International English Language Testing System – Academic
The world's most recognised English test for higher education and professional registration
Quick Stats
What is IELTS Academic?
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the world's most popular high-stakes English language test. The Academic version is designed for people applying for undergraduate or postgraduate university programmes or professional registration in English-speaking countries. Results are reported as a Band score from 0 to 9 in 0.5 increments.
IELTS Academic
For university entry, postgraduate study, and professional registration (medicine, nursing, etc.).
IELTS General Training
For secondary education, work experience, and migration to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK.
Test Format
| Section | Parts | Questions | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Listening | 4 | 40 | approximately 30 min | 4 recordings, heard once. Different accents used. |
Reading | 3 | 40 | 60 min | 3 academic passages, progressively harder. |
Writing | 2 | 2 | 60 min | Task 1: Visual information — chart, table, graph, process or map (20 min). Task 2: Essay (40 min). |
Speaking | 3 | 3 | 11–14 min | Live face-to-face interview. May be on different day. |
Scoring System
IELTS Academic uses a Band 0–9 scale. Each skill (Listening, Reading, Writing, Speaking) is scored individually, then combined into an overall score.
Band 9
Expert user
Band 8
Very good user
Band 7
Good user (typical target)
Band 6
Competent user
Band 5
Modest user
Who Accepts It
United Kingdom
- University Entry
- Visa Applications
- Professional Registration
Australia
- University Entry
- Skilled Migration
- Professional Registration
Canada
- Immigration
- University Entry
USA
- University Entry (1,000+ institutions)
New Zealand
- University Entry
- Skilled Migration
How to Register
- 1
Visit ielts.org to find a test centre near you
- 2
Choose Academic or General Training and select your date
- 3
Complete registration and pay the test fee (varies by country, approx. CAD $340 in Canada)
- 4
Receive confirmation and test day guidelines
- 5
Results available online 13 days after test date (paper-based) or within 3–5 days (computer-based)
- 6
You can order additional TRFs (Test Report Forms) for institutions
Test Day Tips
Bring your original national passport — photocopies are not accepted.
Speaking may be scheduled on a different day. Confirm your speaking appointment.
You can underline, highlight, and make notes on Reading and Listening booklets.
For Writing, write clearly. Illegible handwriting affects marking.
On the computer-delivered format, enter Listening answers directly as you go — there is no separate transfer time.
For Speaking, expand your answers beyond single sentences. Use examples and details.
Frequently Asked Questions
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