• IELTS

Difference between IELTS & IELTS UKVI

27076 Reads
3 min Read

By:CANAM Group
Updated On:Apr 18,2024 05:42 PM IST

• The IELTS exam is accepted worldwide, while IELTS UKVI is the UK’s officially approved English test.

• While the IELTS exam serves academic purposes, such as university admission, on the other hand the IELTS UKVI is only for UK visa and immigration applications.

• There are many more differences between IELTS and IELTS UKVI, which every aspiring study abroad student should know.

Difference between IELTS & IELTS UKVI.webp

IELTS is one of the most popular language proficiency exams for studying abroad. The test has many versions, such as IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS UKVI, which creates confusion among international students who want to take it. Read this blog to learn the difference between IELTS and IELTS UKVI, along with other details such as the types of IELTS exams, tips to prepare for IELTS UKVI, and which exams candidates should take when they want to go abroad.

What is IELTS?

IELTS, or International English Language Testing System, is a globally recognized English language proficiency test used to assess the English proficiency of candidates based on four parameters: listening, speaking, writing, and reading. It is jointly owned by the British Council, IDP IELTS, and Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Candidates can take the exam on a computer or paper as well. The exam was launched in 1980 and is accepted by more than 12,000 organizations in over 140 countries. The total duration of the IELTS exam is three hours, which is divided as follows:

IELTS Section	Test Duration (In Mins)
IELTS Listening Test	30 Minutes
IELTS Reading Test	30 Minutes
IELTS Speaking Test	11-14 Minutes
IELTS Writing Test	60 Minutes

Talking about how many times the IELTS exam is conducted in a year, the IELTS exams take place four times a month or 48 times a year.

Types of IELTS Exams

There are two types of IELTS exams, which are academic and general training. Let's understand both IELTS exam types.

Type of Exam	Details
IELTS Academic	The IELTS Academic exam is for students who want to study in a country where English is spoken. It assesses the student on four parameters: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
IELTS General Training	The IELTS General Training is for people who wish to migrate to English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.

What is IELTS UKVI?

IELTS UKVI is a Secure English Language Test (SELT) developed by the UK government. This means applicants can use it to prove their English proficiency during UK visa and immigration applications. It is very similar to a regular IELTS exam, but the only difference between IELTS and IELTS UKVI is that the latter is specifically designed to get a UK visa.

Types of IELTS UKVI Exams

There are three types of IELTS UKVI exams: academic, general, and life skills. The academic test is for students who want to get admission to any university, while the general test is for migration purposes. The newly added life skills examination has three parts, A1, A2, and B1, which are evaluated according to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).

Type of Examination	Details
IELTS UKVI Academic Examination	This IELTS UKVI exam is for students who want to study in the UK, and its primary objective is to test if students can live in a foreign academic environment.
UKVI IELTS General Training	This exam focuses on basic survival skills in a diverse job setting. It is similar to the standard IELTS exam.
UKVI IELTS Life Skills	This exam is for people who want to acquire a specific visa to enter the UK.
UKVI IELTS Life Skills A1	UKVI IELTS Life Skills A1 must be taken by international company executives, athletes, and family members who want to prove their English proficiency.
UKVI IELTS Life Skills B1	Students who want to live in the UK must take the UKVI IELTS Life Skills B1 exam.

Tips for IELTS UKVI

The following are tips for students to prepare well for IELTS UKVI and get high bands.

ielts and ielts ukvi.webp

IELTS vs IELTS UKVI: Comparison Table

Here comes the most important part of the blog, where students will learn the differences between IELTS and IELTS UKVI. The following table compares both exams on various parameters.

Parameter	IELTS	IELTS UKVI
Purpose	The IELTS exam serves various academic and general purposes, such as university admissions, professional registration, and immigration.	On the other hand, IELTS UKVI is designed explicitly for UK visa and immigration applications.
Test Center	Applicants can take the IELTS exam at any authorized IELTS test center.	An IELTS UKVI can only be taken at a UKVI-approved test center that meets the standards set up by the UK Home Office.
Test Report Form	For IELTS, a standard test report form is issued.	The IELTS UKVI has a distinctive mark, which indicates that it was taken at a UKVI-approved center. This adds validity for immigration purposes.
Cost	The fee for the IELTS exam is generally cheaper than the IELTS UKVI.	IELTS UKVI, on the other hand, is a bit costlier than IELTS as it has additional security measures and other requirements.
UK Visa Acceptance	A standard IELTS test is accepted globally by various countries for immigration purposes, including the UK. However, some visa categories may require applicants to submit IELTS UKVI specifically.	IELTS UKVI is designed to meet UK visa applicants' English requirements.

IELTS and IELTS UKVI: Which one to choose?

