Students walking on campus

Academic Institutions

For more than 35 years IELTS has set the standard for English language testing. No other English language test is trusted and used more widely by academic institutions across the globe.

Why accept IELTS?

IELTS is the world's most popular test for verifying English language ability. IELTS is backed by rigorous academic research, and has a well-earned reputation for fairness, reliability, and precise standards.

Security

IELTS has the highest quality controls, enhanced security procedures, and integrity management practices.

Academic focus

The IELTS Academic test is designed to measure a test taker's ability to study in an academic environment.

Online

IELTS Online gives applicants the flexibility to take their test when and where they want to.

Students walking to lectures

Research that supports your institutional goals

As your trusted partner in English language assessment, we are focused on helping you to make the right decisions for your institution.

Read about our research which helps ensure that IELTS is always fit for purpose and can help you choose the right students for your institution.

Man grading papers with pen and computer

IELTS scoring

IELTS makes it easy for you to assess whether a candidate’s English language skills are sufficient for study at your institution. Results are given as an overall score on the IELTS scale, and scores for each test section (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking) are also detailed.

Man studying sunset looking right

How IELTS compares to other tests

Want to know how IELTS compares to other tests? We have a wealth of resources to help academic institutions.

Arabian girl wearing hijab chatting with female friend

Setting IELTS entry scores

IELTS makes it easy for you to set your own entry score and assess whether an applicant’s English language skills are sufficient for study at your institution.

Female test taker taking a test on a computer

Verifying IELTS results

Academic institutions that accept IELTS are given complimentary access to the IELTS Results Service. Secure, free, and simple to use, it helps to ensure the accuracy and validity of applications.

University campus building and students sitting and walking around

Choose IELTS

Join thousands of academic institutions across the globe who trust IELTS for their English language assessment.

Animated hands

See who accepts IELTS

Use our search tool to find out which academic institutions already accept IELTS for entry.

IELTS gives a reliable indication of entry level English Proficiency. Other tests are less satisfactory at providing this.

Lecturer in Academic English and Study Skills, King's College London, UK

We consider an IELTS qualification to be a reliable indication of a student's English language competencies and of their ability to pursue their higher education in English.

Carvi Stucki, Senior Admissions Office, École hôtelière de Lausanne, Switzerland