IELTS is jointly managed by British Council; University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL) and IDP: IELTS Australia. The IELTS test is designed and set by some of the world’s leading experts in language assessment to give a true picture of a candidate’s language skills.
Test Dates 2013
The next available date is 10 January 2013 (Academic version only). Test places fill quickly so apply as early as you can.
The test fee for 2013 is £131.00
| Date (2013) | Version |
|---|---|
| January 10 | Academic |
| February 14 | Academic & General |
| March 14 | Academic |
| April 18 | Academic |
| May 16 | Academic & General |
| June 06 | Academic |
| July 18 | Academic |
| August 29* | Academic & General |
| October 10 | Academic |
| November 21 | Academic & General |
| December 12 | Academic |
* date not yet confirmed.
Academic or General Training?
IELTS has two versions – Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking tests but different Reading and Writing tests.
The Academic test is, broadly speaking, for those who want to study at a tertiary level (an English-speaking university or Institutions of Higher or Further Education) in an English-speaking country. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test.
The General Training test is for those who want to do work experience or training programs, secondary school or migrate to an English-speaking country. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test.
These definitions are to be used as a general guide only and it is strongly recommended that you also check the English language requirements with your recognising organisation directly to ensure that you sit the correct test version for your needs.
Applying for an IELTS test at Aberystwyth
To apply for an IELTS Test please POST the following items to the address on the left of the screen
* Your completed IELTS application form.
A blank IELTS application form is available to download here
* 2 passport-sized photographs
* A photocopy of your passport
* Your payment of £131.00
Cheques/Postal Orders should be made payable to "Aberystwyth Univeristy". If you would like to pay by credit or debit card please complete the IELTS Credit/Debit Card Payment Form 2013 and post it to the IELTS Administrator with your other documents.
IELTS Credit/Debit Card Payment Form 2013
It is important to familiarise yourself with the IELTS rules and regulations. These are laid out in the Notice to Candidates which is included with the application form. When you sign the application form, you are confirming that you have read and understood the IELTS rules and regulations and agree to abide by them.
Once we have received your application we will process it and then send you a letter confirming your place in the post. Read this letter carefully as it will give details of the location of the test and timings for the day.
The test day
On the day of the IELTS test you must present an original and current passport. We cannot accept photocopies (even if they are certified copies from a Solicitor) or letters from the Home Office. You will not be able to sit your exam without a valid passport.
If you are an EU citizen, you may use your National ID card for registration instead of a passport. Please note that only EU citizens can present their National ID card instead of a passport. On the day of the test, you must present the same identification document you used when you completed your application form.
Test day registration will start at 9.00am. The test will begin promptly at 10.00am. If you arrive after 9.45am you will not be able to take the test. Candidates may be photographed at registration and before the speaking test. The Listening, Reading and Writing tests are administered during the morning. You will then be allocated a speaking interview time in the afternoon. Be prepared to be at the test centre for the entire day, as the interviews may go on until 5.30pm.
Candidate Identity Verification
IELTS is enhancing its security systems in order to keep pace with evolving technology. All IELTS candidates will now have their photo and fingerprint scan taken by IELTS staff before the test. The photograph taken by IELTS staff will then appear on the IELTS Test Report Form.
You are still required to submit two passport sized colour photographs with your application form.
Your digital photograph and all personal data will be used only for the purpose of the IELTS test. Refusal to comply with IELTS identity verification will prevent you from taking the test, and you will not be eligible for any transfer, cancellation or refund.
After the test
Results
Your Test Report Form (TRF) will be posted to you 13 calendar days after the test date. We are not permitted to give results by fax, over the phone or by email. Alternatively you can collect results from the International English Centre on the day they are released. Collection in person must be arranged with the IELTS Administrator in advance.
Keep your TRF in a secure place as you only receive one copy. Up to five copies of your TRF will be posted to the relevant institution(s) you have listed on your IELTS application form. Regular postage is free of charge. Charges for courier services and/or overseas postage will be passed onto candidates.
Enquiry on Results (EOR)
If a candidate is not satisfied with the score on their TRF then they have the option to have any, or all, sections of their test remarked. The process is called an Enquiry on Results (EOR) and costs £60.00 (this fee is refunded to you if your band score for any module increases). A copy of the EOR form will have been sent to you with your Test Report Form. If your wish to apply for an EOR you must contact the IELTS Administrator immediately. Please note that an EOR must be requested no later than 6 weeks from the date of your test. Any requests for a remark after 6 weeks will not be permitted.
Your test will then be reviewed by a Senior Examiner at the British Council and their decision is then final. The results of an EOR may take up to eight weeks to be returned from the British Council.
Taking the test again
There is no limit to the number of times you can take an IELTS test and you may repeat the IELTS test whenever you choose, subject to availability at the centre.
Further Details
Further information about the IELTS test can be found on the IELTS website.
You can download documents from the IELTS site including:
- IELTS handbook
- Information for candidates
- Specimen materials order form
On line specimen materials are also available.