.  The practice tests and videos made me less nervous as I knew what to expect on the day.  I found the study materials easy to use. I also attended the IELTS webinars, which were very helpful.”  -  Muhammad, Pakistan 

“One of the main reasons for my IELTS success is enrolling on the IELTS Coach online course offered by the British Council. It was a great privilege to take my test in a friendly environment with supportive staff.”  - Dona, Sri Lanka  

“I'm totally satisfied with my experience of taking IELTS with the British Council. The test was conducted in a convenient and professional manner. I'd definitely recommend it to those planning to relocate to an English-speaking country.”  - Felipe, Philippines

Take the next step in your academic journey 

Attending a prestigious English-speaking university offers you more than an excellent education. It's a life-changing experience that exposes you to diverse cultures and perspectives. Such an education can set you up for career advancement and will open doors to opportunities around the globe. 

But to access these opportunities, you first need to take the IELTS Academic test. The British Council provides all the tools and support you need to excel at the test. Don't put off your dreams any longer.  Book your IELTS Academic test  with the British Council now and make the first move toward a future filled with possibility. 

Start your journey with our Guide to the IELTS Academic Test 

From booking to preparing for your test, there’s a lot to know when it comes to succeeding on your IELTS test. To help, we’ve developed a guide containing the key details you need. It shares all the information presented here in an easy-to-digest format. Click the button below for your free copy.  

Download your copy of the Guide to IELTS Academic Test   

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The difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training

IELTS is the only English proficiency test that provides test takers with a choice between the Academic and General Training tests. So what’s the difference between the two? Let's find out.

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The choice of test depends on where you intend to use your test score. The IELTS Academic test is usually for entry into university. IELTS General Training on the other hand is used for migration purposes. The organisation where you plan to work or study sets the requirements. So before you book your test, it is good to check which one is right for you. 

Now let’s look at the differences between the two IELTS tests in more detail.

IELTS Academic vs IELTS General Training

IELTS General Training is for people who wish to live and work abroad in an English-speaking country. It focuses mainly on assessing a person’s proficiency, confidence and comfort when communicating in English in daily situations that they are likely to encounter in a native English-speaking environment.

The IELTS Academic test on the other hand is for students who are interested in pursuing their higher education overseas. Hence, it is designed to assess whether a test taker is ready and able to use English as a medium of study.

Now that you know why people take IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training, let’s take a look at the difference in the content between the two tests.

• IELTS Academic

In the IELTS Academic Reading test , you will be asked to read three long paragraphs. These paragraphs can consist of excerpts from books, magazines or even newspapers. You will then be asked to answer questions relating to what you have read.

• IELTS General Training

While the format is similar, in the IELTS General Training Reading test you will be presented with passages from brochures and advertisements rather than magazines or newspapers. These are materials that you may come across every day.

In the Writing test, there are two tasks that the test taker has to complete.

The Writing section for IELTS Academic , test takers is based on topics from undergraduate or postgraduate studies. You have to complete two Writing tasks:

For the IELTS Writing Task 1 , you are given a page with a chart, graph or diagram. The test-taker then have to analyse the data and interpret it in their own words. You/test takers are asked questions to test how they process the given information and arrive at a logical conclusion. The writing style is strictly formal.

IELTS Writing Task 2 is the same for both Academic and General Training. This task involves writing an essay discussing a statement about a contemporary issue. The writing style must be formal, and the essay has to have relevant examples.

The test-taker is required to write about general topics instead of academic ones. Just like IELTS Academic, for the General Training Writing test you also have to complete two tasks.

The IELTS Writing Task 1 asks you to write a letter based on a given situation. The letter could be formal or informal and would be about a request, explanation or a viewpoint supporting the situation.

As mentioned above, the IELTS Writing Task 2 is be the same for both Academic and General Training. The test-taker would need to write a formal essay in response to a statement or premise.

No matter what you want to achieve, there is an IELTS test to help you reach your goal. Knowing the difference between the two kinds of tests makes it easier to choose which may serve you best for what you want to achieve.

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• The Difference Between IELTS General and IELTS Academic

• Posted on 22/09/2021
• Categories: Blog

You’ve probably heard of IELTS . It’s the world’s leading test for study, work and migration after all. And as the world begins to travel again, applications for foreign universities and visas are on the rise .

But did you know there are two types of IELTS test? That’s right – the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training.

Lots of people who take IELTS often aren’t 100% sure which exam they need to sit. That’s why we’re here. We’ll explain the difference between IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic and help you decide which one is right for you!

What is IELTS?

If you’d like to migrate to an English speaking country , or study at an English speaking university, you’ll have to take an accredited exam like IELTS to show your English language proficiency.

Your English will be assessed in the test, and graded on a scale from 1 to 9. You can then show this band score to future employers, schools and immmigration bodies .

Which IELTS test is right for me?

Whether you choose IELTS Academic or General Training depends on your reasons for taking it and where you want to live or study:

IELTS General Training

The IELTS General exam tests your use of everyday English. It is suitable for secondary education, migration or work experience.

• Secondary education includes anything below degree level such as school or college.
• Migration includes destination countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada or New Zealand.

As this is preparation for normal life in an English speaking country, expect to see every-day topics related to work and society pop up in the exam.

IELTS Academic

IELTS Academic on the other hand, is ideal if you want to study for higher education, or look for professional registration.

• Higher education includes undergraduate and postgraduate study at university.
• Professional registration allows you to work in fields such as nursing, medicine, accounting, law, engineering etc. in your chosen country.

As this is an academic exam, expect to see topics suitable for work and study in the test.

Please note, different countries have their own requirements for both the test type and band score you need. Your organisation may also have its own requirements. So, make sure you check out your destination country’s relevant government or institution website before booking your test.

Are there any differences in test format?

So, you’ve chosen your IELTS test. Now what?

The next step is to get to know the test format for your chosen exam. Luckily, the IELTS tests follow the same format. That means they both have four sections: Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking.

As you can see, the Speaking and Listening tasks for IELTS General and Academic are exactly the same, but there are some differences between the Reading and Writing sections.

Let’s take a closer look!

IELTS Reading

Both the IELTS General and IELTS Academic tests feature three texts and 40 questions which must be completed within 60 minutes.

The task types for IELTS General and Academic sections are always the same e.g. multiple choice, fill in the gaps, true or false etc. However, labelling a diagram is slightly more common in the Academic test.

There are some other differences between the texts in length, theme and sources, as outlined below:

*Although the IELTS Academic texts include themes such as neuroscience, aviation, or air pollution, it’s important to remember they are testing you only on your English skills. You don’t need specialist knowledge of the subjects.

IELTS Writing

The IELTS General and IELTS Academic have two written tasks, to be completed in 60 minutes.

The main difference between the two tests is in Writing Task 1:

Both IELTS General and Academic have an essay question for Writing Task 2 , which must be written in at least 250 words.

