IELTS Exam 2025 | Costs, Types, and Why It’s Important

The IELTS Exam (International English Language Testing System) evaluates English proficiency for individuals planning to study, work, or migrate to English-speaking countries.

IELTS tests four skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The test is offered in two main formats to meet distinct goals: Academic IELTS, tailored for higher education, and General IELTS, designed for work or migration. After previously discussing Malaysia’s top English language institutes and why many international students choose Malaysia, this article answers a frequently asked related question: What is the IELTS test? It also reviews its types and outlines updated costs for 2025.

What is The IELTS Exam? and What Does IELTS Mean?

The IELTS test began in 1989 as a standardized tool to evaluate English proficiency for non-native speakers. Over the years, it has become the most popular and widely recognized English test worldwide. Millions of people take the IELTS every year to achieve their academic, professional, or migration goals.

The main purpose of the IELTS is to measure a candidate’s proficiency in four key language skills: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. This makes it one of the most accurate tools for assessing language competency.

IELTS stands for the International English Language Testing System.

It was developed through the collaboration of three leading organizations:

• The British Council.
• Cambridge University.
• IDP Australia.

These organizations ensure the test meets global standards, catering to education, work, and migration needs.

Why Would You Need To Take IELTS?

The IELTS test plays a crucial role in academics, professional careers, and international migration. Here’s how:

1. For Study: Many universities and academic institutions around the world require the IELTS as a key admission criterion. It ensures that international students meet the necessary English proficiency standards for higher education.
2. For Work: Many global employers use the IELTS certificate as proof of English skills, opening doors to international job opportunities.
3. For Migration: Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand require the IELTS as part of their immigration or permanent residency processes.
4. In addition, the IELTS test supports students aiming for overseas scholarships and academic programs, especially in countries like Saudi Arabia, where it plays a significant role in abroad government-sponsored scholarship plans.

IELTS Exam Types | (Academic vs General IELTS)

The IELTS test comes in two main types: Academic and General.

1. The Academic IELTS is designed for students applying to universities or postgraduate programs and focuses on academic skills.
2. The General IELTS evaluates daily life communication skills and is required for migration or work purposes.

Additionally, there are specialized versions such as IELTS for UKVI and IELTS Life Skills.

What is the Academic IELTS?

• Purpose: It assesses the English skills needed in academic and university settings. The test includes more complex texts and tasks reflecting academic content.
• Target Audience: Students planning to enroll in undergraduate or postgraduate programs.
• When is it Required? It is typically required when applying to global universities or specialized academic programs, especially in countries like Malaysia where English is the language of instruction.

What is the General IELTS?

• Purpose: This version focuses on communication skills needed for everyday life, including interaction in social and professional environments.
• Target Audience: Individuals planning to migrate or work in English-speaking countries.
• When is it Required? It is commonly required for migration visas or job applications in countries like Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Other Types of IELTS Tests

• IELTS for UKVI: This test is designed for individuals planning to migrate or study in the United Kingdom. It includes additional procedures to meet UK government requirements.
• IELTS Life Skills (A1 and B1): This test evaluates speaking and listening skills for everyday communication at two levels:
  • Test Format: Conducted face-to-face with another candidate and the examiner. Includes tasks such as answering familiar questions and combining listening and speaking in interactive activities.
  • Duration: 16-22 minutes.
  • Focus: Tests the ability to exchange information, speak clearly, and listen for both details and general meaning. It emphasizes effective interaction in real-life contexts.

Computer-Delivered vs Paper-Based IELTS

As technology advances, test-takers now have the option to choose between the computer-delivered and paper-based versions of the IELTS test. While both options include identical content and question types, they offer different testing experiences.

Here are the key differences between the two formats:

1. Answering Method: In the computer-delivered version, you type your answers on a keyboard, whereas in the paper-based version, you write them by a pencil on official exam papers.
2. Result Processing Time: The computer-delivered test provides results within 3-5 days, while the paper-based version takes approximately 13 days.
3. Comfort and Preference: If you prefer typing and need faster results, the computer-delivered test is ideal. On the other hand, the paper-based test suits those who feel more comfortable writing by hand.

What Do Both Versions Have in Common?

• Test Sections: The four sections—listening, reading, writing, and speaking—remain the same.
• Question Types: Both formats feature identical questions and structure.

How Much Does the IELTS Exam Cost?

The price of taking the IELTS test varies depending on the country and the test type (Academic or General). Here are the IELTS prices in different regions:

Price Differences Between Test Types:

• Academic and General IELTS: Prices are usually the same for both types.
• IELTS for UKVI: Costs more due to additional requirements, ranging from $250 to $300 USD.

Additional Costs Related to the IELTS Test

• Retake Fees: You must pay the full cost again if you need to retake the test.
• Extra Services: Requesting additional copies of your test results or sending them to institutions may incur extra charges.

Postponing or Rescheduling the IELTS Exam

If you have scheduled an IELTS test and wish to postpone it, understanding the rescheduling and cancellation policies of the test providers is essential. These policies vary depending on the provider, whether it is the British Council or IDP IELTS.

