Booking the wrong version of IELTS is an expensive mistake. Here's how to choose.
Who takes which test?
- IELTS Academic — university admission (undergraduate and postgraduate) and professional registration, such as doctors and nurses.
- IELTS General Training — work experience, training programmes, secondary education and migration to countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Always confirm with the organisation you are applying to — their requirement is final.
What's the same?
Listening and Speaking are identical in both versions.
What's different?
| Academic | General Training | |
|---|---|---|
| Reading texts | 3 long academic passages | Everyday notices, workplace texts and one longer article |
| Writing Task 1 | Describe a graph, chart, table, map or process | Write a letter (formal, semi-formal or informal) |
| Writing Task 2 | Essay | Essay (often on more everyday topics) |
| Reading raw score for Band 7 | about 30/40 | about 34/40 |
Which one is easier?
Neither — they test different things. General Training Reading uses simpler texts but needs more correct answers for the same band. Academic Writing Task 1 needs data-description skills; General Training Task 1 needs the right tone for a letter.
Next steps
Pick the course that matches your test: IELTS Academic Complete Course or IELTS General Training Complete Course. The first module of each is free.
ielts academic vs generalielts general trainingielts for immigrationielts for university
Ready for Band 8?
Turn these tips into a step-by-step plan
Our IELTS courses include video lessons, model answers and practice for every skill. The first module is free.
Browse Courses