The essay question format is exactly the same for both exams. For example, you will be asked ‘to what extent you agree…’ on a subject. However, the Academic question might be slightly more specific, to get you to focus your answer in a more academic way.

Are there any differences in scoring?

The scoring is the same for both the IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic Writing sections. You are marked on how well you answer the question, how well you organise your ideas, as well as your vocabulary and grammar.

However, tone is more important in the IELTS General Training. You have to think carefully about who you are writing your letter to and why, and choose the right level of formality.

Academic Reading texts sometimes have more difficult vocabulary or are more complex in style than IELTS General. As a result, you may have to answer more questions correctly on a General Training Reading test to get a particular band score .

Still unsure…?

Although students find it more challenging, we often find IELTS Academic is more in demand. Why? Because it gives you greater opportunities for work and study.

That’s why we offer an 8 week intensive course , to help you prepare for all parts of the IELTS Academic exam. And remember, this course can still help you prepare for General if that’s the route you want to take. Sign up now !

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

on the rise (exp): becoming greater or more numerous; increasing.

sit (v): take an examination.

body (n): an organised group of people.

pop up (pv): appear or occur suddenly.

get to know (exp): become familiar with (something/somebody).

slightly (adv): to a small degree; not considerably.

outline (v): give a summary of something.

pv = phrasal verb

exp = expression

adv = adverb

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Passing C1 Advanced Part 7: Reading and Use of English

• By: oxfordadmin
• Posted on 15/09/2021

Passing C1 Advanced Part 8: Reading and Use of English

• Posted on 06/10/2021

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IELTS Academic or General: Which is the Easiest Test?

• Updated On March 14, 2024
• Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

Having a stellar IELTS score is the key to moving to a foreign country to pursue higher education or a better lifestyle. The IELTS test is of two types: IELTS Academic (AC) and IELTS General Training (GT) . Candidates can take either of the tests based on their purpose of entering foreign countries such as the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, or Ireland.

Table of Contents

Both test types serve two different purposes. Over 3 million students attempt the IELTS test every year. The test scores are accepted by over 140 countries and 11,000 institutions across the world. 

Basic differences at a glance: 

• The IELTS Academic is for academic purposes and assesses your English language capabilities to study and thrive in an academic environment. 
• The IELTS General Training test is for other general purposes and analyses your language capacity to sustain everyday circumstances.

While the IELTS Speaking and Listening modules remain the same for both the test types (Academic and General), the passages and question types vary from each other in the Reading and Writing modules.

Considering the differences in purpose and structure, it is important for you to understand both test types in detail. Let us compare and contrast to find which is the easiest one and which suits your purposes the best. 

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IELTS Academic vs General Training: Major Differences

The IELTS Academic test is for candidates who want to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries. Since the language of instruction is primarily English in these countries, IELTS Academic ascertains the feasibility of the student to understanding course material during their higher studies.

On the other hand, IELTS General Training is typically asked as a requirement for non-English natives migrating to English-speaking countries. The IELTS General Training score is required by authorities to ensure that the applicant adequately speaks and understands English.

The format of both tests is almost the same. The first step is choosing which test best suits your needs and preparing for it accordingly. So, let’s take a closer look at them to see which one is most suited for you.

Which IELTS Test is Best For You? 

The best test for your journey depends upon the purpose of your trip. The test you need to take differs if you are a student or going to work. 

Below are some of the common purposes of moving abroad and the most appropriate tests for them. 

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IELTS Academic VS IELTS General Training

Now let us compare both the test types in their format, structure, content, and purpose. This will help you understand both the test in detail.

Check out the comparison below:

Now let us look at each of the features individually.

Read More: All About IELTS 

IELTS Academic vs General: Test Format

IELTS Academic and IELTS General have a common Listening and Speaking test with different Reading and Writing tests. Hence, it is recommended that applicants understand the difference in the IELTS Academic and General Training exam formats.

Here is a detailed explanation of the difference in the Reading and Writing sections of both the tests.

The duration and number of questions for the IELTS Reading test are the same for both the IELTS Academic Reading and IELTS General Training Reading tests. Both IELTS Academic and IELTS General candidates get 60 minutes to answer 40 questions set in the test.

You might come across some of the 14 different question sets in the IELTS Reading test.

The IELTS Reading question types are:

• Matching Headings
• Matching Paragraph Information
• Matching Features
• Matching Sentence Endings
• True/False/Not Given or Yes/No/Not Given
• Multiple Choices
• List of Options
• Choose a Title
• Short Answers
• Sentence Completion
• Summary Completion
• Table Completion
• Flow Chart Completion
•  Completion Diagrams

These questions assess the candidate’s ability to read, skim through passages, understand written English, and understand the logical argument. Here’s how both the tests are designed differently.

IELTS Academic Reading Test

The IELTS Academic Reading test has three long reading passages that assess the candidate’s factual, descriptive, and analytical knowledge.

Each long passage is followed by questions based on the test.

Questions in this paper range from matching headings and information, sentence formation and sentence completion, summarising, table and flowchart completion, and labeling flowcharts to subjectively answering short questions.

IELTS Academic Reading Test Overview:

The passages in the exam are not specialised or in-depth but are generic and invoke interest. Each passage chosen for the exam is taken from journals, articles, magazines, and news media to assess the candidate’s ability to study in English.

Each correct answer is awarded one mark, while there is a penalty for spelling and grammatical errors.

IELTS General Training Reading Test

In stark contrast to the IELTS Academic Test, the IELTS General Training Reading test has multiple short passages and one long passage spread across three different sections.

IELTS General Reading Test Overview:

The passages are distributed as follows:

• Section one: 2-3 short texts
• Section two: 2 short texts
• Section three: 1 long text

The test assesses the candidate for similar tasks as with the Academic Test in the first section. In the second section, the passages and questions are tailored to the realm of the workplace. Be prepared to answer questions in the context of job descriptions, workplace ethics, or staff training material.

The long passage will be slightly complicated compared to the Academic Test and test the candidate’s critical thinking, analytical, and instructive skills.

Each question carries one mark, and there is a penalty for spelling and grammar mistakes.

The IELTS Writin g Test is different from the IELTS Academic and IELTS General Writing tests. While both the test types consist of two tasks , the task types vary from one another. 

The word limit for task 1 is 150 words, and task 2 is 250 words .

Both tests are scheduled for 60 minutes . The recommended time for the first task is 20 minutes, and task 2 is 40 minutes.

Here’s how they differ.

IELTS Academic Writing Test

Get an overview of the IELTS Academic Writing Test: 

In the IELTS Academic Writing test, you have two tasks.

The tasks are:

• Task 1: You are asked to explain/summarise data presented in a table/chart/diagram/graph. Furthermore, you may be required to explain specific data, process the information, or draw a flowchart to reach a logical conclusion.
• Task 2: Task 2 is to give a written response to an argument in under 250 words. One crucial thing to remember is that the answer must not be articulated in bullets or pointers but thoughtfully written on the answer sheet. Additionally, the second task carries more marks than the first one.

