What is the difference between IELTS and IELTS UKVI?
If you aspire to study in the UK or apply for professional registration, you might need to take an IELTS Academic for UKVI test. This is a Secure English Language test (SELT) approved by the UK home office for visa applications to the United Kingdom. The IELTS Academic for UKVI test is the same as the Academic test in terms of content, format, scoring and the level of difficulty. However, the UKVI test is only available at test centres for candidates who meet the administrative requirements, that is outlined by the UK Home Office. Your Test Report Form (TRF) will also look slightly different if you take an IELTS for UKVI test.
Similarities Between IELTS and IELTS UKVI
IELTS General Training, IELTS Academic, and IELTS Life Skills or IELTS UKVI tests are widely counted by the UK government for visa and immigration as proof of applicants’ English language proficiency if they are visiting the country for studies, work, and live.
These tests are organised by the various IELTS partners such as the British Council.
These tests have been created by some of the leading language and language assessment experts.
You need to qualify each section and obtain minimum marks set by the respective university or employer to successfully get the admission or new job abroad. The following skills are assessed through the test:
- Listening
- Writing
- Reading
- Speaking
Difference Between IELTS and IELTS UKVI
Read the points below to understand how IELTS is different than the IELTS UKVI:
- Cost: When it comes to the examination fees, the IELTS is comparatively cheaper than the IELTS UKVI. According to the British Council, the IELTS will cost you INR.13,250, while for IELTS UKVI, you will need to pay INR. 18,500.
- Education Level: The IELTS is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate courses along with professional registration purposes. While the IELTS UKVI is only accepted for foundation courses.
- Safety: Even though both tests are computer-based, the IELTS is considered more secure.
In February last year, the UK government announced several changes to the Secure English Language Tests (SELT) which students need to take in order to obtain a UK Tier 4 study visa.
These changes have been implemented since April 2015, but even though it has been over a year since the new requirements were introduced, some students, parents, and even education advisors are still unclear about the changes and how it affects them.
Image via British Council
To summarise, all students who are entering a UK institution for a course which is below Bachelor’s degree level must take the UKVI IELTS, while students applying for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes need IELTS, or an alternative English Language qualification, if individual universities are willing to consider these.
The following IELTS tests are on this list and have been approved for UK Visas and Immigration purposes:
| Test | Version | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Academic | This test is for test takers wishing to study at undergraduate or postgraduate levels, and for those seeking professional registration in the UK. |
| IELTS | General training | This test is for test takers wishing to migrate to the UK and for those wishing to train or study below degree level. |
| IELTS 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 ‘family of a settled person’ visas. |
| IELTS Life Skills | A2 | 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 extension to Family, Spouse or Partner visa. |
| IELTS 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 indefinite leave to remain or citizenship. |
Please note,
IELTS Life Skills A2 is only available in the UK.
IELTS for UKVI (Academic) is also available delivered on computer in certain locations
IELTS Academic requires rigorous practice to secure good marks in overall band score. For this, test takers require to practice study materials available online other than books available. Practice IELTS sample papers to get an overall idea of the exam.
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