IELTS is an acronym for International English Language Testing System and it is accepted by more than 10,000 institutions around the world. Having a high score in IELTS can help you attend university in the UK, USA, or many other countries. If you wish to do this, you will sit the academic IELTS rather than the general.
If you wish to study abroad, you should learn about the different IELTS requirements from employers and governments. These will vary greatly, but in many cases you can sit the general IELTS test.
IELTS is also useful for those looking to move abroad. IELTS can seriously boost your chance of immigrating as many governments will require proof of English ability. As the most respected testing system, IELTS is your friend in achieving this dream.
The IELTS is a test of your overall English ability, and as such it will test four areas:
Speaking
Writing
Listening
Reading
You are marked on a scale of 1-9, with 1 being a “non-user”, meaning you cannot speak any English, and 9 denoting a “native level speaker.” Generally, 7 is considered pretty fluent, and a speaker of 5 or above could hold a basic conversation without too much trouble.
Target Scores
Stage 1 target is 5.5. This is enough for a university foundation programme.
Stage 2 target is 6.5. This is suitable for undergraduate degree level.
Stage 3 target is 7.5 This is suitable for postgraduate degrees and doctorates.