IELTS for UK Visas

This information is taken from the British Council website for your information. Please visit the British Council website directly for up to date information on IELTS for UK visas.

If you are applying for a Tier 4 visa to study for a bachelor or postgraduate degree your college or university will decide what your English language level needs to be, and therefore, what test you may need to take. Please check with your college or university.

IELTS for UKVI has been approved as a SELT (Secure English Language Test) for all UK visas that require applicants to provide proof of their level of English from 6 April 2015.

IELTS for UKVI tests for visa purposes can only be taken at authorised centres and the centre must follow procedures specified by the UK government. When a test is booked, the customer must specify what the test is for and ensure that the centre is authorised to run tests for this purpose.

Approved IELTS tests

There is IELTS for UKVI General Training and IELTS for UKVI Academic tests, and a newer type of test called IELTS Life Skills.

The IELTS Life Skills test is only available for candidates who require it for UK visa applications, where lower levels of English language are required. The IELTS Life Skills test tests Speaking and Listening skills only.

View the UK Government’s guide on UK visas and immigration

It is important that you check with the UKVI or educational institution you are applying to and confirm which test they want you to take. (IELTS, IELTS for UKVI or Lifeskills).

If you need a test approved by the Home Office, please book your test here

If you do not need a test approved by the Home office, please book your test here