• IELTS

Difference between IELTS & IELTS UKVI

20342 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.

Universal College of Learning (UCOL) - Manawatu Campus

North Island, New Zealand • 35 Programmes

Tuition Fee : NZD 20500-22500 / year

Kaplan Group - University of Oregon

Oregon, USA • 123 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 40000-42000 / year

Anglia Ruskin University - Chelmsford Campus

England, UK • 60 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 13000-17000 / year

Nottingham Trent University - City Campus

England, UK • 102 Programmes

Tuition Fee : GBP 15000-16500 / year

Kaplan Group - The University of Adelaide College - Adelaide Campus

South Australia, Australia • 500 Programmes

Tuition Fee : AUD 33000-50000 / year

Shorelight Group - University of Illinois Springfield

Illinois, USA • 11 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 0-0 / year

Mohawk College - Mississauga Campus

Ontario, Canada • 8 Programmes

Tuition Fee : CAD 17500-18000 / year

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges - Wabash Valley College Campus

Illinois, USA • 15 Programmes

Tuition Fee : USD 11500-12000 / year

View All Universities

Latest at CANAM

Events, webinar, college / university visits and more.

Canadian Universities & Colleges Admissions Fair & Workshop - Virtual

Study in Canada

11:00AM

Virtual Event

Canadian Universities & Colleges Admissions Fair & Workshop - Virtual

Study in Canada

11:00AM

Virtual Event

Study Abroad Application Fair

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

New Delhi • 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.

ACT vs. SAT: Which One to Choose?

Many colleges and universities require students to submit scores from the SAT or ACT- both recognized standardized exams as part of the admission proc...

Updated on • Apr 12,2025 05:40 PM IST • Study Abroad

Five Types of IELTS Essays

Love giving opinions? Welcome to IELTS writing task 2. In this task, you get different types of essays, one of which is an opinion essay. There are fi...

Updated on • Apr 11,2025 05:53 PM IST • IELTS

Backlog Certificate: A Complete Guide

What is a backlog?In an academic context, a "backlog" refers to a course or subject that a student did not pass on their first attempt during their re...

Updated on • Apr 11,2025 01:47 PM IST • Study Abroad Guidance

PTE Score Chart 2025: PTE Exam Scoring System & Calculation

Most international institutions demand proof of strong English skills, making language proficiency tests a necessity to pursue higher education. While...

Updated on • Apr 09,2025 05:37 PM IST • PTE

Master's in Computer Science in the USA

Silicon Valley in the United States of America has been the global mecca of technology and invention. Every significant technological advancement has ...

Updated on • Apr 08,2025 05:59 PM IST • USA

MBA is one of the most sought-after courses worldwide and consistently tops the list of preferred study abroad courses for Indian students. Now, wheth...

Updated on • Apr 08,2025 04:47 PM IST • Study Abroad

Describe Your Hometown IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic

The IELTS Speaking part 1 topic ‘Describe your Hometown’ is one of the most often asked and easiest topics to answer in an IELTS test. In this top...

Updated on • Apr 07,2025 05:50 PM IST • IELTS

How to Get a Job in USA in 2025

USA is not just a great destination for studying abroad, but also for pursuing a full-time job. That’s why the internet is filled with queries like ...

Updated on • Apr 07,2025 03:19 PM IST • USA

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 • Apr 01,2025 05:31 PM IST • Study Abroad

Student Life in Ireland in 2025

“World-Class Standards, Warmest of Welcomes”. The tagline highlights the ideal balance of a high-quality education and a tremendous, hospitable cu...

Updated on • Mar 29,2025 05:50 PM IST • Ireland

Top Public Universities in Germany

It’s a notion that studying abroad is expensive, but there is one country that is breaking this notion. Germany, also known as the land of ideas, of...

Updated on • Mar 26,2025 04:33 PM IST • Germany

Top Universities for Masters in Ireland in 2025

Learning never stops. Humans learn till their last breath. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you might be considering pursuing a master’s d...

Updated on • Mar 25,2025 04:36 PM IST • Ireland

Cost of Living in Singapore for Indian Students in 2025

Once a poor island nation, Singapore now has become one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Also known as Lion City, Singapore is becoming an in...

Updated on • Mar 22,2025 11:57 AM IST • Singapore

PTE vs IELTS : Know the Difference and Which is Easier?

An English proficiency test is required to study in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the US, the UK, and others. PTE and IELTS are th...

Updated on • Mar 21,2025 03:38 PM IST • IELTS

IELTS Score for Germany 2025

Germany is an emerging study-abroad destination for international students seeking affordable, high-quality education. Its other benefits include a wi...

Updated on • Mar 20,2025 10:19 AM IST • Germany

IELTS Score for Ireland 2025

Ireland is one of the top study-abroad destinations targeted by international students. The country is ranked 2nd in the Global Peace Index 2024, has ...

Updated on • Mar 12,2025 11:20 AM IST • Ireland

Master's in Robotics in USA

Technology keeps improving daily and leads to new inventions. One such invention is robotics, which is making human life easier. The USA, being a top ...

Updated on • Mar 11,2025 01:18 PM IST • USA

Best Countries to Study Abroad for Indian Students in 2025

Looking for the best countries to study abroad in 2025? Studying abroad can be an endeavour for Indian students to upgrade their skill set towards bet...

Updated on • Mar 08,2025 01:24 PM IST • Study Abroad

Nursing Courses in UK

Do you want to pursue a nursing course in the United Kingdom? The UK has been at the forefront of professional nursing ever since it has been consider...

Updated on • Mar 05,2025 12:19 PM IST • UK

Fastest Growing Job Sectors in Germany in 2025

Thousands of job opportunities in Germany are waiting for Indians. Fill them before someone else grabs these. But how? Do you know which sector these ...

Updated on • Feb 28,2025 04:04 PM IST • Germany

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