Take IELTS Academic for university study and many professional registrations. Take IELTS General Training for most migration, work and secondary-school applications. Listening and Speaking are identical; Reading and Writing are different.
Who usually needs which
| Purpose | Usual test |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate or postgraduate study abroad | Academic |
| Professional registration (for example some medical and nursing bodies) | Often Academic |
| Skilled migration and permanent residency | Usually General Training |
| Work visas and employment | Usually General Training |
| Secondary school or training below degree level | Often General Training |
These are common patterns, not rules. Requirements are set by each university, employer and immigration programme, and they change. Check the official requirement page, and whether it needs a specific version such as IELTS for UKVI, before you book.
What is the same
Listening (about 30 minutes, 40 questions) and Speaking (11–14 minutes, three parts) are exactly the same in both tests, marked the same way.
What is different
Reading
Academic Reading uses three long texts from books, journals and newspapers. General Training Reading uses shorter, everyday texts, notices, workplace documents, adverts, plus one longer text. Because General texts are easier, you need more correct answers for the same band in General Training.
Writing Task 1
This is the biggest difference. Academic Task 1 asks you to describe a chart, table, process or map in at least 150 words. General Training Task 1 asks you to write a letter, formal, semi-formal or informal, in at least 150 words. The conventions are completely different, and candidates who practise with the wrong materials lose marks without understanding why.
Writing Task 2
Both tests have a 250-word essay. General Training topics tend to be more everyday, but the marking criteria are the same.
Can you switch later?
You cannot convert one result into the other. If you take the wrong test, you take the right one again and pay again. That is why the five minutes spent checking the requirement is the most valuable part of preparation.
Which is easier?
Neither, really. General Training Reading texts are easier but need more correct answers. Academic Task 1 charts feel harder to some people; letters feel harder to others. Prepare for the test you need, not the one that sounds easier.
See our IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training programmes, or read how long IELTS preparation actually takes.
Frequently asked questions
Which IELTS do I need for immigration?
Most migration and permanent residency programmes ask for IELTS General Training, but requirements differ by country and programme. Check the official immigration website before booking.
Which IELTS do I need for university?
IELTS Academic is the usual requirement for undergraduate and postgraduate study. Some universities or visas need a specific version such as IELTS for UKVI.
Is IELTS General Training easier than Academic?
Not overall. General Training Reading texts are easier, but you need more correct answers for the same band. Writing Task 1 is a letter instead of a chart description.
Are Listening and Speaking the same in both tests?
Yes. Listening and Speaking are identical in Academic and General Training.
More IELTS, SAT & English guides
- IELTS Writing Task 2: an essay structure that works
- IELTS Academic Writing Task 1: charts, graphs, maps and processes
- IELTS Speaking test: parts 1, 2 and 3 explained
- IELTS Listening tips: format, question types and easy marks
- IELTS Reading strategies: timing, True/False/Not Given and headings
- IELTS on computer vs paper: which format should you choose?
- All IELTS, SAT & English guides →
Written by the Learning Bubble teaching team. If something here does not match your situation, ask us. We would rather give you a straight answer than have you guess.