IELTS General Training Writing Test

Get an overview of the IELTS General Writing Test: 

The tasks for the IELTS General Training Writing tasks are below.

• Task 1: Compose a formal or informal letter requesting information or explaining a situation in 150 words.
• Task 2: In the second task, the candidates will have to write an essay to respond to an argument/problem in 250 words. You will be required to explain, request something, or defend your position to a specific authority. Relevant examples should back the ideas and viewpoints expressed here, and the writing style should be personal/formal based on the context.

The IELTS Speaking test remains the same for both Academic and General tests. The test does not differ in structure, format, or question types.

IELTS Speaking Test Overview:

The Speaking test format comprises a verbal interview between the candidate and the examiner. All speaking tests are videotaped for efficient marking.

This portion assesses the English-speaking skills of the candidate and can last from 11 to 14 minutes .

This test component is divided into three sections , each designed to serve a distinct purpose in terms of interaction pattern, task input, and candidate output.

The IELTS Speaking parts are:

Part 1 (Interview): The examiner would ask broad questions about the individual, spanning from self-introduction to aspects like your interests, family, studies, and job. This round lasts around 4-5 minutes.

Part 2 (Individual Long Turn/Cue Card): This round is also the card IELTS Cue Card section . For this round, the candidate picks a card with a topic and has a generic talk over the subject. Candidates are given 1 minute to prepare for the topic and 2-3 minutes to speak. The examiner may follow up with questions on the subject.

Part 3 (Discussion): The examiner can question the candidate further about the topic covered in Part 2. This section lasts 4-5 minutes and allows the applicant to justify their opinions and discuss the topic in-depth.

The IELTS Listening section is the same for both the IELTS Academic and IELTS General tests.

You are expected to listen to four English recordings and answer a series of questions. Each recording is followed by 40 questions based on it.

This test lasts 30 minutes in total. The primary goal of this segment is to understand the candidates’ capacity to comprehend critical concepts, factual information, and the viewpoints and attitudes of speakers.

The IELTS Listening recording is as follows:

• Recording 1 : The first recording would feature a chat between two people in a typical, everyday social setting.
• Recording 2 : The second recording is a monologue set in an ordinary social setting.
• Recording 3 : This recording is a conversation between four people in an educational or training setting.
• Recording 4 : Finally, a monologue on an academic subject will be played.

IELTS Academic VS IELTS General (Reading and Writing): Major Differences

The basic difference between the IELTS Academic test and the IELTS General Training test occurs in their Reading and Writing modules. 

Let us check the basic differences: 

• The IELTS Academic Reading test contains three long passages. Each passage is distributed into each section of the test. 
• The IELTS General Reading test contains 4-6 passages. 2-3 short passages are available in section 1, 1-2 short passages are there in section 2, and one long passage is available in section 3. 
• The reading passages in the IELTS Academic test are of different types, including descriptive, factual, and analytical texts, and can also contain charts, graphs, and diagrams.
• The reading passages in the IELTS General test are shorter and easier ones. They are mostly on general and everyday topics. 
• Task 1 in the IELTS Academic Writing test is to explain the given information. The information is mostly provided in graphs,m pie charts, or diagrams. 
• Task 1 is the IELTS General Writing test in letter writing. 

IELTS Academic vs General: Score Comparison

The test score for the IELTS exam is marked on a band scale of 1 to 9 for each part of the test – Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. 

The total IELTS band score is determined by averaging the scores from all four modules, rounding to the nearest whole or half band. If the average score has a decimal of .25, it is rounded up to the next half band, and if it’s .75, it’s rounded up to the next whole band. If the average has any other fraction, the score is rounded down.

The IELTS band score and corresponding skill level are below:

Final Decision

Wondering which is easier, the IELTS Academic or General Training?

The final decision for your doubt between the IELTS Academic and General can be subjective. The easiest test for your plan can vary depending on the purpose of the journey.

Typically, the IELTS General Training test is likely to be less complicated than the Academic IELTS Test. Summarising a complicated graph or table can be more straightforward than writing a brief letter! 

The primary reason for this is that the Academic test requires expert comprehension skills and the ability to briefly summarise complex ideas precisely, clearly, and concisely. So, if you are preparing for the Academic test, then make sure you read and practice more texts and practice materials that are related to academic topics. Get a hang of the language usages and terms. 

The General Training Test is primarily based on the candidate’s ability to speak and understand English in a general social setting. However, it’s subjective to say since it varies from candidate to candidate. While preparing for your general test, make sure you read texts of different kinds, such as magazines, newspaper articles, and fictional pieces. 

Rather than ease, the need is more significant while making your decision. Consider the test type that is required for your plan.

IELTS General vs Academic: Which is Easy? Finding the best option for your study-abroad plan is important, and choosing the right guidance for your test is even more important. Leap’s IELTS Experts can aid you in your decision-making. Book a free call to get access to quality classes, practice tests, IELTS resources, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. should i enrol for the ielts academic or general training test.

A. If you intend to study at an undergraduate/postgraduate level/practise a profession, the Academic test is suitable. If you desire to relocate to an English-speaking country or study at an academic level lower than higher education, taking a General Training module is recommended. If you are still unclear, we recommend contacting the institution to which you are applying.

Q. How many questions are there in the IELTS General test?

A. The number of questions in the IELTS General test varies across each module. The number of questions are as follows:

– Writing Section – 2 tasks – Reading Section- 40 questions – Listening Section – 40 questions – Speaking Section – 3 parts

Q. How many questions are there in the IELTS General Training Writing Test?

A. There are two writing tasks in the IELTS General Training Writing Test. The first task is letter writing. You will have to draft a letter, either giving an explanation or asking for information. The minimum word limit for task 1 is 150 words. Task 2 is an essay question, and the minimum word limit is 250 words.

Q. Is the reading passage for the IELTS Academic Test complex?

A. The level of difficulty can vary according to your current level and the amount of preparation you take before attempting the test. The passages for the IELTS Academic Reading test are excerpts from magazines, newspapers, and journals. You will get three passages, followed by questions based on it. The texts are generally simpler and can be understood with ample practice and preparation.

Q. Can I take the General test for academic purposes?

A. Ideally, no. In general, the IELTS General Training test is for work, migration, and other purposes. For academic purposes, it is recommended to take the IELTS Academic test. It’s excellent to check with the college/university you are applying to.

Q. Are all the modules of the IELTS test held on the same day?

A. No, all the modules are not conducted on the same day. The Listening, Reading, and Writing tests are held on the same day. The Speaking test may fall on the same day as the other tests or any day up to a week before or after the test date. You can book your IELTS Speaking slot online on your preferred date and time.

Q. What are the important criteria to score well in your IELTS General test?

Your examiner determines your score based on a variety of factors. This includes how well you complete your task, the accuracy of your answer, the usage of grammatical structures, and your vocabulary. The usage of proper and different words and the comprehensiveness of your answers also matter.

