What is the difference between IELTS Academic and General Training? Which should I take?
Facts last checked against official sources on October 7, 2026.
Short answer
IELTS Academic is for undergraduate and graduate study and professional registration (e.g. doctors, nurses); General Training is for migration, work and below-degree study. Listening and Speaking are the same; Reading and Writing differ. If a UK visa requires an approved test, take “IELTS for UKVI”.
IELTS versions
| Version | Who it is for |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Undergraduate and graduate study, professional registration |
| IELTS General Training | Migration, work, school or below-degree study |
| IELTS for UKVI | UK visa cases that require an approved secure English test (SELT) |
| IELTS Life Skills (UKVI) | Speaking and listening only; some UK visa types |
How the writing tasks differ
In Academic, Task 1 is describing a chart, table or process; in General Training, Task 1 is a letter. Task 2 is an essay in both.
Sources
Dates and rules can change. Check the organiser’s official page before you apply; that page is binding.
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