• IELTS
Difference between IELTS & IELTS UKVI
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• 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.
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 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 |
Types of IELTS Exams
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?
Types of IELTS UKVI Exams
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
IELTS vs IELTS UKVI: Comparison Table
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?
Conclusion
FAQ
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.
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