Q. Can I exceed the word limit in the IELTS General test?

A. The rules for exceeding the word limit vary across modules. While exceeding your word limit is not an issue in your IELTS General Writing test, exceeding your word limit can be penalised for your Reading and Listening tests. Make sure you adhere to both the minimum and maximum word limits.

Q. Can I skip questions in the IELTS General Training test?

A. Yes, you are allowed to skip questions in your IELTS General Training test. If you find difficulty in answering a question, it is better to skip it rather than spend too much time on it. However, attempting as many questions as possible is recommended since you do not have any negative marking system for the test.

Q. Is the IELTS General Test easier than the IELTS Academic test?

A. The level of difficulty and easiness can vary depending on each individual’s potential. In general, the IELTS General test is considered easier than the IELTS Academic test. The General test assesses your English proficiency to sustain in a general English-speaking environment. In contrast, the Academic test analyses your language skills to study and sustain in an academic environment.

Q. Is there a negative marking in the IELTS test?

A. No, the IELTS test does not have a negative marking system. So, IELTS experts recommend attempting as many questions in your IELTS test. However, make sure you do not spend too much time on a difficult question. Instead, skip the question and move on to the next. In the end, if you get time, pick the question again and retry.

Know more about IELTS

Get free speaking practice samples.

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IELTS Important Information

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• IELTS Computer Based Test
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• IELTS One Skill Retake
• IELTS for UKVI
• IELTS Vocabulary

IELTS Test Centre and Dates in India

• IELTS Test Centre and Dates in Hyderabad
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The complete guide to IELTS test course

General overview.

• IELTS Exam FAQs Which module to choose: IELTS Academic vs General
• IELTS exam fees, places, and how to register?
• How long does the IELTS test last?
• Can IELTS be an alternative to TOEFL?
• IELTS score meaning with IELTS score chart
• IELTS Band Descriptors for Writing and Speaking

Writing Correction

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Which module to choose: IELTS Academic vs General

The choice of the type of IELTS exam is always at the discretion of the candidate and depends on your future goals, where and how you will use the issued certificate.

As a rule, the IELTS Academic module “AC” is chosen by candidates who are preparing to enter foreign universities. The general training module “GT” is most often required for secondary education, employment abroad, or immigration.

ALWAYS specify which module you need to take directly with the organization where you are going to submit your IELTS certificate. IELTS Academic Module

• Study in undergraduate or graduate programs almost anywhere in the world.
• Apply for a UK Student Visa (Tier 4) at a Tier 4 Sponsoring University.
• Work in an English speaking country.

IELTS General Module

• Study in non-degree programs (higher education)
• Work or receive work-related training in an English-speaking country
• Emigrate to an English speaking country
• Find another job in your country.

What is the difference between Academic and General, which module is easier?

All test takers take the same listening and speaking tests, but different reading and writing tests. 

The reading and writing parts of the IELTS general module are easier. For example, the first writing task in the General Module is to write a letter, while in the Academic Module it is to describe a schedule.

Both modules consist of 4 parts:

Listening – 40 min

Reading – 60 min

Writing – 60 min

Speaking – 11-14 minutes

IELTS academic vs general

So, Listening and speaking are the same for IELTS Academic and General. Tasks and time for completion are absolutely identical for both modules.

The key difference is in the Writing and Reading parts.

IELTS Academic TASKS

READING – 3 long texts of an academic nature with an abundance of complex words and terms, for example, about whales, space, dams, etc.

WRITING – Academic task 1 to describe the graph (several types of graphs: tables, maps, process, etc.) + an essay on an academic topic – education, crime, learning languages, etc.

IELTS General Module Tasks

READING – The texts in parts 1 and 2 are shorter and lighter than in Academic, as they are on more general topics (eg, advertisements, magazine articles, booklets, management, employment, etc.). 3rd part – a long text about animals, birds, etc. It is tested whether you can understand texts on everyday topics while living in an English-speaking country.

WRITING – write a formal or informal letter to a friend, boss or organization + an essay on a general topic (much easier, academic module). Topics are easier than in IELTS Academic – for example, about zoos, house or apartment, celebrities.

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IELTS General Vs. Academic – Differences, Similarities and Scenario

(IELTS) - International English language Testing System is a system that conducts an exam that helps you to work, study or migrate to any country in the world where English is the native language.

It is jointly owned and conducted by the British Council, IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English.

This language test has two types of format; IELTS Academic and IELTS general training. The candidate can appear in either Academic or General Training as per their requirement. Ultimately, these types of tests assess English language proficiency in listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Although many students get confused regarding the test format that they should appear in. So in this article, we will explore the difference between General Vs. Academic. Because many of the applicants want to know which test to choose. The answer to this depends upon the purpose of appearing the test.

This article is for those who what to study abroad, get a job abroad, or migrate abroad. So before booking your test, please go through this article to know which test is appropriate for you.

IELTS Academic

Simply speaking, this test measures whether your proficiency in the English language is suitable for academics or not. It measures whether you are ready or not for your study or training.

So, this test is mainly for those who want to pursue an under or post-graduate program in an English-speaking country or work in an English-speaking country for any professional organization.

IELTS General Training

IELTS general training measures English language proficiency in a practical and day-to-day context. All the questions reflect both the workplace and social settings.

One should take this test if he wants to study or train below degree level, work or undertake work-related training in an English-speaking country, migrate to the English-speaking country, and finally to get another job in your own country.

Now, if you have decided to apply for IELTS, you may already know that in both IELTS, either general or Academic, there are 4 parts; Writing (tasks 1 & 2), Reading, Listening and Speaking.

Let us discover the differences with respect to all these 4 parts;

Writing task 2, listening test, and Speaking test are the same. In writing task two, the candidate will be asked to write an essay; you will be given a topic and 40 minutes of time to write an essay in 250 words.

In the listening, the test will have to hear 4 audio recordings. It may be a conversational or solo speech, and you have to answer 40 questions from the recordings. You will be given 30-40 minutes for this.

In the speaking test, a candidate is interviewed; it will include 3 parts; the interview, the short presentation, and the discussion. You will be given 11-14 minutes.

So, the only difference between modules of IELTS general training and IELTS academic are in tests of writing task 1 and reading.

So, how are they different? Let's start with Writing task 1. In general, test writing task 1 includes describing and analyzing the data from the given charts, graphs, tables, and diagrams. And in general training, you need to write a letter in one of the following styles, formal semi-formal, and informal. You will be given 20 minutes for this task in both types of exams. And the word limit for this task is a minimum of 150 words.