Now that students know the difference between IELTS and IELTS UKVI, they can decide which exam is best for them. If they want to go to the UK, they undoubtedly need to take the IELTS UKVI exam, but if they want to go to any other country, they must take the standard IELTS exam. Even in routine exams, students must see if they need to take IELTS academic or general, as the academic exam is to study in a foreign country, while IELTS general is for people who want to migrate to English-speaking countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and New Zealand.

Conclusion

That was all about the difference between IELTS and IELTS UKVI. Now, it’s expected that students are clear on which exam they need to take if they want to go abroad. Although both IELTS and IELTS UKVI are the same in terms of test format and content, the only difference is the purpose they serve. To learn more about the exams or to prepare for the IELTS exam, students must connect with the expert faculty of Canamprep.

FAQ

Is IELTS UKVI difficult than IELTS?

IELTS and IELTS UKVI are the same in format, scoring, content, and difficulty level. The only difference is that the UK home office approves IELTS UKVI.

Can I use IELTS scores for Canada?

The IELTS UKVI is accepted by Citizenship and Immigration Canada and universities across Canada.

What is 4.5 in the UKVI IELTS?

A 4.5 in UKVI IELTS is a score between an IELTS band 4 and a band 5. A score of 4 in IELTS UKVI means that the applicant has a very basic understanding of English.

What band score is required for applying to the UKVI?

To apply with UKVI, applicants must have a band score of 4.0 or above.

What is the fee for the IELTS exam in the UKVI?

The fee for the IELTS exam UKVI for the academic test is Rs. 17,250 for both computer-delivered and pen and paper versions.

Get great articles direct to your inbox

The latest news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.

Popular Universities to Study Abroad

World class education waiting for you.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Wisconsin, USA • 142 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 19000-20000 / year

Keck Graduate Institute

California, USA • 14 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 0-0 / year

University of Regina

Saskatchewan, Canada • 230 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 20000-21000 / year

University of South Australia - City West Campus

South Australia, Australia • 144 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 30500-40000 / year

Campbellsville University - Louisville Campus

Kentucky, USA • 6 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 0-0 / year

California State University - Monterey Bay

California, USA • 37 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 13000-13000 / year

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, City Campus

Queensland, Australia • 50 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 16000-38000 / year

Sault College - Ste. Marie Campus

Ontario, Canada • 77 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 14000-23000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Study In Australia and New Zealand : Diplomas, Degrees, Pathways and Scholarships

Study in Australia, New Zealand • Webinar

11:00AM

Virtual Event

Webinar - How to become a teacher/early childhood educator in Canada?

Study in Canada • Webinar

04:30PM

Virtual Event

Study Abroad Application Fair

Study in Canada, UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Ireland, France

Bathinda2 • 11:00AM

In-Person Event

Top countries destinations

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland
Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland
Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales
Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria
Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia
Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland
La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria
LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland
Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland
Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland
Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay
Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland
Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland
New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland
The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

Kent state university Ohio
San Jose State University California
Wright State University Ohio
Clark University Massachusetts
Rowan University New Jersey
Arkansas State University Arkansas
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois
University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online

- Live Classes

Blogs and Articles

Curated content to keep you updated on the latest education trends, news and more.

Canada vs Australia: Which Country is Better for Indian Students in 2025?

Human life is filled with making choices every day. In 10th grade, we choose between arts and commerce, after 12th grade, the college, but those were ...

Updated on • Jul 05,2025 12:41 PM IST • Education

France vs Germany: Which Is Better for International Students?

In 2024, many vintage study destinations, including the Big 4, saw a drop in international enrolment, and this trend continues till this year. This le...

Updated on • Jun 30,2025 05:15 PM IST • Education

Top 10 Agricultural Universities in USA

Agriculture or farming is not merely the growing of crops or taking care of animals, but it’s the largest contributor (27%) to global employment. It...

Updated on • Jun 27,2025 05:25 PM IST • USA

Most In-Demand Future Careers in 2025

The world of work is changing faster than ever. Technology, climate change, aging populations, and space exploration are creating jobs we’ve never s...

Updated on • Jun 26,2025 04:41 PM IST • Education

How Much Do Nurses Make in the U.S.?

Do you also think, “How much is the salary of a nurse in the USA?”. If yes, then you are not alone. Being one of the noblest professions in the wo...

Updated on • Jun 23,2025 03:59 PM IST • USA

Study MBBS in the USA

There are innumerable professions, but a career in MBBS is respected and admired more than any other line of work. Many of us harbour a drea...

Updated on • Jun 21,2025 02:00 PM IST • USA

MBA in UK: Universities, Eligibility, Types, and Career Opportunities

Master of Business Administration from UK is a prestigious academic degree, especially when gained from the UK. Business schools in the UK are well kn...

Updated on • Jun 19,2025 04:09 PM IST • UK • study in the UK

Highest Paying Jobs in the World

With super-advanced technologies like AI entering every field, the assumptions are high that the job roles that exist today won't exist after some yea...