British Council Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy

1- Cancelling the Exam:

• Cancel your IELTS test more than five weeks before the scheduled date, and you are entitled to a refund minus 25% as an administrative fee.
• No refund is available if you cancel within five weeks or less before the test date unless in exceptional cases, such as severe illness or accidents. In such cases, you must provide an original medical report within two calendar days of the test date.

2- Rescheduling the Test Date:

• You can request to reschedule your test more than five weeks before the original date free of charge, provided the new date is within three months of the original date.
• In case of illness, you may request a date change within five weeks of the test date by submitting a medical report within two calendar days of the test date.

IDP IELTS Rescheduling and Cancellation Policy

IDP policies align with the British Council’s framework but have key differences in implementation:

1- Cancelling the Exam:

• Similar to the British Council, IDP offers a refund minus 25% if cancellations occur more than five weeks prior.
• For cancellations within five weeks, IDP allows refunds in exceptional cases, but you must submit evidence within five days instead of two.

2- Rescheduling the Test Date:

• Rescheduling requires a 25% administrative fee regardless of timing, unlike the British Council’s fee waiver for changes made five weeks in advance.
• Illness-related rescheduling follows the same principle but demands supporting documents for consideration.

Important Notes

• Medical Reports: Must be original, in the local language or English, and submitted within the specified timeframe for each provider.
• Exceptional Circumstances: Include family bereavement, trauma, or military service.
• Administrative Fees: Applied by both providers at 25% for cancellations and rescheduling.

IELTS Test Sections: An Overview

The IELTS test measures English proficiency through four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking. Listening tests comprehension of daily and academic conversations. Reading evaluates understanding of texts, varying by test type. Writing assesses clarity in written communication. Speaking evaluates fluency, pronunciation, and communication in a one-on-one interview.

1. Listening Section

• What is it? This section consists of four parts, each featuring audio recordings from daily or academic conversations.
• Duration: Approximately 30 minutes.
• Question Types: Multiple-choice questions, fill-in-the-blanks, and identifying specific information.

2. Reading Section

• What is it? This section measures your ability to comprehend and critically analyze texts. Academic IELTS includes academic-style texts, while General IELTS features general or social topics.
• Duration: Around 60 minutes.
• Question Types:
  • Multiple-choice.
  • Sentence completion.
  • Matching headings or main ideas.
  • Determining whether statements are true, false, or not given.

3. Writing Section

The Writing section evaluates your ability to express ideas clearly and structure them logically within 60 minutes. It includes two tasks:

• Task 1:
  • In Academic IELTS: Analyze visual data like graphs, charts, or life cycles.
  • In General IELTS: Write a letter based on a specific situation.
• Task 2: Write an essay presenting your opinion with supporting arguments and examples.

4. Speaking Section

• What is it? This section is a direct evaluation of your ability to communicate in English through a one-on-one interview with an examiner.
• Duration: 11 to 14 minutes.
• Parts of the Interview:
  • Introduction: Talk about yourself, your background, family, or work.
  • Individual Task: Discuss a given topic for 2 minutes, with 1 minute of preparation.
  • Discussion: Engage in a deeper conversation with the examiner about the topic discussed in the individual task.

What Is the Difference Between TOEFL and IELTS?

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are the two most popular tests for assessing English language proficiency. However, they differ in structure, purpose, and target audience. Understanding these differences can help you choose the test that suits your needs. Key differences between TOEFL and IELTS include:

1. Question Format:

• TOEFL: Primarily relies on multiple-choice questions.
• IELTS: Features a variety of question types, including essay writing and data analysis.

2. Target Audience and Usage:

• TOEFL: Preferred by most American universities.
• IELTS: Widely accepted globally, especially in British, Australian, and Canadian institutions.

3. Test Duration:

• TOEFL: Around 3 hours and 30 minutes.
• IELTS: Approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

How to Choose the Right Test for Your Needs

1. If you plan to study in the US: TOEFL is often the better choice since it is widely accepted by American universities.
2. If you are migrating or studying in the UK, Australia, or Canada: IELTS is the preferred option as it is recognized by governments and educational institutions in these countries.
3. Personal Preference: Choose TOEFL if you are comfortable with multiple-choice questions and prefer not to write by hand. However, if you excel at writing and analyzing, IELTS may be a better fit.

FAQs About the IELTS Test

Here are some more questions many test takers have in mind:

Is the IELTS Easy or Difficult?

The difficulty level depends on your preparation and familiarity with English. The test objectively evaluates your language proficiency, which can be challenging if you’re not well-prepared.

How Long Is the IELTS Certificate Valid?

The IELTS certificate is valid for two years from the date of issuance.

How Many Times Can I Take the IELTS?

There is no limit to the number of times you can take the test. However, you need to pay the full test fee for each attempt.

Is There a Free IELTS Test?

While free practice tests are available on official websites like the British Council and IDP, these do not result in an official certification. Therefore, the answer is no official IELTS tests are not free.

How Can I Benefit from the IELTS Certificate?

You can use the IELTS certificate to apply to international universities, fulfill immigration requirements, or boost your opportunities in the global job market.

What Is the Highest and Lowest IELTS Score?

• Highest Score: 9, representing an expert level in English. Achieving this score is extremely challenging.
• Lowest Score: 1, indicating minimal ability to use the language beyond a few words.