In the reading task for academics, there will be 3 long passages with increasing difficulties; these passages are mostly in an academic style related to sciences, social science, or history. For general training, there will be 4 passages with increasing length and difficulty. The nature of these passages are general, like an advertisement, notices, travel brochures, job descriptions, employment contracts, etc. In both the tests, you need to complete the task in 60 minutes (50 minutes for reading passages and 10 minutes to transfer the answer onto the answer sheets) 

Between the IELTS Academic and IELTS general, which one is appropriate for you? Let's learn through the various scenarios;

Vikram wants to apply to the University in the USA, wants to study MBA at one of the universities. Although he has his graduate degree from English speaking university in India, the University of the USA requested an IELTS score. To get admission, Vikram will need to complete the IELTS academic.

Arshdeep is a physiotherapist from Punjab, India. He is currently living in Toronto, Canada, and now he wants to apply for registration with the Physiotherapist Board of Canada. To do so, he will need to complete the IELTS Academic.

Prashant is an I.T. professional from India. He has applied for a job in an I.T. company in London. The company asked for proof of his proficiency in the English language. For this, Prashant needs to complete the IELTS academic.

Samir visited San Francisco last year, and accidentally, he met the love of his life. Now he wants to migrate to the U.S . to be with her. As a part of his application for immigration, he will need to complete IELTS general.

So, these are the significant differences between the IELTS general and IELTS academic. Keeping the simple, you need to give IELTS academic if you want to get admission in any English-speaking university or for any professional registration. On the other hand, you have to appear for the IELTS general if you are planning to migrate to any English-speaking country.

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IELTS Academic and IELTS General: diffirences and similarities

There are two modules of the IELTS exam – Academic (Ac) and General (Gt). It is up to you to decide which module to take and it depends on your further goals, where and how you will use the IELTS certificate.

IELTS Academic is usually chosen for admission to foreign universities. IELTS General is usually chosen for secondary education, employment abroad, or immigration.

ALWAYS specify which module you need to take directly at the organization where you intend to provide your certificate. Academic module

•     Gives you an opportunity to apply for undergraduate or graduate programs almost anywhere in the world.
•     Used for application for a UK student visa (Tier 4).
•     For working in an English-speaking country.

General module

•     Apply to non-degree programs (higher education)
•     Work or job-related training in an English-speaking country
•     Emigration to an English-speaking country
•     Employment Abroad

What is the difference between Academic or General and which module is easier?

Both modules consist of 4 sections: Listening (listening) - 40 min Reading - 60 min Writing - 60 min Speaking - 11-14 minutes

Listening and speaking are the same for IELTS Academic and General. The tasks and timings are the same for both modules. The key difference is in the Writing and Reading parts. IELTS Academic Tasks

READING - 3 long academic texts with an excessive number of complex words and terms, for example about whales, space, dams, etc.

WRITING - describe a graph (several types of graphs: tables, maps, process, etc.) + academic essay - training, crimes, language learning, etc.

Reading General Sample Tasks

READING - texts in parts 1 and 2 are shorter and easier than in Academic, the topics are more general (for example, advertisements, magazine articles, booklets, management, employment, etc.). Part 3 - a long text about animals, birds, etc. It is checked whether you can, while living in an English-speaking country, understand texts on everyday topics.

    WRITING - write a formal or informal letter to a friend, boss or organization + essay on a general topic. Themes are easier than in IELTS Academic - for example, about zoos, a house or an apartment, celebrities.

So, IELTS General is easier than IELTS Academic because of the Reading and Writing assignments; which one to take is up to you.

How to master IELTS Writing: Task 1 & Task 2

• How to write an answer to ANY type of Essay task
• How to write an answer to ANY type of Graph task
• How to structure your answer
• What to write in each paragraph
• What grammar to use
• How to link your ideas
• What vocabulary to use
• What you should write to get a high score

Bonus: IELTS Punctuation PDF Guide Everything you want to know to have correct punctuation in your IELTS Writing for 7.0-9.0 Score (31 pages, .PDF)

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The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is designed to help you achieve your ambition of working, studying or moving to a country where English is spoken.

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• Which IELTS test should I take?

Take your IELTS Academic test

Ielts academic – get ready for a higher education environment.

The IELTS Academic test measures whether you have the level of English language proficiency needed for an academic, higher education environment. It reflects some of the features of academic language and assesses whether you are ready to begin studying or training.

Take this test if you want to:

• study at either undergraduate or postgraduate level anywhere in the world
• apply for Tier 4 Student Visa at a university that is a Tier 4 Sponsor in the UK
• work in a professional organisation in an English speaking country. 

You can take the test on paper or on a computer . Both test formats will take place at one of our official test centres, or you can take it remotely with IELTS Online . 

If you need a visa for working or studying in the UK, then in some cases you may need to take IELTS for UK Visas and Immigration or IELTS Life Skills . 

Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes (Listening, Reading and Writing) + 11-14 minutes (Speaking)

Format: There are four sections to the test: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. When you book your IELTS test with the British Council, the test will take place in an official British Council IELTS test centre, whether you take the test on paper or on a computer.

If you take your test on paper, your Speaking test may be offered on the same day as the other sections of the test, or up to 3 days before or 1 day after. You will receive notification seven days in advance if your Speaking test is on a different day to your main test day.

If you take your test on a computer, you have a free choice of Speaking test dates and venues.

With IELTS Online , you can take your test at home or any private location with a stable internet connection. 

If you choose this option, you will write the answers to the Listening, Reading and Writing sections on your computer. The Speaking test will be conducted with a trained IELTS Examiner via an online video call.

IELTS Academic test Part 1: Listening Tasks

Duration: 30 minutes plus 10 minutes to transfer your responses to the answer sheet

Format: Four audio recordings in varying accents. 

You will write your answers using: 

• multiple choice
• diagram labelling
• sentence completion.

You will listen to four recordings of native English speakers and then write your answers to a series of questions.

• Recording 1 – a conversation between two people set in an everyday social context.
• Recording 2 – a monologue set in an everyday social context, e.g. a speech about local facilities.
• Recording 3 – a conversation between up to four people set in an educational or training context, e.g. a university tutor and a student discussing an assignment.
• Recording 4 – a monologue on an academic subject, e.g. a university lecture.

Assessors will be looking for evidence of your ability to understand the main ideas and detailed factual information, the opinions and attitudes of speakers, the purpose of a word and evidence of your ability to follow the development of ideas.

Please note:

*In the computer-delivered Listening test, the timings are slightly different from the paper-based test. This is because the paper-based test requires users to transfer answers to an answer sheet. This step becomes redundant when answering directly on a computer. 

• Before the start of each part of the Listening test you will have some time to read the questions.
• After the end of each part of the Listening test you will have some time to review your answers.
• At the end of the Listening test, you will have 2 minutes to check your answers.
• The timing of the Listening test is between 30 – 34 minutes.

IELTS Academic test Part 2: Reading Tasks

Duration: 60 minutes

• Three long reading passages with tasks (including diagrams, graphs or illustrations
• Texts range from descriptive and factual to the discursive and analytical.

