The IELTS exam course

If you are planning to study or work in an English-speaking country like England or Ireland for example, we would recommend that you take a preparation course for the IELTS exam. An official diploma of the IELTS will help you to find the best job or English speaking university or college wherever you want, as the official diploma proves that you have an advanced level of English. StudyTravel offers you the fantastic opportunity in order to help you get this diploma. Depending of your English level, you first take on of our intensive courses at a specific language school before starting with the preparation course. This course is a great way to take your level to the highest in order for you to achieve the perfect result. It is possible to do the exam directly after your course at the language school you are studying at or to take it in your own country once you return.
The IELTS exam is organised by the British Council in conjunction with the University of Cambridge and the Ministry of Education in Australia.

The IELTS exam is valid for 2 years and is accepted by all the major universities, colleges and workplaces in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Great Britain, Ireland, Northern Ireland and the United States.

The 'International English Language Testing System' is a test to see if your level in English is high enough to work or study in an English environment. More than 6000 organisations, including many government departments and universities, rely on IELTS. Over 1.2 million candidates take the test each year in 120 different countries.
You can choose from two types of IELTS test: Academic or General Training, depending whether you want to study, work or migrate. Both modules are made up of four parts: listening, reading, writing and speaking. For every part you can obtain a score from 1 to 9. The average score of all the parts together is your end result.

This is how the IELTS exam is composed:
- Comprehensive reading: 60 minutes / 40 questions
- Listening skills: 30 minutes / 40 questions
- Writing skills: 60 minutes / 2 exercises
- Speaking skills: 11-14 minutes
The first three parts will be examined on the same day. The date of the speaking part is determined in consultation with the school. It will take place in the week before or after the general test.

A score of 5.5 is comparable with Cambridge FCE, a score of 6.5 with Cambridge CAE and a score of 7.5 is comparable with the Cambridge CPE.
There are currently two mechanisms for the IELTS test:
) a) General training (general module): This test is aimed at candidates who wish to apply for immigrant visas for professional or student purposes in an English speaking country.
b)) Academic Training (Academic Module): This test is best  for candidates who wish to participate in international postgraduate studies such as a Masters or PHD.

This is what the typical IELTS exam looks like:
- Comprehensive reading: 60 minutes / 40 questions
- Listening skills: 30 minutes / 40 questions
- Writing skills: 60 minutes / 2 exercises
- Speaking skills: 11-14 minutes

In order to be accepted by an English speaking univeristy or insitute of higher or further educcation, you will need to do an IELTS-exam to be accepted by them. Also, when you want to work in a foreign country at cultural institutes or government institutions, a certain score of the IELTS-exam is required. Besides, you need the IELTS-exam if you want to emigrate to Australia or New-Zealand. The minimum score you will need to have for the IELTS-exam differs per university or institution.

The IELTS-exam will be taken in a designated testing centre.  With StudyTravel you can take an exam course as a preparation for the IELTS-exam at many destinations. You can do this exam after your language course, or you can also do the exam in your home country. If you would like to do the exam in your home country then you would need to reserve your place and subscribe with your details on www.ielts.org. There are 48 exam dates per year, but every testing centre will designate certain dates for the exam. It is important for you to note that the exam usually takes place on the Saturday after your course has finished. 

These are the following destinations where we offer the IELTS-exam:

• Belfast
• Bristol
• Brisbane
• Cork
• Dublin
• Edinburgh
• Galway
• Liverpool
• Toronto

The costs of the exam are not included in the course prices and vary per destinations. The prices are usually between €135 and € 185.