Difference Between IELTS and IELTS UKVI
The main difference between IELTS and IELTS UKVI lies in their purpose. The UK Home Office specifically approves IELTS for UKVI for visa and immigration purposes. While IELTS is generally accepted for other purposes, such as university admissions, IELTS for UKVI, also known as a Secure English Language Test (SELT), serves a specific need for those seeking to enter the UK. Both tests assess English language proficiency and share the same format, content, scoring, and level of difficulty.
Many IELTS exam candidates, often posing frequently asked questions to IDP Education and Abroadgoer professionals, inquire about the difference between IELTS and IELTS UKVI (or United Kingdom Visa and Immigration) exams. Essentially, these two exams are the same in terms of content; the only difference is that the UKVI exam is approved by the UK Home Office. Besides, it’s important to note, so you don’t get confused when you hear it, that UKVI exams are also called SELT (Secure English Language Test).
IELTS is one of the popular language proficiency exams for studying abroad. The test comes in many versions, including IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, and IELTS UKVI, which creates confusion among international students who want to take it. To read more and 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, you can find helpful resources online.
From my personal experience, I took up the IELTS for UKVI, also known as SELT (Secure English Language Test). While it’s similar, it’s not the same as the standard IELTS. Notably, the UKVI test is more costly than IELTS. When I went to the exam centre, both the UKVI and the normal IELTS exam were being held. The difference was clear: the UKVI test had a slightly different moderation process, with a maximum of 20 people per exam on a single day. In the hall, there were 3–4 examiners, and the entire process was monitored by at least 3 sets of CCTV and microphones.
But, for the regular IELTS, there were over 150 people, and there wasn’t as much moderation. The halls for both tests were completely different and not the same. This shows the higher standards that the British Council maintains for the UKVI test. Also, at the end of the session, there were light refreshments arranged for the UKVI candidates.
Comparing IELTS and IELTS UKVI: What You Need to Know
Having worked with hundreds of exam candidates over my years teaching English language preparation courses, I’ve noticed many students get confused about the difference between regular IELTS and IELTS UKVI exams. Let me clear this up once and for all.
When it comes to content and difficulty, both exam types are identical. As an experienced prep instructor who has guided students through both formats, I can confirm that the reading passages, listening audio, speaking questions, and writing tasks maintain the same level of challenge. The IDP, which serves as the official exam authority in many regions, including Turkey, consistently ensures that both versions maintain equal standards of difficulty. This means your preparation strategy remains unchanged regardless of which version you’re taking.
The trusted nature of these exams makes them widely recognized for academic purposes, university admissions, and demonstrating general English proficiency to employers, immigration authorities, and other organizations worldwide. Both tests assess the same language skills at the same difficulty level and use identical scoring systems. The only real difference lies in how they’re administered and their specific recognition requirements.
While regular IELTS enjoys broad acceptance across most educational institutions around the world, the UKVI version is specifically designed for UK visa purposes. From my experience helping students through both test versions at every stage, I can assure you that IDP experts confirm your performance won’t vary between them—it’s simply a matter of which documentation you need for your specific circumstances.
| Factor | IELTS | IELTS UKVI |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Used for academic and general purposes, including university admissions, professional registration, and immigration (excluding UK). | Used for academic and general purposes, including university admissions, professional registration, and immigration (excluding the UK). |
| Test Centers | Available at any authorized IELTS test center worldwide. | Only available at UKVI-approved test centers meeting UK Home Office standards. |
| Test Report Form | The standard IELTS test report form is issued. | Includes a special UKVI mark indicating it was taken at a UKVI-approved center. |
| Cost | Generally cheaper than IELTS UKVI. | Slightly more expensive due to additional security and administrative requirements. |
IELTS for UKVI: What Makes It Special
When I was helping my cousin with her UK university application last year, I discovered the important distinctions between standard IELTS and its UKVI variant. The IELTS UKVI exam is specifically designed for UK visa and immigration applications. While the format, contents, difficulty level, and scoring remain the same as standard IELTS, the only difference lies in its official recognition. The UK Home Office approves and accepts this version for work, study, and migration purposes within the UK.
Your test result document is issued slightly differently to show that you’ve taken the IELTS UKVI test at an approved test center. What many test-takers don’t realize is that these exams must be conducted at UKVI-approved test centers that meet strict security requirements set by the UK Home Office. From my experience coaching dozens of students, I’ve noticed that while the test content is identical, the administrative aspects differ significantly. Also worth noting is the price difference, while Paper and Computerized IELTS costs 5,000 TL,
The Paper and Computerized IELTS UKVI version costs 5,720 TL. This price difference reflects the additional administrative procedures required for immigration purposes and education verification. Despite the higher cost, the acceptance of UKVI results provides a streamlined path for those seeking UK opportunities, which is why many of my students opt for this version despite the nearly 15% price increase.
IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training
When I began advising international students five years ago, the most common questions I received were about the difference between IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training. These are two distinct modules that candidates must choose based on their specific needs. The IELTS Academic exam is primarily designed for those pursuing higher education or looking to work in professional fields requiring advanced English proficiency. Having helped dozens of medical professionals prepare for their exams, I’ve seen firsthand how this version thoroughly evaluates their ability to handle academic texts and discussions.
Conversely, IELTS General Training focuses on practical language skills for those continuing secondary education, enrolling in vocational training, working, or living in an English-speaking country. It tests everyday communication skills needed to function in social and workplace contexts. Both these formats are available as standard IELTS exams or as IELTS UKVI exam versions for those wishing to apply for a visa to immigrate to the United Kingdom. The UKVI versions (marked “UKVI”) help justify your language level when moving to the UK, but test the same abilities: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.
These are considered the four key skills essential for anyone who needs to develop their English vocabulary for travel or professional situations. For those planning to leave soon for the UK, having “good enough” English prevents your stay from becoming laborious when you need to communicate at the airport, hotel, or taxi. If you have specific concerns about which exam suits your circumstances, you can direct your inquiries to IDP Education and Abroadgoer or submit an IELTS exam application through their official channels.
English Test for UK Spouse Visa
When applying for a UK spouse visa, understanding the difference between IELTS and IELTS UKVI is a fundamental step. The IELTS, which stands for International English Language Testing Service, is a premier test used worldwide for assessing the English language proficiency of non-native speakers. It is recognized globally by over 10,000 organizations in countries such as the UK, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and even 3,000 organizations in the US. Developed by world-renowned English language experts nearly three decades ago, IELTS has grown in popularity for its ability to efficiently evaluate essential skills needed to study abroad, migrate, or apply for UK-related visas.
Now, if your goal is to apply for a UK spouse visa, you must understand the nuances of IELTS for UKVI. This version of the test is specifically designed to meet the administrative requirements of UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). For this visa, you’ll usually need to clear the IELTS Life Skills A1 test, which is a specific English language test focused on Speaking and Listening. To pass, you must achieve a minimum overall score of 4.0, and you must pass both components. The test is aligned with A1 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and is the gateway to fulfilling your dream of moving to the UK.
If you’re applying for an extension of your UK spouse visa, like under the FLR(M) route, the required CEFR level increases to A2. Whether you’re taking the IELTS UKVI version or the Life Skills A1, both are meticulously designed to ensure you’re ready to live and communicate confidently in the UK. From my own experience helping students and applicants, clearing this test is not just a requirement—it’s a real step toward achieving your goals.
IELTS Band Requirements for the UK
If you want to study or work in the UK, knowing the right IELTS score is very important. The score you need depends on the visa type and your specific program. For example, if you’re applying for a Skilled Worker visa, the required level is CEFR B1, which equals an IELTS score of 4.0 in Speaking and Listening. If you’re applying as a family member of settled persons, you might also need to take the IELTS Life Skills test, which is focused only on Speaking and Listening.
For academic study, most undergraduate programs in the UK ask for a minimum score of 6.0, while postgraduate programs often require 6.5 or even 7.0. This depends on the university level and the program level. Top-ranked universities like Imperial College London, Durham University, and the University of St Andrews usually expect higher band scores like 6.5, while universities such as the University of Bristol, the University of Leeds, and the University of Glasgow may accept 6.0. Some universities even accept a 5.5 band score, such as the University of Manchester and the University of Nottingham, but this depends on the course and sometimes comes with conditional acceptance.
Always check the score requirements of your chosen university, because UK universities set their own academic entry rules based on the IELTS threshold and CEFR level.
IELTS Band Score Requirements in UK Universities
When choosing between the IELTS and IELTS UKVI, one key factor to consider is the band score requirements of UK universities. While both tests assess English skills, your chosen university’s requirements matter the most. Below is an overview of universities in the UK with their QS Ranking 2025 and required IELTS band scores. This comparison can help you decide which exam suits your admission goals better.
| University | QS Ranking 2025 | Required IELTS Band |
|---|---|---|
| Imperial College London | 2 | IELTS 6.5 |
| Durham University | 89 | IELTS 6.5 |
| University of St Andrews | 104 | IELTS 6.5 |
| University of Bath | 150 | IELTS 6.5 |
| Loughborough University | 224 | IELTS 6.5 |
| University of Bristol | 54 | IELTS 6.0 |
| University of Glasgow | 78 | IELTS 6.0 |
| University of Leeds | 82 | IELTS 6.0 |
| University of Sheffield | 105 | IELTS 6.0 |
| University of Manchester | 34 | IELTS 5.5 |
| University of Nottingham | 108 | IELTS 5.5 |
Final Thought:
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, their 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.