The Reading section consists of 40 questions, designed to test a wide range of reading skills. These include skim reading, reading for main ideas, reading for detail, understanding logical arguments and recognising writers' opinions, attitudes and purpose.

This section includes three long texts which range from factual information to discussion pieces and analysis. These are taken from books, journals, magazines and newspapers. They have been selected for a non-specialist audience but are appropriate for people entering university courses or seeking professional registration.

IELTS Academic test Part 3: Writing Tasks

• One written task to describe, explain or summarise text or diagrams (minimum 150 words)
• One essay task (minimum 250 words).

Topics are of general interest to, and suitable for, test takers entering undergraduate and postgraduate studies or seeking professional registration. There are two tasks:

• Task 1 – you will be presented with a graph, table, chart or diagram and asked to describe, summarise or explain the information in your own words. You may be asked to describe and explain data, describe the stages of a process, how something works or describe an object or event.
• Task 2 – you will be asked to write an essay in response to a point of view, argument or problem. 

Responses to both tasks must be in a formal style.

IELTS Academic test Part 4: Speaking Tasks

Duration: 10 - 14 minutes

• Face-to-face interview with your examiner including short questions about familiar topics and speaking in detail about one topic.
• Please note: depending on the test centre location, you may be required to book the Speaking section of your test on a different day.

The speaking section assesses your use of spoken English. Every test is recorded.

• Part 1 - the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics, such as home, family, work, studies and interests. This part lasts between four and five minutes.
• Part 2  - you will be given a card which asks you to talk about a particular topic. You will have one minute to prepare before speaking for up to two minutes. The examiner will then ask one or two questions on the same topic.
• Part 3 - you will be asked further questions about the topic in Part 2. These will give you the opportunity to discuss more abstract ideas and issues. This part of the test lasts between four and five minutes.

Be prepared that the whole test session including registration and change of exam papers may take up to 5 hours.

Some of our IELTS test centres deliver the IELTS Speaking test via video calls. This means more flexibility and more availability of IELTS Speaking tests. 

You will take the Video-Call Speaking test at an official IELTS test centre with the same high standard of identity verification. The test will be exactly the same as the in-person Speaking test in terms of content, scoring, timing, level of difficulty, question format and security arrangements.  Delivered by an IELTS Speaking Examiner, the video-call Speaking test will maintain the face-to-face feature of the in-person Speaking test.

Book your IELTS Academic test

Success starts with IELTS. If your goal is to study at university or work in an English speaking country, then IELTS academic is the right test for you.

At the British Council, we are committed to providing you with the support you need to enable you to do well in the test. When you book with us, you get free unlimited access to IELTS Ready Premium . 

Find an IELTS Academic test date

Before booking your test, make sure to check which test you need with the organisations you are applying to.

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Do IELTS test dates differ between Academic and General Training modules?

Yes, the availability of IELTS test dates may differ between the Academic and General Training modules. In India, while the Academic version is available on all 48 dates per year, the General Training module is available on 24 dates. This means that there are fewer test dates available for the General Training module compared to the Academic module. It’s important to consider this difference when planning to take the IELTS exam and to choose the module that aligns with your specific requirements, whether it’s for academic purposes or general training, such as work or migration. Additionally, it’s advisable to check the specific test dates and availability at your chosen test center well in advance to ensure you can book a slot that fits your schedule

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Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership

The Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) is designed for professionals and executives who are interested in expanding their careers in applied research in hospitality businesses, leading to career growth and acquiring opportunities related to teaching, consulting, and senior leadership roles. DGHL will also prepare current educators and university administrators, who want to achieve tenure track faculty and leadership positions in colleges and universities.

Candidates in the Doctorate in Global Hospitality Leadership (DGHL) will take courses in cohorts, focusing on real-world research applications and engaging in dissertation requirements without discontinuing and disrupting their professional careers. Classes in this degree program are 100 % online.

The DGHL program is a 3-year professional non-residential program. Students take three courses per semester (Spring and Fall). In the third year, the students focus on their dissertations. The number of credits required to earn the degree is 54.

DGHL is designed for professionals with extensive industry experience and educators who already hold a Master of Science degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management or other advanced degrees.

Admission requirements:

Applicants will be required to submit the following materials for admission to the DGHL program:

• Online Application—Apply Texas System
• Statement of Intent
• Official College Transcripts— Recommended Master’s degree cumulative grade point average (GPA) is 3.0 or higher. 
• Three Letters of Recommendation

International applicants will also be required to submit:

• Official TOEFL or IELTS Scores—must comply with the English proficiency requirements set by the University of Houston.

After applicants pass the paper-review process, the admission committee will interview each candidate for admission decisions.  

Courses Include:

• Current Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities in the Global Hospitality Industry
• Principles of Research Methods and Design
• Quantitative Data Analysis
• Teaching Methods I
• Theories in Hospitality
• Research Colloquium I
• Advanced Hospitality Quantitative Analysis
• Qualitative Data Analysis
• Research Colloquium II
• Strategic decision making in hospitality management
• Hospitality Project and Program Development, Assessment, and Sustainability
• Research Colloquium III
• Teaching Methods II
• Dissertation Research Proposal (Independent Study)
• Doctoral Seminar on Global Hospitality Leadership
• Dissertation I
• Dissertation II

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Study Abroad: Australia has Introduced New Rules for International Students and Temporary Graduate Visa

• Updated on  
• May 21, 2024

Australia is a very popular destination to study abroad for international students. Currently, the Australian government has made many changes to the rules governing foreign education and the settlement of immigrants in the country. The Australian Government’s Migration Strategy was released on 11th December, 2023. The strategy will further strengthen the integrity and quality of Australia’s international education programs, protect the international students and support the graduates to attain their goals.

Want to Study in Canada? Get to Know the Online and Offline Application Process for Student Visa

New Rules for International Students in Australia 2024

Check below the new rules announced by Australia for international students:

• New Financial Capacity Requirement: From 10th May onwards, the financial requirement for student and student guardian visas will be set at 29710 dollars for each student.
• TOEFL iBT Reinstated for Visa: Tests that will be taken between 26th July 2023, and 4th May 2024 will not be considered valid. However, tests taken before 26th July 2023, remain valid for two years. 
• New English Language Requirements: While submitting the visa application, students are required to show proof of their English Language. 

IRCC Public Consultations for Annual Immigration Targets is Now Open

Upcoming Changes to Study in Australia

Check some of the upcoming changes to study in Australia:

• The validity of a temporary graduate visa will be reduced from 1st July 2024. This visa will give time to gain valuable work experience and demonstrate their skills to Australian employers.
• The new age limit for temporary graduate visas will be reduced to 35 years of age or under from 1st July 2024.

For more visa and immigration news and daily news updates follow Leverage Edu and start your study abroad journey today!