Updated on • Jun 10,2025 01:08 PM IST • Study Abroad

Scholarships in France for Indian Students

Are you planning to study in France but are scared of the expensive tuition fees? But now there is no need to fear because you can take advantage of F...

Updated on • May 29,2025 05:22 PM IST • France

Intakes in Dubai for Indian Students

World-class universities, a multicultural environment and tax-free earnings are some of the benefits that attract Indian students to Dubai. However, i...

Updated on • May 27,2025 03:34 PM IST • Study in Dubai

France Student Visa 2025 – Requirements, Fees, Checklist & Application Process

Imagine this: Today is the day you will sit for your dream job interview. You practised all possible questions, wore formal attire, and collected all ...

Updated on • May 23,2025 03:36 PM IST • France

MBA in France for Indian Students in 2025

MBA is one of the most sought-after master’s programs worldwide. France is increasingly becoming popular as an overseas education destination. The r...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:35 PM IST • France

PTE Accepted Universities in Australia

In recent years, PTE has emerged as one of the alternatives to IELTS to study abroad. Many top study-abroad destinations like USA, UK and New Zealand ...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:31 PM IST • PTE

PTE Accepting Universities In USA

PTE stands among the most popular English language proficiency exams accepted by various institutions worldwide. Students applying to study in the USA...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:24 PM IST • USA

MBBS in UK: Colleges, Fees, Eligibility and Scholarships

Starting a medical journey is a great choice, and pursuing a Bachelor of Medicine or Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in the United Kingdom adds an extra la...

Updated on • May 22,2025 05:13 PM IST • UK

MBBS in Australia: Top Universities, Syllabus, Cost of Study, Eligibility, Scholarships & Jobs

Medical studies have taken the world by storm with its increasing popularity. The majority of international students prefer to study this course in Au...

Updated on • May 22,2025 04:53 PM IST • Australia

MBBS in Germany

Studying an MBBS in Germany offers a pathway to a world-class education in medicine, attracting thousands of aspiring doctors from around the globe ev...

Updated on • May 22,2025 04:36 PM IST • Study in Germany

Best Medical Colleges in USA

You looking for medical colleges in the USA is clear evidence that it is the best country to pursue medical courses. One of the most sought-after medi...

Updated on • May 22,2025 04:20 PM IST • USA

Highest Paying Jobs in New Zealand for International Students

Many students aspire to live and work in a country like New Zealand. And why not? Alongside its stunning scenery and vibrant culture, New Zealand is a...

Updated on • May 22,2025 01:03 PM IST • New Zealand

High Paying Jobs in Germany

Germany, a powerhouse of innovation and industry, offers a fantastic job market with excellent salaries and a strong work-life balance. Whether you're...

Updated on • May 22,2025 11:11 AM IST • Study in Canada

Difference between IELTS & IELTS UKVI

Table of Contents

What is IELTS?

Types of IELTS Exams

What is IELTS UKVI?

Types of IELTS UKVI Exams

Tips for IELTS UKVI

IELTS vs IELTS UKVI: Comparison Table

IELTS and IELTS UKVI: Which one to choose?

Conclusion

FAQ

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Popular university and colleges for Studying abroad.

Bond University Queensland

Central Queensland University - Rockhampton, North Campus Queensland

Charles Sturt University - Wagga Wagga Campus New South Wales

Deakin University - Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus Victoria

Engineering Institute of Technology - Perth campus Western Australia

Griffith University - Nathan Campus Queensland

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus Victoria

LCI Melbourne - Art & Design School Victoria

University Canada West British Columbia

University of Windsor Ontario

Dalhousie University Nova Scotia

Carleton University Ontario

Cape Breton University Nova Scotia

University of ottawa Ontario

University of saskatchewan Saskatchewan

University of regina Saskatchewan

University of guelph Ontario

Ara Institute of Canterbury - City Campus Southland

Aspire 2 International - Auckland Campus Auckland

Auckland University of Technology - City Campus Auckland

Eastern Institute of Technology - Hawke Bay Campus Hawke's Bay

Manukau Institute of Technology -Manukau Campus Auckland

Massey University - Auckland Campus Auckland

Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT) - Nelson Campus Southland

New Zealand Institute of Business & Technology (NZIBT) Auckland

The University of Waikato - Hamilton Campus Hamilton

University of Warwick England

De Montfort University England

University of West London England

University of Strathclyde Scotland

Aston University England

University of Bath England

University of Liverpool England

Durham University England

Newcastle University England

Kent state university Ohio

San Jose State University California

Wright State University Ohio

Clark University Massachusetts

Rowan University New Jersey

Arkansas State University Arkansas

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Wisconsin

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Illinois

University of Findlay Ohio

Popular English Language Proficiency Exams

IELTS Online