About IELTS

Original text available to view on the IELTS Information Page.
IELTS is the International English Language Testing System, the world's proven English language test.

IELTS pioneered four skills English language testing over 14 years ago, and continues to set the standard for English language testing today.

Thousands of organisations and test takers around the world trust and recognise IELTS as secure, valid and reliable indicator of true to life ability to communicate in English for education, immigration and professional accreditation.

IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia.

University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) is the world's leading provider of exams for learners of English. Each year the exams are taken by around 1.5 million people, in 135 countries. Please contact ielts@ucles.org.uk for further information.

British Council connects people worldwide with the learning opportunities and creative ideas from the UK and builds lasting relationships between the UK and other countries. British Council is the UK's international organisation for educational opportunity and cultural relations and is represented in 109 countries worldwide. Please contact ielts@britishcouncil.org for further information.

IDP: IELTS Australia is Australia's international education organisation. It undertakes a broad range of activities from student advisory services and educational publications to project consultancy and English language teaching and testing. Please contact ielts@idp.com for further information.

IELTS Testing

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is the language of communication. IELTS is recognised by universities and employers in many countries including New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA. It is also recognised by professional bodies, immigration authorities and other government agencies.

IELTS covers all four language skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking and is offered in two test formats - Academic and General Training. All candidates take the same listening and speaking modules and there is an option of either Academic or General Training reading and writing modules. Academic is suitable for candidates planning to undertake higher education study or who are seeking professional registration. General Training is suitable for candidates planning to undertake non-academic training or work experience, or for immigration purposes.

The University of Waikato is the IELTS testing centre for the Waikato region and Tauranga.

Waikato Pathways College offers IELTS preparation courses at its Hamilton Campus.