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• IELTS tests IELTS Academic IELTS General Training IELTS UKVI IELTS One Skill Retake LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS Academic? How can I book an IELTS test? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test Find a test centre WAYS TO TAKE IELTS ACADEMIC IELTS on paper IELTS on computer IELTS Online IELTS One Skill Retake LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS General Training? How can I book an IELTS test? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test Find a test centre WAYS TO TAKE IELTS GENERAL TRAINING IELTS on paper IELTS on computer IELTS One Skill Retake LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS UKVI? How to book an IELTS UKVI test? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test Find a test centre WAYS TO TAKE IELTS UKVI IELTS on paper IELTS on computer LEARN ABOUT THIS TEST What is IELTS One Skill Retake? How to book IELTS One Skill Retake? Reschedule or cancel an IELTS test Where is IELTS One Skill Retake available? READ MORE ABOUT IELTS ONE SKILL RETAKE Who accepts IELTS One Skill Retake? How do you get your IELTS One Skill Retake results? FIND THE RIGHT TEST IELTS for study IELTS for work IELTS for migration

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Federal Budget 2024-25: What it means for skilled migrants and international students

Discover how the 2024-25 Federal Budget affects international students, skilled workers, and their families. Get essential insights for your plans to work, live, or study in Australia

On May 14th, 2024, the Australian Government released the Federal Budget for 2024-25. This budget includes some announcements that impact international students, skilled workers, and migration.

If you’re planning to work, live or study in Australia, we’ve collected the important highlights from the announcement that may impact you.

In this article, we will focus on announcements that affect the following visa subclasses:

Student visa (subclass 500)

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)

Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)

Employer-Sponsored visa (subclass 186)

Book IELTS for migration

Permanent migration program announcements.

2024–25 Permanent Migration Program planning level is set at a total of 185,000 places , with 132,200 places (around 70 per cent) allocated to the Skill stream:

Employer-sponsored visa (subclass 186) places will increase to 44,000

Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) will be reduced to 16,900

State-nominated visa (subclass 190) will increase to 33,000

Read more about the Migration Program Planning levels on the Department of Home Affairs website

Changes affecting international students

The Government had several recent announcements that affect international students applying to and graduating from Australian universities and educational providers. We have compiled the key highlights below.

Student visa (subclass 500) announcements:

1. changes to the minimum english requirement:.

Student visa increased from IELTS (or equivalent) 5.5 to 6.0.

IELTS One Skill Retake is eligible for this visa subclass and is accepted by most Australian universities. Check with your university or get in touch with our student counsellors for more details.

Book IELTS for study

2. Genuine Student requirement

The Government has replaced the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement for student visas with a Genuine Student (GS) requirement. This is effective for student visa applications lodged on and after 23 March 2024.

All applicants for a student visa must be a genuine applicant for entry. They must stay as a student and be able to show an understanding that studying in Australia is the primary reason of their student visa. The GS requirement is intended to include students who, after studying in Australia, develop skills Australia needs and who then go on to apply for permanent residence.

3. Financial capacity

From 10 May 2024, the amount of money that Student and Student Guardian visa applicants need to have to be eligible for the visa is increasing.

Read the announcement on the Department of Home Affairs website and see the table which outlines the funds you need to show to meet the minimum financial capacity requirement.

4. The Government to introduce international student caps

The number of places for international students is being capped, the details to be determined in negotiations with universities, as part of the Draft International Education and Skills Strategic Framework.

The Framework will support the sustainability, quality, and integrity of Australia’s education sector, and the limit on international students will be determined on a provider-by-provider basis.

Each institution will have their own maximum allocation for international student enrolments, which will be determined based on several factors, including the provision of student accommodation.

This proposed legislation sets to ensure that Australia continues to provide high-quality education and training to the world.

Read the Minister of Education’s joint media release .

Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) announcements:

1. changes to the minimum english requirement.

increased from IELTS (or equivalent) 6.0 to 6.5

scores must be from a single sitting/attempt

Book IELTS for your Temporary Graduate visa

2. re-alignment of the temporary graduate visa streams to levels of study.

The Government is looking to restructure graduate visas in to help align post-study work rights with actual career prospects.

There will be changes that will take effect from 1 July 2024, subject to the passage of legislative documents, to re-align the Temporary Graduate visa streams to levels of study.

The maximum eligible age for Post-Vocational Education Work stream (formerly called the Graduate Work stream) and Post-Higher Education Work stream (formerly called the Post-Study Work stream) applicants will reduce to 35 years of age or under.

The ‘select degree’ 2 year extension will cease.

Stay periods will change to the following:

Bachelor degree (including honours) – up to 2 years

Masters (coursework and extended) – up to 2 years

Masters (research) and doctoral degree (PhD) – up to 3 years.

Hong Kong and British National Overseas passport holders may be able to stay for up to 5 years.

Stay periods for Indian nationals, as agreed in the Australia India – Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), remain as:

Bachelor degree (with first class honours in STEM, including ICT) – up to 3 years

Masters (coursework, extended and research) – up to 3 years

Doctoral degrees (PhD) – up to 4 years.

Read more about these updates on the Temporary Graduate visa page and on the Department of Home Affairs website for the official announcement.

Changes to the minimum English requirement for Student and Temporary Graduate visas:

*changes were announced and have taken effect starting march 23, 2024., changes affecting skilled workers and migrants, temporary skill shortage (subclass 482) announcements:.

The Government will also reduce the work experience requirement for the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) visa from two years to one year for all applicants from 23 November 2024 onwards.

This will allow a greater proportion of temporary migrants to secure permanent residence in a timely manner through the Temporary Residence Transition Stream.

With the lowered experience requirement, more people, including international students with 485 visas, will be eligible for this visa. Additionally, since the 482 visa is temporary, it is not subject to the federal government's allocated number of permanent residency visas.

Minimum IELTS score needed:

Short term stream: Overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 4.5 in each of the test components.

Medium term stream: Overall band score of at least 5.0 with a score of at least 5 in each of the test components.

The scores need to be from a single sitting/attempt.

Employer-Sponsored visa (subclass 186) announcements:

The Government has announced an increase in Employer-sponsored visa (subclass 186) places to 44,000 , which is a 20% increase compared to this year.

Direct Entry stream - competent English (IELTS score or at least 6 for each of the 4 components)

Temporary Residence Transition stream - competent English (IELTS score or at least 6 for each of the 4 components)

IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted for this visa subclass, you can check more on the Department of Home Affairs website or your migration agent for more details.

Read about IELTS General Training for migration

Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES)

The Government will implement a new Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) program for Indian nationals from 1 November 2024.

MATES will be open to Indian nationals who meet the eligibility requirements, which includes a minimum English requirement.

MATES will provide a new mobility pathway for 3,000 Indian graduates and early career professionals (aged 18 to 30 years at the time of application), with knowledge and skills in targeted fields of study to live and work in Australia for up to two years. The visa will have a pre-application (ballot) charge of $25 and an application charge of $365, both of which will be indexed to the consumer price index in future years. This measure is part of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA). As part of the MMPA, the Government also lengthened the validity of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) Business Visitor stream for Indian nationals from up to three years to up to five years.

have proficient English language skills (overall IELTS or equivalent score of at least 6, with a minimum score of 5 for each of the four parts)

Read the official MATES fact-sheet

Other visa announcements:

A new National Innovation visa will be introduced, replacing the current Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858) from late 2024.

