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Choose a non-academic English test for migration.
Why take an Academic test when you don't need to? The IELTS General Training test examines your English using every-day, non-academic English, and is accepted for migration, secondary education and work experience in New Zealand.* In New Zealand, you can take the IELTS General Training test on paper or on computer.
*Always check with your migration agent, education consultant or workplace to find out which IELTS test you need.
Book an IELTS General Training test
IELTS for Migration to New Zealand
If you like the opportunity to live, study or work in New Zealand, there are many visa options available to you. There is a study visa, skilled, sponsored work visa and business visa. Some of these may lead to Permanent Residency (PR) in New Zealand.
IELTS Migration Guide for work & study
Free IELTS General Training practice material
We have the largest range of IELTS General Training test preparation online. Access a free IELTS General Training online module when you book your test. Find out how.
Practise completing IELTS General Training tasks under test conditions. Review your answers to model answers and gain valuable test practice experience with these free practice tests.
IELTS for IRCC
Do you want to migrate to Canada? IELTS is the English language test that supports your Canadian study, migration and career goals.
- IELTS is accepted by more than 11,500 organisations globally
- We offer more FREE practice and support material than any other test.
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IELTS General Training
There are two tests available: IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. The test you choose should be based on what it is you want to do. The Academic test is usually for entry into university. General training is used for migration purposes. If you’re not sure, read more about which IELTS test you should take.
The Writing section is 60 minutes for both the IELTS Academic and General Training.
Each includes two tasks: Task 1 is a minimum 150 words. Then, Task 2 is a minimum 250 words.
For IELTS Academic, Task 1 is writing about a table, graph, chart or diagram. Task 2 is an essay.
For General Training, Task 1 is writing a letter, and Task 2 is an essay.
The IELTS General Training is the best IELTS exam to get Canadian PR. For example, for Canada’s Skilled immigrants (Express Entry), you must prove your language skills by taking an approved language test.
Please remember, you must take the General Training option. IRCC does not accept the Academic option for Express Entry.
The cost of an IELTS test in New Zealand is NZD$410.00. The price for the exam is the same whether you take IELTS General Training or IELTS Academic. There is no separate registration fee or payment processing fee. There is also no late payment fee. However, in some locations, the test fee can be slightly higher.
Read more about the price of an IELTS test here.
Whether you need an IELTS test or not depends on your reason to sit the test. If you are enrolling for higher studies/courses/training, the University/school/workplace might ask for an IELTS test score. As part of the migration process, you might have to provide the IELTS scores with your visa application.
We strongly recommend that even if you are a native English speaker, you prepare for the IELTS test and become familiar with the test format. Knowing what to expect on test day is essential, and if you are not familiar with the test you may make avoidable mistakes. We also recommend you become familiar with the assessment criteria to fully understand how the examiner will mark your test. Download IELTS Support Tools to help you get ready for test day.
Separate sessions will be held for UKVI applicants. You must ensure you register for an “IELTS for UKVI” test date at IDP IELTS Auckland here.
The IELTS test for UK visa purposes is designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specific to UK Visas and Immigration. Test Report Forms will be slightly different, to show that test takers have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session.
There are no differences in the test format or questions. The actual test taken is the same – same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on.
IELTS for UKVI is delivered on computer and is now available at IDP IELTS Auckland. Test takers who choose the new option will take their Listening, Reading and Writing components using a computer. The Speaking test will remain face to face.
IELTS Academic and General Training are two wholly separate types of test, for two different purposes. While some individual organisations may accept an Academic result in the place of General Training, this decision is up to them. You will need to contact your specific organisation to learn more.
Master IELTS General with Jay from E2 and IELTS Expert Rocco Nigro
- Jay speaks with Rocco Nigro from IDP
- Rocco gives lots of great advice for how to prepare for IELTS General