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© British Council

Study in the UK

With a strong reputation for research and education, UK universities and colleges attract some of the world’s leading academics and industry professionals. The UK is a welcoming place for students of all nationalities and faiths and will offer you opportunities to experience its unique culture, cities and countryside.

Take IELTS is the best way to prove you have the right language skills to study in the UK. IELTS tests are accepted by the UKVI as proof of English proficiency for those wishing to live, work, or study in the UK. All UK universities and colleges accept IELTS results.

Download our free guide to studying or working in the UK

Student testimonials from UK

Why they have chosen IELTS

"IELTS is much more recognised for my chosen school than other language proficiency tests."

Immanuel Cedrik Forbes, Presidential Management Staff, IELTS score 8

"IELTS is the most recognised English proficiency test worldwide and I believe it is very beneficial for my future when I apply for jobs or further studies."

Chanoknan Arkkarapatchayaporn, Assumption University of Thailand, IELTS score 6.5

"IELTS is the preferred English test for universities in the UK."

PIMCHANOKCHOTIKAMAS, CHULALONGKORN, IELTS score 7

"I think IELTS is the best way to develop your English. Other tests mainly focus on improving your test-taking skills."

Yunsu Park, Korea University / Prain Global Inc., IELTS score 6

"Because I liked the format of IELTS, the test seemed easier."

ArusaShaishana, Muangthong Aluminium Industry co.,ltd., IELTS score 7

"I preferred speaking to a real person instead of a computer for the Speaking test."

Huai-ching Liu, NCCU, IELTS score 7.5

"I choose IELTS because I could talk to the examiner when I was taking the speaking exam. He/She could adjust topics based on the level of the candidate. This makes candidates feel more comfortable."

Nga Ieng Wong, Douglas International Education Centre, IELTS score 6.5

"Easy and simple."

Monica Manalu, ABB, IELTS score 7.5

"Most of my friends recommended IELTS to me."

Nur Hanisah Ali, UiTM, IELTS score 7

"IELTS is highly recommended by teachers."

Meghana Rathanakumar, St. Margaret's Co-educational English Secondary and Primary School, IELTS score 8.5

Why they have chosen to take IELTS with the British Council

"British Council IELTS offers better service and great conditions."

Xiongfeng Lei, Shenzhen University, IELTS score 6

"British Council’s reliable staff are very accommodating."

Michael Jay Panes, Capiz Emmanuel HospitalRoyal, IELTS score 7.5

"I chose British Council IELTS because it was convenient and accessible."

Nasirah Nur Ibrahim, University Teknologi MARA (UiTM), IELTS score 7.5

"I took IELTS because I planned to study in a British university. British Council's online study materials were useful and easily accessible for self study."

Arun Kanhirangattil Radhakrishnan, University of Calicut, IELTS score 7.5

Work in the UK

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) uses the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) to gauge a visa applicant’s language proficiency level in the Points-based System (PBS). The PBS allows migrants to apply to work or study in the UK via one of five tiers.  If applying under Tier 1 or 2, migrants are required to provide proof of their English language ability.  IELTS is an approved English language test which can provide this proof.

Visa description CEFR level required Components IELTS test score required

Tier 1

Entrepreneur visa

 B1

Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening

IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four components.

Tier 1

Graduate Entrepreneur visa

 B1

Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening

IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four components.

Tier 2

General visa

 B1

Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening

IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four components.

Tier 2

Sportsperson visa

 A1

Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening

IELTS – 4.0 overall, and for each of the four components.

Tier 2

Minister of Religion visa

 B2

Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening

IELTS – 5.5 overall, and for each of the four components.

Work Visas: The Points-based System

UK Immigration’s Points-based System (PBS) is the tool used to manage applications by individuals who wish to work, train or study in the UK.  Within the PBS, there are different employment routes available to foreign nationals:

Tier 1 (Entrepreneur)

The Tier 1 Entrepreneur Visa is for highly-skilled migrants who want to set up or take over, and be actively involved in, the running of a business in the UK. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.  

Tier 1 (Graduate Entrepreneur)

The Tier 1 Graduate Entrepreneur Visa is intended for recent graduates that want to set up a business in the UK. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.  

Tier 2 (General)

The Tier 2 General Visa is the best option for most students hoping to work in the UK after their studies. Tier 2 of the PBS in the UK is for skilled migrants with a job offer.  You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.  

Tier 2 (Minister of Religion)

You can apply for a Tier 2 (Minister of Religion) Visa if you have been offered a job within a faith community (e.g. as a minister of religion, missionary, or member of a religious order) in the UK. You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level B2 (IELTS overall band score 5.5) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.  

Tier 2 (Sportsperson)

The Tier 2 (Sportsperson) Visa is for elite sportspeople and coaches whose employment will make a significant contribution to the development of their sport at the highest level in the UK. Applicants must be internationally established at the highest level of their particular sport.  You can score 10 points on your English language proficiency by obtaining at least CEFR level A1 (IELTS overall band score 4) in reading, writing, speaking and listening.  

Migrate to the UK

IELTS is on the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) list of approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT). The general test consists of 4 components: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. If you wish to migrate to the UK and need to prove your English language level for a UKVI application, you will need to take your test at a specific test location authorised by UKVI. IELTS for UKVI Life Skills is a single test covering speaking and listening skills. This test is for those who need to prove their speaking and listening skills at Levels A1, A2 or B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

IELTS for UKVI Life Skills A1

This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for a Family Visa, Spouse Visa or Partner Visa.  The A1 level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to ESOL Entry 1 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).

IELTS for UKVI Life Skills B1

This test is for those who need to prove their English speaking and listening skills as part of their application to UK Visas and Immigration for a Citizenship/Settlement Visa. The B1 level within the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is equivalent to ESOL Entry 3 on the National Qualification Framework (NQF).

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