Why are there two versions of IELTS (Academic IELTS and General Training IELTS)?

The IELTS Academic format is for people who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or Institution of Higher and Further Education. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test. IELTS Academic may also be a requirement to join a professional organisation in an English-speaking country.

The General Training format of the test is typically for school, work or migration.  The General Training format focuses on general survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. It is typically for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test.

Every organisation sets its own entry requirements. In some cases both versions of IELTS may be accepted. For more information about who accepts IELTS and what version you will need to sit, visit www.ielts.org and search ‘Who accepts IELTS?’.