IELTS

The IELTS Academic test has four sections. The total test time is about 2 hours and 45 minutes.

• Listening – 4 recordings and 40 questions – about 30 min.
• Reading – 3 academic texts and 40 questions – 60 min.
• Writing – 2 tasks: describing a chart or diagram, and an essay – 60 min.
• Speaking – an interview with a certified examiner – 11–14 min.

You take the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections in one sitting, with no breaks. The Speaking section is held separately – usually on the same day. The exact arrangement depends on your test centre.

IELTS is scored on a scale from 0 to 9 (in half bands). Each section is scored separately. Your overall score is the average of the four sections, rounded to the nearest half band.

Typical scores needed for European universities:

• Most universities ask for 6.0 or 6.5, in rare cases – 7.0.
• Always check the exact requirements on the website of your chosen university.

Your results are valid for 2 years from the test date.

IELTS has official test centres in almost every European country – more than 4,000 locations in 140 countries worldwide. The test is taken on computer at a test centre.

• You answer the Listening, Reading, and Writing sections on a computer at the test centre.
• The Speaking section is a conversation with an examiner. Depending on the centre, it takes place in person or by video call.
• In most countries, test dates are available several times a month – often several times a week in bigger cities.

Places are limited, so register in advance. Find your nearest test centre and available dates on the official IELTS booking page.

Important: choose the test centre version. The remote “IELTS Online” version is not accepted by most universities.

The easiest way to register is online. Find your country and test centre on the official IELTS booking page. You pay the full test price during registration.

• The price depends on your country – in most European countries it is about 200–300 EUR. You will see the exact price during registration.
• During registration, you choose your city, test date, and the time of your Speaking section.
• If one section score disappoints you, you can use One Skill Retake – retake just one section instead of the whole test. It is available at many test centres – check yours before booking. More information on the official IELTS website.

Results of the computer-based test are published online within 1–5 days after the test.

• You can send your results directly to your chosen universities – useful if you take the test during the application period.
• If you disagree with your score, you can request a re-mark (Enquiry on Results) within 6 weeks of your test date. This service is paid, but you get your money back if your score changes. The re-mark takes 6–8 weeks.
• If you plan to retake the test, focus on the sections with the lowest scores – or use the One Skill Retake option.

• A valid ID document (passport or identity card) – the same one you used during registration.
• Your photo will be taken before the test – it appears on your certificate.
• Your phone and other electronic devices must stay with your personal belongings.
• You can bring a drink, but only in a transparent bottle without a label.
• Arrive early – if you are late, you may not be allowed to take the test.

Start with the official materials – they show the exact test format:

• Official IELTS preparation resources – free practice tests and sample questions.
• British Council preparation materials – free mock tests, video lessons, and apps.

The test tasks may be different from what you know from school. Learn the test format in advance and do the official sample tasks – then nothing will surprise you on test day.

AI tools like ChatGPT can be helpful when preparing for the IELTS test:

• Ask it to simulate a speaking test – practise answering out loud.
• Write essays and ask for feedback on grammar, vocabulary, and structure.
• Ask it to explain tricky grammar rules in simple language.

These tools are available 24/7, so you can practise at your own pace.

You do not need to sit with a textbook every day. The key is daily contact with the language:

• Watch series and films in English with English subtitles.
• Follow social media accounts in English.
• Switch your phone language to English.
• Listen to podcasts in English – about topics you enjoy.

Do not study the night before the test. Let your brain rest. A good night of sleep will help you more than last-minute cramming.

Focus on the process, not the result – you are preparing to study in English, so enjoy the journey.

Most universities ask for 6.0 or 6.5, in rare cases – 7.0. The exact requirements depend on the university and the program. Always check the official website of your chosen university, or ask us at kastu.eu/contacts.

For university applications, you need the IELTS Academic version. The General Training version is meant for migration or work. Universities usually do not accept it for admission.

Sometimes, yes. Many Kastu partner universities in the Netherlands accept a recognised Secondary School Leaving Certificate from certain European countries as proof of English. In that case, you do not need IELTS or TOEFL. The requirements depend on the university and on your country. Check all your options on the English requirements page.

You can take the test again – there is no limit on the number of attempts. Instead of the whole test, you can also use One Skill Retake and repeat only the section with the lowest score. Also check if your university accepts other ways to prove your English – you can find them on the English requirements page.

Both tests are widely accepted. If your university accepts both, we recommend TOEFL – the whole test is done on a computer (in the Speaking section, you record your answers with a microphone instead of talking to an examiner), and Kastu students get a 5% discount with the code LTU1000102. You can find more information on the TOEFL page. If your university only accepts IELTS – choose IELTS Academic.

In most cases, yes – you can submit your application first and upload your IELTS certificate later. Just make sure your results arrive before the deadline set by your chosen university. Check the deadline on the official university website.