Currently, the Global Talent visa has a minimum English requirement of providing evidence of functional English (an average IELTS band score of at least 4.5 based on the 4 test components), otherwise applicants must pay a second instalment of their visa application charge.

We will update on whether the National Innovation visa will have the same minimum English requirements once the visa has been formally introduced.

The Business Innovation and Investment Visa Program (BIIP) will cease.

IELTS for migration

With IELTS, you choose how you take your test based on what it is you want to do.

Depending on your goals, you can choose between IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training. The General Training test is used for work or migration purposes . The Academic test is usually for entry into university or professional registration.

You can even choose between taking the IELTS on computer  or  on paper. 

From maximising your chances of success on  your immigration application  to  helping you achieve your career goals,  your IELTS result will bring you one step closer to your migration goals. 

IELTS is accepted as proof of English language proficiency for study, work and migration in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the UK. It's recognised by more than  12,000  organisations, including educational institutions, employers, professional associations and governments, in over 140 countries around the world.

By choosing IELTS, you will establish yourselves with an English language test that sets you up to succeed from day one in your study, work and migration goals.

Read IELTS success stories

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University of California academic workers strike to stand up for pro-Palestinian protesters

University of California, Santa Cruz graduate students and other academic workers in the UAW 4811 union begin a strike and are joined by UCSC students for Justice in Palestine as they picket the main entrance to campus on Monday, May 20, 2024, in Santa Cruz, Calif. (Shmuel Thaler/The Santa Cruz Sentinel via AP)

FILE - Police approach demonstrators inside a pro-Palestinian encampment on the UCLA campus, May 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. Graduate students at the University of California, Santa Cruz walked off their jobs and went on strike Monday, May 20, the first campus to do so as part of a systemwide protest against a public university they say has violated the speech rights of pro-Palestinian advocates. They say arrests of protesters at UCLA and elsewhere constitute an unfair labor practice. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File)

FILE - Police advance on pro-Palestinian demonstrators in an encampment on the UCLA campus, May 2, 2024, in Los Angeles. Graduate students at the University of California, Santa Cruz walked off their jobs and went on strike Monday, May 20, the first campus to do so as part of a systemwide protest against a public university they say has violated the speech rights of pro-Palestinian advocates. They say arrests of protesters at UCLA and elsewhere constitute an unfair labor practice. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

FILE - Police wrestle a pro-Palestinian protester to the ground to put wrist restraints on him at the University of California, Irvine, after police began to move protesters and an encampment off the quad, May 15, 2024, in Irvine, Calif. Graduate students at the University of California, Santa Cruz walked off their jobs and went on strike Monday, May 20, the first campus to do so as part of a systemwide protest against a public university they say has violated the speech rights of pro-Palestinian advocates. They say arrests of protesters at UCLA and elsewhere constitute an unfair labor practice. (Leonard Ortiz/The Orange County Register via AP, File)

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SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Graduate students at the University of California, Santa Cruz walked off their jobs and went on strike Monday, the first campus to do so as part of a systemwide protest against a public university they say has violated the speech rights of pro-Palestinian advocates.

United Auto Workers Local 4811 represents 48,000 graduate students who work as teaching assistants, tutors, researchers and other academic employees on the 10-campus UC system. Organizers said the campuses will not strike all at once, opting instead for rolling strikes, to protest the arrests and forcible ejection by police of union members who participated in demonstrations calling for an end to the war in Gaza.

Rebecca Gross, a UC Santa Cruz graduate student in literature and union leader, said at least 1,500 people were on strike Monday and had no plans to return to work until the union reaches a deal with the university. Students and researchers are not teaching, grading or working in their labs, and they are withholding data, she said.

“Police were unleashed and given the go-ahead to arrest protesters,” at the Los Angeles , San Diego and Irvine campuses, she said.

University officials say the strike is unlawful and in violation of the union’s contract, which prohibits work stoppages. Both sides have filed unfair labor practice complaints with the California Public Employment Relations Board.

The union is demanding amnesty for all academic employees, students and faculty who face disciplinary action or arrest due to the protests. It’s also seeking divestment from UC’s investments in weapons makers, contractors and companies aiding Israel in its war against Hamas, among other issues.

Tobias Higbie, a labor historian and director of the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment at UCLA, said it is not unusual for unions to flex their muscle over broad workplace issues that are not narrowly tied to wages and benefits.

“They’re not everyday events, and maybe not even every year events,” he said. “But they’re not unheard of.”

The union’s action may be surprising to some, but so was what happened at UCLA earlier this month, Higbie said. On May 1, police in riot gear ordered the dispersal of more than a thousand people gathered on campus to support Palestine, and warned that those who refused to leave would face arrest.

The night before, police had waited to intervene as counter-protesters attacked the pro-Palestinian encampment, causing injuries. California Gov. Gavin Newsom denounced the delay.

Scott Hernandez-Jason, an assistant vice chancellor with UC Santa Cruz, said afternoon classes are being conducted remotely Monday.

“Our primary goal is to minimize the disruptive impact, especially given the many educational and research challenges that have affected students and researchers in recent years,” he said in an email. “Academic and operational continuity is essential to the University of California’s education and research mission and a core responsibility to our students.”

Who is Barron Trump? What to know about Donald Trump's son graduating high school

Former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, will graduate high school on Friday, but what's next for him?

What to know about Oxbridge Academy

Barron is set to graduate from Oxbridge Academy in Palm Beach, Florida, an elite preparatory school for grades six through 12. The school prides itself on its annual 100% college acceptance rate, with half of the graduates attending a top 100 U.S. university or a top 50 liberal arts college

More: Oxbridge asks media, onlookers to stay away from graduation for Barron Trump, other seniors

Who is Barron Trump?

18-year-old Barron is the youngest and sole child of Donald and Melania.

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Where is Barron Trump's graduation? 

The graduation is being held at Oxbridge Academy but is "private, by invitation only," as reported by The Palm Beach Post.

Where is Barron Trump's college plan?

No official statement has yet been issued, but Donald and three of his older children, including Donald Jr., Ivanka, and Tiffany, all attended the University of Pennsylvania.

More: Barron Trump "declined" delegate invite to GOP convention, Melania Trump said in statement

Is Donald Trump's son involved in politics? 

Although Barron is old enough to vote for his father in November, he won't be casting a ballot as a delegate at this summer's Republican National Convention, as was previously announced.

The Palm Beach Post reported that Melania issued a statement through her office saying that while the 18-year-old was "honored" to have been offered the opportunity, he declined the offer. The statement cited Barron's "prior commitments" for the decision but did not elaborate.